Among those celebrating Wales’ national day were world-renowned fashion designer Julien Macdonald OBE and Chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union Gareth Davies.

The new Aston Martin DBX – built at the brand’s new manufacturing plant in the Vale of Glamorgan – was parked in Downing Street. The South Wales site will become Aston Martin’s ‘home of electrification’, putting Wales at the forefront of electric technology and bringing over 700 new jobs to the region.

Inside Number 10 Welsh creative talent was centre stage; Julien Macdonald showcased a selection of his fashion range while guests enjoyed musical performances from Welsh choir Côr Llundain and harpist Dylan Wyn Rowlands.

Prime Minister Theresa May said:

The sheer breadth of talent and industry represented here today is testament to the huge contribution the people of Wales make both at home and on the world stage.

From music to manufacturing, fashion to food, it is a real privilege to celebrate Wales’ proud heritage and bright future ahead of St David’s Day.

Wales has a truly global outlook and I am determined to see this great nation go from strength to strength.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:

I am delighted to celebrate St David’s Day by opening the doors of No10 once again to welcome guests from all aspects of Welsh culture in celebration of our unique history, language, sporting and business achievements.

I’d like to thank all those who came together to make the event a success today. It is a clear demonstration of the UK Government and the Prime Minister’s commitment to Wales, recognising that Wales is an integral part of our union.

Guests also enjoyed quality Welsh produce on show from Ruthin-based company Patchwork Traditional Foods who use locally sourced ingredients for their handmade products. They were joined by Llanllyr Source whose drinks are enjoyed in hotels and restaurants all around the world as well as the award-winning Dà Mhìle Distillery and Teifi Farmhouse Cheese.

Government wants to see improved clarity and consistency in how the sector deals with allergies.

The Aviation Minister Liz Sugg met with allergy sufferers, medical experts and airlines today to explore options for improving the flying experience for those who suffer from nut allergies.

While passenger numbers continue to grow, barriers remain for people with additional needs, such as those suffering from allergies, meaning they are less likely to choose to fly or find the experience more difficult when they do.

The meeting follows the publication of the consultation on the future of aviation, Aviation 2050, which proposes the introduction of a passenger charter. The charter will set out clear standards for a range of passenger issues which could include more consistent information for consumers with allergies.

Aviation Minister Liz Sugg said:

Passengers with nut allergies can face potentially life-threatening challenges when travelling which can cause significant stress and anxiety, especially for families with children. We want to see improved clarity and consistency in how the sector deals with allergies because it is vital that sufferers have the confidence to travel.

It is clear that airlines want to help too and build on the good practice that already exists. They will now meet with food allergy sufferers to explore further what more can be done. The Department for Transport will work with industry, the CAA and allergy groups to ensure there is a central point where people can access the allergy policies of individual airlines and the procedures for alerting airlines when there are passengers travelling with allergy needs.

Some airlines have stopped serving nuts on flights, which provides some reassurance for those with allergies, but the possibility of exposure cannot be fully ruled out. Airlines already take the welfare of their passengers very seriously and have processes in place to enable passengers to notify them in advance of their flight of any allergies to reduce risk and mitigate against potential exposure.

The government is currently consulting on measures to improve the flying experience for those with nut allergies as part of the Aviation Strategy green paper, and welcomes contributions from interested parties.

The consultation will conclude later this year. The government will then respond in due course.

Minister of State for Africa, Harriett Baldwin, congratulates President Buhari on securing a second term as the Nigerian President

Last night the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria declared President Buhari the winner of the 2019 Presidential elections.

Minister of State for Africa, Harriett Baldwin, said:

I offer my congratulations to President Buhari on securing a second term as the Nigerian President. The UK is a long-standing friend and partner of Nigeria and the Nigerian people, and a stable and prosperous Nigeria benefits Africa and the world.

The Nigerian people have demonstrated resilience and a commitment to democracy. The result declared by the Nigerian election commission is consistent with the result obtained through the civil society Parallel Vote Tabulation process. Along with our international partners, the UK believes the Nigerian people can have confidence in the result.

However, we also recognise that independent Nigerian voices have expressed concerns about the conduct of the electoral process, in particular logistics and results collation, and reports of intimidation of election officials. We urge any party or individual who wishes to challenge the process to do so peacefully and through the appropriate legal channel and we encourage Nigerian authorities to examine all allegations of wrongdoing carefully, and take the necessary action against individuals found responsible.

My thoughts are also with the families and friends of those who lost their lives in election-related violence. No one should die in the exercise of their democratic rights. We will continue to support Nigeria and its civil society in drawing lessons from these elections and strengthening its democracy.

Published 27 February 2019