The UK and Gibraltar have confirmed their commitment to continue to work together to achieve a Brexit deal that fully recognises the priorities of the Rock.

At the latest Joint Ministerial Council (Gibraltar EU Negotiations) in London today, which was chaired by Minister at the Department for Exiting the EU, Robin Walker, and attended by the Chief Minister for Gibraltar Fabian Picardo and his team, Ministers agreed to continue to fully involve Gibraltar in the UK’s negotiations with the EU.

They discussed the practical implications of our EU Withdrawal for Gibraltar. Officials from across Government provided an update on developments in the reciprocal package announced at the 8 March JMC, including on the issue of access to higher education and on further building on existing health cooperation.

Following the meeting, Minister Robin Walker said:

It was a pleasure meeting with Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and his team today for the seventh JMC GEN.

We spoke at length about the key issues facing both the UK and Gibraltar as we leave the EU and reaffirmed the continued commitment of the UK Government to represent the best interests of the entire UK family, including our friends in Gibraltar.

We look forward to continuing our constructive partnership over the coming months, years and beyond.

Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo said:

It is a genuine pleasure to continue working with Robin Walker on the Brexit issues that he has responsibility for at the Department for Exiting the European Union and which are relevant to Gibraltar. Through DExEU we are engaging with the whole of Whitehall on matters which will have a positive impact in Gibraltar in coming years and which affect all parts of our economic activity as we prepare to leave the European Union with the United Kingdom next March.

Harriett Baldwin said:

I welcome the decision of the Ethiopian Cabinet and Parliament to lift the country’s State of Emergency early. Combined with other steps taken towards reconciliation, including the release from prison of British National Andargachew Tsege, this sends a positive signal about Prime Minister Abiy’s intention to broaden political space in Ethiopia. I hope this will be followed by inclusive efforts to reform other legislation that has limited legitimate debate, including the anti-terrorism, mass media and civil society laws. Ethiopia remains a key partner for the UK and I look forward to continuing our dialogue on such reforms, as well as on crucial matters of economic development, regional and international security.

Further information

• Follow the Foreign Secretary on Twitter @BorisJohnson and Facebook
• Follow Foreign Office Minister Harriett Baldwin @hbaldwin

• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice and Facebook

• Follow the Foreign Office on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn

We are making updated 2017 standard crime contract documents available for download. This follows recent changes to the scope of prison law.

The documents have been updated following consultations with representative bodies.

The amended regulations will come into effect on 12 June 2018. Guidance will also be updated.

Further information

Standard Crime Contract 2017 – to download amended contract

Criminal Legal Aid (Amendment) Regulations 2018

The team kitted out in protective clothing and armed with litter grabbers, took part in a clean-up operation with a difference recently.

Mike White, head of Infrastructure, Sellafield Ltd said:

We wanted to do a litter pick to reinforce our nuclear professionalism standards and raise awareness of how we can all help in improving our environment.

Like many community groups who are inspired to tackle the increasing problems with litter and waste, we wanted to do our bit on site. We want our employees to be proud of Sellafield and the environment they work in and a big step is to keep it as litter free as we can – with everyone doing their bit to maintain the standard.

Around 80 team members from Sellafield Ltd and Mitie took part. During the 2 hour pick, teams gathered around 100 bags of waste from a pair of flip flops to a tea towel to the most common cans etc.

Liz Spedding, head of Facility Services, Sellafield Ltd, added:

Teams in Infrastructure have specific jobs looking after and recycling waste but it’s all of our responsibility to discard of waste appropriately.

We’re all very aware of the impact rubbish has on our environment. The recent BBC ‘Blue Planet II’ documentary highlighted the devastating consequences and impact waste is having on our planet and our oceans.

“This is just one day but hopefully it will encourage everyone to take pride in your workplaces. We have litter kits available and will offer them out through normal networks if teams want to help keep their areas tidy.

Today (5 June 2018) ministers have set out final proposals to back Heathrow expansion – moving Britain a significant step closer to more flights, more jobs and greater economic growth.

Marking an important milestone in building a global Britain, the government has published the proposed Airports National Policy Statement (NPS), backing Heathrow expansion through developing a new north-west runway.

Airports National Policy Statement on a proposed a new runway at Heathrow

Under the proposal, expansion will be delivered in a cost-efficient and sustainable way, with a comprehensive package of measures to support affected communities and protect the environment.

Heathrow will be privately financed and costs will not fall on the taxpayer. To make sure expansion is delivered with consumers’ interests at heart, the government has asked the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure the scheme remains affordable while meeting the needs of passengers.

A new runway at Heathrow would provide benefits of up to £74 billion to passengers and the wider economy and create tens of thousands of local jobs. It will better connect the UK to the rest of world with an extra 16 million long-haul seats available by 2040.

Heathrow is already the UK’s biggest airport for passengers and freight and the north-west runway will almost double the airport’s capacity for goods, allowing businesses across the country to increase their exports and take advantage of new global customers.

The benefits of expanding Heathrow will be felt across the country as there will be more flights around the UK, better connecting Scotland, Northern Ireland, the North and the South West to new global markets via London.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said:

Expansion at Heathrow presents a unique opportunity to deliver a multi-billion pound boost to our economy, strengthen our global links and maintain our position as a world leader in aviation.

As we leave the EU, the UK must remain one of the world’s best-connected and outward-looking countries and a third runway at Heathrow is the best option to deliver this.

We have listened to views through our consultations and will ensure a world-class package of measures to help any local communities affected by the expansion.

The NPS takes into account public and industry feedback and recommendations made by the Transport Committee to ensure that airport expansion in the south-east will be delivered in a way that is cost-efficient, sustainable and in passengers’ best interests.

This includes a world-class package of compensation and mitigation measures to support those affected by the expansion, with up to £2.6 billion for compensation, noise insulation and community amenities, which could include improvements to parks and leisure facilities.

These are reinforced by plans for a 6.5 hour scheduled night flight ban and noise restrictions which will be legally enforceable.

The government has also announced the creation of a new Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise, which will be an independent expert voice on noise issues, acting as a link between airport operators, airlines and local communities.

To protect the environment, development consent would only be granted on the basis that the new runway is delivered within existing air quality obligations.

Over the next few weeks Parliament will have the opportunity to debate and vote on the NPS.

The government has also today committed to supporting all airports beyond Heathrow making best use of their existing runways, including those in the south-east, as long as they address economic and environmental planning issues.