HM Government

Near miss between a train and line-side workers on Dutton Viaduct, between Crewe and Runcorn, Cheshire, 18 September 2017.

The wheels of justice, they say, turn slowly.

Well, not this morning.

Between the Royal Courts of Justice, the Supreme Court and Westminster Abbey, we have dealt with a very full caseload – and it’s still only breakfast time.

As well as opening a new legal year, we have welcomed two exceptional leaders for the senior judiciary. A new Lord Chief Justice, Sir Ian Burnett, and a new President of the Supreme Court, Lady Hale.

We must also say our farewells, to Lord Thomas and Lord Neuberger. They have served the justice system with distinction, dignity and energy.

We have many challenges ahead but I am confident that we have a judiciary eminently well equipped to deal with them. They are fearsomely experienced and rightly independent of the executive – but like all of us here they still need a good breakfast.

So will you please join me in raising a glass in a toast: To the future – and to the past.

And now, as Shakespeare recommended, let us

Do as adversaries in law – strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.

Farmers whose herds are at risk of bovine TB will be able to access expert help on protecting their animals through a new Defra-funded advisory scheme.

The service launched today at the Dairy Show in Shepton Mallett and will provide both on-farm and phone or email advice to farmers in High Risk and Edge Areas of England with trained consultants providing knowledge to help prevent the spread of bTB based on the biosecurity 5 point plan.

It is an important part of the long-term plan to eradicate the disease in all animals. Bovine TB costs taxpayers over £100 million every year and England has the highest incidence of the disease in Europe. In 2016 more than 29,000 cattle had to be slaughtered in England to control the disease, causing devastation and distress for farmers and rural communities.

The helpline will offer advice to farmers on limiting on-farm disease risk, while farm visits will offer clear, practical advice to help farmers protect their herds and, if needed, manage the impacts of a TB breakdown on their farm. Farmers wanting to register their interest in this can call 01306 779410 or email info@tbas.org.uk.

Over the next three years the service, delivered by industry specialists Origin Group, will offer 2,400 visits to farms in the South West and West Midlands from Cornwall to Derbyshire. The TB advisory service adds to the support and information already available via the TB Hub.

Welcoming the launch of the new service, Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said:

Bovine TB is one of the greatest animal health threats in the UK and has a devastating impact on our farmers.

As part of our comprehensive long term plan to eradicate the disease, I am delighted to announce that from today, farmers will be able to access even more help and support via the new bTB Advisory Service.

Alongside the existing TB Hub, The bTB Advisory Service will help arm our farmers with the knowledge they need to prevent this devastating disease spreading – a vital weapon in our fight to protect the UK’s herds and our farmers’ futures.

The creation of the bTB Advisory Service was announced last month alongside the relaunch of the Badger Edge Vaccination Scheme.

The biosecurity 5 point plan can help farmers protect their herds and those of their neighbours:

1. Restrict contact between badgers and cattle
2. Manage cattle feed and water
3. Stop infected cattle entering the herd
4. Reduce risk from neighbouring herds
5. Minimise infection from cattle manure

Sellafield Ltd is testing its emergency arrangements at Sellafield on Wednesday 4 October

Top 30 employers announced by the work-life balance charity Working Families.