The Government has announced new funding packages for the ceramics and chemicals sectors, worth £120 million and £350 million respectively.
May212026
Government steps in to back long-term resilience of UK’s chemicals and ceramics industries
May212026
Great British Summer Savings 2026: Family activities VAT relief fact sheet
From 25 June to 1 September 2026 the Government is introducing a temporary reduced rate of VAT on children's menu meals in restaurants and family leisure activities over the summer period, cutting VAT from 20% to 5%.
May212026
Great British Summer Savings: VAT slashed to save families money on days out
Families will enjoy discounted attractions and meals out this summer, with the launch of the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme to help people enjoy day out for less.
May212026
Hong Kong Customs detects dangerous drugs case and seizes suspected drugs worth about $21 million (with photo)
Hong Kong Customs on May 13 and yesterday (May 20) seized a total of about 55 kilograms of suspected ketamine, one suspected etomidate capsule, 4 grams of suspected cannabis buds, 0.5g of suspected cocaine and one drug-inhaling apparatus, with an estimated market value of about $21 million at Hong Kong International Airport, Kwai Chung and Yuen Long. Two people were arrested.
Through risk assessment, Customs on May 13 inspected an air cargo consignment, declared as a water purification system, arriving in Hong Kong from the Netherlands at Hong Kong International Airport. Upon inspection, Customs officers detected suspicious X-ray images in the consignment and found a total of about 55kg of suspected ketamine concealed in two water purification systems.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation yesterday and arrested a 35-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman in Kwai Chung and Yuen Long respectively. One suspected etomidate capsule, 4g of suspected cannabis buds, 0.5g of suspected cocaine and one drug-inhaling apparatus were further seized from them upon body search and premises search. The investigation of the case is ongoing.
Customs will continue to enhance enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary returns. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Through risk assessment, Customs on May 13 inspected an air cargo consignment, declared as a water purification system, arriving in Hong Kong from the Netherlands at Hong Kong International Airport. Upon inspection, Customs officers detected suspicious X-ray images in the consignment and found a total of about 55kg of suspected ketamine concealed in two water purification systems.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation yesterday and arrested a 35-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman in Kwai Chung and Yuen Long respectively. One suspected etomidate capsule, 4g of suspected cannabis buds, 0.5g of suspected cocaine and one drug-inhaling apparatus were further seized from them upon body search and premises search. The investigation of the case is ongoing.
Customs will continue to enhance enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary returns. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
May212026
Public notice of an appeal
Public Notice of an appeal by Faldingworth Defence Limited against the imposed variation of their explosives licence by the Health and Safety Executive
- Appellant Name: Faldingworth Defence Limited (FDL)
- Site Location: Faldingworth Base, Spridlington Road LN8 3SQ.
- Original Decision Authority/Respondent: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Nature of the Appeal: FDL is appealing to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions against the HSE’s decision to impose a variation on their explosives licence under the Explosives Regulations 2014.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has appointed Andrew Kinnier KC to hear the appeal on his behalf and to make recommendations about the outcome of the appeal so that he can make a determination in due course.
- Grounds for Appeal: The grounds of the appeal are as follows:
- That the HSE has failed to identify any change in circumstances on the Faldingworth site since the issue of Exemption Certificates and Explosives Licences to tenants on the site that has resulted in the health and safety of those working there being prejudiced.
- That there has been no material change in site circumstances and therefore Regulation 16(1)(a) is not applicable.
- That a number of the changes proposed by HSE are outside the provisions of Regulation 16(1)(a).
- That HSE has failed to give appropriate consideration to representations made under Regulation 16(5).
- That HSE is acting contrary to the Explosives Regulations in the enforcement of separation distances.
- That HSE failed to consult on reasonable alternatives to the variation proposed.
- The action taken is disproportionate and unnecessary.
- Date of Hearing: This appeal will be heard in person at Henderson Chambers, 2 Harcourt Buildings, Temple, London EC4Y 9DB on 15 and 16 June 2026
- Persons wishing to attend or be heard: Persons wishing to attend the appeal or to apply to be heard at the appeal shall inform the Health and Safety Executive by 5th June 2026, either by emailing Explosives.Licencing@hse.gov.uk or by writing to:
Explosives licensing
1.2 Redgrave Court
Merton Road
Bootle
L20 7HS
Any persons applying to be heard must also serve on HSE a statement of their proposed submissions by 5 June 2026, which will then be shared with the Appellant and the Secretary of State’s Appointed Person. The Secretary of State’s Appointed Person will then decide the application to be heard.