The government has issued advice to help minimise disruption in the trade of protected animals and plants in the event of a ‘no deal’ EU exit.

In this scenario, protected animals and plants would need a permit to be transported between the UK and the EU and would only be able to travel through designated ports.

To make sure there is enough capacity within the system, the government has increased the number of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) points of entry and exit for goods. Currently there are just 10 ports and airports for CITES trade with countries outside the EU. Read the full list of designated ports that will be available in a no deal scenario.

Delivering the deal negotiated with the EU remains the government’s top priority. This has not changed. However, the government must prepare for every eventuality, including a ‘no deal’ exit.

CITES

CITES is an international agreement between governments which aims to ensure international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. CITES accords varying degrees of protection to more than 35,000 species of animals and plants, whether they are traded as live specimens, musical instruments or dried herbs.

All CITES species bar those with the highest level of protection can be traded and transported freely within the EU. The UK will continue to be a member of CITES after we leave the EU, even in the event of no deal.

If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, all CITES species that are currently freely moved and traded between the UK and the EU would require a CITES permit or import/export notification. This would mean movement of all species controlled under CITES between the UK and the EU would need to follow the same processes as those currently in place for movement between the UK and non-EU countries.

Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said:

The CITES convention plays a key role in protecting endangered species and we will continue to uphold it after we leave the EU, as part of our pledge to be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than that in which we found it.

This government has been absolutely clear on our commitment to deliver the Brexit deal negotiated with the EU. But the government is preparing for any eventuality.

That’s why we are taking the responsible step of ensuring people and businesses understand the potential impacts of no deal – such as the transport of protected goods and animals between the UK and the EU – to help minimise any potential disruption.

Businesses or individuals trading in or moving CITES-listed species outside the UK would need to check the specific requirements with the intended import or export country on the Global CITES website, and either apply to the Animal and Plant Health Agency for a CITES permit or request and complete an import notification form.

Designated ports and airports

In addition, CITES animals and plants would only be able to travel or be transported through certain designated ports, meaning individuals and businesses may be more restricted in the transport routes they can use.

Busy routes (for example Eurotunnel, Dover and Holyhead) are not currently proposed for designation. This is to avoid potential delays at these ports as they experience large volumes of traffic passing through. Businesses or individuals who regularly use these routes may need to make alternative arrangements as there will be no facilities at these ports for CITES permits to be stamped.

If we were to leave the EU without a deal, the designation of CITES ports would be reviewed as we gather more data post March 2019 on the actual levels of CITES trade between the UK and the EU.

• We have also published updated guidance which sets out how people who trade in, or travel with, endangered animals or plants, or their products, would be affected if the UK leaves the EU in March 2019 without a deal.

• We have increased the number of CITES points of entry and exit for CITES goods, as they are currently limited to just 10 ports and airports for CITES trade with countries outside the EU. Read the full list of designated ports that will be available in a no deal scenario .

• All CITES-listed species are contained within Annexes A to D of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations. The Species+ database includes details of all CITES-listed species.

• Details of how to obtain a CITES permit in the UK are available on GOV.UK, as are current details of fees for CITES permits and designated CITES points of entry.

Experts in topics including pharmacology, pharmacy, and health economics have been recruited to help deliver the ACMD’s ongoing work.

The ACMD is an independent body which makes recommendations to government on the control of dangerous or otherwise harmful drugs, including classification and scheduling under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and its regulations.

The new appointees being announced today are:

• Mohammed Fessal, chief pharmacist for Change, Grow, Live, and a pharmacist special advisor at the Care Quality Commission
• Professor Graeme Henderson, professor of pharmacology at the University of Bristol and trustee of the Bristol Drugs Project
• Professor Roger Knaggs, associate professor in Clinical Pharmacy practice at the University of Nottingham
• Dr Carole Hunter, lead pharmacist at the Alcohol and Drug Recovery Services at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
• Professor Matthew Sutton, professor of Health Economics at the University of Manchester.
• Professor David Taylor, director of pharmacy and pathology at the Maudsley Hospital, and professor of psychopharmacology at Kings College London.

The Chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, Dr Owen Bowden-Jones, said:

I am delighted to welcome the new members to the ACMD. Their depth of expertise will ensure the Council provides the best advice on the harms of drug misuse and I look forward to working with each of them.

The 3 year appointments, which were approved by Home Secretary Sajid Javid and attract no remuneration, have been made in accordance with the code of practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA). The newly-appointed members take up their posts today.

Published 16 January 2019

New measures are being introduced today (16 January) to protect the country against the tree pest known as the larger eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus), which was discovered in Kent in December 2018.

Legislation is being laid in Parliament that will restrict the movement of all susceptible material, including trees and wood with bark, within 50km of the outbreak sites where Ips typographus was found.

This legislation is a necessary precaution to prevent the spread of the pest further afield and will remain in place until further notice, but will be kept under review.

The exact boundaries of the restricted area and details of the materials under restriction are available on the Forestry Commission website.

Industry are also urged to remain vigilant for signs of the pest and to report any suspicions to the Forestry Commission.

Nicola Spence, the UK Chief Plant Health Officer, said:

The eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) poses no threat to human health, but it can be a serious pest to the spruce tree species and the forestry industry.

That is why we are taking robust action through this new legislation and its restriction of movement for spruce trees in a 50km area around the outbreak.

I encourage anyone who suspects a sighting of the bark beetle to report these to the Forestry Commission online through Tree Alert.

Further detail on how to report suspected cases is available here

Pupils from Gosforth Primary School were given the chance to hone their presentation skills in front of an audience at LLW Repository Ltd (LLWR) ahead of their appearance in a major science and technology challenge.

LLWR are in the middle of a five-year sponsorship of the First Lego League, a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) initiative, and Gosforth are one of three local schools supported by the organisation.

Youngsters were keen to rehearse their presentation before delivering it for real in front of a panel of judges later this month in the regional final.

The theme of this year’s challenge is ‘Into Orbit’ with pupils asked to consider a problem that astronauts may face in space.

Gosforth came up with loneliness as a key issue and youngsters have devised a robot dog companion as a solution.

Marc Goodwin, one of the LLWR volunteers assisting the nine to 11 year olds at Gosforth, said: “They got some constructive feedback from the LLWR audience and took away some good ideas that they may be able to incorporate into their presentation in the regional final.

“In addition, they really enjoyed the experience, which was great to see. Thanks go to LLWR for making it possible.”

Marc is one of four volunteers assisting Gosforth and additional colleagues are giving their time to work with pupils at Seascale Primary and St James’ Primary, in Millom, who will also compete in the regional final at Energus, Lillyhall.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has written an open letter to veterans of the Normandy Landings inviting them to take part in D-Day75, the commemorations of the 75th anniversary of the Normandy Landings.

The Ministry of Defence has planned a series of major events with The Royal British Legion and Portsmouth City Council to mark the anniversary. Veterans of the Normandy Landings will be the VIPs of these events, ensuring that the whole country has the opportunity to thank this extraordinary generation.

Commonly referred to as D-Day the Normandy Landings began on 6 June 1944, when allied forces launched a combined naval, air and land assault on occupied Europe. Events to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the operation will be held in Normandy and around the UK this June.

The full programme of events will be announced at a launch event at The D-Day Story in Portsmouth on Wednesday 16 January 2019.

A letter from the Secretary of State for Defence, The Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP

To the veterans of Normandy; the sailors, marines, soldiers and airmen who helped pave the way for the liberation of Europe,

Her Majesty’s Government is proud to announce plans to mark the 75th anniversary of the Normandy Landings planned for June 2019, when the eyes of the world will be upon you once more. Your actions in 1944 were the vital springboard to the liberation of Europe and the end of the Second World War. The breathtaking bravery and ingenuity you showed during those days still echo through our nation’s armed forces and society as a whole.

This year, veterans of the Normandy campaign have been invited to register with The Royal British Legion to take part in the official commemorations. The Royal British Legion has announced that a ship has been specially chartered to provide a fully-funded tour for around 300 Normandy veterans from 2 June to 9 June. Each veteran can bring one carer who will also be fully funded by the Legion and Libor grants distributed by the Government.

Veterans will be the VIPs of the commemorations and we want as many of you as possible to be able to mark this major anniversary. The Ministry of Defence, The Royal British Legion and our many fellow delivery partners are working together to let veterans know what is being planned, and to encourage them to register their interest to take part. We also call upon members of the general public to take part in commemorations in both the UK and France and to help us locate Normandy veterans they may know of.

Portsmouth will be the location of the national events in the UK and the Ministry of Defence, in conjunction with Portsmouth City Council and The Royal British Legion, is planning a series of events to reflect the area’s significant role in the preparation of one of the most audacious operations in military history.

Official commemorations will start with a ceremonial event on Portsmouth’s Southsea Common on the 5 June commencing a full 5 days of activity, including flypasts, military parades, festivals, music and more. Before sunset on 5 June, the specially-chartered ship will transport veterans across the channel to Normandy. Once there, key events will include The Royal British Legion’s services at Bayeux Cathedral and the Commonwealth War Grave Commission’s Bayeux Cemetery before an evening of entertainment in Arromanches. Throughout the commemorations, current serving personnel from our armed forces will be there to assist veterans in both the UK and in France.

Five years ago, the President of France advised the Ministry of Defence that it wished to award the Légion d’Honneur, their highest honour, to all surviving Normandy veterans. Since then, we have processed 6,000 applications. If there are any of you who have not yet applied, then please do in order that you too can wear the medal with pride.

To register for the commemorations and apply for a place on the ship please visit The Royal British Legion’s website. To apply for a Légion d’Honneur or learn more of events happening in Normandy and the UK please visit GOV.UK.

It is our intention that this June we show you, our special generation, that we will never forget the debt we owe for the peace and freedom we now enjoy.

THE RT HON GAVIN WILLIAMSON CBE MP