The Apprenticeship Delivery Board (ADB), created to advise on expanding apprenticeships nationally, are working with the National Apprenticeship Service to increase the number of apprenticeship places that employers offer in both the public and private sector. The ADB is a key tool in driving the delivery of 3 million apprenticeship starts during this parliament.

Chaired by David Meller, Chair of the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network and reporting directly to Skills Minister Robert Halfon MP, members of the board include:

• David Abraham, Chief Executive of Channel 4
• Melanie Hayes, Resourcing and Development Director, Compass Group
• Dr Andrew Parmley, Lord Mayor of London
• Mike Thompson, Head of Employability at Barclays
• Rami Ranger CBE, Chairman of Sun Mark Ltd
• Simon Blagden CBE, Non-Executive Chairman at Fujitsu
• James Wates CBE, Chairman, Wates Construction
• Julie Taylor, Director General, Head Office and Commissioning Services, Ministry of Defence
• Judith Nelson, Retail Sector member

Today’s event highlighted the many employers and intermediaries that the ADB have already engaged with, including the likes of Bauer Media, Claire’s Accessories, Harris Trust, Prudential and Yahoo!.

Richard Harrington MP, was in attendance and he recognised five employers for their continued commitment to apprenticeships: Deloitte, Screwfix/Kingfisher, Leonard Cheshire Disability, Faccenda, and O2 – whilst also recognising the commitment of the ADB members.

David Meller said:

This is an important milestone for the ADB. In the last 12 months we have engaged with leading employers in England to expand the current apprenticeship programme and to reach out to those not previously involved with apprenticeships. This is just the start of the journey and the very recent announcements on the Industrial Strategy and Institute for Apprenticeships will also be considered and embraced within the ADB brief.

We couldn’t have achieved the great things we have so far had it not been for the commitment of the board and today we want to thank them for their support.

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed H5N8 avian flu at a turkey rearing farm near Boston, Lincolnshire.

A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

The flock is estimated to contain approximately 19,500 birds. A number have died and the remaining live birds at the premises will be humanely culled. A full investigation is under way to determine the source of the infection.

Public Health England advise that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency is clear that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

Read the latest advice and information on avian flu in the UK, including actions to reduce the risk of the disease spreading, advice for anyone who keeps poultry or captive birds and details of previous cases. Journalists with queries should contact Defra press office.

The UK’s National Holocaust Memorial and learning centre will stand in the shadow of Parliament, at the heart of our democracy, in Victoria Tower Gardens. This striking new structure will honour victims and survivors of Nazi persecution. It will also educate future generations about the dangers of prejudice and hatred, and serve as a powerful statement of our values as a nation.

The UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation launched a memorial international design competition in September 2016. It sought to identify the very best architectural talent to create an emotionally powerful and sensitively designed memorial. Ninety-two teams expressed an interest in the project, with a shortlist of 10 invited to submit concept designs. These designs are being displayed publically at a number of venues across the UK as well as online.

We are consulting on the shortlist with the public, those working in the field of Holocaust remembrance and education, and technical experts. This consultation will play a crucial role in informing the jury’s final decision on the memorial.

A summary of the feedback we receive will be fed into the jury. Note that we are not able to respond to individual submissions.

Thank you for sharing your views with the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation.

Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns will today hail the Consular Association for Wales and its members as the people who can help Wales unlock some of the trading opportunities that will help us prosper after Brexit.

Speaking at an event he will host at Gwydyr House in Whitehall, the Welsh Secretary will tell guests that as the United Kingdom enters a time of national change, the UK Government is determined to deliver a stronger, fairer, more united and outward-looking UK than ever before.

He will say that to become a Global Britain, our strong relationships with Consular Associations and foreign dignitaries has never been more important.

Alun Cairns, Secretary of State for Wales, said:

Wales has a growing international reputation. It is essential that we work with our friends at the Consular Association of Wales to unlock trading opportunities and promote a Wales that is confident and strong to the world.

Building on old relationships and developing new ones is vital if we are to secure trade links and explore new and emerging markets. This will help to drive an economy that works for everyone.

Raj Aggarwal, President of the Consular Association for Wales and Honorary Consul for India in Wales, said:

Now more than ever the country needs the Consular Association of Wales to strengthen relationships and ties to their respective countries both in the EU and the rest of the world. The expertise, network and knowledge of the Honorary Consuls will forge stronger connections.

They represent countries with huge markets and a thriving consumer demand for quality Welsh products. Our aspiration is to bring the world to Wales and take Wales to the world.