England's former Children's Minister Tim Loughton has said important issues affecting children have been sidelined as the government prioritises a shake-up of schools.

BBC: Education & Family

The Obama administration is said to be torn between increasing troop numbers as requested or adopting a new strategy that prioritises crushing al-Qaeda over nation-building.

BBC: Afghan war 'not just US battle'

Neighbours usually object but the local authorities are reluctant to turn down planning applications partly because they regularly lose on appeal and partly because there is a presumption that the Government prioritises brownfield development.

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He also recommended that the next round of structural funds prioritises actions which have the potential to have a transformational social and economic impact on Wales in generating jobs at all levels and sustainable growth.

BBC: Finance Committee

While Ofcom largely prioritises raids on stations whose signals interfere with the emergency services, this does nothing to prevent the broadcasting of what could be incendiary views - the key issue being debated in Birmingham.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Magazine | Urban pirates

However, it is thought that the reductions will be spread fairly evenly across the DfE's range of activities, but the union also fears that child protection will suffer as the department prioritises its free schools and academies programme.

BBC: DfE warned over potential unfair dismissals claims