Jul132017

Press release: University rapist is locked up for longer

HM Government

Ibrahim Elamin, 35, who carried out a series of rapes against university students on their way home, will now spend longer in prison following a referral from the Solicitor General under the unduly lenient sentencing scheme.

Elamin originally received a 7 year and 8 months’ prison sentence for rape and two other sexual offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court in May.

Over a period of six weeks in 2010, Elamin committed three similar offences against young males on a university campus. He lay in wait to attack students at Loughborough University who were on their way home from the Students’ Union. Two of the victims were alone, with another being lured away from his friends before being sexually assaulted.

Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP, argued that the original sentence given to Elamin was unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal has today increased his sentence to 11 years and 3 months.

Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General said:

“These were premeditated attacks, preying on young men on their way home. Young people should be able to enjoy a night out and walk home without fear.

“I felt the original sentence did not accurately reflect the seriousness of this offending and I am pleased that the Court of Appeal agreed with me.”

Jul132017

Kez Dugdale responds to Brexit Bill

Scottish Labour

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale today said Labour will not support the Tories’ EU Withdrawal Bill unless there is a ‘clear presumption of devolution’.

Ms Dugdale said the Tories are intent on forcing through a Brexit that risks jobs and livelihoods, and the SNP has no interest in the deal that works for the entire UK, meaning only Labour is committed to an alternative to Theresa May’s Brexit plans.

Ms Dugdale this week met with Labour's Shadow Secretary for Exiting the European Union, Keir Starmer, in London.

Commenting on the publication of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said:
“This Bill may have changed name yet again, but that can’t disguise Theresa May’s attempt to force a Brexit on the UK that risks jobs and livelihoods.
“Labour believes there should be a jobs-first Brexit; not one that allows the Tories to erode workplace rights, consumer rights or environmental standards.
“Labour will seek a clear and binding commitment to repatriate powers in devolved areas to the Scottish Parliament. We will insist this must be done in a short, but achievable timeframe.
“If there is not a clear presumption of devolution, as well as the other demands set out by Keir Starmer, Labour has been clear that our MPs will not support this Bill in the Commons.
"It is my firm belief that we must not lose sight of the potential to strengthen the powers of the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh and Northern Irish Assemblies or the regions of England as part of a more federal United Kingdom.
"The Bill must also set out an acceptable financial settlement to accompany the newly devolved powers, as the Tories cannot be allowed to simply inflict further austerity on UK nations and regions.
“The SNP has absolutely no interest in a Brexit deal that works for the entire UK, and it’s now fundamentally clear that Labour is the only party committed to an alternative to Theresa May’s Brexit that will deliver for the many, not the few.”

Jul132017

Newport selected for new £30m rail production facility creating 300 jobs

Welsh Government

The £30m investment, with significant support from the Welsh Government, will create 300 highly skilled and well paid jobs.

More than 100 locations in the UK were considered for this major investment, with the Celtic Business Park in Newport chosen from one of 4 potential sites that were short listed.

Welcoming the news today, First Minister Carwyn Jones said:

“Today’s announcement is a major coup for Wales and a big vote of confidence in our manufacturing industry. We are, once again, competing and beating others on the world stage to secure significant investment to Wales.

“This £30m investment is a major economic boost that we hope will kick-start the growth of our rail sector and create hundreds of highly skilled, very well paid jobs.”

Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: 

“This significant investment from CAF and Welsh Government will underpin the development of the rail sector in Wales and places us at the heart of an industry with massive growth potential.

“As well as creating 300 high calibre jobs, it also coincides with our major Welsh Government Metro rail investment in south east Wales, details of which will be unveiled over the coming weeks.”

Richard Garner, CAF’s UK Director, said: 

“CAF is an established supplier to the UK market, and we now have solid economic basis for further increasing our footprint in the UK. The establishment of this facility will serve CAF’s long-term aspirations to dominate the UK market for many years to come.”

The Welsh Government is supporting the project, which will be the first centre of its type in Wales. The site will allow for significant future expansion, providing potential for further investment and employment in the Newport area. 

The new facility will enable the company to assemble, test and commission new vehicles and have capacity to undertake future manufacturing projects as well as maintenance and servicing activities.

Jul132017

Press release: Close season offenders risk court appearance and £50,000 fine

DEFRA

The Environment Agency reported 122 offences of fishing during the close season, following 670 patrols carried out in the restricted period. The targeted patrols also detected 179 other offences, mainly unlicensed fishing.

Environment Agency Fisheries Enforcement Officers were supported by 232 Angling Trust Voluntary Bailiff Service members, carrying out over 5,000 hours of patrols under Operation CLAMPDOWN. Now in its 5th year, Operation CLAMPDOWN is a joint initiative between the Environment Agency, Angling Trust’s Fisheries Enforcement Support Service, UK National Wildlife Crime Unit and police forces, aimed at gathering intelligence about illegal fishing and responding through targeted patrols. The volunteers reported 111 suspicious incidents to the Environment Agency and police.

The coarse fish close season restrictions are imposed in order to protect vulnerable spawning fish, helping to safeguard fish stocks for the future. Patrols took place across rivers, streams, drains and specific canals and stillwaters covered by the coarse fish close season byelaw, which runs from 15th March – 15th June inclusive.

Judy Proctor, Acting Deputy Director for Fisheries at the Environment Agency, said:

The vast majority of anglers fish legally; sadly there is a small number of anglers who cheat others by fishing during the close season. The coarse fishing close season helps protect vulnerable spawning fish – this is why it’s in place. It is still possible for anglers to fish during this time on many stillwaters and canals, which are open all year round.

We respond to the intelligence we receive about illegal fishing by ensuring our patrols are targeted at the right places – and the right people.

Dilip Sarkar MBE, Angling Trust National Enforcement Manager, said:

These figures show that during Operation CLAMPDOWN 5, Phase 1 Volunteer Bailiffs throughout England demonstrated their massive commitment to protecting fish and fisheries and cracking down on illegal fishing. All anglers can help this process, in fact – at any time of year – by reporting information and offences in progress to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60, or the police on 101/999 as appropriate.

The enforcement work was supported through a network of 474 Angling Trust volunteer bailiffs covering all counties in England. Patrolling under operation CLAMPDOWN for a 5th year, they assisted by reporting illegal fishing incidents and information to the Environment Agency and police.

Anyone who suspects illegal fishing to be taking place should report the matter to the Environment Agency’s incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

Notes to editors

  • Enjoy fishing and make sure you fish legally
  • Annual fishing licences from only £30
  • It’s easy to buy online. Get a Fishing Licence
  • All fishing licence income is used to fund work to protect, improve and develop fisheries, fish habitats and angling.
  • Go fishing – Find out about angling events, fisheries and venues so you can go fishing
  • The Environment Agency is cracking down on illegal fishing
  • The reason why it is illegal to fish on rivers, streams and some specific canals and stillwaters. Due to many waters being under multiple ownership we apply legislation in a precautionary approach. This helps to protect vulnerable fish during spawning time. In addition fishery managers are free to impose close season rules at any time should they consider it necessary to protect their fish stock

Jul132017

Press release: Close season offenders risk court appearance and £50,000 fine

Environment Agency

The Environment Agency reported 122 offences of fishing during the close season, following 670 patrols carried out in the restricted period. The targeted patrols also detected 179 other offences, mainly unlicensed fishing.

Environment Agency Fisheries Enforcement Officers were supported by 232 Angling Trust Voluntary Bailiff Service members, carrying out over 5,000 hours of patrols under Operation CLAMPDOWN. Now in its 5th year, Operation CLAMPDOWN is a joint initiative between the Environment Agency, Angling Trust’s Fisheries Enforcement Support Service, UK National Wildlife Crime Unit and police forces, aimed at gathering intelligence about illegal fishing and responding through targeted patrols. The volunteers reported 111 suspicious incidents to the Environment Agency and police.

The coarse fish close season restrictions are imposed in order to protect vulnerable spawning fish, helping to safeguard fish stocks for the future. Patrols took place across rivers, streams, drains and specific canals and stillwaters covered by the coarse fish close season byelaw, which runs from 15th March – 15th June inclusive.

Judy Proctor, Acting Deputy Director for Fisheries at the Environment Agency, said:

The vast majority of anglers fish legally; sadly there is a small number of anglers who cheat others by fishing during the close season. The coarse fishing close season helps protect vulnerable spawning fish – this is why it’s in place. It is still possible for anglers to fish during this time on many stillwaters and canals, which are open all year round.

We respond to the intelligence we receive about illegal fishing by ensuring our patrols are targeted at the right places – and the right people.

Dilip Sarkar MBE, Angling Trust National Enforcement Manager, said:

These figures show that during Operation CLAMPDOWN 5, Phase 1 Volunteer Bailiffs throughout England demonstrated their massive commitment to protecting fish and fisheries and cracking down on illegal fishing. All anglers can help this process, in fact – at any time of year – by reporting information and offences in progress to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60, or the police on 101/999 as appropriate.

The enforcement work was supported through a network of 474 Angling Trust volunteer bailiffs covering all counties in England. Patrolling under operation CLAMPDOWN for a 5th year, they assisted by reporting illegal fishing incidents and information to the Environment Agency and police.

Anyone who suspects illegal fishing to be taking place should report the matter to the Environment Agency’s incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

Notes to editors

  • Enjoy fishing and make sure you fish legally
  • Annual fishing licences from only £30
  • It’s easy to buy online. Get a Fishing Licence
  • All fishing licence income is used to fund work to protect, improve and develop fisheries, fish habitats and angling.
  • Go fishing – Find out about angling events, fisheries and venues so you can go fishing
  • The Environment Agency is cracking down on illegal fishing
  • The reason why it is illegal to fish on rivers, streams and some specific canals and stillwaters. Due to many waters being under multiple ownership we apply legislation in a precautionary approach. This helps to protect vulnerable fish during spawning time. In addition fishery managers are free to impose close season rules at any time should they consider it necessary to protect their fish stock