Politics

image_pdfimage_print

Press release: Ozone air pollution alert

A high pressure system persisting over the UK has brought warm and still conditions, resulting in increased ground level ozone.

A number of sites in the UK have exceeded the EU ozone public information threshold of 180µg/m3.

The latest information on these alerts will be issued on the UK Air website.

Some people are more sensitive to ozone than others and may begin to notice an effect on their breathing. People with asthma are not necessarily more sensitive but, if affected, can use their ‘reliever’ inhaler to alleviate symptoms.

If affected, people are urged to take sensible precautions. In particular, avoiding exercise outdoors in the afternoon can reduce individual exposure to ozone.

If the legal threshold for ozone is again breached, further alerts will be issued on our UK Air website.

Forecasts, latest measurements and health advice are available on UK Air and via Defra’s freephone helpline (0800 556677). Updates on current and forecast levels of air pollution can also be found on Twitter @DefraUKAir.

read more

HM Government

The Queen’s speech is a ‘weak, vague and mean-spirited programme from a government in meltdown’


Shadow Scottish Secretary Lesley Laird said the proposals from the Tories fail to reflect the message that voters sent Theresa May in this month’s General Election.


The Prime Minister has no mandate for her pro-austerity policies or her plan for a Brexit that will leave people worse off.


Some Tory manifesto pledges have been abandoned as a result of the General Election, while Theresa May struggles to stitch together a deal with the DUP to stay in office.

Speaking about today’s Queen’s speech, Shadow Scottish Secretary Lesley Laird said “This was a weak, vague and mean-spirited programme from a Tory government in meltdown.


“Theresa May has no political authority, and while she struggles to stitch together a deal with the DUP to stay in office, she has been forced to ditch policies from her wildly unpopular manifesto.


“But it is deeply disappointing that this government appears determined to press ahead with deep cuts to public services and a failed austerity programme that has lost public support.


“The Queen’s Speech offers very little for Scotland, with nothing for our vital oil and gas industry, no measures to protect the 250,000 WASPI women in Scotland affected by the botched acceleration of the state pension age, and no attempt to apply a VAT exemption to our stretched fire and police services.


“While Brexit will undoubtedly dominate parliamentary proceedings, Theresa May must revisit her reckless plan for a Brexit that will leave people worse off.


“Labour is ready to take up the reins when this chaotic Tory administration implodes.”

read more

Scottish Labour

News story: Crime news: change to how you receive correspondence

All criminal legal aid correspondence to be sent by email starting on 23 June 2017.

Providers are to receive all criminal legal aid correspondence by email from Friday 23 June.

This follows the change introduced on 30 August 2016 to allow legal aid providers to receive representation orders or refusal notices by email.

What correspondence is affected?

Where appropriate you will be emailed the following documents as attachments in addition to representation orders or refusal notices:

  • contribution notice
  • contribution order
  • income evidence requests
  • capital evidence requests
  • failed means assessment information

Copies of all correspondence will also continue to be sent via post to the client, unless indicated otherwise as with the current process.

Where will the email go?

Correspondence will be sent automatically to the email address associated with your eForms user account.

Additional copies can also be sent to any appropriate administration email address in the ‘firm administrator’ field of the CRM form.

Further information

Representation orders to be emailed – August 2016 news story with details of original change

read more

HM Government

Press release: Best of British exports: Downton Abbey world tour showcases TV success

  • International Trade Minister hails iconic British export success
  • Downton Abbey: The Exhibition tour kicks off in Singapore in partnership with GREAT
  • UK is a world leader in the sales of TV content, with Downtown Abbey watched in 250 territories worldwide

International exports of UK TV programmes have grown steadily in recent years and the latest figures show that sales to overseas markets have risen to £1.3 billion in 2016, a 10% increase on the previous year.

With UK TV exports in global demand Downton Abbey is one of the most highly rated British period dramas in history. From Singapore to South Korea, the hit-show is viewed in 250 territories.

In 2015, drama productions were a key driver of British exporting success and sold to the greatest number of territories worldwide.

International Trade Minister, Mark Garnier said:

The UK has produced some of the most successful TV content which is enjoyed globally by millions of people. Our TV exports continue to go from strength to strength and Downton Abbey is leading the charge, with fans now watching the lives of Lady Mary and the Earl of Grantham in 250 territories.

Across the world, viewers are tuning into much-loved British TV shows and this exhibition will showcase the best of British and take advantage of the global appeal for our period dramas.

TV export revenues are also set to increase next year – in both established markets such as the USA and France and newer markets in regions such as Asia, Latin America and Russia, according to the annual ‘UK Television Exports Survey’ from the Producers Alliance for Cinema and TV.

Thanks to a partnership between the Government’s GREAT Britain campaign (GREAT), Carnival Productions, NBCUniversal International and Carnival Productions, Downton Abbey features prominently in GREAT’s overseas promotion of the UK. Downton Abbey is used not only to highlight British talent in front and behind the camera, but also to attract overseas visitors, who visit set locations and boost local economies in seeking out the ‘Downton experience’.

Michael Edelstein, President of NBCUniversal International Studios said:

We are thrilled that Downton Abbey can live on in a way that few TV series could ever dream of, and in this unique way, the exhibition continues that extraordinary legacy. It is the first-ever immersive experience that invites visitors to step into the authentic world of the award winning and global TV phenomenon.

We are very excited and privileged to unveil this experience in Singapore before touring the exhibition to major cities around the world over the coming years.

The multi-year exhibition tour kicked off in Singapore this week and will travel the world. The traveling exhibition will showcase costumes and locations as well as never-before-seen footage.

  • The Department for International Trade works in partnership with industry to ensure that independent British programme-makers are given the support they need to reach the widest possible international audience.
  • The GREAT Britain campaign showcases the best of what the UK has to offer to encourage people to visit, do business, invest and study in the UK. The campaign unites the efforts of the public and private sectors to generate jobs and growth for Britain and has already secured confirmed economic returns of £2.7 billion for the UK.
  • Downton Abbey: The Exhibition will take visitors on an journey through the grand home of Downton Abbey and connect visitors with their favourite characters and locations, as well as showcasing never-before-seen footage and historic moments. Fans will even come up-close to over 50 official costumes worn by the cast including Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville and Dame Maggie Smith. The experience also features a Downton-themed tea room and gift shop.
  • The global tour will offer an in-depth insight into the remarkable time period in which the show is set. Spanning World War I and the post-war years to the Roaring Twenties, visitors will have the chance to learn about British society, culture and fashion, in addition to the historical events of the era which would go on to shape the world.
  • Presented by NBCUniversal International Studios and Imagine Exhibitions, further information can be found at www.downtonexhibition.com
read more

HM Government