Yemen urgently needs a ceasefire, a political settlement and food aid – Emily Thornberry

Emily Thornberry MP, Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, responding to the
publication of a UN report showing that Yemen has moved closer to famine, said:

“Yemen urgently needs a ceasefire, a
political settlement, and food aid. It does not need more bombing.

“Britain must stop selling billions of
pounds’ worth of arms to Saudi Arabia. This is only prolonging the conflict. We
are providing the means for the Saudis to continue a war which has been shown
to include the aerial bombardment of farming land, fishing boats, and ports
that provide access for desperately-needed humanitarian aid.”



Airspace Consultation

I recently wrote to the Transport Secretary to request a consultation event on airspace changes should be held in Wokingham. I have now received the enclosed reply from the Secretary of State.



Letter on Nattional Insurance contributions (NICs) for the self-employed

I have received the enclosed letter from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, confirming that the proposed increase to National Insurance contributions (NICs) for the self-employed will no longer go ahead.



Press release: Public consultation for Rivenhall incinerator

Two drop-in sessions are being held in Coggeshall and Silver End to explain and discuss a proposal for an Integrated Waste Management Facility on the former Rivenhall Airfield site in Essex.

Following the Environment Agency’s decision in December 2016 to refuse Gent Fairhead & Co. Ltd’s application for an Environmental Permit to operate the facility, they have submitted a new application.

Environment Agency staff will be at public drop-ins to discuss the proposals with people and explain their role in permitting and regulating this type of facility. The sessions are:

Monday 20 March, 2pm to 7pm, Silver End Village Hall, Broadway, Silver End CM8 3RQ

Friday 31 March, 2pm to 7pm, Christ Church, Stoneham Street, Coggeshall CO6 1UH

They will explain what will happen and how people can be involved during the consultation and decision-making process. Officers from Essex County Council will also be on hand to answer planning-related questions.

An Environmental Permit from the Environment Agency needs to be in place before the plant can start operating. Environmental Permits contain specific conditions and emission limits that must be complied with while the plant is operating.

The Environment Agency’s role is to consider the environmental impacts the plant could have on human health, air, water, land, habitats and species of animals and plants. It also looks at noise levels, energy efficiency and the sustainability of the plant.

The first application was refused last year because the company had failed to demonstrate that the design of the waste plant would use Best Available Techniques (BAT) to reduce emissions and their impact on the environment. In particular, the company failed to demonstrate that the proposed incinerator stack height was BAT.

Frank Saunders, Team Leader at the Environment Agency said:

Gent Fairhead & Co. Ltd’s revised proposals include a change to the height of the incinerator stack. We encourage local people to come to the drop-ins to find out more about the latest proposals. We’d like to hear their thoughts and concerns to make sure we consider local representations in our decision making process.

The consultation period on this permit application started on 9 March and closes on 13 April 2017.

At the drop-ins people will be able to see the full application and make comments on it.

Further copies of the application (EPR/FP3335YU/A001) will be available at the Environment Agency offices, Threshelfords Business Park, Inworth Road, Kelvedon CO5 9SE, as well as the public libraries in Coggeshall and Kelvedon.

It is also available on GOV.UK:here

Comments on the permit application should be sent to the Environment Agency’s National Permitting Service in Sheffield at either the postal or email address below, or submitted online here

Environment Agency, Permitting and Support Centre, Land Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue
Sheffield S9 4WF

Or by email: pscpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk



BCC: pause for thought on NICs is welcome

Commenting on the statement by Chancellor Philip Hammond pausing the rise in National Insurance Contributions for the self-employed, Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The NICs rise, together with the cut to dividend tax-free allowances, was not viewed favourably by entrepreneurs – so this move and pause for thought are welcome. It would be far better to look at business and employment taxation in the round, to ensure that our tax system is competitive and equitable.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 52 Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of businesses of all sizes and within all sectors. Our Global Business Network connects exporters with nearly 40 markets around the world. For more information, visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk

Media contacts:

Allan Williams – Senior Press Manager

020 7654 5812 / 07920583381

Orla Hennessy – Press and Communications Officer

020 7654 5813 / 07825746812