Jan262017

News story: UK Minister for Asia Alok Sharma visits Thailand

HM Government
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Alok Sharma, the UK Minister for Asia and the Pacific, is in Bangkok for wide ranging talks on issues including trade, human rights and Thailand’s election plans.

The UK and Thailand have a strong relationship focused on practical cooperation. Mr Sharma is here to deepen this.

In Bangkok, Minister Sharma will hold talks with Deputy Prime Minster Somkid and Deputy Foreign Minister Virasakdi to discuss the strength of the relationship and opportunities to increase trade and prosperity. Mr Sharma will speak to other political figures, to hear their views on the political situation and the prospects for elections in Thailand.

Mr Sharma will meet members of civil society organisations to learn more about their work and the challenges they face especially on freedom of expression and to express the UK’s support for their work.

He will speak to businesses and investors to reaffirm that Global Britain is open for business and discuss how the UK Government can help Thai and British businesses trade with each other more.

Mr Sharma said:

Thailand is a very important partner for the UK, as proven by the fact that over 1 million British people come here every year.

I will be holding talks on the British Government’s commitment to boost bilateral trade and I will encourage further progress on bringing in the rights and freedoms the Thai people need for credible elections in the future.

Further information

Follow Foreign Office Minister Alok Sharma on twitter @AlokSharma_RDG

Follow the Foreign Office on twitter @foreignoffice

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Jan262017

Chinese leaders extend Spring Festival greetings

East Asia
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President Xi Jinping, on behalf of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, extended Spring Festival greetings to all Chinese Thursday at a reception in Beijing.
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council hold a reception for the Spring Festival in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 26, 2017. The Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on Jan. 28 this year. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered a speech at the gathering at the Great Hall of the People, greeting all Chinese in the mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and at abroad.

Li Keqiang, Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli were also present.

This year’s Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on Jan. 28.

Jan262017

There’s no need for the Government to prolong the suffering of Southern passengers any longer – Andy McDonald

Labour
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Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, responding to reports that the
Government is considering taking direct control of Govia Thameslink, said:

“Reports
suggest that the Government is finally recognising what Labour has been saying
for over a year: that Southern is failing passengers and taxpayers and should
be stripped of their franchise.

"It is wrong that passenger fares and taxpayer subsidy that should be used
to improve services and hold down prices are siphoned off to fill the coffers
of train operating companies who are providing a disgraceful service.

"There’s no need for the Government to prolong the suffering of Southern
passengers any longer. Private rail isn’t working: it’s time for the Tories to
admit defeat and take Southern back under public control as a public service.”

Jan262017

Unregistered gas fitter fined

HSE
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An unregistered gas fitter from Farnborough has been prosecuted for carrying out illegal gas work which was found to be unsafe.

Basingstoke Magistrates’ court heard how Mr Leask, who also trades as Eldan Plumbing, had assured the homeowner that he was Gas Safe Registered. When he was unable to supply the gas safe certificate months after installing the boiler, the homeowner contacted Gas Safe, who confirmed Mr Leask was not gas safe registered. When inspected by the Gas Safe Register the boiler was found to be ‘at risk’, which indicates a risk to life or property.

Mr Leask pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, for carrying out gas work without being gas safe registered and Regulation 3(7) for falsely pretending to be gas safe registered.

He was fined £1230 and ordered to pay costs of £350.

Notes to editors:

  1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. hse.gov.uk
  2. More about the legislation referred to in this case can be found at: legislation.gov.uk/
  3. HSE news releases are available at http://press.hse.gov.uk

Journalists should approach HSE press office with any queries on regional press releases.