Recommendation on PSC wire transition review published
Press release
The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has published its final recommendation on the PSC wire transition review.
Anti-dumping duties on PSC wires and strands from China no longer apply, following the publication on Monday 2 August 2021 of a TRA report recommending that the duties be removed. The measures have been removed for PSC wires and strands imported from China after 30 January 2021 (30 days after the date the measure transitioned from the EU into UK law, as specified by the legislation).
The TRA assessed the trade remedies measure on PSC wire as part of its work to assess a number of measures which the UK inherited from the EU system. The domestic industry for this product also confirmed that they did not want the measure to continue.
The Secretary of State for International Trade has decided to uphold the TRA’s recommendation and the duties have accordingly been removed. This means importers of these products from China will no longer have to pay duties of up to 46%.
The Trade Remedies Authority is the UK body that investigates whether trade remedy measures are needed to counter unfair import practices and unforeseen surges of imports.
The TRA is an arm’s length body of the Department for International Trade (DIT) and launched on 1 June 2021. Before its launch, staff operated as the Trade Remedies Investigations Directorate (TRID) of DIT.
Anti-dumping measures are one of the three types of trade remedies allowed by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The other two are countervailing measures which counter unfair subsidies on imported goods and safeguard measures which address unforeseen surges of imports.
As part of its work, the TRA needs to assess existing trade remedy measures which were inherited from the EU system to make sure they are appropriate for the UK. It is reviewing 43 measures which were identified as being of interest to the UK and analysing data to assess whether the measures are helping to protect against imports which are causing damage to UK industries.
This review concerned an anti-dumping measure applying to certain pre- and post-stressing wires and wire strands of non-alloy steel originating in the People’s Republic of China which began on 30 July 2020. The period of investigation was 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019. In order to assess injury, the TRA examined the period from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2019.
As part of its review, the TRA also conducted an Economic Interest Test to consider:
the damage that the products might be causing to UK producers of those goods
the economic significance of affected industries and consumers in the UK and the potential impact of keeping or revoking the measure
the likely impact on particular geographic areas and groups in the UK
the likely consequences for the competitive environment and the structure of the UK market in these goods
Published 3 August 2021
India: applications open for Chevening Scholarships 2022 to 2023
World news story
Aspiring scholars who are planning to study for a one-year master’s degree in British universities can apply.
The application window for the UK Government’s prestigious Chevening Scholarship programme for 2022 to 2023 is now open. Chevening Scholarships offer full financial support for one year to candidates applying for a master’s degree at any UK university – covering nearly 12,000 courses from more than 150 universities. The scholarship will cover tuition fees for the selected course, travel expenses and visa fees and a monthly stipend.
Alex Ellis, High Commissioner to India, said:
Chevening Scholarships offer a unique opportunity for the future leaders of India to study at some of the world’s best universities in the UK. Whatever your background, your geography, please apply for this chance to learn and experience the best of what the UK has to offer and in doing so, strengthen the living bridge between our two countries.
India is home to the largest Chevening programme in the world. Chevening has been running the scholarship and fellowship programmes in India since 1983. It has helped more than 3,300 scholars and fellows from across India – including many first-generation learners – realise their dream of pursuing a world-class education and training in the UK. Many of these scholars and fellows have gone on to make remarkable contributions towards the prosperity of India.
Candidates can apply for any course of their choice. Further details, including on how to apply, can be found on the Chevening website.
For media queries, please contact:
David Russell, Head of Communications Press and Communications, British High Commission, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021. Tel: 24192100
Government consults on increasing access to lifesaving overdose medicine
Consultation launched to make naloxone more widely available in the community
Police officers, paramedics, prison officers and pharmacists could administer the medicine across the UK
The treatment can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and prevent drug-related deaths
A lifesaving medicine which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose could be available to more frontline workers under new plans to tackle record high drug-related deaths.
A consultation has been launched today [Tuesday 3 August] to amend current regulations in order to allow naloxone to be supplied and administered by a wider group of people regularly coming into contact with drug users.
Police officers, prison officers, paramedics and pharmacists are among the professions that would be given access to the drug able to help save the lives of people suffering an overdose.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid said:
Drug misuse destroys lives and has a devastating impact on people’s health, their livelihoods and their families.
To prevent people dying from drug abuse we need to make sure the right treatment and medicines are available, which is why we’re launching this consultation on naloxone today.
This Government is committed to tackling drug misuse and saving lives, including through our new Joint Combating Drugs Unit and an ambitious new strategy.
Drug related deaths have doubled since 2012 with the latest statistics showing record numbers of opiate-related deaths across the United Kingdom.
This 8 week consultation comes after the government launched a new Joint Combating Drugs Unit and committed to publish an ambitious new drug strategy later this year to tackle drug misuse across society.
This commitment was made in response to Dame Carol Black’s landmark independent review on drugs.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said:
Drugs destroy lives, ruin families, and tear apart communities and we are doing everything in our power to stop this poisonous cycle and help people to turn their lives around.
Allowing police officers and other frontline workers to carry naloxone would mean more lives are saved from this terrible scourge and I am delighted to support the Health and Social Care Secretary in this work as part of a whole of government effort to drive down drug misuse.
At the same time we will continue to clamp down on criminal gangs by actively disrupting supply chains which fuel illegal markets, support people through treatment and recovery and rid communities of the harm drug misuse causes.
Currently, while naloxone can be legally administered by anyone during an emergency, its supply is tightly controlled and is only available through prescription.
Aside from an emergency situation, it is only commissioned drug treatment services that are able to obtain, and supply naloxone to individuals without a prescription or other written authorisation. This consultation seeks to change that.
The services and individuals that would be eligible to hold and give naloxone are:
police officers
prison officers
probation officers
registered nurses
paramedics
midwives
pharmacists
outreach and day services for people who experience homelessness
temporary and supported accommodation services for substance users and people who experience homelessness
The proposed legislative changes would apply throughout the United Kingdom and this consultation is being made available in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
It will seek views on the viability of these proposals, as well as suggestions from stakeholders of any more individuals or services that should also be included in the list.
The government responded to the Dame Carol Black review last week
Dame Carol will advise the government on the development and delivery of a new drug strategy – to be published by the end of the year– which will set out a full response to her review recommendations. The strategy will take a genuinely cross-government approach to tackle the supply and demand for illegal drugs simultaneously.
Introducing the Government Geography Profession Leadership Team
David Wood
Deputy Director Environmental Analysis, Defra
Head of the Government Geography Profession
I’m David Wood and I’m the Head of the Government Geography Profession (GGP). At Defra, I lead a multi-disciplinary team to build the evidence base to inform our ambitious environmental policies, including the 25 Year Environment Plan, net zero and Environmental Land Management. I’m also strategic lead for the cross-Defra Group data science centre of excellence where we’re developing our data science capability.
I’ve been privileged over the last 3 years to be the first head of the Profession and have really enjoyed working with my dedicated deputies who you’ll hear from below, and other volunteers to grow the profession from a standing start to where it is today. There are a lot of initiatives we have put in place to support members, from monthly webinars to an annual conference, awards and a career framework. But I know there is a lot more we can do! This includes supporting members with mentoring opportunities and creating a members directory, but also focusing on entry routes into the profession to bring in new and diverse talent, and to start thinking around guidance and standards.
Jon Pickstone
Strategic Director (Economy) for Hammersmith & Fulham Council
GGP role: Development of strategy and operating models, and chairing the Cross Government Geographers Group.
I’m responsible for supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth across Scotland’s places and communities.
Geographers provide understanding of how and why processes play out differently from place to place, at scales from local to global. I’m keen to maximise the benefits of geographers in analysis, policy and delivery by developing our skills, community, impact and recognition.
Clare Hadley
Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Ordnance Survey
GGP role: Develop the GGP within Local Authorities, blue light services and local level public bodies.
At the Ordnance Survey, I ensure that we understand who our key external stakeholders are and coordinate our engagement.
The GGP is one of the few Government Professions that is not restricted to Civil Servants, and I am keen to make it relevant and accessible to all Public Sector workers.
Ian Coady
Geospatial Adviser, FCDO
GGP role: Defining the Profession offer and growing membership.
I support developing countries in strengthening their geospatial data systems and ensuring UK Foreign Policy is built on robust geospatial data.
I hope the Profession can provide increased networking opportunities and defined career pathways for geographers, as well as advocate for the power of geographic data.
Patrick Rickles
Head of Digital Skills and Innovation, North Sea Transition Authority
GGP role: Diversity and Inclusion, Design, Communications and Platform Technology.
I recently started at the OGA and will focus on establishing a digital academy for upskilling colleagues on spatial and non-spatial technologies. I will also be experimenting with cloud technologies and scripting languages to innovate with geospatial artificial intelligence and machine learning.
I believe the Profession should be representative of wider society, inclusive and welcoming of geographers from all different backgrounds. I want the Profession to support those early in their careers through mentorship, learning and sharing training and job opportunities.
Claire Edwards
Manager – Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment, Natural England
GGP role: Promoting value of geography in the delivery of government policy.
In Natural England, my role is to manage a team of geospatial experts involved in the Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) Pilot and lead on building data analysis capability in the NCEA programme.
I would like to see the Government Geography Profession be recognised for its approach to diversity and inclusion, building a strong membership base across the across the UK, providing numerous entry points for geographers to work in the public sector.
Rollo Home
Head of Propositions and Product Management, Ordnance Survey
GGP role: Develop the GGP within Local Authorities.
At the Ordnance Survey, I ensure a pipeline of future geospatial products and services that are fit for the rapidly evolving public sector demands.
Local Authorities are pioneers of adoption of geospatial analysis. There is significant learning to be gained from Local Authorities’ success stories and the sharing of best practice. We want the Profession to be able to support individuals develop themselves, offer career support, on-line resources and backing for formal accreditations.
Ian Spencer
Senior Civilian Geographer and Geospatial Analyst, Ministry of Defence
GGP role: Professional standards and accreditation.
My primary role at the Ministry of Defence is as one of the Deputy Heads of the UK’s National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence. I ensure the delivery of global assured geospatial and environmental information, products and services to a wide range of users in the MoD.
In the future I hope that where geographic support and advice is required, it is provided by appropriately qualified and accredited professionals. If we achieve that, future members of the profession will be able to have a rich and varied career across government without losing their geography anchor.
Brian Vinall
Flood Forecasting Centre Operations Manager, Environment Agency / Met Office
GGP role: Lead geographer for the Environment Agency; Outreach.
In a joint partnership between the Environment Agency and the Met Office, I manage the team delivering 24/7 flood guidance and advice for emergency responders in England and Wales.
My ultimate ambition is for someone studying geography to be told by their career advisor what fantastic opportunities there are for geographers as a career in Government and the Civil Service.
Steven Campbell
Head of Spatial Analysis and Area Briefings, Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities
GGP role: Ensuring geography and location are part of policy within government.
I’m Head of Spatial Analysis and Area Briefings at MHCLG.
I’d like the Profession to continue to grow and establish itself amongst the existing professions, so it is recognised across government in the same way that statistics and economics are presently.
Alistair Edwardes
Head of Spatial Data Science, Defra
GGP role: Lead on professional standards, guidance and tools.
I recently joined the Environment Analysis Unit in Defra having previously worked at the ONS Data Science Campus. I head up a team working on spatial data science, aiming to bring new approaches to bear for working with geospatial data on cross cutting environmental policy problems.
I want to see good practise produced that will support consistency in geospatial analysis across the public sector. I want to see standards and frameworks for the geography profession embedded within those of the Analysis Function, in order to cement its position and ensure that geographic skills and knowledge are represented in multi-disciplinary analysis.
SIA announces a change to the launch date for the new Close Protection qualification
Press release
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has extended the introduction of the updated close protection qualification to 01 April 2022.
The new implementation date will allow for full testing of the new skills before they are introduced. The SIA will run a pilot in early 2022 with selected training centres. This will enable those delivering the qualification to provide feedback on the new bespoke physical intervention unit and make any required adjustments to the course before it goes live in April 2022.
The changes to be introduced by the SIA have been informed by the views of expert stakeholders and reflect extensive research and discussion with the industry, including a public consultation.
Changes to the qualification includes new physical intervention skills for close protection operatives.
The new content will allow the integration arrangement that permits close protection licence holders to work as Door Supervisors to continue.
The SIA will run a series of webinars for training providers, operatives and the wider industry towards the end of September. These sessions will outline the content added to the new qualification and also provide an overview of the new bespoke physical intervention skills for close protection operatives.
Further information:
The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the United Kingdom, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Our main duties are: the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities; and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme.
For further information about the Security Industry Authority visit www.gov.uk/sia. The SIA is also on Facebook (Security Industry Authority) and Twitter (SIAuk).
