Tag Archives: HM Government

The Science Programme at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is set for a rocket boost of cash having recently begun a new 5 year £50 million programme of innovation.

The money will help to fund projects like the Daedalus experiment which is exploring the effect on satellites of so-called “de-orbit sails”. When deployed, the sail increases drag, causing a controlled descent into the Earth’s atmosphere where the satellite will burn up. Dstl is leading co-ordination of the UK element of Daedalus, tasking sensors to collect data to support this experiment. Of particular relevance to the military community is the effect that such high-drag satellites have on current Space Situational Awareness (SSA) sensors and processing.

The funding will also support experiments to look at the science of the ionosphere; Dstl is collaborating with the US on CIRCE (Coordinated Ionospheric Research Cubesat Experiment), which is a small satellite mission due to launch in 2019, which will improve our understanding of how satellite communications are impacted by disturbances in the ionosphere during periods of heightened solar activity. Working with US scientists, the Dstl space team are also partnering with UK companies to keep Britain at the cutting edge of space science for defence.

Recruitment for new members of the space team is underway to support the growing programme. Dstl has recently launched its annual graduate recruitment activity, and the Cyber and Information Systems Division is looking for scientists and engineers to support the future Dstl Space Programme, on topics such as spacecraft design and operations, earth observation and space situational awareness. We are also looking for both graduates and mid-career scientists to support our work on military satellite communications.

Michael O’Callaghan, the lead for space at Dstl, said:

This programme is fantastic news for Dstl and for the UK as a whole. It allows us to invest in research and innovation that supports Defence and Security aspirations, as well as supporting UK prosperity and developing skills in government and the space industry. We are expanding our team with new roles for senior scientists, and graduate roles, to bring in the best talent. This cash will reinvigorate our work.

The Environment Agency has received a permit application from Richland Foods who want to operate an egg-laying chicken farm at Pengwedna Poultry Farm, Nancegollan, Helston, Cornwall TR13 0AZ.

The Environment Agency will be holding a public drop-in event at Nancegollan village hall on Wednesday 18 October 2017 from 10am until 8pm. This is an opportunity to find out more about the environmental permit application and to give your views.

The environmental permit relates to the control of emissions from the facility on the environment and on people’s health. It does not relate to issues such as the choice of location of the site, traffic movements to/from site, visual impact, operating hours and light pollution. These matters are considered through Cornwall Council’s planning application process.

The environmental permit application will consider:

• management – including general management, accident management, energy efficiency, efficient use of raw materials and waste recovery
• operations – including permitted activities and operating techniques (use of poultry feed, housing design and management, slurry spreading and manure management planning)
• emissions – to water, air and land including to groundwater and fugitive emissions, transfers off site, odour, noise (including vehicles and machinery onsite) and vibration, and monitoring

The environmental permit focuses on the assessment of activities and emissions from within the site boundary.

The consultation is an opportunity for local people to give their views on this permit application (reference EPR/QP3835YS/A001). You can view the permit application and supporting documents and see a paper copy at Sir John Moore House, Victoria Square, Bodmin PL31 1EB.

Send your comments by 1 November 2017 (11:59pm), either online, or by email to pscpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk, or in writing to:

General information about permitting.

Notes to editor

The planning application can be viewed using Cornwall Council’s online planning register. Cornwall Council’s Local Planning Team can be contacted by telephone on 0300 1234 151 or via email at planning@cornwall.gov.uk.

Near miss between a train and line-side workers on Dutton Viaduct, between Crewe and Runcorn, Cheshire, 18 September 2017.

The wheels of justice, they say, turn slowly.

Well, not this morning.

Between the Royal Courts of Justice, the Supreme Court and Westminster Abbey, we have dealt with a very full caseload – and it’s still only breakfast time.

As well as opening a new legal year, we have welcomed two exceptional leaders for the senior judiciary. A new Lord Chief Justice, Sir Ian Burnett, and a new President of the Supreme Court, Lady Hale.

We must also say our farewells, to Lord Thomas and Lord Neuberger. They have served the justice system with distinction, dignity and energy.

We have many challenges ahead but I am confident that we have a judiciary eminently well equipped to deal with them. They are fearsomely experienced and rightly independent of the executive – but like all of us here they still need a good breakfast.

So will you please join me in raising a glass in a toast: To the future – and to the past.

And now, as Shakespeare recommended, let us

Do as adversaries in law – strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.

Farmers whose herds are at risk of bovine TB will be able to access expert help on protecting their animals through a new Defra-funded advisory scheme.

The service launched today at the Dairy Show in Shepton Mallett and will provide both on-farm and phone or email advice to farmers in High Risk and Edge Areas of England with trained consultants providing knowledge to help prevent the spread of bTB based on the biosecurity 5 point plan.

It is an important part of the long-term plan to eradicate the disease in all animals. Bovine TB costs taxpayers over £100 million every year and England has the highest incidence of the disease in Europe. In 2016 more than 29,000 cattle had to be slaughtered in England to control the disease, causing devastation and distress for farmers and rural communities.

The helpline will offer advice to farmers on limiting on-farm disease risk, while farm visits will offer clear, practical advice to help farmers protect their herds and, if needed, manage the impacts of a TB breakdown on their farm. Farmers wanting to register their interest in this can call 01306 779410 or email info@tbas.org.uk.

Over the next three years the service, delivered by industry specialists Origin Group, will offer 2,400 visits to farms in the South West and West Midlands from Cornwall to Derbyshire. The TB advisory service adds to the support and information already available via the TB Hub.

Welcoming the launch of the new service, Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said:

Bovine TB is one of the greatest animal health threats in the UK and has a devastating impact on our farmers.

As part of our comprehensive long term plan to eradicate the disease, I am delighted to announce that from today, farmers will be able to access even more help and support via the new bTB Advisory Service.

Alongside the existing TB Hub, The bTB Advisory Service will help arm our farmers with the knowledge they need to prevent this devastating disease spreading – a vital weapon in our fight to protect the UK’s herds and our farmers’ futures.

The creation of the bTB Advisory Service was announced last month alongside the relaunch of the Badger Edge Vaccination Scheme.

The biosecurity 5 point plan can help farmers protect their herds and those of their neighbours:

1. Restrict contact between badgers and cattle
2. Manage cattle feed and water
3. Stop infected cattle entering the herd
4. Reduce risk from neighbouring herds
5. Minimise infection from cattle manure