Author Archives: HM Government

Press release: New air quality plan published for consultation

Options open for consultation to reduce nitrogen dioxide in our towns and cities.

The government today published a draft plan to improve air quality by reducing nitrogen dioxide levels in the UK.

The options now open for consultation on reducing nitrogen dioxide in our towns and cities are designed to reduce the impact of diesel vehicles, and accelerate the move to cleaner transport.

Local authorities are already responsible for improving air quality in their area, but will now be expected to develop new and creative solutions to reduce emissions as quickly as possible, while avoiding undue impact on the motorist.

The government is consulting on a range of measures that could be taken to mitigate the impact of action to improve air quality.

In line with the timetable directed by the Courts the government is seeking views on these proposals in advance of preparing its final plan for publication by 31 July. All final decisions will be taken by the incoming government.

This consultation will run until 15 June.

May 5, 2017 HM GovernmentHM GovernmentHM Government

Policy paper: Air quality: clean air zone framework for England

Principles which local authorities should follow when setting up Clean Air Zones in England. read more

May 5, 2017 HM GovernmentDEFRADEFRA

News story: Invitation to an IIAC meeting on 6 July 2017

The aim of the meeting is to give members of the public, their representatives, and people with a professional interest in occupational diseases, the opportunity to learn and ask questions about the council’s work.

The meeting will be at:

Manchester Conference Centre & Pendulum Hotel
Weston Building
Sackville Street
Manchester
M1 3BB

The meeting will include:

an explanation of the council’s role in making recommendations to ministers about the industrial injuries scheme
a discussion about the council’s work in the past year
an opportunity to contribute views and ideas on the council’s future work

The council welcomes any questions in advance of the meeting, where they will respond.

It may not be possible to accept all applications if the number of requests is higher than expected.

The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC) provides advice to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland on matters relating to the industrial injuries scheme. In particular they give advice on which diseases, and the jobs that cause them, should be included in the scheme.

The council is formed of medical, scientific and legal experts, and representatives of employers and employed earners.

The council does not represent the Department for Work and Pensions and has no involvement in individual claims or decisions.

May 5, 2017 HM GovernmentHM GovernmentHM Government

News story: Avian flu confirmed at a farm near Thornton, Wyre, Lancashire

H5N8 avian flu has been confirmed at a farm near Thornton, Wyre, Lancashire.

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed H5N8 avian flu in a small backyard flock of chickens at a farm near Thornton, Wyre, Lancashire.

A 3 km Protection Zone and a 10 km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading. We have published full details of the controls in place.

The flock is estimated to contain around 30 birds. A number have died and the remaining live birds at the premises are being humanely culled. A full investigation is under way to determine the source of the infection.

Public Health England advises that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency is clear that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

Read the latest advice and information on avian flu in the UK, including actions to reduce the risk of the disease spreading, advice for anyone who keeps poultry or captive birds and details of previous cases. Journalists with queries should contact Defra press office.

May 4, 2017 HM GovernmentHM GovernmentHM Government

Press release: Foreign Secretary visits Libya and Tunisia

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson made his first visit to Libya today (Thursday) to support fresh efforts towards a unified and stable government.

The Foreign Secretary met Libyan Prime Minister Fayyez Al-Serraj and Foreign Minister Mohamed Siala to discuss the challenges faced by Libya’s Government of National Accord and how the UK can support Libyan efforts to re-establish security, stability, and prosperity for the Libyan people

The Foreign Secretary also met Abdurrahman Swehli, President of Libya’s High State Council. In these meetings, Mr Johnson underlined the importance of Libya’s legitimate political institutions working together to break the political deadlock which is prolonging instability and the suffering of the Libyan people.

Speaking after the visit to Tripoli, the Foreign Secretary said:

Libya’s political and social groups need to seize the momentum offered by the welcome meeting between Prime Minister Seraj and Marshall Heftar earlier this week to set out a path towards Libyan reconciliation and unity.

Security, stability and prosperity can only be achieved when the country’s leaders choose to get together and work out a plan for the common benefit of the Libyan people.

Establishing effective governance is also the key to defeating terrorism in Libya and countering illegal migration.

The meetings in Tripoli followed talks last night (Wednesday) in Tunis with Tunisian Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui on counterterrorism cooperation, UK assistance in improving the Tunisian security situation, and boosting trade.

On his visit to Tunisia, Mr Johnson said:

It was a pleasure to visit Tunisia for the first time and to meet my counterpart for our first bilateral talks. The UK is a long term partner and friend of Tunisia and will continue to cooperate closely on security, counterterrorism and trade.

Further information