UK News

East Devon MP Hugo Swire visited Costa Rica and Colombia this week, following recent elections in both countries. He met the new administration in Costa Rica and renewed ties with President Santos’ re-elected government in Colombia. He also visited Guatemala, where he held talks with President Otto Perez Molina.

The Foreign Office Minister met representatives of UK firms in each country, to support their investment and export efforts and boost jobs and growth back in the UK. He promoted British expertise in sectors from energy to agricultural technology, and lobbied on important...

The Met Office has joined forces with a number of partner to offer hints and tips on making the most of the British summer - whatever the weather.

Their service allows everyone to discover useful tips and information to make the most of the summer months, whatever the weather... click here: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/get-ready-for-summer

Developed with a range of partners such as the RNLI, Cancer Research, VisitEngland and VisitScotland, the pages allow people to use our weather forecasts and warnings to help them plan their day and make the most of all the UK has to offer...

The Fire Brigades Union has called on the government to immediately drop proposed 'unworkable' changes to firefighters’ pension schemes after an academic report on firefighter fitness backed up the concerns firefighters have been raising for three years.

The majority of brigades measure firefighter fitness using a safety-related level of aerobic fitness. The report argues that “firefighters with an aerobic capacity below an occupational fitness standard of 42.3 ml.kg-1.min-1 would not be guaranteed to be safe and effective in their ability to complete necessary roles within their...

Councils across the South West are to receive a share of over £4.3 million in new funding to help prepare for the biggest transformation of Special Educational Needs and disabilities support in over thirty years. The new money will support councils in giving young people and parents greater say over their personalised care and assistance. It will also put in place a new birth-to-25 system for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and disabilities.

Devon will receive £565,908, Plymouth £211,000 and Torbay £129,969.

The government has also today published a...