Ms Carolyn Davidson and Mr Thomas Carter have been appointed joint British High Commissioner to the Republic of Zambia in succession to Mr Alistair Harrison CVO who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Davidson and Mr Carter will take up their appointment during August 2008.

The Office of the Schools Adjudicator has published a decision on objections by Havering Council to the admission arrangements of The Coopers' Company and Coborn School 2009/10. The adjudicator, Dr Ruth Eade partially upheld the objections.

The Office of the Schools Adjudicator has published a decision on an objection by parents to the admission arrangements of The John Fisher School for 2009/10. The adjudicator, Dr Ruth Eade has not upheld the objection.

The OFT has obtained assurances from a Latvian company that it will no longer promote and sell its impotency product, 'STIFF Strips', in the UK. S.I.H.N sent mailings to UK consumers under the name of 'Reprohealth'. The mailings claimed that STIFF Strips were 'five times more powerful than any other impotency pill, spray or cure' and offered packs of STIFF Strips for up to £45 for 168 strips.

The Metropolitan Police Authority's Professional Standards Cases Sub-committee met this morning to consider a report from the Director of Internal Audit which related to the award of a contract by the MPS in 2003 and to the extent of the involvement of Sir Ian Blair, then Deputy Commissioner, in the procurement process.

Health Minister Ivan Lewis today announced the appointment of Anne Williams as the new National Director for Learning Disabilities at the Department of Health.

The Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, on last night's attacks in Istanbul:

Enhancing the competitiveness of the UK's asset management industry is the focus of three consultation papers announced today by the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Kitty Ussher MP. These consultations follow a package of measures announced in Budget 2008, designed to make the UK a more competitive location for asset management and to advance the Government's City competitiveness agenda.

Up to 5,800 troops of 3 Commando Brigade (Royal Marines), supported by 200 vehicles and 20 fast jets, aircraft and helicopters, are training on Salisbury Plain in one of the largest tri-service exercises of its kind to be held in the UK.

Every neighbourhood in England and Wales will have access to the latest local crime information through new interactive crime maps, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced today.

Average house prices in England and Wales fell one per cent in June, taking the average price to £180,781, according to the latest figures from Land Registry.

Acas, the employment relations service, today released new figures showing that employment tribunals and potential employment tribunal claims passed to Acas for conciliation rose a quarter (24.9%) on last year. Despite the statistics, Acas - in its 2007/8 annual report - also revealed that it exceeded its performance targets for the year, demonstrating key contributions made to improving organisations and working life through better employment relations.

Proposals which will better protect UK businesses trading in Europe have been agreed by Ministers today.

Cheyne Middle School appealed against Kent County Council's decision to introduce a two tier education system on the Isle of Sheppey. One consequence of this decision would be the closure of Cheyne Middle School on 31 August 2009.

A three-year £80million funding programme for sustaining the fire and rescue services specialist resilience equipment was announced by Fire Minister Parmjit Dhanda today.

"This report is a contribution to the debate, which is always welcome. But some issues are over-stated and the recommendations do not take account of recent developments.