Thurrock Flexible Generation Plant development consent decision announced

The  application was for the proposed development comprising of the construction and operation of Gas Reciprocating engines with up to 600 MW electrical capacity and Battery Storage with up to 150 MW electrical capacity.

The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by Thurrock Power Limited on  27 May 2020 and accepted for Examination on 24 June 2020.

Following an Examination during which the public, Statutory Consultees and Interested Parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 16 November 2021. 

This is the 106th Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and 65th energy application to have been examined by The Planning Inspectorate within the timescales laid down in the Planning Act 2008. 

The Planning Inspectorate’s Chief Executive, Sarah Richards said: 

“The Planning Inspectorate has examined more than 100 nationally significant infrastructure projects since the Planning Act 2008 process was introduced, ensuring local communities have had the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. 

“This Examination took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Examining Authority ensured that local people, the local authority and other Interested Parties were able to fully participate.

“The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to local views and the evidence gathered during the examination before making their recommendations.”  

The decision, the recommendations made by the Examining Authority to the Secretary of State and the evidence considered by the Examining Authority in reaching its recommendations are publicly available on the project page of the National Infrastructure Planning website. 

 ENDS 

Journalists wanting further information should contact the Planning  Inspectorate Press Office, on 0303 444 5004 or 0303 444 5005 or email:  <Press.office@planninginspectorate.gov.uk >

Notes to editors: 

The Planning Inspectorate’s National Infrastructure Programme of Projects details the proposals which are anticipated to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate as applications in the coming months.  



Environment Agency warns south west coastal communities to prepare for flooding from Storm Eunice

Press release

Storm Eunice forecast to cause a tidal surge along north coast of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset on Friday.

  • Risk of flooding to homes and businesses along the coast
  • Residents urged to take action to prepare for flooding

The Environment Agency is urging people living in flood risk communities along the north coast of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset to prepare for flooding from a forecast tidal surge caused by Storm Eunice this Friday.

The tidal surge is possible Friday morning, and the Environment Agency is urging people to take steps to protect themselves and their property from the risk of flooding.

Strong winds, large waves, coupled with the storm surge, are likely to cause wave-overtopping and flooding to exposed communities on the north coast during the high tide.

People are advised to stay away from coastal areas and keep away from shoreline roads and paths, piers and promenades.

Residents are urged to sign up to Environment Agency Flood Warning messages and to make sure they are prepared for flooding by following the ‘Prepare, Act, Survive’ guidance:

  • prepare a bag that includes medical and insurance documents
  • check the latest flood situation online
  • know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water
  • check your insurance to make sure you are covered for flood damage. If you rent your home, it is your responsibility to have insurance for your belongings.
  • if you are flooded, call 999 if in immediate danger and follow advice from emergency services.

Jim Flory, for the Environment Agency, said:

Strong winds from Storm Eunice could cause a storm surge and large waves, bringing a risk of flooding to homes and businesses along the north coast.

We’re seeking to give early warning to communities to prepare. We will issue flood warnings if necessary and we have teams out on the ground taking action to reduce the impact of any possible flooding.

You can check your flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation at https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/, call  Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or follow @EnvAgencySW on Twitter for the latest flood updates.

A Met Office weather warning is in place for Storm Eunice, so people should take extreme care near any coastal areas. We urge people to stay safe and warn wave watchers against the unnecessary danger of taking ‘storm selfies’. 

Published 16 February 2022



PM call with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida: 16 February 2022

Press release

Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan this morning.

The leaders discussed the deeply concerning situation on the border of Ukraine, and the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Kishida for his offer to divert Japanese energy supplies to Europe.

Both agreed that the international community needed to stand united against an invasion of an independent country, and said they would not tolerate Russia’s aggression.

An invasion would shake the foundations of international order, and have severe consequences, they agreed.

Both leaders pledged to work together to tackle the threats of today and tomorrow, through close defence technology collaboration and their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

On trade, the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Kishida for his support for the UK’s accession to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade bloc, and said the UK looked forward to further strengthening trade ties with Japan in the near future.

The leaders agreed to stay in close contact.

Published 16 February 2022



United Kingdom – New Zealand Regulatory Cooperation

News story

UK-New Zealand Regulatory Cooperation: Guidance on Veterinary Drug Simultaneous Reviews published.

Glass stand with VMD logo

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have been discussing the opportunity to conduct simultaneous reviews of veterinary medicines submissions.

The VMD is pleased to announce the publication of the United Kingdom-New Zealand Regulatory Cooperation: Guidance on Veterinary Medicines Simultaneous Reviews.

This guidance document will serve as the foundation for simultaneous reviews of veterinary medicines submissions by our two agencies.

The guidance represents an important step forward by expanding opportunities for industry to simultaneously access two major markets. It provides opportunities to reduce burdens and to have a single project team working on the submission pathway working to common assessment timeframes. It also supports our shared aim of expanding access to treatment options for animals and helping food producers stay competitive globally.

The guidance outlines how the review process will work. It is intended to complement each country’s legislative and regulatory framework and associated technical guidelines, which remain in place.

This is an exciting opportunity and we look forward to working with the veterinary pharmaceutical industry on this new initiative.

Please contact postmaster@vmd.gov.uk if you would like further clarification or would like to discuss any potential projects that you may have which would benefit from this opportunity.

To contact the New Zealand Authorities directly, email karen.booth@mpi.govt.nz.

Published 16 February 2022



Police super-complaints: police data sharing for immigration purposes

Published 20 December 2018
Last updated 16 February 2022 + show all updates

  1. Edited main text to include link to the newly published responses to recommendations from this report

  2. Added report on Liberty and Southall Black Sister’s super complaint, and accompanying press release attachments.

  3. Three appendices of relevant material published.

  4. First published.