Jun282017

Press release: Fish stocks boost for north east rivers

HM Government

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.

Jun282017

Press release: Fish stocks boost for north east rivers

DEFRA

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.

Image shows fish for stocking

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.

Image shows fish for stocking

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.

Anyone who wants to go fishing needs to buy a fishing licence. A full annual licence costs £30 (short term and some concessionary licences are also available) and are available online

Jun282017

Scottish Government cabinet WAS told about farm payments delay

Scottish Conservatives
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28 Jun 2017

Peter Chapman

The Scottish Government’s cabinet was told about plans to seek an extension in processing vital farming payments, days before both Nicola Sturgeon and the rural affairs secretary evaded the issue.

It was revealed in Holyrood today that Fergus Ewing informed members of the cabinet that he was likely to seek permission from Europe to extend the deadline for delivering CAP payments to Scotland’s farmers.

This is despite the fact, on Wednesday and Thursday last week, both he and the First Minister – when directly asked – dodged the question.

It means the Scottish Government’s most senior members – including the First Minister – would have had this information before the issue was publicised at the end of last week.

At today’s rural economy and connectivity committee, following questioning from Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Greene, Mr Ewing conceded cabinet had been informed that the extension would be requested.

He then added he was unsure if Nicola Sturgeon herself was present at the meeting, though she will have been informed of what was discussed. Scottish Government cabinet meetings take place every Tuesday.

At today’s committee, Mr Ewing also admitted payments would not be made by the Friday deadline, meaning farmers have been left waiting for cash for two years running.

Scottish Conservative shadow rural affairs secretary Peter Chapman said:

“We now know that the Scottish Government’s cabinet was told that this extension would be requested.

“Despite knowing this, both Fergus Ewing and Nicola Sturgeon pleaded ignorance last week, even after the disclosure had been made to cabinet.

“This is yet another incident of the SNP completely lacking in transparency.

“It’s simply not good enough for figures as senior as the First Minister to shrug her shoulders when repeatedly asked something, even though her cabinet had already been informed.

“It’s insulting to the parliament and, more seriously, a slap in the face to thousands of farmers who are yet again waiting for crucial CAP payments.”

Scottish Government cabinet meets on Tuesdays.

Today, Fergus Ewing said he had informed cabinet that the extension would be sought.

But last Wednesday, when asked by shadow rural affairs secretary Peter Chapman if the extension had been requested, he refused to say.

A day later, Ruth Davidson repeatedly asked Nicola Sturgeon the same question. She also declined to tell MSPs.

http://www.scottishconservatives.com/2017/06/sturgeon-must-come-clean-on-second-cap-crisis/

Jun282017

Record year for Armed Forces Day 2017

MOD

Record year for Armed Forces Day.

The RAF made a full show of
force with multiple displays, performances and public engagement at the Armed
Forces Day 2017 National Event. Hosted by the City of
Liverpool, the event led the nation in the annual opportunity for members of
the public to to say thank you to the entire Armed Forces
community for the outstanding work they do. All three Services were represented
along with reserve and cadet forces plus members of the veteran community.

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This year was a record Armed Forces Day with over 300 events being held
across the UK and overseas. In Liverpool the Lord Mayor highlighted during
his closing address that an estimated 200,000 people had visited the Armed
Forces National Event over the weekend. This level
of support from the public shows their appreciation for those serving personnel
who dedicate their lives to defending our country and keeping British people
safe. It also demonstrates the public’s gratitude to the veterans who in
their turn gave so much.

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In Liverpool more than 300 RAF personnel were involved with the event.
The Queen’s Colour Squadron marched in the grand parade accompanied by
the Band of the RAF Regiment and flypasts were performed by the Typhoon, the
Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. On the ground
the ‘RAF Military
Village’ was sited in a prime location on the Pier Head in front of Liverpool’s
three iconic buildings and was visited by the Earl of Wessex, the Prime
Minister, the Defence Secretary, VCDS along with the Lord Mayor of Liverpool and
many other local dignitaries. The RAF Village, manned by 90 personnel,
was an extremely vibrant place to be and here visitors
could get a close look at the equipment currently used by the RAF plus the
public also had the chance to talk to serving men and women from the RAF and
RAuxAF.

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Wing Commander Chris Lindsay, the RAF lead for the National Event, said
“I am so proud of everyone who took part. The people of Liverpool have made us
all feel very welcome and valued for what we do”.

© MOD Crown Copyright 2017

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