Licences for all forms of net fishing on the estuary, usually available from 1 June, are not currently being issued as new figures on the stock for the Severn, Wye and Usk, which salmon from the Severn estuary migrate to, have been shown to be extremely low and further consideration of the availability of permits is required.

The review of the stock assessment will continue until 14 June when a decision will be announced on what further action is needed to protect the species. The Environment Agency is considering introducing an emergency byelaw prohibiting any salmon fishing by nets in the estuary for the current season, which continues through to the end of August, or whether other action can achieve the protection that is required. A review on whether rod anglers will be required to return any salmon caught after 16 June will be part of this consideration.

Reducing the taking of salmon is only one part of the Environment Agency’s larger national programme to protect salmon stocks. Actions taken by the Environment Agency and its partners that contribute to protecting salmon stocks include removing barriers, improving water quality and agricultural practices and addressing unsustainable water abstractions.

David Hudson, Environment Manager for Gloucestershire said:

We have not taken this decision lightly. There are a variety of environmental factors that have led to the decline in salmon stocks in the Severn estuary, it’s not just about the number taken through fishing.

But only through taking action now, and through the co-operation of others, will we manage to protect this iconic fish in the Severn for future generations. Doing nothing is not an option.

I know this will impact many fishermen and am sorry for the disruption but it is essential we take strong and immediate action to protect salmon in the river Severn as they are particularly at risk. We are liaising with our colleagues in Natural Resources Wales and Natural England and with those affected.

The Environment Agency is carrying out a review of new data which shows a significant reduction in salmon stock levels in the Severn Estuary.

Prime Minister Theresa May’s remarks at the US State Visit business roundtable.

Good morning everyone, thank for joining us today, and special thanks to His Royal Highness the Duke of York for hosting us here at St James’s Palace.

It’s a pleasure to welcome leaders of so many world-class companies around the table today – and of course our honoured guest, President Trump, a man who knows a thing or two about business himself as well.

I think the range of companies you see around this table shows us the huge scope of transatlantic business links that we have between the United States and the United Kingdom.

And the numbers I think show that they speak for themselves. Trade between our nations last year was worth almost $240 billion.

We see that British companies employ a million people across the US. And every morning, a million people in the UK go to work for American employers in the UK.

It is a great partnership, but I think it’s a partnership that we can take even further.

That’s with of course a bilateral free trade agreement. And also I think building a wider economic partnership for the future as well.

And by continuing to work together to underpin, shape and influence the global economy, the rules on which that’s based and its institutions, to keep markets free, fair and open, and keeping our industries and businesses competitive.

I think there are huge opportunities for us to seize together, and challenges for us to work together on to tackle as well.

And the opportunity today is that we are going to look at how we do both of those.

In a few moments I’ll ask Sir Roger to start the discussions, but first of all I would like you, Mr President, if you would like to open with some thoughts.

Charity Commission finds funds were spent on gym membership, TV subscription and debts