Press release: PM visit to Japan

Prime Minister Theresa May will visit Japan from Wednesday 30th August to Friday 1st September.

The Prime Minister will visit Japan from Wednesday 30th August to Friday 1st September, where she will be received by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, and the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

This will be her first visit to Japan as Prime Minister, following her meetings with Mr Abe at the G20 in Hamburg in July, at Chequers in April, and at the UN General Assembly in New York in 2016.

Her visit is expected to cover a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, including working together to support the rules-based international system and the promotion of free trade and democratic values.

The Prime Minister’s visit will focus on defence and security cooperation, and trade and investment opportunities.

She will be accompanied by a delegation of business leaders drawn from a range of sectors. The delegation will showcase the strength of British business, the shared confidence in the UK-Japan economic relationship as we leave the EU, and the potential for future growth.



Press release: CMA considering oil and gas engineering services merger remedy

The companies provide engineering services to the UK’s Upstream Offshore oil and gas sector in the UK continental shelf.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) conducted an investigation into the merger and found competition concerns in the supply of engineering and construction services and operation and maintenance services in the UK.

In order to address the CMA’s competition concerns the companies have offered to sell off almost all of Amec Foster Wheeler’s assets which contribute to these services in its Upstream Offshore oil and gas business in the UK.

The CMA considers there are reasonable grounds for believing that these undertakings, or a modified version of them, might be acceptable and it will open a public consultation on the offer in due course.

As part of its process, the CMA will undertake a public consultation.

If the CMA does not accept the undertakings proposed, the merger will be referred for an in-depth investigation.

Kate Collyer, Deputy Chief Economic Adviser and decision maker in this case, said:

It is crucial that competition is maintained in this major UK industry. We will consider the undertakings offered by Wood Group and Amec Foster Wheeler further, and carefully consult interested parties, in order to make sure that they fully address our concerns.

The CMA has until 12 October 2017 to consider whether to accept the offer with the possibility of extending the deadline until 7 December 2017 in special circumstances.

All information relating to the investigation is available on the case page.

Notes for editors

  1. The CMA is the UK’s primary competition and consumer authority. It is an independent non-ministerial government department with responsibility for carrying out investigations into mergers, markets and the regulated industries and enforcing competition and consumer law. For more information on the CMA see our homepage or follow us on Twitter @CMAgovuk, Flickr and LinkedIn. Sign up to our email alerts to receive updates on merger cases.
  2. The text of this decision will be placed on the case page in due course.
  3. Media enquiries should be directed to Rebecca Cassar (rebecca.cassar@cma.gsi.gov.uk, 020 3738 6633).


Press release: British beef is coming to the Philippines

Filipinos can now enjoy British beef following a new export deal estimated to be worth £34 million.

New export deal will soon see British beef on dinner plates and menus across the Philippines. The Department of International trade team at the British Embassy Manila provided significant support to Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to secure an export deal estimated to be worth £34 million to the UK economy.

British Ambassador-designate to the Philippines Daniel Pruce said:

I am delighted to see that British beef is coming back to the Philippines and look forward to serving this fantastic British product at the Residence and at other British Embassy events.

Beef reared in the UK will now join pork, poultry, lamb and dairy on the list of UK food and drink shipped to the Philippines.

Food Minister George Eustice said:

Securing market access for our world-class beef to the Philippines is a huge vote of confidence for a sector that already exports more than £350 million around the world, including Hong Kong and Canada. The UK beef industry is the envy of the world and this strong demand globally for our traditional breeds reared to the highest welfare standards is what drives our exports and creates opportunities for our farmers.



News story: Foreign Secretary statement on Sierra Leone

I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life caused by the heavy flooding and landslides around the Freetown peninsula in Sierra Leone in the early hours of today.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected at this horrific time. We are working with the Government of Sierra Leone to provide support where necessary.



News story: Minister Stewart statement on Burkina Faso

I am deeply saddened by the horrifying terrorist attack in Ouagadougou last night. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who were killed and injured and with their families and with the people of Burkina Faso.

We stand in solidarity with Burkina Faso at this time of tragedy and against the senseless cruelty of terrorism around the world.