Ambassador Clouder will be in Guatemala to help ensure the delivery of COP26 objectives by engaging with representatives of government, businesses and wider society. In the meetings Ambassador Clouder will thrive for a COP26 that could achieve ambitious emission reduction targets, promote adaptation measures to protect communities and natural habitats, mobilize finance in favour of the environment, and accelerate collaboration between governments, businesses and civil society to deliver on our climate goals faster.

Ambassador Clouder will discuss this with the Climate Change Ambassador for Guatemala at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rita Mishaan; the Minister of Environment, Mario Rojas and the Minister of Finance, Álvaro González Ricci. She will also have discussions with Guatemala’s Green Building Council, currently implementing a UK funded project to promote sustainable development by enhancing the capabilities of the private and public construction sector. Finally, Ambassador Clouder will have a meeting with the Chamber of Industry of Guatemala to discuss the critical role private sector plays to tackle the effects of climate change.

In the run up to COP26, the UK is working with every nation to reach agreement on how to tackle climate change. More than 190 world leaders are expected to arrive in Scotland where the COP26 will take place in November this year. Together, with negotiators, government representatives, businesses and citizens for twelve days of talks, we aim to spur commitments that could lead to cleaner air, creating good jobs, restoring nature and at the same time unleashing economic growth.

The £600,000 Regional Space Development fund launched today aims to accelerate the development of a thriving, resilient and well-connected space ecosystem across the UK.

The fund will support the space sector at a local level by supporting the recruitment of Space Cluster Development Managers and pump-priming activities that create jobs and growth.

Dr Colin Baldwin, Head of Local Growth Strategy at the UK Space Agency said:

Our cities, towns and rural areas all have competitive advantages essential to shaping our economy – and the space sector will be a key driver of future growth across the UK.

This funding will strengthen innovative companies and agencies in all corners of the country, helping the UK to achieve its ambitions in space and realise its potential on Earth.

Local economic development bodies are encouraged to act as the lead applicant. However, applications from UK Higher Education Institutions, other research organisations, and industry will also be considered.

The deadline for applications to the Regional Space Development fund is midday on 20 September 2021.

Andrew is undertaking this gruelling challenge to raise awareness and funds for the charity Rock 2 Recovery, which supports veterans suffering with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), providing immediate help for those suffering from PTSD as well as ongoing support and mentoring.

One of the patrons of the charity is Jason Fox from the Channel 4 SAS series. Jason has spoken candidly and extensively about his personal experience of PTSD and the effects this had on his career and personal life.

Andrew said: “I am very much aware that within the CNC we have many military veterans who have served on operations in recent campaigns and who may unknowingly be suffering from the effects of PTSD.

“As well as raising money for this excellent charity it also an opportunity to raise awareness of another avenue of potential support for those who may need it. I have a donation page on Team Fortitude website – if you have any spare pennies to donate I would really appreciate it. In 2019 I ran a 54-mile Ultra Marathon in Normandy along the D-Day beaches raising £1650 for Blind and Limbless Servicemen (BLESMA).”

To find out more about the Rock 2 Recovery charity and the amazing work they do, please visit their website.

A recall notice for one batch (10,452 units) of metformin oral solution has today been issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as a precautionary measure after it was found to contain a nitrosamine impurity above accepted levels.

The impurity, nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), has been identified as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers.

At the very low levels that have been detected, nitrosamines only have a potentially harmful effect if consumed over a long period of time and to date there is no evidence that this impurity has caused any harm to patients. The Class 2 recall to wholesaler dealer and pharmacy level is precautionary to prevent further exposure.

All medicines in the UK are independently tested for quality prior to being made available to the public and there are strict controls in place to limit the presence of this impurity in metformin products. During testing prior to batch release, levels of the impurity NDMA in batch number 0LL0018 of metformin oral solution were found to be within acceptable limits. However, routine monitoring of the batch while on the market showed that levels of NDMA were no longer acceptable at 9 months.

The marketing authorisation holder has placed all remaining stock of metformin oral solution on hold while they investigate this issue further. No other batches have been found to be affected.

Patients are advised to continue taking their medication as directed by their HCP and should not stop any treatments without consulting their healthcare team. The risks of suddenly stopping medication for type 2 diabetes is higher than the potential risk presented by the impurity. Individuals who are concerned should talk to their pharmacist or GP.

The MHRA continues to work with the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure that an adequate supply of these products remains available for patients.

Dr Alison Cave MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said:

Patient safety is at the heart of everything we do. This recall of one batch of metformin oral solution is a precautionary measure to prevent further exposure to the nitrosamine impurity. There is no evidence to date that this impurity has caused any harm to patients.

Individuals who have metformin oral solution from this batch at home should continue to take their medication. It is very important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before stopping any treatment – they can address any concerns you may have and can advise you on the best course of action.

Healthcare professionals should check their stock to quarantine and return any units from this batch to their supplier using their supplier’s approved process.

Notes to editors

• The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
• Metformin is widely used to treat type 2 diabetes.