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Author Archives: HM Government

Press release: Welsh Secretary tells business leaders ‘capitalise on Region deal’

The Secretary of State for Wales will today (Friday 14th July) tell Swansea business leaders that now is the time to capitalise on the Swansea Bay Region City Deal.

Delivering his first key note address in West Wales since the General Election at Swansea Business Club, Alun Cairns will commend businesses for their role in creating record low unemployment rates in the region and challenge them to use the City Region deal as the springboard to generating increased economic growth.

Mr Cairns will say:

The UK Government has a responsibility to create the right conditions for a thriving and prosperous economy but it is the private sector who are the risk takers, driving that success. The Swansea Bay Region City Deal provides a fantastic opportunity for business leaders to capitalise and reap the long term benefits that it will bring. The deal is a great example of the UK Government coming together with local authorities, Welsh Government and the private sector to deliver a local plan that will have wide felt impact.

The Welsh economy grew 2.8% in 2015, second only to the North West for the UK’s countries and regions, and since 2010 only growth in London has exceeded Wales.

Mr Cairns will go on to reassure business leaders in the room that the UK Government will help ensure certainty and stability as we leave the EU, through the EU Withdrawal Bill.

Mr Cairns will say:

We are under no illusion about the scale of the challenge we currently face as we prepare for negotiations to leave the EU. I am here to affirm that the Repeal Bill, introduced yesterday is about delivering certainty and continuity for businesses across Wales and giving assurance that the UK will not face unexpected changes on the day we leave the EU.

This is a Government that has been listening to businesses and hears their need for certainty. I want to reassure them it is their interest that we have at heart and that we will continue to sell Wales across the globe.

Notes to editors:

  • The Government yesterday (Thursday 13 July) introduced the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, known as the Repeal Bill, to Parliament. The Bill prepares the statute book for the exit from the European Union and delivers on the promise to end the authority of EU law in the UK. It provides maximum legal and administrative certainty for business, the public sector and everyone across the UK.
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HM Government

Press release: Threatened native species finds safety in Lincolnshire

Efforts to protect the UK’s only native species of crayfish have seen almost 600 specimens moved to protected new homes in Lincolnshire.

The endangered white-clawed crayfish have been transferred to two secluded locations, chosen for their potential as safe havens.

Known as ‘Ark Sites’, the carefully selected refuges have all the characteristics needed for the crayfish to establish a thriving colony, including good-quality water, suitable habitat, and an isolated location.

Most importantly, they will be safe from the threat of their non-native counterparts, the North American Signal crayfish. This invasive species out-competes our own for food and habitat, and carries a fungal disease that devastates native populations.

Dr Chris Extence, Environment Agency team leader for Analysis and Reporting, said:

Bringing our native crayfish into the safety of an Ark Site is vital to protecting them from these threats, safeguarding their long-term survival and stability.

White-clawed crayfish are the only native species of crayfish in Britain. Although protected by law, numbers have declined dramatically in recent years and established populations are becoming increasingly vulnerable.

In Lincolnshire, the Upper Witham has long been a stronghold for native crayfish, but they are increasingly under threat from Signals. In total, 572 specimens were moved into two undisclosed locations in Lincolnshire two weeks ago: a limestone stream in the county’s south west and a chalk stream in the Wolds.

Dr Extence added:

In the case of the latter, this is the first time in many years that this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has been home to native crayfish.

A number of organisations, including the Environment Agency, Natural England, Lincolnshire Rivers Trust, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and Lincolnshire Chalk Stream Partnership, were involved in the two-day operation. Environment Agency specialists will now monitor the colonies in their new homes.

Dr Extence continued:

The use of Ark Sites is nationally-recognised best practice, and just one of the ways we can safeguard the future of the native crayfish.

A previous attempt at creating an Ark Site in Lincolnshire has been successful, with evidence of breeding – a strong sign of an established colony.

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HM Government