APHA SNIFFING OUT PLANT THREATS AT THE RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

LONDON, May 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show is an annual highlight of the UK's horticultural calendar, attracting a diverse global audience. This year's event takes place from 19 to 23 May and marks the eleventh year that the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has exhibited at the show. APHA's exhibit entitled 'Scents and Sensors' - Sniffing Out Plant Pests and Diseases, aims to highlighthorticul...


THIRD WASTE CARRIER CONVICTED IN ENVIRONMENT AGENCY OPERATION

LONDON, May 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Environment Agency has secured a third conviction in relation to a major illegal waste site in Kingsteighton, South Devon, where thousands of tonnes of waste were dumped on a floodplain. DTM Grab Hire Ltd has been ordered to pay £16,664 for its part in depositing the waste at the illegal site which was shut down by the Environment Agency in 2022. The Environment Agency has now prosecuted the landowner o...


NEW HIGH STREET UNIT SET UP IN NATIONWIDE BLITZ ON DODGY SHOPS

LONDON, May 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Organised crime gangs operating across Britain's high streets will be hit with a major police offensive in a new nationwide crackdown on dodgy shops. Rogue barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts and sweet shops linked to organised crime will face raids, closures and cash seizures under a new £30 million crackdown targeting money laundering, tax evasion, and illegal working over 3 years. £20 million of f...


FOREIGN SECRETARY WARNS THE WORLD CANNOT WAIT ANY LONGER TO REOPEN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ, AS FOOD SECURITY CRISIS LOOMS FOR COUNTRIES ALREADY ON THE EDGE

LONDON, May 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * the world needs fertiliser to be moving in weeks not months, damage has begun to be pricedintothe agriculture market for the next year as harvests suffer and food prices rise * global conference brings governments, investors, international organisations, technologyleadersand civil society together to agree new ways of working on shared global challenges, including directly combating the impact of the ...


MATERNITY ADVISER TO CHAMPION SAFER CARE FOR MOTHERS AND BABIES

LONDON, May 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Women and families failed by maternity services will be better heard and their experiences will drive lasting improvements to care, as Michelle Welsh MP has been appointed as the government's first Maternity Adviser. Welsh will work directly with families, the government, the NHS and key maternity organisations to push for better, safer care for mothers, babies and families. She will meet regularly with minister...


UK-KENYA PARTNERSHIP SUPPORTS LISTING OF KENYA'S FIRST INFRASTRUCTURE FUND ON THE NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE

LONDON, May 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The UK government in partnership with Kenya's CPF Financial Services has supported the listing of the Spearhead Africa Infrastructure Fund (SAIF) on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). SAIF is the first infrastructure fund to list on the NSE, marking an important development for Kenya's capital markets. The fund raised a total of KSH 3.4 billion. This will be invested into infrastructure projects in sectors in...


'APPALLING' DIRECTOR BANNED FOR MAXIMUM 15 YEARS AFTER SECURING COVID LOAN FOR COMPANY WHICH NEVER TRADED

LONDON, May 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Ademilson Nascimento secured £46,500 in Bounce Back Loan funds for a construction company which never traded * His actions were described by the judge as "bluntly appalling", "dishonest", and "deliberate" * Nascimento has been banned as a company director for 15 years, the maximum period possible A South London man who secured Covid support funds for a construction firm which never traded has been disquali...


HOMES ENGLAND BACKS HOMES FOR NATURE INITIATIVE TO HELP DRIVE SECTOR-WIDE IMPACT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

LONDON, May 18 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Homes England, the government's housing and regeneration agency, has signed up to the Homes for Nature commitment, which aims to support wildlife and tackle environmental and climate challenges. Scheme members, which includes almost 30 house builders, have committed to installing a bird-nesting brick or box for every new home built, and a hedgehog highway in every new development. Developers building homes on Hom...


MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY LAUNCHES YACHT UNLIMITED CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY

LONDON, May 18 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)isopening a new qualification pathway for Deck Officers tosafely advance their careerson large yachts, strengthening professionalism and opportunity for crew and operators in the growing sector. The new Yacht Unlimited Certificate of Competency (CoC) allows holders to become Chief Mate or Master on anysizeyacht- including thoseabove 3,000 grosstonnage-anywhere in the world ...


BANKING REFORMS TO BOOST INVESTMENT BY BILLIONS FOR BRITISH BUSINESSES

LONDON, May 18 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: * Reforms to ring‑fencing to create a more agile and proportionate regime that reduces duplication within banks and removes barriers to lending and investment * Proposed New Growth Allowance and wider product range could enable banks to provide up to £80 billion in additional support to businesses, channelling more financing into UK businesses, jobs and the economy * Key protections remain unchanged - s...