Research and analysis: Acclimation of birds to disturbance from marine activities

Requirement R071

Requirement detail

Human use of the marine environment exerts a range of pressures on marine species including disturbance from noise or physical activity. Disturbance results include stress responses, flight, and changes in foraging for example. Such responses can directly or indirectly reduce the fitness of individuals and health of the population. To manage these potential negative impacts, disturbance impacts are considered in decision making.

However, there are increasing stakeholder observations and reports that bird species become, at least partially, acclimated to disturbance from some marine activities. If acclimatisation occurs, this may change the threshold at which disturbance impacts become significant and thus is of relevance to marine decision making.

The MMO seek evidence on whether, or to what extent, acclimatisation occurs, whether acclimation is species dependant and the conditions under which acclimation occurs such as in interaction with other pressures.



Research and analysis: Pressures of different fishing gear

Requirement R045

Requirement detail

To enhance understanding of the types and magnitudes of pressures exerted by different types of fishing gear on the environment, and potential management actions that may be appropriate to manage any negative impacts from the fishing gear on protected features.



Press release: International Development Secretary calls for vital reform of the United Nations.

The International Development Secretary, Priti Patel, has warned that the United Nations system is simply not adapted to the challenges of today, in the face of unprecedented humanitarian challenges, protracted crises and mass displacement.

This frank warning came at the UN General Assembly, at a UK-led event on reforming the development system. At the event, Priti Patel supported the strong reform agenda of the new Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, and urged him to be bold in demanding changes to ensure the organisation better delivers for the worlds’ poorest.

The International Development Secretary, Priti Patel, said:

Against the backdrop of unprecedented humanitarian crises, the international system is, frankly, not coping – it’s not fit for purpose.

While the objectives and goals of the UN are timeless, the structures and system we have today was cobbled together over years, and it is time for change.

Nothing emphasises these problems like the sickening and atrocious sexual abuses carried out under the UN flag – it will not be tolerated.

The UK is putting our money where our mouth is, and to ensure these critical reforms are not ignored, a third of our spending will be dependent on UN agencies making the changes needed to remain relevant in the 21st century.

The current UN system is hampered by a multiplicity of agencies, organisations, funds and programmes, unable or unwilling to collaborate, share resources or embrace innovation. Worst of all, despicable child rape, sexual exploitation and abuse has been carried out under the UN flag by peacekeepers and in peace operations.

The International Development Secretary announced that from next year almost a third of DFID funding to UN agencies will be dependent on improved results and progress on reform priorities:

  • UN agencies will have to demonstrate effective collaboration, greater transparency and accountability.

  • For all major emergencies, agencies will have to demonstrate that effective accountability and feedback mechanisms are in place.

  • We will demand more effective and efficient delivery of assistance to the vulnerable – including greater use of cash transfers. Cash, rather than flying in food and other supplies, is more efficient, it enables those in need to choose how to support themselves. Crucially, it helps build local markets.

  • We are also calling on the UN to collaborate more closely with the private sector, the engine of job creation around the world.

The International Development Secretary also made a stark call to put the stamping out of child sex abuse and child rape at the top of the UN’s agenda. This followed confirmation by the UN Secretary General in March that UN peacekeepers and civilian staff faced allegations of over 140 cases of sexual exploitation and abuse this year.

She stated in no uncertain terms that UN agencies must be fully transparent about any and all accusations made against their staff, contractors and implementing partners.

The British government puts the protection of children from rape, sexual abuse and sexual crimes at the top of its priorities. Any agency that receives funds from the UK must have the strongest possible measures in place to protect vulnerable populations, especially children, and to ensure the prevention, detection and prosecution of abusers.



News story: Parsons Green terrorist attack

You can apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), if you were injured as a result of this incident. You can also call the CICA helpline on 0300 003 3601. We will consider your application under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012.

You do not need a paid representative, such as a solicitor or claims management company, to apply to CICA for compensation. Our Guide provides information about free independent advice that may be available from local support services or other charitable organisations.

Further information about support was published by the Home Office on 15 September 2017.



News story: Update on the Culture Secretary’s consideration of the proposed merger between 21st Century Fox Inc. and Sky Plc.

Culture Secretary refers proposed merger between Sky Plc and 21st Century Fox to the CMA

The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has today referred the proposed merger between Sky Plc and 21st Century Fox to the Competition Markets Authority (CMA) for a Phase 2 investigation on the media plurality and genuine commitment to broadcasting standards media public interest grounds. The CMA have 24 weeks in which to report back (extendable by up to eight weeks in certain circumstances).

The terms of reference of the formal referral and related letters are available here.

Correspondence between Sky and 21st Century Fox and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the proposed merger are also published today.