Policy Announcements, Wednesday 28 February

**Government **

• The full implementation timetable for the Companies Act 2006 was announced by Industry and Regions Minister Margaret Hodge. All of the Act will be in place by October 2008 with many elements implemented earlier. The Companies Act introduces sweeping changes to company law.

Conservatives

• The shadow chancellor has said the EU has failed to focus on economic development. In a speech on European reform George Osborne claimed the union had become distracted by political integration rather than concentrating on improving citizens' quality of life. The senior Conservative said the EU needs a "complete change of direction" if it is to recover public confidence.