The Government Legal Department has been made aware of a number of derogatory articles published online which discuss legal action taken by GLD for a client. The articles also identify, by name, one of our lawyers, Ms Zara Broadley-Johns.

In keeping with government policy GLD will not comment on the ongoing proceedings but wish to make it clear that the claims made in the articles about Ms Broadley-Johns have no basis whatsoever and are false and abusive.

The likely source of the articles is an individual who has been subject to numerous civil restraint orders imposed by the courts for persistently issuing court applications which judges have found to be totally without merit.

GLD is an outstanding legal organisation, committed to the highest standards of service and professionalism that wholly supports its trusted employees.

Published 15 October 2019

The Housing Minister has hailed the latest mortgage data published today (15 October 2019), which has revealed the number of first-time buyers getting a mortgage, and a foot on the property ladder, increasing to 35,010.

Representing the highest monthly total since August 2007, the figures show an unrelenting demand for home ownership from people who want to call a home their own.

The figures from UK Finance follow the Ministry of Housing’s own research revealing 87% of the public would prefer to buy, rather than rent, a home.

It also found 57% of people support the building of new homes in their own community, up from 28% in 2010 – demonstrating a majority of the public remains pragmatic about how the shortage of new homes is addressed.

Housing Minister Rt Hon Esther McVey MP said:

It’s welcome news that first-time buyers have reached a 12-year high.

This government is determined to open up the dream of home ownership – with more houses completed last year than in all but one of the last 31 years.

In August 2019 there were 35,010 first-time buyer mortgages completed. The previous high was in August 2007 when there were 35,070 new first-time buyer mortgages completed.

The government is supporting the delivery of new homes across all tenure types – whether that’s council, social, private, to rent or buy – to ensure everyone’s needs are met.

The panels have been installed as part of work being delivered by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) in partnership with Skanska and AECOM.

A total of 1,625 photovoltaic roof panels have been erected on four new buildings on the site of the new £300-million tri-service facility.

The panels, which will produce 413,307kWh/year of electricity annually, will save the base almost £58,000 per year. This saving is equivalent to powering 133 domestic properties for a year.

Matthew Richardson, DIO’s Principal Project Manager, said:

Prior to the installation of the panels, the base did not have the capability for on-site electricity generation, so this is an exciting new addition.

The photovoltaic panels will not only deliver considerable savings to the Ministry of Defence (MOD), but also help preserve the planet’s resources, so it’s a win-win situation.

Paul Weale, Project Director for Skanska, added:

Skanska recently announced its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions on its projects by 2045, including its supply chain. It’s a core part of our whole approach to construction.

This initiative to install solar panels at Worthy Down, not only fulfils the DIO’s requirement, but also demonstrates how being environmentally conscious and cost conscious can be entirely aligned.

The completion of the new facilities will see personnel from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force all training at the site. Having all 3 services training at 1 site allows for the sharing of resources, technology and learning.

The work at Worthy Down is one part of a two-part scheme which forms Project Wellesley. The second part of the project is the development of a new community called Mindenhurst at the former Princess Royal Barracks in Deepcut, Surrey. The project supports the MOD’s continuing rationalisation of its estate.

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Letter sent from Nigel Adams, Minister for Sport, Media and Creative Industries to President of UEFA in relation to racism in football

Sandie Dawe spent 30 years in the tourism industry, most recently as chief executive of VisitBritain. She led the national strategy to maximise the tourism benefits of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, played a leading role in the UK Government’s ‘GREAT’ global marketing campaign, and saw tourism numbers to Britain reach record levels. Since leaving VisitBritain in 2014 Sandie has held a number of non-executive roles, including Trustee Heritage Lottery Fund and chair of Kids in Museums. She is currently a Director of London & Partners, trustee of Culture Perth & Kinross and adviser to Four Communications. In 2008 Sandie was awarded an MBE and in 2015 a CBE for services to the tourism industry.

This role is remunerated at £4,133 per annum. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Government’s Governance Code requires that any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years is declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation or candidature for election. Sandie has made no such declarations.

Published 15 October 2019