Organisations can propose projects that develop smarter, more energy-efficient technologies that advance the UK aerospace industry.

At around 23:50 hrs on 12 December 2018, two track workers had to jump out of the way of an approaching passenger train that was travelling at 101 mph (162 km/h). Neither person was injured.

We have undertaken a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding this incident. Having assessed the evidence which has been gathered to date, we have decided to publish a safety digest.

The safety digest will be made available on our website in the next few weeks.

Today the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are recalling certain irbesartan containing products made by Actavis (now Accord) as a precautionary measure, due to possible N‑nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) contamination.

There is no evidence at present that the impurity has caused any harm to patients and not all irbesartan products are affected. People should not stop their medication and should speak to a doctor or pharmacist if they have any concerns.

The recall follows a Europe-wide investigation into contamination of sartan products. MHRA twice recalled batches of valsartan to pharmacy level in 2018; valsartan containing medicines from Dexcel and Actavis (now Accord) were recalled in July and batches of valsartan containing medicines made by Mylan and Teva, were also recalled to pharmacy level in November.

The first recall occurred after an impurity, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), was identified as part of the manufacturing process in a valsartan active substance manufactured at one facility based in China. A second impurity, NDEA, was later discovered.

MHRA are working closely with other EU member states, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM) to ensure a thorough investigation and we will consider the impact in the UK and what actions may be necessary.

Dr Sam Atkinson MHRA’s Director of the Inspection, Enforcement and Standards Division said:

Our highest priority is making sure the medicines you take are safe.

Our investigation into potential contamination of sartan containing medicines, including irbesartan, is ongoing.

At present, there is no evidence that medicines containing NDMA or NDEA have caused any harm to patients.

Because of the risk associated with suddenly stopping high blood pressure medication, people are advised not to stop any treatments without consulting their doctor or pharmacist.

Notes to editor

1. In July, MHRA advised pharmacies to recall affected batches of Valsartan containing medicines made by Mylan and Teva as a precautionary measure.
2. In November, we advised pharmacies to recall batches of valsartan from Dexcel and Actavis as a precautionary measure.
3. Find out more about our Yellow Card Scheme.
4. Read the Drug Alert in full for further information.

Pharmacies across the UK are working with us to recall blood pressure and heart medication as a precaution.

Defence Minister Stuart Andrew has announced that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has signed a £250 million deal to support the RAF’s intelligence-gathering Shadow aircraft fleet, supporting 450 jobs.

Shadow is a highly capable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft which performs crucial intelligence-gathering on operations all over the world.

Shadow, flown by 14 Squadron RAF, has been on operations above battlefields including Iraq and Afghanistan.

The newly-signed contract with Raytheon will sustain 200 jobs at the company’s facilities in Broughton, North Wales and hundreds more across the UK supply chain.

Services will also be established at RAF Waddington, the home of the RAF’s ISTAR fleet, to ensure aircraft availability under the new contract.

Defence Minister Stuart Andrew said:

This £250 million investment will ensure the UK retains its position as a global leader in battlefield intelligence gathering for UK troops and our NATO allies. It is also great news for the economy through the safeguarding of 450 skilled jobs across the country, including 200 in North Wales, confirming the region as a UK centre of excellence for air support.

The support contract will provide maintenance, airworthiness, design and supplier management services as well as modification and integration work which will allow Shadow to be upgraded in the future.

DE&S Chief Executive Officer Sir Simon Bollom said:

DE&S is proud to continue to work with our partners across industry to deliver world-class support to the RAF’s Shadow fleet. The continuing investment in support safeguards jobs and expertise which will provide safe and available aircraft in support of UK troops.

Under commitments laid out in the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, the UK is bringing a total of eight Shadow aircraft into RAF service.

Air ISTAR Programme Director, Group Captain Shaun Gee:

This contract award marks a key milestone in cementing the excellent partnership between the MOD with RSL(UK). It delivers vital ongoing support to operations and, crucially, enables future, rapid development of the SHADOW Platform which will ensure the capability remains at the cutting edge of technology providing a world-class tactical ISR capability for the UK.