Jun152017

Welsh legends and locations feature in Transformers: the Last Knight

Welsh Government

Alongside Merlin and King Arthur, the Paramount Pictures production also features a transformer dragon in this action packed sequel to Transformers: Age of Extinction which sees giant robots exploring the history of Transformers on Earth in order to combat a new threat.

Directed by Michael Bay and  written by Art Marcum and Matt Holloway (Iron Man) and Ken Nolan (Black Hawk Down), it stars Mark Wahlberg, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Josh Duhamel.

It will be released in the UK on 22 June 2017 and in the USA on 21 June and set to become one of this summer’s biggest hits.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: 

“Transformers is a hugely successful big screen franchise and its great news – and very apt – that they chose to film part of this highly anticipated sequel in Wales. It features some legendary figures and locations from Wales which ties in perfectly with our Visit Wales 2017 Year of Legends promotion. It also provided a tremendous opportunity for crew from Wales to get involved and gain invaluable experience of working on such a major production.”

Wales Screen helped find suitable locations for the production team who selected a disused quarry within the Brecon Beacons National Park as the ideal backdrop for some dramatic action sequences that featured Josh Duhamel who shared Instagram posts of his time in Wales as did Director Michal Bay.

The crew of 400 – which included 50 freelancers from Wales – spent a total of 28 days in the area last August preparing the site, filming and then deconstructing the set. 

The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, which has experience of working with large scale productions that have previously filmed in the area, also assisted during filming.

John Cook, CEO Brecon Beacons National Park Authority added;

“Having Transformers film in the Brecon Beacons National Park last summer was an exciting time for everyone involved. We are lucky to have a wide variety of beautiful locations available here, including everything from dramatic open landscapes, native forests, spectacular waterfalls and in this case a deserted quarry. Our Filming Officer and team of Park Wardens are experienced in working with a wide range of filming requests and these in turn support the local economy.”

Jun152017

Shadow Cabinet Appointments

Labour

Jeremy Corbyn MP, Leader of the Labour Party, said:

“I am delighted to announce four appointments to fill shadow cabinet vacancies. I look forward to working with the strengthened shadow cabinet as we prepare a government in waiting to carry out our manifesto for the many not the few.

“Our party is now on a permanent campaign footing in anticipation of the failure of Theresa May’s attempt to establish a stable administration with the support of the DUP.

“I am therefore appointing Ian Lavery, Co-National Campaign Coordinator, to the additional role of Labour Party Chair to strengthen our campaigning and party organisation, as we prepare to contest a new general election and form the next government.”

Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and Co-National Campaign Coordinator – Andrew Gwynne MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland – Lesley Laird MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland – Owen Smith MP

Shadow Minister for Diverse Communities – Dawn Butler MP

Co-National Campaign Coordinator and Party Chair – Ian Lavery MP

Jun152017

Exchange Rate of Foreign Currency Relating To Imported and Export Goods Notified

India

In exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 (52 of 1962), and in supersession of the notification of the Central Board of Excise and Customs No.52/2017-CUSTOMS (N.T.), dated 1st June, 2017, except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Board of Excise and Customs hereby determines that the rate of exchange of conversion of each of the foreign currencies specified in column (2) of each of Schedule I and Schedule II

Jun152017

News story: CMA publishes full decision in phenytoin case

HM Government

In December last year, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) imposed a record £84.2 million fine on the pharmaceutical manufacturer Pfizer and a £5.2 million fine on Flynn Pharma after finding that each broke competition law by charging excessive and unfair prices for phenytoin sodium capsules, an anti-epilepsy drug. The CMA also issued directions ordering both companies to reduce their prices, which they have now done.

The decision sets out the evidence gathered by the CMA during its investigation and its reasons for finding that Pfizer and Flynn Pharma infringed competition law.

The decision and fines related to both the prices that Pfizer charged to Flynn Pharma for phenytoin sodium capsules and the prices that Flynn Pharma subsequently charged its customers for the product since September 2012. The CMA found that both companies held a dominant position in their respective markets for the manufacture and supply of phenytoin sodium capsules and each had abused that dominant position by charging excessive and unfair prices.

As a result of Pfizer’s and Flynn Pharma’s price increases, NHS expenditure on phenytoin sodium capsules increased from about £2 million a year in 2012 to about £50 million in 2013. Phenytoin sodium capsules are used in the treatment of epilepsy to prevent and control seizures, and are an important drug for an estimated 48,000 patients in the UK.

The full non-confidential decision and all other information on this investigation are available on the case page.

Pfizer and Flynn Pharma have lodged appeals against the decision with the Competition Appeal Tribunal. The hearing will start on 30 October 2017.