Press release: Priti Patel thanks Search and Rescue Team ahead of World Humanitarian Day

International Development Secretary Priti Patel today visited Essex Fire and Rescue Service in Colchester where she met members of the UK’s International Search and Rescue (ISAR) team.

DFID supports these lifesavers when they are sent to the front line in response to rapid onset emergencies such as earthquakes or floods, where they use their expertise to help rescue people from collapsed buildings, search for missing individuals and coordinate local rescue efforts.

There are 265 personnel around the UK who stand ready to be deployed as part of the UK ISAR team and these individuals, along with their humanitarian counterparts in the health service and across NGOs will be publically thanked for their efforts on Saturday 19 August, when at Westminster Abbey the UK will celebrate the UN’s World Humanitarian Day.

International Development Secretary Priti Patel said:

The whole country should recognise these brave men and women who, without a moment’s hesitation, can deploy to some of the world’s most dangerous and challenging places to save lives.

The members of Essex Fire and Rescue Service that I met today show the very best of British values. For 365 days a year, they stand ready to respond to a natural disaster, selflessly choosing to risk their own lives to save others and alleviate human suffering.

By providing this British expertise and helping countries better prepare for and deal with long-term crises, we are playing our part in building a more stable, secure and prosperous world for all which is firmly in Britain’s interest.

The World Health Organisation has recently recognised DFID’s deployable field hospital, which the ISAR team help to deploy, as meeting world class standards. ‎

This is just one demonstration of the UK’s vital global leadership role, in continuing to raise the bar and push others to step up their own response‎.




Form: Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund: 2017 application round

Updated: Stage 2 application form updated to correct an incorrect date on Page 1 (Box 3 Project Data and budget summary).

Application form and guidance notes for organisations wishing to apply for funding under the Challenge Fund.

Successful applicants to this stage will be invited to submit a more comprehensive application form (stage 2). These forms have been provided for information.

How to apply

Before applying, please read the guidance above and the Finance for Darwin and Illegal Wildlife Trade guidance.

Once you have read the guidance, please complete the Stage 1 application form.

If you are invited to Stage 2, please complete the Stage 2 application form (by invitation only). The budget form must also be submitted with your Stage 2 application form.

When to apply

There is a two-stage application process for IWT Challenge Fund projects. The timetable for Round 4 is set out below:

  • Stage 1 application process opens: Thursday 27 July 2017
  • deadline for Stage 1 applications: Thursday 21 September 2017
  • expected outcome of Stage 1 and notification of applicants invited to Stage 2: By mid- December 2017
  • deadline for Stage 2 applications: Tuesday 20 February 2018
  • expected notification of successful projects: May 2018
  • expected start date for successful projects: From 1 July 2018

Who can apply

Please refer to the guidance above for the list of countries and organisations eligible for the scheme.

Read about the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund.




Research and analysis: Genetically Modified Organisms: University of Southampton (17/R50/01)

Updated: Added the variation to consent letter.

Consent documents for University of Southampton, to release genetically modified organisms for research purposes.

Each consent granted includes:

  • consent letter (confirming consent and outlining any conditions)
  • part A(1): Information required under schedule 1 of the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) regulations 2002
  • part A(2-6): (If applicable) Details of related previous releases, including any data, results and risks
  • part B: Information about the release application to be included on the public register

ACRE’s advice




News story: Sir David Ramsden appointed Deputy Governor, Markets and Banking

The Chancellor today (27 July 2017) announced that Sir Dave Ramsden has been appointed as the new Deputy Governor of Markets and Banking at the Bank of England.

Her Majesty the Queen has agreed, on the recommendation of the Chancellor and Prime Minister, to appoint Sir Dave effective from 4 September 2017 and for a renewable term of five years.

Sir Dave will replace Charlotte Hogg, who announced in March that she was resigning her position. The role of Chief Operating Officer will be announced separately by the Bank today.

As the Bank’s Deputy Governor for Markets and Banking, Sir Dave will have specific responsibility for managing the balance sheet of the Bank. He will look after the execution of financial stability and monetary policy decisions via balance sheet operations, the management of the government’s foreign exchange reserves, the gold custody services, the operation of the Real Time Gross Settlement System, the effective risk management of these operations and the gathering of market intelligence relevant to policy decisions. Sir Dave will also be a member of the Monetary Policy Committee, the Financial Policy Committee, the Prudential Regulation Committee and the Court of the Bank of England.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, said:

I’m delighted to appoint Sir Dave Ramsden as the next Deputy Governor for Markets and Banking. Sir Dave’s unrivalled experience at the centre of UK economic policy for more than two decades gives him the thorough grounding needed to be successful in his new role. His departure will be a loss to the Treasury but he will be a huge asset to the Bank and I wish him every success.

Sir Dave Ramsden said:

I am honoured to be joining the Bank and to be given the opportunity to contribute to the Bank’s mission to maintain monetary and financial stability, at such an important time for the UK economy.

The Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, said:

I am delighted that Dave Ramsden has been appointed as Deputy Governor for Markets and Banking. As an outstanding public servant, he will bring a wealth of experience and economic expertise to the Bank’s policy committees.




Notice: BA4 4LG, The A & C Urch LLP: environmental permit issued

The Environment Agency publish surrenders that they issue under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).

This decision includes the surrender letter and decision document for:

  • Operator name: The A & C Urch LLP
  • Installation name: Ashley Farm
  • Permit number: EPR/SP3536MC/S004