Department for Culture Media and Sport

archive 2011

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2012 Olympic and Paralympic Celebrations come to Cardiff

21/12/2011

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21 December 2011

Plans to include Cardiff – already host city for the Olympic football competition at the Millennium Stadium – in the 2012 celebrations have been revealed today.

Most English adults plan to follow London 2012

21/12/2011

21 December 2011

Findings of annual DCMS survey of engagement with leisure, culture and sport published today.

Fourteen cities eligible to be super-connected cities

20/12/2011

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20 December 2011

Fourteen cities across the UK have the chance to become super-connected cities, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced today.

Royal Armouries Chair Appointment

20/12/2011

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20 December 2011

Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, has appointed Wesley Irwin Paul as Chair of the Royal Armouries. His first term will run from 3 January 2012 to 2 January 2016.

Lloyd's of London given highest listed status as heritage from prehistoric to postmodern is protected

19/12/2011

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19 December 2011

Two of Britain's most outstanding heritage assets – the first believed to be one of the very earliest known sites of occupation in England, the other a postmodern icon in the heart of the City of London - were given protection today by Heritage Minister John Penrose.

Penrose protects 'Pasmore's Pavilion' in Peterlee with Grade II* Listing

15/12/2011

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15 December 2011

The Apollo Pavilion, designed by the internationally-renowned artist Victor Pasmore, has been awarded Grade II* status by Heritage Minister John Penrose.  Following advice from English Heritage, the structure known as 'Pasmore's Pavilion' in Peterlee will now take its place in the top five per cent of all listed buildings in England.

Deadlines set for local authority broadband plans

15/12/2011

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15 December 2011

Draft plans for rolling-out superfast broadband need to be submitted to the Government by the end of February, the Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced today.

Jeremy Hunt announces the appointment of a new member to the BBC Trust

15/12/2011

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15 December 2011

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced today that Suzanna Taverne has been appointed as a member of the BBC Trust for four years commencing on 1 January 2012.

Outstanding cultural treasures saved from export for public

13/12/2011

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13 December 2011

National treasures worth over £3.7 million were saved from export in the last year and purchased for public collections across the UK. They are highlighted in the 57th annual report of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest, published today.

Culture Secretary unveils first 20 locations set to receive local TV

13/12/2011

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13 December 2011

The 20 towns and cities across the UK which are expected to be the first to have their own local TV stations were announced today by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Culture Minister defers export of stunning portrait by Edouard Manet

08/12/2011

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8 December 2011

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has placed a temporary export bar on a painting by Edouard Manet, Portrait of Mademoiselle Claus.  This will provide a last chance to raise the money to keep the painting in the United Kingdom. 

Olympic preparation continues at pace as Government leads testing exercise

05/12/2011

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05 December 2011

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson and senior Government Ministers will join more than 3000 key 2012 Games-time staff tomorrow as the second of a series of major Olympic test exercises begins in operation centres and Games-venue locations across the capital and the country.

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games remain on time and within budget

05/12/2011

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5 December 2011

Additional investment in ceremonies

Changes in security costs as a result of detailed planning

Culture Secretary's Olympic tour arrives in Colchester

05/12/2011

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05 December 2011

Jeremy Hunt tells the School Games Summit: seize 2012 opportunity

Culture Secretary's Olympic tour heads to the South East

02/12/2011

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2 December 2011

Businesses Urged to Make the Most of 2012

10,000 schools Sign-Up for New Sports Competition

£50k for Gravesend Cricket Scheme

Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment

02/12/2011

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2 December 2011

Tourism and Heritage Minister John Penrose has laid a statutory instrument and explanatory memorandum in the Houses of Parliament which, subject to Parliamentary approval, will lead to the formal dissolution of the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) next year.

Diamond Jubilee Medal to be produced in the West Midlands

01/12/2011

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1 December 2011

A £7million contract to produce the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal has been awarded to a consortium of small businesses led by Worcestershire Medal Service, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced today.

Ten years of free museums

29/11/2011

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29 November 2011

Landmark policy of providing free access to National Museums reaches 10 year milestone on Thursday 1 December 2011

Government focus on skills development

28/11/2011

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28 November 2011

Teaching of ICT and computer science in schools needs reform to better reflect the changing  role of technology and the need to engage the computer scientists of the future, the Government says in its response to an independent review of skills (“Next Gen”) for the UK's video games and visual effects (VFX) sectors.

Culture Secretary's Olympic tour heads to the West Midlands

23/11/2011

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23 November 2011

Businesses Urged to Make the Most of 2012

Schools Urged to Sign-Up for New Sports Competition

£3 Million Boost for Sport in Worcester and Telford

Help to make the online world more accessible for disabled people

23/11/2011

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23 November 2011

A new website allowing disabled people to tell Government and business how to make the internet more accessible has been launched today by Communications Minister Ed Vaizey.

Culture Secretary's Olympic tour arrives in Cornwall

18/11/2011

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18 November 2011

Six months before the Olympic Torch arrives in Cornwall, businesses are urged to make the most of 2012

Equestrianism has a role to play in London 2012 sporting legacy

18/11/2011

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18 November 2011

World's Horse Welfare annual conference looks ahead to the Olympic and Paralympics

BBC Trustee appointed

17/11/2011

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17 November 2011

Lord Williams of Baglan has been appointed to the BBC Trust, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced today.

Culture Secretary's Olympic tour heads to the East Midlands

16/11/2011

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16 November 2011

Businesses Urged to Make the Most of 2012

Schools Urged to Sign-Up for New Sports Competition

Minister for Sport and Olympics headlines UK Sport World Class Performance Conference

15/11/2011

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15 November 2011

Hugh Robertson opened the annual UK Sport World Class Performance Conference last night at the ExCel Centre in London, a 2012 venue.

Athletics legacy for Olympic Stadium

11/11/2011

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11 November 2011

London wins bid to host 2017 World Athletics Championship

Culture Secretary's Olympic tour kicks off in Cumbria

09/11/2011

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9 November 2011

Businesses Urged to Make the Most of 2012

Schools Urged to Sign Up for New Sports Competition

UK wide venues for Pre-Games Training camps

09/11/2011

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9 November 2011

Over 100 Pre-Games Training Camp agreements (PGTC) have been signed across every nation and region of the UK, in preparation for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Tourism firms sign up to 20.12 per cent discount

07/11/2011

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7 November 2011

Culture Secretary urges tourist industry to make the most of London 2012

Olympic Torch Relay route announced

07/11/2011

More than 1,000 villages, towns and cities across the UK have been named as part of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay route.

Culture Minister defers export of important piece of Neo-classical furniture

04/11/2011

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4 November 2011

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has placed a temporary export bar on a North Italian Empire Athénienne.  This will provide a last chance to raise the money to keep the piece in the United Kingdom. 

Culture Minister defers export of a pair of exceptional Italian baroque console tables

04/11/2011

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4 November 2011

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has placed a temporary export bar on a pair of Italian console tables.  This will provide a last chance to raise the money to keep the tables in the United Kingdom. 

Culture Minister defers export of rare marble sculpture of Venus by John Nost the Elder

04/11/2011

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4 November 2011

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has placed a temporary export bar on a sculpture by John Nost the Elder, The Crouching Venus.  This will provide a last chance to raise the money to keep the sculpture in the United Kingdom. 

Culture Secretary welcomes Legacy10 campaign

02/11/2011

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2 November 2011

A new campaign to encourage more people to give money to charity was warmly welcomed today by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Sports Grounds Safety Authority is launched

01/11/2011

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1 November 2011

Body builds on success of Football Licensing Authority with increased powers to benefit more sports

Olympic Hockey Centre pitch unveiled

27/10/2011

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27 October 2011

Sports and Olympics Minister, Hugh Robertson, went to see the Great Britain women's hockey squad in training today as he helped to unveil the Olympic Hockey Centre. The blue and pink pitch will be used with a yellow ball during the Hockey competition for the first ever time at an Olympic Games.

Olympic flats pass 2,012 milestone

25/10/2011

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25 October 2011

Culture Secretary hails building progress in the Olympic Village

UK Government announces dedicated media service for 2012 Games

24/10/2011

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24 October 2011

Today sees the UK Government launch a set of dedicated web pages designed to give the world's media a single point of access for all Government-related news stories leading up to and during the 2012 Games. The pages are the first part of wider plans to ensure the world's media receive a first class service from the UK Government.

Hunt hails 'world class' Olympic build as UK business gears up for 2012

24/10/2011

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24 October 2011

Speaking at a 'Big Build' reception to celebrate the Olympic construction project, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said the Olympic Park will stand as “the best possible advertisement for UK plc” in 2012.

Culture Minister defers export of painting of Venice by Francesco Guardi

17/10/2011

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17 October 2011

Culture Minister, Ed Vaizey, has placed a temporary export bar on a painting by Francesco Guardi, Venice, A View of the Rialto Bridge from the Fondamenta del Carbon.  This will provide a limited period in which to raise the money to keep the painting in the United Kingdom. 

Hunt and Coe join swimmers to unveil Olympic Park 2012 School Games finals

07/10/2011

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7 October 2011

School children to compete in 2012 venues just two months before the
Olympians and Paralympians

35,000 spectators to cheer on 1,600 young athletes competing in four Olympic venues

Strong response to Film Policy Review's call for evidence

04/10/2011

089/11
4 October 2011

More than 300 responses have been received to the Film Policy Review panel's call for evidence.

Government sets hospitality food and drink businesses free from regulation

29/09/2011

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28 September 2011

Plans to scrap or simplify more than 60 regulations, freeing the public and businesses from overly burdensome, bureaucratic or completely redundant rules have been announced today by Tourism Minister John Penrose.

Guidance on using Royal Names and Titles in Diamond Jubilee year issued

28/09/2011

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28 September 2011

Applications are now open for the commemorative use of Royal names and titles for community events, buildings and projects for Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee, which takes place next year.

2,000 people take part in London 2012 test event

23/09/2011

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23 September 2011

Two thousand people across the country have taken part in the biggest exercise so far to test plans for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Gambling Commission Operating Licence fee changes proposed

22/09/2011

085/11
22 September 2011

New plans reduce overall fee burden on industry

Digital TV switchover hits the halfway mark

21/09/2011

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21 September 2011

The TV switchover hits a milestone today with more than half of UK homes having completed the move to digital-only TV.

Prime Minister launches drive to maximise economic potential of London 2012 and deliver long term growth as a key part of Britain's Olympic legacy

21/09/2011

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21 September 2011

Plans to generate at least £1 billion in Olympic business boost and attract four million extra visitors

Update to BBC Agreement

15/09/2011

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15 September 2011

The National Audit Office (NAO) will now have the right to choose which areas of the BBC it investigates, under new value-for-money arrangements published today. Amendments to the BBC Agreement have been laid in Parliament by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, fulfilling the commitment given in the Coalition Agreement to ensure greater transparency in the BBC's operations.

Suffolk and Rutland get the go-ahead for superfast broadband roll-out

14/09/2011

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14 September 2011

Plans to roll-out superfast broadband across Suffolk and Rutland have been given the go-ahead, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt will announce today.

£3 million from Olympic budget to boost domestic tourism in 2012 and beyond

12/09/2011

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12 September 2011

Ensuring economic legacy for the whole country

Three million pounds from the Olympic budget is to be used to boost domestic tourism in 2012 and beyond, in a drive to maximise the economic legacy of the London's Games for the whole country.

Government plans to slash red tape and 'pointless bureaucracy' for live music and public entertainment as part of cross-Government 'Red Tape Challenge'

10/09/2011

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10 September 2011

John Penrose: 'Deregulation will help new talent emerge and promote economic growth'

£363 million for broadband roll-out in England and Scotland

16/08/2011

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16 August 2011

Just over £363 million in Government investment is set to take broadband to all homes and businesses in England and Scotland, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport Jeremy Hunt announced today.

Northern Ireland allocated £4.4 million for broadband roll-out

15/08/2011

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15 August 2011

Northern Ireland is set to receive £4.4 million to help take broadband to everyone in the country, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport Jeremy Hunt announced today.

Sixty five towns and cities in running to be local TV pioneers

09/08/2011

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9 August 2011

Sixty five towns and cities are in the running to pioneer the UK's first local television services, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt has announced today.

Government commits to child protection in video-on-demand services in light of Ofcom report

04/08/2011

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4 August 2011

The strict controls to prevent children from accessing hard-core pornographic material through video-on-demand (VoD) services will be secured as part of the comprehensive review of communications legislation currently being undertaken, Communications Minister Ed Vaizey announced today.

Sixteen London tube stations become listed buildings

26/07/2011

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26 July 2011

Heritage Minister John Penrose protects Capital's 'hidden heritage'

Contemporary craft comes to Number 10

22/07/2011

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22 July 2011

Number 10 Downing Street is for the first time hosting an exhibition of some of the UK's finest contemporary craft, on display from today.

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games remain on time and within budget

19/07/2011

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19 July 2011

Anticipated Final Cost of Construction Programme going down

New framework for local television

18/07/2011

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18 July 2011

A new framework which will allow local television services to be created across the UK is published today by Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport Jeremy Hunt.

Londoners to have more say in how the Capital's eight Royal Parks are managed

18/07/2011

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18 July 2011

Plans to give Londoners and the Mayor a bigger say in the running of the Capital's eight Royal Parks were set out today by Heritage Minister John Penrose.

British consumers will be better protected by planned changes to gambling laws

14/07/2011

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14 July 2011

Remote Gambling to be regulated 'at point of consumption, not point of supply'

Creative Industries Council meets for first time

13/07/2011

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13 July 2011

The newly-formed Creative Industries Council will meet for the first time today.

Wales allocated £56.9 million for broadband roll-out

12/07/2011

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12 July 2011

Wales is set to receive £56.9 million to help take broadband to everyone and superfast broadband to 90 per cent of homes and businesses in the country, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport Jeremy Hunt announced today.

£55 million to help cultural organisations build endowments

04/07/2011

066/11
4 July 2011

Michael Portillo to chair Endowment Fund panel

Competitive sport in schools revived as part of London 2012 sports legacy

01/07/2011

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1 July 2011

More than 750 budding young athletes from London competed in their first School Games Festival today.  The event is part of a new and exciting opportunity to encourage young people to play more competitive sport in school and leave a lasting sporting legacy from London's Olympics.

News Corporation / BSkyB merger

30/06/2011

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30 June 2011

The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, Jeremy Hunt, has today published the results of the consultation launched on 3 March on the undertakings in lieu offered by News Corporation in relation to their proposed merger with BSkyB. Alongside this he has also published subsequent advice from Ofcom and the OFT and has set out the next steps in the process.

Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal announced

28/06/2011

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28 June 2011

The design of the medal to mark The Queen's Diamond Jubilee was unveiled by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt today along with details of who will receive one.

Call for evidence published by Film Policy Review

24/06/2011

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24 June 2011

The Film Policy Review panel today began seeking industry views on how to better support the UK film sector.

Revival of competitive sport in school underway as part of London 2012 sports legacy

17/06/2011

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17 June 2011

Secretary of State unveils plans to level the playing field for
young disabled people

'Seminal post-war housing estate' in Paddington is listed by Heritage Minister John Penrose

10/06/2011

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10 June 2011

The Hallfield Estate in London, designed by Berthold Lubetkin and Tecton, has been awarded Grade II listed status by Heritage Minister John Penrose, following expert advice from English Heritage.  The estate was designed in 1947 and inspired by Le Corbusier's 'Radiant City' vision which aimed to combine mass housing and accessible open space. 

New Ofcom board members announced

09/06/2011

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9 June 2011

Dame Patricia Hodgson and Dame Lynne Brindley have been appointed as Non-Executive Directors of Ofcom, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced today.

Government to maximise 2012 economic growth opportunities – with overseas investment drive

09/06/2011

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9 June 2011

The successful delivery of the Olympic Park can play an important part in the Government's growth agenda, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt said today as he set out plans to help maximise opportunities overseas from the Games.

Long lost painting by Watteau, La Surprise is under threat of export

07/06/2011

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7 June 2011

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has placed a temporary export bar on the outstanding painting by Jean-Antoine Watteau, La Surprise.  This will provide a last chance to raise the money to keep the painting in the United Kingdom. 

Supporting tourism to the UK - John Penrose welcomes action to put visitor visa guidance in local languages

07/06/2011

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7 June 2011

A new set of guidance notes for visitor visa applications to the UK, translated for the first time into the local languages of our key markets, was welcomed today by Tourism Minister John Penrose.

Summit to mark World IPv6 Day

07/06/2011

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7 June 2011

Communications Minister Ed Vaizey will mark tomorrow's World IPv6 Day with an industry summit to discuss progress on switching to the new protocol.

New Chairman of S4C appointed

06/06/2011

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6 June 2011

Huw Jones has been appointed as the new Chairman of S4C, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced today. The appointment is for four years commencing on 8 June 2011and follows a scrutiny hearing held jointly by the Culture Media and Sport Select Committee and the Welsh Affairs Select Committee on 24 May.

Government Art Collection exhibition opens at the Whitechapel Gallery

03/06/2011

052/11
3 June 2011

Full details of later displays revealed for the first time

Sale of Tote to Betfred for £265 million is agreed

03/06/2011

53/2011
3 June 2011

The sale of the Horserace Totalisator Board (the Tote) to the UK bookmaker Betfred for £265 million has today been agreed.  This comes less than a year after the Chancellor announced the Government's intention to resolve the future of the Tote, and follows numerous failed attempts to do so in the past.

Local TV plans move forward

02/06/2011

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2 June 2011

Local TV in the UK came one step closer to being a reality today as the Culture Secretary said that a series of individual stations could be more feasible and faster to deliver.

Arts fundraising seminars from the 'turnaround king'

26/05/2011

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26 May 2011

Michael Kaiser shares his expertise with arts organisations across England

£50m funding package for next wave of rural broadband

26/05/2011

050/11
27 May 2011

Wiltshire, Norfolk and Devon & Somerset next to come online

New rules on cookies to be phased in

25/05/2011

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25 May 2011

UK Government confirms approach to implementation of Article 5(3) of the e-Privacy Directive on cookies

Government announces film policy review

24/05/2011

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24 May 2011

Identifying barriers to growth and building a more successful British film industry will be the top priorities of a review of Government film policy to be led by former Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lord Chris Smith.

First step to Communications Bill

16/05/2011

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16 May 2011

Plans to put the UK communications sector firmly on the path to long-term economic growth are kick started by the Government today, with a call for evidence on how to reduce regulatory burdens and future-proof for the digital age.

Exquisite 16th Century painting, The Virgin and Child, by Luis de Morales is on the verge of being lost from the UK

13/05/2011

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13 May 2011

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has placed a temporary export bar on an exceptional 16th Century painting by Luis de Morales, The Virgin and Child.  This will provide a last chance to raise the money to keep the piece in the United Kingdom. 

Ideas sought for new Bank Holiday

12/05/2011

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12 May 2011

Want to move the May Day Bank Holiday to October? Fancy celebrating a patron saint day with a Bank Holiday earlier in the year?

Government aims for superfast broadband to reach 90 per cent of homes and businesses

12/05/2011

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12 May 2011

Nine out of 10 homes and businesses in every county in the UK should have access superfast broadband by 2015, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced today.

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games remain on time and within budget - Anticipated Final Cost of Construction Programme going down

12/05/2011

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12 May 2011

Figures from the Government's May 2011 Quarterly Economic Report show that the overall funding package for the Games remains at £9.298bn.

Export block placed on rare example of family group portrait by influential Dutch painter Frans Hals

11/05/2011

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11 May 2011

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has placed a temporary export bar on an “innovative and animated” painting by Frans Hals, Family Portrait in a Landscape.  This will provide a last chance to raise the money to keep the work in the United Kingdom. 

Nicolas Poussin's remarkable painting, Ordination, under export threat

10/05/2011

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10 May 2011

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has placed a temporary export bar on a highly significant painting by Poussin.  This will provide a last chance to raise the money to keep the work in the United Kingdom.

Preferred candidate selected for S4C Chairman

09/05/2011

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9 May 2011

Following an open recruitment exercise, Huw Jones has been selected as the Government's preferred candidate for appointment to the role of Chairman of S4C.

Red Tape Challenge – Government asks hospitality, food and drink industries: 'name and shame the regulations that are holding back your businesses'

06/05/2011

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6 May 2011

Those with a stake in the hospitality, food and drink industries get the chance today to declare war on the rules and red tape that are holding back their growth and stifling their chances of success.  These industries will get their chance for the next four weeks to name and shame the regulations they want to see scrapped, through an easy-to-access website.  

The National Archives will take on the leadership role for the archives sector

20/04/2011

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20 April 2011

Support and leadership for the UK's archive sector will transfer to The National Archives (TNA) from April 2012 following the closure of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), Culture Minister Ed Vaizey announced today.

Implementing revisions to EU regulations on electronic communications

15/04/2011

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15 April 2011

The Government today revealed how changes to the EU regulations covering electronic communications will be implemented.

Culture Minister announces review of cultural education

08/04/2011

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8 April 2011

All young people should have opportunities to take part in performance and visual arts and learn about the UK's cultural, architectural and film heritage, Culture Minister Ed Vaizey said today. 

With three weeks to go, Jeremy Hunt offers advice to Royal Wedding visitors to London to help them get the best out of the day

08/04/2011

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8 April 2011

The Royal Wedding on 29 April will be watched live on TV by hundreds of millions of people, with huge numbers coming into central London to see the spectacle as it happens.  To help these visitors have the best possible experience on the day, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt today urged them to keep abreast of information through online sources and the stewards who will be working in the capital on the day:

End in sight after 'decades of dithering' as Government steps in to help secure future for Stonehenge

04/04/2011

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4 April 2011

Minister hails new Big Society approach to funding major capital projects

Government reveals plans for releasing publicly-held spectrum

31/03/2011

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31 March 2011

Plans for releasing large amounts of publicly-held spectrum have been revealed today by Communications Minister Ed Vaizey.

Heritage Minister John Penrose lists Guards' Chapel at former Chelsea Barracks following Review

30/03/2011

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30 March 2011

Minister for Tourism and Heritage John Penrose has listed, at Grade II, the chapel at the former Chelsea Barracks in London, following requests to review an earlier decision – made in 2009 by the then minister – not to list it. 

International co-operation essential for e-privacy

29/03/2011

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29 March 2011

Communications Minister Ed Vaizey has called for international collaboration to produce a consistent set of rules covering e-privacy.

Preferred candidate selected for BBC Trust Vice Chairman

24/03/2011

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24 March 2011

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt has agreed to appoint Diane Coyle as Vice Chairman of the BBC Trust following an open recruitment process. The Secretary of State has submitted his recommendation to Privy Council to seek Her Majesty the Queen's formal approval of the appointment.

Eleven sites make UK shortlist to bid for UNESCO World Heritage status

22/03/2011

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22 March 2011

From the very north of Scotland to the garden of England in Kent, a total of 11 sites across the UK and its overseas territories will form the new UK tentative list for potential nomination for world heritage status.

New Chair of Gambling Commission appointed

22/03/2011

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22 March 2011

Philip Graf has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Gambling Commission. Mr Graf will also be Chairman Designate of the future body created by merging the Gambling Commission and the National Lottery Commission. The appointment is for five years commencing on 1 April 2011.

London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill introduced into Parliament

17/03/2011

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17 March 2011

A bill making a number of technical changes to the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Act 2006 has been introduced into Parliament by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Open Internet roundtable statement

16/03/2011

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16 March 2011

Communications and Creative Industries Minister Ed Vaizey today met a host of industry and consumer groups to discuss protecting the open Internet.

Heritage Minister John Penrose lists former Strand Union Workhouse

14/03/2011

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14 March 2011

The 18th century former Strand Union Workhouse in London has today been listed Grade II by the Minister for Heritage and Tourism, John Penrose.  This means that the building's special architectural and historic interest must be taken account of in any future plans to alter or redevelop it.

Culture Minister defers export on historic William IV cabinet made for collector William Beckford

09/03/2011

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9 March 2011

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has placed a temporary export bar on a William IV cabinet on stand - the only known complete survivor of a set of four such cabinets made for the scholar, connoisseur and collector William Beckford . This will provide a last chance to raise the money to keep the cabinet in the United Kingdom. 

Consultation launched into advertising and trading in open spaces at London 2012 Olympic Paralympic Games events

07/03/2011

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7 March 2011

Plans for temporary restrictions to advertising and trading in open spaces directly around the competition venues during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, have been published for consultation today by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

New Government Tourism Policy published - Strategy sets out blueprint to grow industry and create new jobs

04/03/2011

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4 March 2011

A Government action plan to help the tourism industry achieve its potential as a central part of Britain's growth strategy was unveiled today by Tourism Minister John Penrose.

News Corporation / BSkyB merger – 3 March 2011

03/03/2011

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3 March 2011

The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, Jeremy Hunt, has today announced that, following advice from Ofcom and the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), he intends to accept undertakings from News Corporation on their proposed merger with BSkyB in lieu of a referral to the Competition Commission.

Preferred candidate selected for BBC Trust Chairman

25/02/2011

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25 February 2011

Following an open recruitment exercise, Lord Patten, former Governor of Hong Kong, former Government Minister and currently Chancellor of Oxford University, has been selected as the Government's preferred candidate for appointment to the role of Chairman of the BBC Trust, in succession to Sir Michael Lyons.

Government matches philanthropy funding for £8m investment in museums and galleries

18/02/2011

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18 February 2011

Museums and galleries across England will be able to bid for a slice of £8 million joint philanthropic and Government funding to improve displays, increase access and enhance public spaces, Culture Minister Ed Vaizey announced today.

Government reaches decision on 50th Levy scheme – New terms are 'fair deal for racing and bookies' says Jeremy Hunt

16/02/2011

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16 February 2011

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt has today set the terms of the Horserace Betting Levy Scheme for 2011/12.  The Government is responsible for determining the 50th Levy Scheme after the parties involved failed to reach agreement by the end of October last year.

Annual Report on the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games published

14/02/2011

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14 February 2011

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games remain on time and within budget, data published today by the Government and Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) confirms.

Change to BBC Agreement

14/02/2011

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14 February 2011

The BBC Agreement has today been amended to allow for changes to the funding of the BBC World Service.

Government holds talks on parental internet controls

08/02/2011

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8 February 2011

Internet service providers have committed to looking for fresh solutions to protecting children from inappropriate and harmful content on the internet during a Government roundtable.

Minister meets next generation of video games industry talent at Abertay

03/02/2011

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3 February 2011

Minister for the Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey MP joined students at the University of Abertay Dundee today to learn more about why the centre is a world leader in teaching computer games development skills.

Deferred export of 'world class' Japanese Imari lacquered porcelain from Princess Diana's childhood home

02/02/2011

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2 February 2011

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has placed a temporary export bar on a set of Japanese Imari lacquered garniture – or decorative porcelain – from Princess Diana's family home. This will provide a last chance to raise the money to keep the set of three lidded jars and two trumpet vases in the United Kingdom. 

Sir Keith Mills to oversee merger of Sport England and UK Sport

02/02/2011

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2 February 2011

Sir Keith Mills has been appointed as the Chair of the Project Board that has been established to manage the merger of Sport England and UK Sport, due to be completed by April 1, 2013.

Ofcom to review aspects of Digital Economy Act

01/02/2011

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1 February 2011

Following the recent Your Freedom exercise, certain sections of the Digital Economy Act will be reviewed by Ofcom to see if they are workable, the Government has announced.

News Corp – BSkyB merger

25/01/2011

25 January 2011

Today the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport will give an update on the timeline and process that he has followed in his considerations of the relevant public interest in this proposed merger, and is publishing the following documents:

Secondary legislation to share the costs of the Digital Economy Act's notification system laid in Parliament

21/01/2011

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21 January 2011

Secondary legislation on sharing the costs of the Digital Economy Act's measures to tackle online copyright infringement has been laid in Parliament.

Twin Monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow is UK's next bid for World Heritage status

21/01/2011

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21 January 2011

The Twin Monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow, founded in the late seventh century AD in the north-east of England, has been put forward today by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt as the UK's latest nomination for World Heritage site status.

DCMS confirms board members

20/01/2011

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20 January 2011

Peter Bazalgette and Dr Tracy Long have been appointed as non-executive directors to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) board by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt. Lord Coe will also sit on the DCMS board.

Time for London's Royal Parks to be more directly accountable to the public, says Tourism and Heritage Minister John Penrose

18/01/2011

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18 January 2011

The Government is committed to transferring responsibility for London's eight Royal Parks, currently managed by the DCMS, to London's Mayor, Tourism and Heritage Minister John Penrose said today.

Museums given last chance to purchase portrait said to be by Rubens

18/01/2011

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18 January 2011

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has placed a temporary export bar on Portrait of a Young Woman, said to be by Rubens.  This will provide a last chance to raise the money to keep the painting in the United Kingdom. 

London's first skyscraper given highest listed status

12/01/2011

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12 January 2011

St James's Park Underground Station and the London Underground Headquarters it forms a part of today joined the top two per cent of listed buildings after receiving Grade I status.

Fund to create 50,000 jobs in tourism and boost the economy is 'on target' to reach £100m

05/01/2011

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5 January 2011

The British tourism industry has responded extremely positively to the Government's challenge, set last summer, to create a marketing fund of more than £100 million to boost tourism around the forthcoming Royal Wedding, The Queen's Diamond Jubilee and The London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Reform of the National Lottery goes on with distributors to cut administration costs

04/01/2011

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4 January 2011

English and UK-wide Lottery distributors will be cutting their grant administration costs to just five per cent, Lottery Minister John Penrose announced today.

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