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Author Archives: HM Government

News story: Minister wraps up two day tour of North East

Securing an ambitious Brexit deal that works for every region of the UK remains the Government’s priority, Minister Steve Baker confirmed today as he concluded a two-day of the North East of England.

The Minister’s trip took in a range of sectors across the region – from energy and construction to life sciences and fishing. He visited Hartlepool Power Station and the Port of Tyne, met with the North East LEP and the North East Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking to business leaders and organisation representatives, the Minister used the visit to hear about the opportunities and challenges that the UK’s exit from the EU could pose to the North East and how they are preparing.

Minister for Exiting the EU, Steve Baker said:

As we move towards exit day, we’re absolutely committed to listening to the views of businesses and people from across the UK.

In the North East over the past few days, I have talked to a variety of different businesses from a range of sectors and heard all about their priorities and preparations for exit.

The insight and understanding that they have is hugely valuable as we proceed through the negotiations to secure a deal that works for the whole of the UK.

With negotiations firmly underway, the visit comes as the UK Government steps up its engagement with businesses across the UK to ensure the voices of British businesses are heard and reflected throughout the exit process.

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Press release: Man who dumped chemical barrels caught out by GPS in hire van

A man was caught out after GPS data was seized from the rental van he had used to illegally dump waste and he has now been sentenced at Nottingham Magistrates Court.

Kirk McRoberts, of Waterloo Promenade in Nottingham, pleaded guilty on Tuesday 19 September and was fined £900. He was also ordered to contribute £500 towards the cost of prosecution and had to pay a £45 government surcharge.

McRoberts was charged with illegally depositing waste in Long Eaton in Derbyshire and Cossall in Nottinghamshire. The judge described the illegal deposit of the waste as “a scourge” and remarked that these offences were serious.

The judge gave McRoberts full credit for his early guilty plea and noted that he had no previous convictions for breaches of environmental legislation.

Between 4 and 7 April 2016, McRoberts deposited twenty-three barrels filled with adhesive at Lock Lane in Long Eaton and at Cossall Road in Cossall. Running a firm called ‘No Need for a Skip Ltd’, McRoberts used a hired vehicle which was fitted with a GPS tracker. Data recorded by the GPS tracker clearly shows the van stopping at both locations. CCTV footage from one of the sites also showed the barrels being dumped.

The company that hired Mr McRoberts to remove the waste has been issued with a warning for not making the necessary checks as to where the waste would be going and that the company used was registered as a waste carrier.

The Environment Agency estimates that McRoberts avoided costs of around £900 by disposing of the waste illegally.

Commenting, Peter Haslock, enforcement team leader with the Environment Agency said:

The acts of illegal waste carriers like McRoberts can have seriously damaging effects on the environment. They also undermine legitimate businesses operating within the confines of the law.

We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible for illegal waste dumping to justice. We’d also like to remind people to check their waste carrier is licensed by the Environment Agency. You are required by law to make sure your waste goes to a site licenced to take it, and could end up with a hefty fine if you fail to do so.

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