Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, launched the National Data Repository (NDR) and Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) under the progressive,
Jun282017
Jun282017
Launch of National Biopharma Mission
The first ever Industry-Academia mission to accelerate biopharmaceutical development in India will be formally launched by the Cabinet Minister for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan in New Delhi on 30th June 2017.
Jun282017
Shadow cabinet reshuffle to ‘put Sturgeon on notice’
28 Jun 2017
Scottish Conservative MSP Donald Cameron has been handed a key new post as the party’s chief policy co-ordinator in a major shake-up of the Scottish Conservative team.
Announcing the move today, leader Ruth Davidson said the plan showed the party was determined to provide a credible alternative government to an SNP administration focused solely on independence.
And she added the move was an indication that Nicola Sturgeon was “being put on notice” by the Scottish Conservatives ahead of the next Holyrood election.
Mr Cameron will be given responsibility for policy development ahead of that vote.
His appointment comes as part of a wider reshuffle to the Scottish Conservative team.
Three MSPs are promoted to the shadow cabinet:
Miles Briggs will take over as the party’s shadow health secretary.
Liam Kerr has been named as shadow justice secretary.
And Rachel Hamilton becomes shadow cabinet secretary for culture and tourism.
West of Scotland MSP Maurice Golden has been named the party’s new chief whip, following John Lamont’s election to Westminster.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said:
“The SNP’s bubble has burst and people across Scotland are now looking for change.
“The Scottish Conservatives have done a strong job holding the Scottish Government to account since becoming the main opposition at Holyrood last year.
“Now we have to step it up.
“That’s why I’ve asked Donald Cameron to take on the role of co-ordinating and developing policy with the shadow cabinet team as we look towards the elections in 2021.
“I am serious about offering the voters of Scotland a choice at those elections with the Conservatives as a credible alternative government of Scotland.
“It’s not enough to simply point out where the SNP has performed badly or let Scotland down.
“This is about showing what we’d do differently and how we can move Scotland forward.
“In areas such as education, public services and the economy we are bursting with ideas and we will work with stakeholders across Scotland to bring forward a manifesto in 2021 which can command the support of the country.
“Nicola Sturgeon is being put on notice.
“It’s time Scotland had a government committed to the day job and that’s exactly the offer we will take to the country.”
Scottish Conservative MSP Donald Cameron said:
“I’m delighted to be asked by Ruth to undertake a general policy co-ordination role, with a view to the 2021 election.
“The Scottish Conservatives will produce a manifesto that draws on a wide range of expertise in all policy areas, proposing our vision for Scotland, and confirming us as a government-in-waiting.”
Prior to becoming an MSP, Donald Cameron worked at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington DC (1999 to 2000).
He was also Standing Junior Counsel to the Scottish Government from 2009 to 2016.
The full Scottish Conservative shadow cabinet and ministerial team is below
Scottish Conservative shadow cabinet and spokesmen and women
Leader – Ruth Davidson MSP
Chief Whip and Business Manager, Spokesperson for the Low Carbon Economy– Maurice Golden MSP
Deputy Leader and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Europe and External Affairs – Jackson Carlaw MSP
Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance – Murdo Fraser MSP
Transport and Infrastructure – Jamie Greene MSP
Taxation – Bill Bowman MSP
Financial Sustainability – Tom Mason MSP
Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work – Dean Lockhart MSP
Business, Innovation and Energy and Deputy Business Manager– Alexander Burnett MSP
Jobs, Employability and Training – Jamie Halcro Johnston MSP
Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport – Miles Briggs MSP
Mental Health, Public Health and Equalities – Annie Wells MSP
Health Education, Lifestyle and Sport – Brian Whittle MSP
Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills – Liz Smith MSP
Further Education, Higher Education and Science – Oliver Mundell MSP
Childcare and Early Years – Michelle Ballantyne MSP
2021 Policy Coordinator, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Climate Change, Environment, Land Reform– Donald Cameron
Biodiversity, Animal Welfare and the Digital Economy – Finlay Carson
Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity– Peter Chapman MSP
Rural Affairs – Edward Mountain
Farming – John Scott
Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Communities, Social Security and Equalities – Adam Tomkins MSP
Welfare Reform – Jeremy Balfour MSP
Housing and Communities – Graham Simpson MSP
Local Government – Alexander Stewart MSP
Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice – Liam Kerr MSP
Legal Affairs – Gordon Lindhurst MSP
Community Safety and Veterans Affairs – Maurice Corry MSP
Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Tourism – Rachael Hamilton MSP
Tourism and Small Business – Alison Harris MSP
Jun282017
News story: Civil news: reminder to use 0300 200 2020 for Online Support
Contact details for technical support enquiries.
0300 200 2020 is the number to call when you need help from our Online Support team.
The old telephone number of 0203 334 6664 for technical support enquiries is being shut down permanently on 3 July 2017. LAA Portal users will have seen a ‘pop up’ notice about the new number, which has been running for a number of months.
When calling the customer service team on 0300 200 2020 remember to ask for option 2 if you need help with technical or system issues.
Legal aid agency – see the contact section for a breakdown of useful numbers.
Jun282017
Press release: Fish stocks boost for north east rivers
Thousands of fish were released into the River Pont at Ponteland and Matfen as well as tributaries of the rivers Wear and Tees.
It’s part of the Environment Agency’s ongoing plans to develop and restore rivers in the region.
The fish were reared at the Environment Agency’s fish farm near Calverton, Nottinghamshire, using funding from rod licence sales.
Fisheries Technical Specialist Phil Rippon was out releasing some of the grayling in the south of the region today. He said:
We’re pleased we can provide these fish for restocking as part of our commitment to rod licence paying anglers and to help the process of natural recovery in impacted waters.
While it’s a really important aspect of our work, it’s one of many things we do together with our partners to develop fisheries, including reducing the effects of pollution, improving habitat and removing barriers to migration.
Rivers have improved dramatically
The Environment Agency releases fish into our waterways annually. Fisheries officers target fish stocking activity in response to impacts on local rivers and using data from national fish surveys to identify where there are problems with poor breeding and survival.
Many of our industrialised rivers have improved dramatically in water quality in the last 30 years and targeted and appropriate restocking has helped the restoration of natural fish stocks and viable fisheries.
Angling is a great way for everyone to keep healthy and enjoy the natural environment. All rod licence income is used to fund work to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries.