Author Archives: HM Government

Environment Agency officers from teams across England have conducted an intelligence-gathering operation at Harwich International Port in Essex focussed on the illegal export of waste.

The aim of the operation was to stop and check HGVs carrying waste in a bid to identify any waste materials which could have been being illegally exported to Europe.

Around 30 loads were stopped on the day, with paperwork checked and waste loads examined. Officers were seeking intelligence about waste that could potentially be illegal heading to the continent and assessing the supporting documents.

Field intelligence officers, port officers and members of the illegal waste shipments team were on hand to speak with drivers passing through the port, offering advice and support on transporting waste abroad legally. The team on site made use of the Environment Agency’s Incident Command Unit, enabling them to receive emailed paperwork from waste contractors when it was found to be missing.

Twenty-nine trailers were inspected in total, and 18 were found to be carrying waste. In each instance the paperwork was examined and in 9 cases there were missing or incomplete documents. These were eventually all completed with the support of Environment Agency officers and the vehicles were allowed to continue their journeys.

Chris Smith, National Intelligence Manager, whose team led the operation for the Environment Agency, said:

The sheer volume of material that we found today and prevented from being exported illegally is a big win, but our work isn’t finished. Today’s action sends a strong message that we will track down those involved in illegal waste activity. We intend to continue our inspections of waste at ports around all of England to ensure waste being exported is done so legally.

The effects of exporting waste illegally is harmful to the environment and the economy. It undercuts legitimate businesses and causes harm to human health and the environment in destination countries.

Waste crime is a serious issue diverting as much as £1 billion per annum from legitimate business and the Treasury. Since April 2011 the Environment Agency has invested £65.2 million in tackling it.

Anyone with information about suspected illegal waste operators should call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

The people of Rwanda participated peacefully and in great numbers in last week’s Presidential election, with a result which reflected the will of most Rwandans.

However, international observers, including from the UK, noted problems on polling day, though this followed a more open campaign than in previous elections. I hope that Rwanda will continue to improve its electoral system in advance of the 2018 parliamentary elections.

As a close and long-standing partner of Rwanda for many years, the UK looks forward to working with President Kagame on our shared priorities of development, peacekeeping, trade and the future of the Commonwealth.

The Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group (BFEG) was established in 2017. The group’s remit builds and expands upon that of its predecessor body the National DNA Database (NDNAD) Ethics Group (EG).

The BFEG will provide ministers and the Home Office with impartial, independent, balanced and objective ethical advice on all aspects of biometrics and forensics which fall within the purview of the Home Office. Advice will include, for example, consideration of the ethical implications of the exploitation of new and more rapid automated biometric and forensic technologies and their role in expediting the conviction of criminals whilst protecting the privacy rights of individuals and maintaining public confidence.

We are looking to recruit members from a variety of professions, including genetics, forensic science, biometric data, data protection, the police, social science, political science, medical science and law.

If you are interested applying for a position on the BFEG, further information can be found on Centre for Public Appointments website. The application deadline is Sunday 20 August.