Truss visits Royal Ballet School

Education Minister Elizabeth Truss underlined the government’s commitment to supporting the arts by confirming funding for a scheme that allows young dancers and musicians from disadvantaged backgrounds to attend world-class institutions like the Royal Ballet School (RBS).

Planning a same sex wedding from 29 March – what you need to know

Same sex couples in England and Wales wishing to be among the first to marry are being reminded that they can give notice to their local register office from 13 March.

Royal Air Force reserves return to Wales

614 Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force is in the process of being reformed in Cardiff.

Dawn Ward OBE, Chief Executive and Principal of Burton and South Derbyshire College, will be Chair of new advisory group.

Dawn Ward OBE, Chief Executive and Principal of Burton and South Derbyshire College, has been appointed as Chair of the Agency’s new Data and Management Information Advisory Group.

Work is continuing to transform the former Olympic Village and now the fifth residential area has been finished

This brings the total number of homes finished and transferred by the Olympic Delivery Authority to the Village’s long-term legacy owners, Get Living London and Triathlon Homes, to 1,029.

Nick Clegg visits flooded areas and promises government support

The Deputy Prime Minister met with the flood action group at their headquarters in Stoke St Gregory to thank volunteers for all the important work they are doing, and saw the effects of the floods on homes in the Burrowbridge area.

East Village homes handed over approach 700 mark

This brings the number of apartments and townhouses completed and transferred by the Olympic Delivery Authority to East Village’s long-term legacy owners to 684 – with an additional 98 homes in the latest to be completed (N26 North).

Army band in 'farewell' fanfare

For more than 250 years, Woolwich in south east London has been home to the Royal Artillery Band. The Royal Artillery regiment left Woolwich back in 2007 and, under new restructuring of army music, the Royal Artillery Band is to reunite with their regiment in Wiltshire.

Armed forces help flood relief efforts

As the floods continue to cause disruption across the UK, personnel from the Royal Marines, Royal Navy and Army Reserve have been working hard to provide flood relief assistance.

Latest position on the UK floods

As evident from the dark skies outside, we continue to face extraordinary and sustained wet weather.

Severe flood warnings in Southern England

Areas along the Thames and across parts of the South East, South West and central England are at risk of flooding this week, due to rising river levels and risk of flooding from groundwater.

UK winter storms 2014: government response

Prime Minister David Cameron has been visiting areas in the South West affected by the storms and flooding. Speaking as he met emergency workers and soldiers at Chesil Beach in Dorset, he said government was doing everything it can to help residents, businesses and farmers.

"2013 was indeed a year of significant political progress in Kosovo"

I thank the Secretary General’s Special Representative for Kosovo, Mr Farid Zarif, for his briefing today. I am also delighted to welcome to the Council His Excellency Prime Minister Hashim Thaci of Kosovo, and His Excellency Prime Minister Ivica Dacic of Serbia.

Before considering surrogacy overseas do your research, advises FCO

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is today encouraging prospective parents to seek professional legal advice before entering into surrogacy arrangements abroad.

Crude Prices Drops Amid Chinese Oil Demand Concerns

Crude oil prices were seen trading lower on the last day of the trading week while oil traders express their worries over oil demand from China as reports revealed a contraction in China’s manufacturing sector.

Australian Dollar Strengthens Ahead RBA Rate Decision

The Australian dollar rose against the greenback on Monday, before members of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) board assemble on

WTI Crude Prices Declines on Concerns Over China Demand

Prices for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil dropped for a second day on the first day of the trading week, as investors express their worries over the oil demand from China and the slow growth in the world’s second-largest oil consumer due to the weak manufacturing data.

Another H7N9 death in E China

One new human H7N9 case has been found in east China's Jiangsu Province, the provincial health department confirmed on Tuesday.

Forest fire breaks out in SW China

A forest fire broke out on Fenghuang Mountain, Jinning County in southwest China's Yunnan Province at around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, local authorities said.

The cause of the fire is unknown. Over 300 people are working to put the fire out.

To change the child for the better, change the parent

Where Are We Going, Dad is the hottest reality show to hit China television recently, and its attraction speaks of the growing awareness of the father's role in raising a child.

Australian Reserve Bank keeps rate on hold at 2.5 pct

The Reserve Bank of Australia announced on Tuesday it had decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 2.5 percent.

Spanish Royal Household reduces 2014 budget

The Spanish royal family have reduced their annual budget by 2 percent this year, according to details made public Monday.

British ambassador urges Japan to admit historical wrongs: report

British ambassador to Japan Tim Hitchens urged the country to admit historical mistakes and create better environment for improving ties with neighboring countries, local media reported on Monday.

New Zealand offers home to Syria's most desperate refugees

Up to 100 refugees in need of urgent protection in Syria will be resettled in New Zealand, the New Zealand government announced Tuesday.

Australia to face Lithuania in Group D of 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup

The Australian men's national basketball team, known as the Boomers, will face European powerhouse Lithuania after being drawn in Group D in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup Official Draw in Spain's Barcelona on Tuesday morning, Basketball Australia confirmed.

Yellen takes oath as Fed Chair

Janet Yellen on Monday took the oath of office to lead the U.S. Federal Reserve System, becoming the first woman to sit on the post in history.

Australian Reserve Bank keeps rate on hold at 2.5 pct

The Reserve Bank of Australia announced on Tuesday it had decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 2.5 percent.

Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations held in London

February 2nd was the first Sunday of the Year of the Horse - and as usual, London put on a big celebration to mark the Chinese New Year. The activity attracted 500,000 residents and tourists, drumming up a festive atmosphere across the British capital.

Truck overturns, injuring 86 in eastern Cambodia: police

Some 86 garment workers got injured when a truck carrying them overturned on Tuesday morning in Cambodia's eastern Svay Rieng province, a police chief confirmed.

Asian log demand starving New Zealand industry: timber federation

New Zealand's timber industry is being driven out of business by log exporters seeking to meet demand in China and other Asian markets, the New Zealand Timber Industry Federation warned Tuesday.

Since 2008, log exports had increased by 240 percent and international forestry commentators were saying the level of demand for logs in China, which accounted for 70 percent of New Zealand's log trade, would continue for the foreseeable future, said a statement from the federation.

Many federation members were frequently experiencing downtime and production losses because they were unable to buy logs or log supply was stopped.

"New Zealand sawmills are often paying top international rates for logs, so price is not an issue. It simply appears that some forest owners value their international customers more highly than domestic processors."

An estimated 3,000 jobs had been lost in the New Zealand wood processing sector since 2008 and more companies would close if the situation continued.

"This could lead to a shortage of product for the domestic market requiring timber to be imported into New Zealand," it said.

"We believe there has to be a serious discussion at government level about the on-going situation with log supply to the domestic wood processing industry," opposition Green Party forestry spokesperson Steffan Browning said in a statement.

"We also need to ensure that exporters of raw logs are paying its full environmental and social costs, including urgent methyl bromide recapture for log fumigations. When those costs are borne by raw log exporters, the balance will tip more in favor of processing and manufacturing wood products here, rather than sending unprocessed logs overseas."

Philippine infrastructure spending up 20.5 pct in January-November

The Philippine government's infrastructure spending rose by 20.5 percent on year to 223.3 billion pesos (4.91 billion U.S. dollars) from January to November 2013, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Tuesday.

SW China spree killer's gun found

One day after a man alleged to be the New Year's Eve spree killer of six was captured in southwest China's Yunnan Province, the gun and 40 bullets have been found.

New Zealand military branches out as global equipment provider

The Last Post the iconic bugle call still heard in parts of the former British Empire to commemorate the military dead might soon be telling navy divers around the world that they've just failed an exercise in seabed mine training.

Two killed, one wounded in Moscow school shooting

A teacher and a policeman were killed and one more policeman injured when a teenage gunman opened fire in a Moscow public school, the Interior Ministry said Monday.

U.S. cyber commander visits S. Korea to discuss response to DPRK threats

The chief of the U.S. Cyber Command visited South Korea Monday to discuss ways on how to tackle possible cyber threats from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Seoul's Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

Convoy of journalists bombed in S. Philippines

Suspected members of the rogue group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked a convoy carrying television journalists on Tuesday afternoon in southern Philippines.

Mandela leaves 4 mln USD estate

The details of the final will and testament of Nelson Mandela have been made public. A 40-page summary of the late former South African president's will was released at the Nelson Mandela Center of Memory in Johannesburg. It states that his estate is worth an estimated 4 million US dollars, excluding the assets in three Mandela Trusts.

One dead in Chinese tour group crash in New Zealand: reports

A least one person is dead and three are badly injured after a van carrying 10 Chinese tourists plunged into a river in the far south of New Zealand's South Island, according to reports Tuesday.

Sri Lanka slams critics at independence celebrations

Sri Lanka on Tuesday slammed critics accusing the country of committing human rights abuses as the island nation celebrated 66 years of independence from British rule.

Australia to face Lithuania in Group D of Basketball World Cup

The Australian men's national basketball team, known as the Boomers, will face European powerhouse Lithuania after being drawn in Group D in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup Official Draw in Spain's Barcelona on Tuesday morning.

Victims of Mount Sinabung eruption remain optimistic about their future

The eruption of Mount Sinabung in the western island of Sumatra that started in September last year has already killed 15 people and forced the evacuation of more than 30,000 local villagers within a 5- kilometer exclusion zone around the volcano's crater.

Arms, ammunitions discovered in northern Afghan town

Police raided a house in the northern Takhar province and discovered huge quantity of arms and ammunitions on Tuesday, police spokesman in the province, Abdul Khalil Asir said.

Nikkei plunges more than 600 points

Tokyo stocks tumbled on Tuesday, with the Nikkei index ending 610.66 points lower.

Seoul shares end lower

Seoul shares ended lower on Tuesday with the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) plunging 33.11 points, or 1.72 percent, to close at 1,886.85.

Trading volume stood at 246.73 million shares worth 4.43 trillion won (4.1 billion U.S. dollars).

Sharp raises operating profit forecast to nearly 1000 million dollars for fiscal 2013

Japan's Sharp Corp. on Tuesday raised its operating profit forecast to 100 billion yen (about 987.9 million U.S. dollars) from an earlier projection of 80 billion yen for the fiscal year to March, local media reported.

S. Korea to support working moms to raise employment rate

South Korea planned to support working mothers through diverse programs devised in accordance with women's life cycle as part of efforts to raise hiring rate to 70 percent, the women's ministry said Tuesday.

Careers with YouTube and Google through Jobcentre Plus

Young people have got their foot on the career ladder with YouTube, Disney and Google through working with their local Jobcentre Plus (JCP) adviser, Minister for Employment Esther McVey announced today (4 February 2014).

Human Rights and Democracy Fund in Malaysia: Call for Bids

Human Rights and Democracy Programme
The Human Rights and Democracy Programme (HRDP) is the FCO’s dedicated fund

HMRC sees record-breaking year for tax returns

The record for the number of online returns, set last year when 7.93 million people filed over the internet, was also broken, as 8.48 million were sent online to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This represents 84.5% of all returns received – a record-breaking percentage.

First day of business for new LIBOR administrator

Today (3 February 2014), ICE Benchmark Administration Ltd took responsibility for administrating the London Inter Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR).

FCO consular services web forum

Do you have experience of seeking help from a British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission when travelling or living overseas? Did you get the support you were looking for? The House of Commons’ Foreign Affairs Select Committee is

New non-executive director at the Department of Energy and Climate Change

Tom Kelly starts today as a non-executive director to the department. He is currently the corporate communications director at Network Rail.

Nick Clegg brings business delegation to Latin America

Nick Clegg will be the most senior British government minister to visit Colombia since 1992.

1 in 3 breast cancers are in women over 70

One in 3 women diagnosed with breast cancer in England each year are aged 70 or over. This age group also accounts for more than half of all breast cancer deaths annually, latest figures show. This age group also accounts for more than half of all breast cancer deaths annually, latest figures show.

Flooding – health advice on floodwater

Media reports today have highlighted levels of bacteria present in sampled floodwater.

Response to story on empty homes

“We’ve supported councils so they can tackle the blight of empty homes on their streets. This includes our reforms on council tax flexibilities and

NT Advisors loses £100m offshore tax avoidance bid

Matthew Jenner devised the complex scheme, branded Project Corbiere, for NT Advisors and pitched it to the wealthy. It involved transferring millions of pounds of UK government bonds, known as gilts, backwards and forwards

£4 million awarded to English museums

40 museums and galleries across England will benefit from grants worth over £4.6 million, Culture Minister Ed Vaizey announced today.

UK centre for remote handling proposed at Culham

The Oxford City Deal investment into hi-tech research laboratories and businesses in Oxfordshire, announced this week, was particularly good news for Culham Centre of Fusion Energy, operated by the UK Atomic Energy Authority.

Dambusters final flight

More than 70 years after its creation, the RAF’s 617 Squadron, known as ‘The Dambusters’, has completed its last operational mission as a Tornado squadron with a flight in the skies over Afghanistan.

Defence minister visits cadets in Scotland

During a visit north of the border, Dr Murrison visited Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities Officer Training Corps to see for himself what goes on at the unit, which is made up of 150 officer cadets from the 4 universities in and around Glasgow, and 20 staff.

Self Assessment deadline

If someone has registered for our Online Service, or existing customers have lost their User ID or password and realise they have left it too late,

Redesigning Regulatory Architecture - the UK Experience

Thank you very much for the opportunity to address you this afternoon, and to set out what I hope will be some useful insights from our recent experience.

Good news for employers and staff as improved TUPE rules come into force

Changes have been made to the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE), which protect the employment terms and conditions of

UK and France sign declaration on nuclear energy and agree cooperation on ambitious climate change action

The declaration, which comes ahead of national leaders’ discussions over the EU’s 2030 energy and climate policy framework, reiterates the two Governments’ shared view that nuclear power has a critical role to play in a cost-effective low carbon transition.

UK provides airlift support to UN Mission in South Sudan

Her Majesty’s Government today announced that the UK is providing airlift support to the UN Mission in South Sudan in order to transport much-needed equipment. An RAF C-17 has departed from RAF Brize Norton carrying blast wall protection. The C-17 flight follows the departure of 3 charter aircraft carrying similar equipment.

Air cadets' gliding school opens

The new school, which houses the world’s largest fleet of gliders, will be headed up by a reservist for the first time.

Chinese New Year 2014: message from the Deputy Prime Minister

The Deputy Prime Minister said:

I want to wish everyone celebrating, across the UK and world, a Happy Chinese New Year. And let me join you in welcoming the Year of the Horse.

FCO Minister to answer questions on Burma via Twitter

Burma has seen remarkable progress over the past two years, and the UK is committed to supporting a successful transition to democracy and human rights for all the people of Burma. But we are clear

UK and France agree closer defence co-operation

A communiqué signed by UK Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Francois Hollande sets out plans for closer ties between the 2 countries.

On the rink of success

Scotland Office Minister David Mundell has spoken of the source of pride and inspiration our Olympians provides for the whole country ahead of the Winter Olympics which begin in Sochi, Russia next week.

Foreign Secretary holds talks with French Foreign Minister

At today’s UK – France Summit in Oxfordshire, Foreign Secretary William Hague met his counterpart Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius.

Minister Swire concludes visit to Burma and Cambodia

Hugo Swire has spent this week in Burma and Cambodia. On the conclusion of his visit to Phnom Penh of 30-31 January, Hugo Swire said;

Foreign Secretary calls for urgent progress on Syrian humanitarian crisis

Speaking today, the Foreign Secretary said:

There is only one way of ending the Syrian conflict and that is through a political settlement. The fact that these talks have taken place raises some hope, for the Syrian people, that a negotiated end to

Michael Gove joins the Prime Minister’s Holocaust Commission

On Monday evening 27 January 2014, Secretary of State for Education Michael Gove joined the Prime Minister and Holocaust survivors at a reception at No10 Downing Street to launch the independent Holocaust Commission.

The future of higher education in Scotland and the UK

Thank you Charlie for that introduction, and for handing me the task of keeping our audience invigorated immediately after lunch.

I am delighted to be able to join you today to speak about what is, by any measure, a Scottish success story.

Bailiffs getting ready for tough new regime

Speaking just weeks before new laws on rogue bailiff behaviour take effect, Lord Faulks addressed the Civil Enforcement Association conference in London today, speaking to an audience of more than 300 representatives of local authorities and bailiffs companies.

New guidance to reduce cost of construction projects

The government has launched draft guidance to help embed best practice in the procurement of public sector construction projects, Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd has announced today.

Troops dig deep on Salisbury Plain

The 23 students have been taking part in Exercise Badgers’ Hole, a mounted reconnaissance tactics course which teaches them the basics of being a reconnaissance vehicle or troop commander.

The group included troops from the Household Cavalry Regiment, the Queen’s Dragoon Guards, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, the Royal Dragoon Guards, the 9th/12th Royal Lancers, the Queen’s Royal Lancers, and the Light Dragoons

Badgers’ Hole is one of 5 exercises on the course. It tests the students on urban warfare training, including room clearance, using vehicles in the urban environment and establishing hides.

Soldiers taking part in Exercise Badgers' Hole on Salisbury Plain [Picture: Crown copyright]

On completion of the exercise the non-commissioned officers qualify as vehicle commanders. This allows them to return to their units to run their own crew and command a tracked military reconnaissance vehicle. They will qualify as troop leaders and return to regimental duty to command their own 12-man troops.

Salisbury Plain is used for the exercise, as the course is run out of the Land Warfare Centre in nearby Warminster.

Major Joe Bigg, from the Queen’s Royal Lancers, said:

The proximity of Salisbury Plain allows the students to quickly deploy on exercise in what is a hectic course programme.

The Plain provides a good variety of ground for the students to exercise on; whether that is vehicle manoeuvre, dismounted recce patrols or sub-surface ops.

The availability of the Land Warfare Centre Battle Group exercising troops allows enemy forces to be easily replicated, adding extra complexity and realism to the exercises.

Soldiers taking part in Exercise Badgers' Hole on Salisbury Plain [Picture: Crown copyright]

Salisbury Plain Training Area

Salisbury Plain Training Area is maintained by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), which delivers the training service, enabling defence training users to live, work, train and deploy at home and overseas.

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Hiskett, Principal Training Safety Officer, DIOService Delivery Training South West, said:

DIO’s priority is to support our armed forces as they prepare for operations. Salisbury Plain is a diverse training area and the challenging terrain enables soldiers to really test themselves.

We are pleased to be able to offer the environment and facilities that support our military personnel to further cement, and put into practice, what they have learnt in the classroom.

Oral Statement by the Home Secretary on Syrian Refugees

Mr Speaker, with permission I would like to make a statement regarding the Government’s proposal to relocate some of the most vulnerable refugees who have fled the conflict in Syria.

Owen Paterson speech to British Retail Consortium

It’s a great pleasure to be speaking at today’s launch of the sixth edition of the British Retail Consortium’s ‘A Better Retailing Climate’, a voluntary initiative setting out the environmental ambitions of a group of committed businesses.

PHE issues advice for travellers returning from China

The Chinese New Year takes place on Friday 31 January 2014 and marks the most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. Given the very small but

World Economic Forum (Davos) 2014: speech by David Cameron

The key challenge for politicians and business leaders in Europe is how we make a success of globalisation.

For years the West has been written off.

Hugo Swire's speech at the British Council in Rangoon

Introduction
This is my second visit to your country as a Foreign Office Minister. I first visited just over one year ago, shortly after I took up my ministerial post. I am delighted to be back, and grateful to all those who have welcomed me so warmly throughout my travels this week.

Holocaust Memorial Day

Faith and Communities and Senior Foreign Office Minister Baroness Warsi said:

Holocaust Memorial Day is a vitally important event that is relevant to all communities, all age groups and all individuals across the United Kingdom and beyond.

UK welcomes UN resolution on terrorist kidnap for ransom

The United Nations Security Council has adopted unanimously its first standalone Resolution tackling terrorist kidnapping for ransom. It calls on all Member States to prevent terrorists from benefiting directly or indirectly from ransom payments and expresses the Council’

FCO Minister welcomes adoption of new Constitution in Tunisia

Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, Hugh Robertson said:

I warmly welcome the adoption of the new Constitution in Tunisia today. The people of Tunisia can be proud of this historic achievement.

2013 sees 30,000 new businesses created in Scotland

Figures announced today by Startup Britain have shown that over 30,000 new businesses were created in Scotland in 2013. Both Glasgow and Edinburgh also feature in the top ten places in whole of the UK for new business creation.

Scotland Office Minister David Mundell said:

A welfare state fit for the 21st century

It is a pleasure to be hosted today by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) – setting out a vision for Britain’s welfare state alongside the organisation where, in a sense, it all started.

Within their critique, the CSJ set out a plan for reform for government, and today I want to look at that.

£10 million boost for SME energy innovation

British entrepreneurs are set to benefit from a share of £10million to help bring new and innovative energy efficient products to market, Minister of Energy and Climate Change Greg Barker announced today.

Small and medium size enterprises within the energy efficiency,

GDP figures 'good news for Scotland'

Today’s GDP figures are good news for Scotland, according to Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael.

Commenting on the statistics, Mr Carmichael said:

The fact the GDP figures show the strongest rate of annual economic growth since 2007 is good news for Scotland.

RAF takes to the skies in the US

Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft are taking part in Red Flag, the most complex air exercise of the year, which started at Nellis Air Force Base on Monday, 27 January.

The RAF squadrons have joined 150 aircraft from the US armed forces and Royal

Border Force awarded International Honours

This year’s ceremony, which was hosted by HMRC in Parliament Street, saw five Border Force teams and one individual all presented with ‘Certificates of Merit’ from the World Customs Organisation (WCO), in recognition of their world-class work in protecting the UK border.

David Cameron's Holocaust Commission speech

Can I just say an incredibly warm welcome to Number 10 Downing Street. I have to say, as Prime Minister in the last 3 and a half years I’ve had some extraordinary gatherings of people in this room, but I don’t think there’s been a more extraordinary gathering or a gathering I’ve been prouder to have than having you here tonight, on this Holocaust Day

British soldier receives historic field promotion

Rifleman Gigar Das, from 1st Battalion The Rifles (1 RIFLES), was honoured a promotion in the field for his service to Mali while serving as part of the EU Training Team.

The Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Peter Wall, accompanied the head of the French Army, General Bertrand Ract-Madoux,

New state-of-the-art passenger train unveiled

The state-of-the-art train that will transform rail travel into and across London, boost the economy and generate thousands of jobs throughout the UK was unveiled by Rail Minister Stephen Hammond today (28 January 2014).

FCO Minister Hugo Swire visits Burma

Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire today arrived in Burma for discussions with Aung San Suu Kyi and senior Burmese government figures on democratic change and the situation in Rakhine State.

This is the Minister’s second visit to Burma in 13 months and demonstrates the UK’s commitment to improving human

UK forces support US troops in Afghanistan operation

Soldiers from 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 SCOTS) deployed with the multinational manoeuvre battle group to create a safe route earlier this month, allowing the 3-mile-long convoy to travel 25 miles without attack.

Leaving Gereshk to the bagpipe tune of Caber Feidh, the battle group moved north under

Navy ship in Caribbean drug bust

The crew of Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessel Wave Knight have assisted with an international counter-narcotics operation in the Caribbean, seizing an illicit cargo of cocaine with a UK wholesale value of over £60 million.

The international operation involved a US Coast Guard patrol aircraft, Wave Knight and a US Coast Guard helicopter, who together forced a speedboat to stop in international waters south of the

Capita’s Southampton employees win Big Society Award

Capita employees in Southampton have been recognised by Prime Minister David Cameron with a Big Society Award for using their expertise to help young people across the city gain skills for work.

Roll out of Superfast Broadband to rural areas speeds up

New statistics released today reveal a dramatic acceleration in the Government’s nationwide rollout of superfast broadband. At the end of 2013, the number of premises benefiting from superfast broadband as a result of the programme had almost tripled to 273,731.

UK to provide refuge to vulnerable Syrian refugees

Announcing the plans, the Deputy Prime Minister said:

I am pleased to be able to announce today that the UK will be providing refuge to some of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees.

AUSTRALIA: ANZ economists have once again

AUSTRALIA: ANZ economists have once again revised lower their forecast of
potential pipeline of major projects in Australia between 2014 and 2016 to A$280
bln from A$312 bln estimated in March. They've, however, upgraded their capital
expenditure projection for projects that are either committed to or already
under construction to A$180 bln from A$160 bln over the same period to reflect a
combination of cost increases and changes in the timing of capex of existing
resources projects, along with more certainty in relation to state government
infrastructure expenditure. One encouraging aspect is state governments'
signalling their intention to increase infrastructure investment, with a number
of large-scale projects earmarked to proceed, which should provide support to
activity from 2015 onwards, ANZ says. Another positive in the report is ANZ's
forecast that sharp rise in resource exports that will contribute 1%pt to GDP
growth annually in coming years.

OIL: Spot WTI crude oil futures for Mar '14...

OIL: Spot WTI crude oil futures for Mar '14 delivery last down $0.30 at $97.11
per barrel, after a $97.01 to $97.19 range in Asia today with volumes very light
and bid/offers thin, and the market is expected to remain so into the FOMC.
PIMCO's Greg E. Sharenow put out an article on their website ("2014 Oil Outlook:
How Slick Is the Oil Slope") earlier this morning regarding the outlook for oil,
with the main points being "1) While the supply outlook tilts the balances
toward bearish in 2014, an improving global economy is a positive for oil demand
and a support for prices, 2) With roll yields positively contributing to
returns, investors ultimately could be paid to hold a security that hedges both
global event risk and any resulting shock to inflation, and 3) Growth in shale
oil has been a powerful moderating force for prices by both filling an important
gap in global supply and demand and by anchoring the back end of the futures
curve." He also points to unrest in Libya, Yemen, Syria and Sudan/South Sudan,
and sanctions on Iran, as recent impediments to supply he notes that these risks
have become more symmetric in terms of supply in 2014.

UK PRESS: UK home builders Crest Nicholson have

UK PRESS: UK home builders Crest Nicholson have asked the government for

"forward guidance" on the Help To Buy scheme, the FT reports. The scheme will

end in either Spring 2016 or when the stg 3.5 bn set aside runs dry, and the

builders are looking for a transaction period. 

GOLD: Spot gold last down $3.78 at $1253.10

GOLD: Spot gold last down $3.78 at $1253.10 per ounce, in a $1248.90 to $1257.08

range so far this morning. Very little reaction to President Obama's State of

the Union Address, but some earlier selling related to the Turkey tightening.

Sellers also taking heart from tonight's FOMC with further tapering seemingly a

done deal, with just the amount and mix to be decided. Otherwise the Asian

market has been effectively in a $1251.50/1254.00 range for the past 4 hours. 

UK PRESS: The Telegraph picks up on reports

UK PRESS: The Telegraph picks up on reports circling earlier in the week,
suggesting the German Constitutional Court will not rule until April. The
Telegraph cites a report from the Frankfurter Rundschau suggesting the
complexity of the case and "intense differences of opinion" among the eight
judges was holding back a decision.

S. Korea's current account surplus hits record high in 2013

South Korea's current account surplus hit a new high last year thanks to solid exports, which account for around half of the economy, central bank data showed Wednesday.

Russia plans several Moon, Mars missions in near future

South Korea's current account surplus hit a new high last year thanks to solid exports, which account for around half of the economy, central bank data showed Wednesday.

Figures show good prospects for British economy in 2014: economists

Figures issued Tuesday to show Britain's gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 0.7 percent for the fourth quarter 2013 confirm good prospects for the economy in 2014, according to economists.

Ukrainian PM's resignation accepted by president, gov't dissolved

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on Tuesday accepted the resignation tendered by Prime Minister Mykola Azarov earlier in the day, and the government is subsequently dissolved, according to the presidential office.

Dubai industry leaders upbeat on easing of sanctions on Iran

Chief executives of major construction, financial and hospitality firms in Dubai told Xinhua here Tuesday that they expect a further easing of sanctions on Iran to give the already booming economy in the emirate an additional boost.

Syria talks see no breakthrough but will continue: Brahimi

The joint sessions between delegations of Syrian government and the opposition have not "achieved any breakthrough" up to now, said the United Nations-Arab League Special Envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi Tuesday.


But it was good enough for all parties are still at it and the session will continue on Wednesday morning, he said.

Breath test may help identify early lung cancer: study

Specific compounds found in exhaled breath may help diagnose lung cancer in its early stages, U.S. researchers said Tuesday.

EU asks Croatia to fix excessive deficit

The European Union (EU) on Tuesday asked Croatia to take actions to address its excessive deficit, which is expected to meet EU criteria by 2016.

New Zealand government to deliver election-year budget on May 15

New Zealand Finance Minister Bill English announced Wednesday he would deliver his sixth annual Budget on May 15, just six months or less before the country goes into a general election.

Ukraine's budget deficit up 21.2 pct in 2013

Ukraine's budget deficit jumped 21.2 percent year on year in 2013 and would continue to grow this year, the Finance Ministry announced Tuesday.

The budget gap stood at nearly 8.023 billion U.S. dollars last year, compared with 6.681 billion dollars in 2012, the ministry said in a statement.

Obama lays out election-year agenda in State of the Union address

U.S. President Barack Obama laid out the 2014 agenda in the State of the Union address Tuesday night, trying to reignite the Democratic base in the year of Congressional mid-term election.

Myanmar to use new Japanese loan on four projects

Myanmar will use 63.2 billion yens' (about 610 million U.S. dollars') new Japanese loan for conducting four projects, an official has said.

Welcome to the www.ukeconomic.com

Welcome to the www.ukeconomic.com

We welcome you in the best way

S. Korea urges DPRK to prepare for family reunion more actively

South Korea on Wednesday urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to more actively participate in preparations necessary for holding the agreed reunion of separated families.

Indian capital world's most polluted city: study

India's air pollution is the worst in the world and the national capital is the globe's most polluted city, said a new study.

According to the study by Yale University, India has the worst air pollution in the world in terms of the proportion of population exposed to average air

Israeli PM finds himself between rock, hard place

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is having a hard time keeping his government in order as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry continues his push for peace.

New Zealand, U.S. scientists to study fishing impact in South Pacific

New Zealand and U.S. scientists are set to survey one of the world's longest underwater mountain ranges next month to determine whether the unique ecosystem has been damaged by commercial fishing.

Abbas proposes three-year withdrawal for Israel

Palestinian President Abbas says an Israeli withdrawal from the occupied West Bank as part of a future peace deal should not take longer than three years.

Cuban leader opens CELAC Summit

Cuban leader Raul Castro on Tuesday opened the 2nd Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), welcoming regional heads of state to the two-day event in Havana.

Putin vows to honor Ukraine loan and energy deal

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Russia will honor its obligations to lend Ukraine 15 billion U.S. dollars, even if the country's opposition forms the next government. Speaking during a press conference in Brussels, he also said Russia had no intention of revising its agreement to reduce gas prices.

World map featuring dumplings goes viral

Jiaozi, or Chinese dumplings, are a favorite of many people in China, commonly seen at family get-togethers especially during the Spring Festival. Recently, a teacher at Tianjin’s Foreign Studies University created a world map featuring different country’s interpretations of dumplings.

7 killed, 14 injured in fire on bus in western India

At least seven people were charred to death and over 14 others injured in a fire which broke out on a luxury bus after it collided with a diesel tanker in the western Indian state of Maharashtra in the early hours of Wednesday, a senior police official said.

China reports eight new cases of H7N9

Eight new human H7N9 cases were reported on Tuesday, bringing the total number across the country to 110 this year. Twenty deaths have been reported in January.

Capital's Expensive Plan to Fight Air Pollution Misguided, Expert Says

An expert has cast doubt on a large spending plan the Beijing city government has announced to fight air pollution, saying it takes aim at the wrong problem.
Beijing's mayor, Wang Anshun, said in mid-January that the central government has given him an "ultimatum" to get air pollution under control within three years. As a result, the capital

Ukrainian PM's resignation accepted by president, gov't dissolved

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on Tuesday accepted the resignation tendered by Prime Minister Mykola Azarov earlier in the day, and the government is subsequently dissolved, according to the presidential office.