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During an aerobatics training flight, the aircraft a Pitts S-2A Pitts Special (G-ODDS) struck the ground whilst in a spin. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were fatally injured, 24 August 2019.

During an aerobatics training flight, the aircraft, a Pitts S-2A Pitts Special (G-ODDS) struck the ground whilst in a spin. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were fatally injured.

A definitive cause could not be determined, but it is likely that the commander became incapacitated during a spin and the student was unable to recover the aircraft in time. The aircraft had a Centre of Gravity position that was out of limits aft, which would have reduced the capability of the aircraft to recover and extended the time to do so. Unapproved devices, which adjusted the rudder pedal positions, were found on the rudder cables but were unlikely to have been a contributory factor.

Safety action has been taken by the operator regarding aircraft weight and balance to ensure accurate weights are used.

Read the report

THURSDAY, 21 JANUARY 2021 | AIR ACCIDENTS INVESTIGATION BRANCH

Loss of control during aerobatic manoeuvring, Stonor, Oxfordshire, 24 August 2019.

Summary:

During an aerobatics training flight, the aircraft struck the ground whilst in a spin. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were fatally injured. A definitive cause could not be determined, but it is likely that the commander became incapacitated during a spin and the student was unable to recover the aircraft in time. The aircraft had a Centre of Gravity (C of G) position that was out of limits aft, which would have reduced the capability of the aircraft to recover and extended the time to do so. Unapproved devices, which adjusted the rudder pedal positions, were found on the rudder cables but were unlikely to have been a contributory factor.

Safety action has been taken by the operator regarding aircraft weight and balance to ensure accurate weights are used.

Download report:

Pitts S-2A Pitts Special, G-ODDS 02-21

Download glossary of abbreviations:

Glossary of abbreviations

Published 21 January 2021

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WEDNESDAY, 20 JANUARY 2021 | AIR ACCIDENTS INVESTIGATION BRANCH

The AAIB are investigating an incident involving a cargo aircraft that occurred at Exeter Airport.

A team of inspectors are continuing to gather evidence on site at Exeter Airport where they are investigating an incident involving a cargo aircraft which occurred yesterday, 19th January.

THURSDAY, 21 JANUARY 2021 | ANIMAL PLANT HEALTH AGENCY

Statistics on the surveillance of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in cattle in the United Kingdom.

Overview of Great Britain statistics

ODS, 69.5KB

This file is in an OpenDocument format

General statistics

ODS, 285KB

This file is in an OpenDocument format

Age and related statistics

ODS, 142KB

This file is in an OpenDocument format

List of BARB cases

ODS, 30.3KB

This file is in an OpenDocument format

Details

These documents provide statistics on the number of cases of TSE disease found through the active and passive disease surveillance of cattle in the United Kingdom.

Cases of TSE disease identified in cattle from passive surveillance in United Kingdom have been recorded since 1986. The UK carried out limited active surveillance in cattle from 1999 to 2001. The European Union active surveillance programme started in July 2001.

The UK carries out active disease surveillance for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle. The testing programme includes cattle over 48 months of age which:

die or are killed other than for human consumption (fallen cattle)
are emergency slaughtered or show certain abnormalities at ante-mortem inspection

These age thresholds apply to cattle born in the United Kingdom or in other EU member states except Bulgaria and Romania. For cattle born elsewhere the age thresholds are 24 months for fallen cattle or emergency slaughtered cattle, and 30 months for healthy fallen cattle.

Passive disease surveillance takes place when an animal with clinical signs suspicious of a TSE disease is reported to Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), and further investigation determines whether the animal was affected by BSE or scrapie.

Published 11 February 2015
Last updated 21 January 2021 + show all updates

21 January 2021
Updated the overview and general statistics documents.
21 December 2020
Stats available for November 2020.
20 November 2020
Updated the cattle TSE surveillance statistics: overview of GB, age and related and general.
14 October 2020
Updated the TSE cattle barb cases statistics.
19 August 2020
Updated the cattle TSE surveillance statistics: overview of GB and general.
17 October 2019
Updated cattle TSE surveillance statistics reports for September 2019
11 September 2019
Published cattle TSE stats for August 2019
20 August 2019
Replacement documents with July statistics uploaded.
16 July 2019
Stats available for June
14 June 2019
May 2019 statistics available

THURSDAY, 21 JANUARY 2021 | ANIMAL PLANT HEALTH AGENCY

How to spot avian influenza (bird flu), what to do if you suspect it, and measures to prevent it.

Avian influenza (bird flu) mainly affects birds. It can also affect humans and other mammals.

Avian influenza (bird flu) is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.

If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77 - please select option 7).

All bird keepers (whether you have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) must keep a close watch on them for signs of disease and maintain good biosecurity at all times. If you have any concerns about the health of your birds, seek prompt advice from your vet.

You should register your poultry, even if only kept as pets, so we can contact you during an outbreak. This is a legal requirement if you have 50 or more birds. Poultry includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeon (bred for meat), partridge, quail, guinea fowl and pheasants.

Latest situation

Update 21 January 2021: Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance within the zone, the Protection Zone surrounding both the premises near Exmouth, East Devon, Devon have been revoked and the areas merged with the Surveillance Zone.

Update 20 January 2021: Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance within the zone, the Surveillance Zone around a premises near Gillingham, North Dorset, Dorset has been revoked. Local movement restrictions have now been removed but the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) measures remain in place.

Update 19 January 2021: Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance within the zones the:

Protection Zones surrounding both the second and third premises near Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk were revoked on 19 January 2021 and the areas merged with the respective Surveillance Zones
Surveillance Zone around a premises near Hawes in North Yorkshire has been revoked. Local movement restrictions have now been removed but the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) measures remain in place

Update 17 January 2021: Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance within the zones, the Surveillance Zone declared on 8 January around a premises near Willington in South Derbyshire has been revoked. Local movement restrictions have now been removed but the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) measures remain in place.

Update 16 January 2021: Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance within the zones, the Surveillance Zone declared on 9 January around a premises near Attleborough in Norfolk and the Surveillance Zone declared on 10 January around a premises near King’s Lynn in Norfolk have both been revoked. Local movement restrictions have now been removed but the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) measures remain in place.

For details of the measures that apply in these zones, see the movement controls and licences section.

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared across the whole of England effective from 5pm on 11 November 2020 with additional housing measures in force from 14 December 2020. The AIPZ means all bird keepers in England (whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) are required by law to take a range of biosecurity precautions including from the 14 December 2020 keeping their birds indoors except in very specific circumstances.

Further details of the measures that apply in the AIPZ including housing measures can be found in the AIPZ including housing measures declaration (in force from 00:01am 14 December 2020 until further notice). This declaration revokes and replaces the AIPZ declaration (in force from 11 November 2020 to 14 December 2020).

Biosecurity and housing requirements for chicken and turkey keepers

PDF, 281KB, 2 pages

Biosecurity and housing requirements for keepers of ducks, geese and game birds

PDF, 273KB, 2 pages

To assist all bird keepers in complying with the rules we have updated the biosecurity guidance and published a Biosecurity self-assessment checklist (ODT, 22.6KB).

Local Authorities have the responsibility to ensure compliance AIPZ. Failure to comply with the AIPZ Declaration may be an offence under section 73 of the Animal Health Act 1981 and subject to an unlimited fine on summary conviction and up to 3 months’ imprisonment per offence.

The decision to implement the AIPZ on the 11 December 2020 and the additional housing measures from the 14 December 2020 was made in light of evidence from the continent and ongoing high numbers of avian influenza findings in wild bird in England and follows risk assessments containing the latest scientific and ornithological evidence and veterinary advice.

AIPZs have also been declared in Scotland by the Scottish Government (in force from the 11 November 2020), in Wales

WEDNESDAY, 20 JANUARY 2021 | ANIMAL PLANT HEALTH AGENCY

Preliminary and updated outbreak assessments for avian influenza (bird flu) in Europe, Russia and in the UK.

19 January 2021: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the UK, and Europe

PDF, 564KB, 14 pages

5 January 2021: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the UK, and Europe

PDF, 560KB, 12 pages

21 December 2020: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the UK, and Europe

PDF, 571KB, 12 pages

15 December 2020: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the UK, and Europe

PDF, 550KB, 12 pages

7 December 2020: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the UK, and Europe

PDF, 626KB, 12 pages

Rapid risk assessment on incursion of H5N8 HPAI into housed or not housed poultry flocks and captive birds

PDF, 1.58MB, 41 pages

1 December 2020: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the UK, and Europe

PDF, 523KB, 10 pages

24 November 2020: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the UK, and Europe

PDF, 492KB, 9 pages

17 November 2020: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the UK, and Europe

PDF, 345KB, 6 pages

Risk assessment on the likelihood of spread of avian notifiable disease associated with bird fairs, shows, markets, sales and other gatherings

PDF, 553KB, 17 pages

WEDNESDAY, 20 JANUARY 2021 | ANIMAL PLANT HEALTH AGENCY

Details of premises in Great Britain approved to operate as cattle, sheep, pig and horse embryo collection and production teams.

Bovine embryo collection and production team

HTML

Equine embryo collection and production teams

HTML

Ovine and caprine embryo collection and production teams

HTML

Porcine embryo collection and production teams

HTML

Details

Livestock and equine embryo collection and storage centres must be licensed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to operate.

APHA approve and inspect these premises on behalf of Defra, Scottish Government and Welsh Government.

Published 1 January 2013
Last updated 20 January 2021 + show all updates

20 January 2021
Updated bovine embryo collection and production team.
17 December 2020
Updated equine embryo collection and production teams.
17 December 2020
Updated the bovine embryo collection and production team list.
17 November 2020
Updated the bovine embryo collection and production team list.
12 November 2020
Updated the bovine embryo collection and production team list.
6 November 2020
Updated bovine embryo collection and production team.
4 November 2020
Updated equine embryo collection and production teams.
14 October 2020
Updated the bovine embryo collection and production team.
9 October 2020
Updated the Approval List - Equine Embryo Collection Teams
2 October 2020
Updated the bovine embryo collection and production team.
28 September 2020
Updated the bovine embryo collection and production team list.
6 March 2020
Updated equine embryo collection and production teams
5 March 2020
Updated the bovine embryo collection and production team list
30 October 2019
Updated the equine embryo collection and production team information with UKEE-05 (Equine Reproductive Services (UK) Limited).
28 October 2019
Updated equine embryo collection and production team
13 September 2019
Updated bovine embryo production and collection teams

WEDNESDAY, 20 JANUARY 2021 | ANIMAL PLANT HEALTH AGENCY

How to spot avian influenza (bird flu), what to do if you suspect it, and measures to prevent it.

Avian influenza (bird flu) mainly affects birds. It can also affect humans and other mammals.

Latest situation

Update 19 January 2021: Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance within the zones the:

Protection Zones surrounding both the second and third premises near Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk were revoked on 19 January 2021 and the areas merged with the respective Surveillance Zones
Surveillance Zone around a premises near Hawes in North Yorkshire has been revoked. Local movement restrictions have now been removed but the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) measures remain in place

For details of the measures that apply in these zones, see the movement controls and licences section.

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone

Biosecurity and housing requirements for chicken and turkey keepers

PDF, 281KB, 2 pages

Biosecurity and housing requirements for keepers of ducks, geese and game birds

PDF, 273KB, 2 pages

To assist all bird keepers in complying with the rules we have updated the biosecurity guidance and published a Biosecurity self-assessment checklist (ODT, 22.6KB).

AIPZs have also been declared in Scotland by the Scottish Government (in force from the 11 November 2020), in Wales by the Welsh Government (in force from the 11 November 2020) and in Northern Ireland by DAERA-NI (in force from 1 December 2020). Scotland and Wales have also introduced ho

WEDNESDAY, 20 JANUARY 2021 | ANIMAL PLANT HEALTH AGENCY

Check if your import, export or re-export needs a permit under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

There are criminal offences associated with moving or trading CITES-controlled species if you do not have a valid permit or certificate. You could be liable to a prison sentence of up to 7 years, an unlimited fine, or both.

You must apply for a permit or certificate to import, export or re-export any animal or plant species, and their parts or derivatives, that are on the CITES list. This includes if you move CITES specimens between Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and the EU, and GB and Northern Ireland (NI).

Use Species+ to find out if your specimen is on the CITES list.

Species are listed according to how endangered they are in the wild. Annex A is the most strictly controlled list of species and annex D the least.

You must apply for a permit to import, export or re-export annex A, B or C specimens.

If you plan to use a specimen for commercial purposes, you must check if you also need an Article 10 certificate for commercial purposes. You may be able to get an exemption for single commercial use.

Find out how to apply for CITES permits and certificates, including any fees you’ll need to pay.

Unless you have the correct CITES documentation, you should not:

enter into contracts over specimens
make payments for their purchase
ship specimens

You’ll need to:

use a designated point of entry or exit
show your CITES documents to Border Force
check other custom controls required by HMRC

Read the guide for trading CITES-listed specimens through UK ports and airports.

Musical instruments, museums, art exhibitions and touring displays

In some cases, you may need to move CITES specimens across international borders several times. For example, endangered species or specimens that are part of a:

touring orchestra
museum exhibit
art exhibition
touring display or circus

If you’re part of a touring orchestra and only plan to travel with a single instrument, you can use the FED0172 certificate to apply for a musical instrument certificate. Make sure you state that you’re applying to move a single musical instrument. There’s no charge for this kind of permit.

If you’re travelling with multiple instruments or specimens, you must apply for a CITES travelling exhibition certificate.

Find out how to apply for CITES permits and certificates.

Contact APHA Centre for International Trade: Bristol if you’re not sure which type of permit or certificate you need.

Personal and household effects

In some specific circumstances, you do not need CITES documentation to move personal and household effects that contain a CITES specimen.

Contact APHA Centre for International Trade: Bristol if you think that a personal or household item, which you plan to import, export or re-export, includes a CITES specimen.

Eels

You cannot export or import European Eels (Anguilla anguilla) into or out of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). This includes between GB and NI.

Extra rules about identifying controlled species

CITES rules still apply to items if the:

packaging lists a controlled item but the packet does not contain a specimen or derivative - such as a traditional Asian medicine listing tiger bone
actual species is not known and the specimen can only be identified to a higher group that includes controlled species - such as Crocodylia (for all crocodiles, alligators and gharials) and Orchidaceae (for all orchids)

Where the specimen cannot be identified as a specific species in a taxonomic group, APHA treats it as the most protected species of that group.

CITES rules do not apply to naturally excreted urine, faeces and ambergris as these are waste products.

Contact APHA Centre for International Trade: Bristol if you’re not sure whether CITES rules apply to your item.

Customs requirements for CITES items

All CITES import, export and re-export permits or certificates must be endorsed by customs authorities when they enter or leave GB.

UK Border Force (UKBF) will check and endorse the documents. UKBF will keep the documents and send copies to APHA. Other copies are used to prove legal import or export of the specimen.

For imports, you must show the import permit on arrival in GB. The sender must:

get the appropriate documents to submit to UKBF
attach CITES documents travelling with the goods to the outside of the parcel in a sealed clear-plastic folder

For more details on what to expect at customs, see guidance on the legal requirement to show your CITES import permit at the first point of entry into the UK (CIP14).

If you do not identify an import as part of CITES rules, UK Border Force can seize the goods and take criminal action against you and anyone else involved.

Export by post

You must present your CITES permit and specimen to UKBF before you post your items to destinations outside the UK (or for GB to

TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | ANIMAL PLANT HEALTH AGENCY

How to spot avian influenza (bird flu), what to do if you suspect it, and measures to prevent it.

Avian influenza (bird flu) mainly affects birds. It can also affect humans and other mammals.

Latest situation

Update 19 January 2021: Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance within the zones the:

Protection Zones surrounding both the second and third premises near Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk were revoked on 19 January 2021 and the areas merged with the respective Surveillance Zones
Surveillance Zone around a premises near Hawes in North Yorkshire has been revoked. Local movement restrictions have now been removed but the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) measures remain in place

For details of the measures that apply in these zones, see the movement controls and licences section.

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone

Biosecurity and housing requirements for chicken and turkey keepers

PDF, 281KB, 2 pages

Biosecurity and housing requirements for keepers of ducks, geese and game birds

PDF, 273KB, 2 pages

To assist all bird keepers in complying with the rules we have updated the biosecurity guidance and published a Biosecurity self-assessment checklist (ODT, 22.6KB).

Bird fairs, markets, shows and other gatherings

Bird gatherings are not permitted within the AIPZ and therefore are not currently permitted in England. The general licence for bird gatherings was revoked on 11 November

TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | ANIMAL PLANT HEALTH AGENCY

Check if you need a licence or phytosanitary certificate to export plants and plant products.

Export plants and plant products

When you export regulated plants and plant products from Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and Northern Ireland (NI) to other countries, you’ll need to:

check whether a phytosanitary certificate (PC) is required by contacting the plant health authority or a plant health inspector in the destination country
check if your plants require laboratory testing of samples to ensure they are free from pests and diseases or inspections during the growing season - contact your local plant health inspector to find out if your plants need these tests before exporting
apply for a PC from the relevant UK plant health authority before export

UK plant health authorities

The UK has 4 plant health authorities you can use to check if plants and plant products you intend to export need to be accompanied by a PC.

England

Contact your local APHA Plant Health and Seeds Inspector or contact the Centre for International Trade (CIT):

CIT Plants Headquarters
Foss House
Kings Pool
1-2 Peasholme Green
York

Telephone: 0300 1000 313 - select option 3 when calling

Email: planthealth.info@apha.gov.uk

Wales

The relevant plant authority in Wales is the plants, seeds and biotechnology department. Contact your local APHA Plant Health and Seeds Inspector or contact the Centre for International Trade (CIT):

CIT Plants Headquarters
Foss House
Kings Pool
1-2 Peasholme Green
York

telephone: 0300 1000 313 - select option 3 when calling

email: planthealth.info@apha.gov.uk

Scotland

Horticulture, Plant Health, Potatoes and Seeds - The Scottish Government. Contact the Scottish Government’s Horticulture and Marketing Unit:

Telephone: 0131 244 8890

email: hort.marketing@gov.scot

Northern Ireland

The plant authority in Northern Ireland is the Plant and Tree Health department in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Contact the DAERA Plant Health Inspection Branch:

Telephone: 0300 200 7847

email: planthealth@daera-ni.gov.uk

Apply for a phytosanitary certificate (PC)

You may need a PC to export to other countries if you’re exporting:

plants, including fruit, vegetables and cut flowers
plant products
seeds
potatoes
bulbs
grain
machinery
wood and wood products

To get a PC, your plants must be inspected.

For England and Wales you can apply online through eDomero.You apply a different way to export plants from Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Register with eDomero

If you’re exporting from England or Wales, you must register with eDomero and use it to apply for an export PC for plants and plant products with APHA.

The eDomero system will change to a new IT system in early 2021. You will be contacted to register for the new system when this happens.

Exporting wood or wood products

Register with the Forestry Commission as a professional operator if you’re exporting wood or wood products from England and Wales.

Exporters in Scotland and Northern Ireland should refer to local guidance.

Other export requirements for plants and wood

If completing a paper based application, you can send the completed form to your local APHA Inspector. Use the head office address, if you’re based in Wales.

Your goods may also be subject to other requirements. For further information, please read:

Marketing standards for fruit and vegetables
Plant propagation and seed marketing licensing
Convention on International trade of Endangered Species (CITES) additional controls may apply if the specimens being traded are CITES-listed species. You can use the Species+ tool to search for your plant referring to the Annex listings which reflect current UK listings.
Trading and moving endangered species protected by CITES
Wood Packaging Material (WPM) - ISPM 15 requirements

You may be able to use a PC as an alternative to CITES export documents for movements of some artificially propagated specimens from the EU to UK. Please email the APHA CITES team at wildlife.licensing@apha.gov.uk for further information.

Fees

If you’re moving plants from England, Wales or Scotland to Northern Ireland, you do not need to pay for them to be inspected and certified. Your certifier invoices the government for these costs as part of the Movement Assistance Scheme.

There are fees for plant health services delivered by APHA in England and Wales you must pay for.

The fees are £63.80, with a minimum fee of £127.60.

The fees are payable for each 15 minutes (or part thereof) spent in carrying out the inspection and any associated activities. Associated activities include the time it takes inspectors to travel to your site and any administration relevant to that inspection, subject to the minimum fees.

Issue of a PC fee is £25.52 per certificate.
Laboratory examination fee is £33.56 per sample tested.
Amendment of a certificate at the request of an exporter is £15.76.

An additional fee of £15.76 is charged if you submit an application for an export in paper form rather than online using eDomero.

Reduced fees

You can apply for a 50% discount (

TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | ANIMAL PLANT HEALTH AGENCY

How to spot avian influenza (bird flu), what to do if you suspect it, and measures to prevent it.

Avian influenza (bird flu) mainly affects birds. It can also affect humans and other mammals.

Latest situation

For details of the measures that apply in these zones, see the movement controls and licences section.

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone

Biosecurity and housing requirements for chicken and turkey keepers

PDF, 281KB, 2 pages

Biosecurity and housing requirements for keepers of ducks, geese and game birds

PDF, 273KB, 2 pages

To assist all bird keepers in complying with the rules we have updated the biosecurity guidance and published a Biosecurity self-assessment checklist (ODT, 22.6KB).

Bird fairs, markets, shows and other gatherings

Bird gatherings are not permitted within the AIPZ and therefore are not currently permitted in England. The general licence for bird gatherings was revoked on 11 November 2020 at 6:30pm. Further information can be found in our guidance for bird gatherings. The collection of wild game birds is not affected by these measures.

Risk level

The risk of incursion of avian influenza has been increased to very high for wild birds and medium for poultry with high biosecurity and high for poultry with poor biosecurity. Further details on the evidence which supported these decisions can be found in our

TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | ANIMAL PLANT HEALTH AGENCY

Advice and guidance on protecting animal welfare on farms, in transport, at markets and at slaughter.

This guide provides advice on the legislation and codes of practice designed to protect animal welfare on farms, in transport, at markets and at slaughter.

On-farm animal welfare

Specific guides on animal welfare issues are available for the following:

Poultry farming: welfare regulations
Laying hens: welfare regulations
Broiler chickens and breeder chickens: welfare regulations
Pig farming: welfare regulations
Sheep and goats: welfare regulations
Beef cattle and dairy cows: welfare regulations
Deer farming: health and welfare

Gamebirds

The code of practice for the welfare of gamebirds was approved by Parliament and came into force in January 2011. The code provides game farmers with information on how to meet the welfare needs of their animals, as required under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. It can also be used in courts as evidence in cases brought before them relating to poor welfare of gamebirds.

Fish

In addition to the general requirements of the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007 we are working towards further improvements in fish welfare by other means.

The Council of Europe’s Standing Committee on the welfare of animals kept for farming purposes adopted a recommendation on fish in December 2005. Defra’s research and development programme includes projects on certain aspects of fish welfare. We will use the findings to support our objective to ensure high standards of fish welfare.

Ducks and geese

The welfare of ducks and geese is protected by the general requirements of the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007. There is also a Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Ducks, which continues to apply under the new Animal Welfare Act.

Rabbits

The welfare of rabbits is protected by the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007. Schedule 9 of these regulations contains specific conditions that apply to the keeping of rabbits. There is also a Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Rabbits, which continues to apply under the new Animal Welfare Act.

As there is no longer an industry body for commercial rabbit keepers, we would welcome commercial farmers contacting us via: animal.welfare@defra.gov.uk to give their details for future consultation.

Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Rabbits

Turkeys

The welfare of turkeys are protected by the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007. There is also a Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Turkeys which continues to apply under the new Animal Welfare Act.

Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Turkeys

Ratites (emu, ostrich, rhea)

The farming of emu, ostrich and rhea (ratites) caters for a niche market in the UK. The welfare of ratites are protected by the general requirements in the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007. There are also Council of Europe recommendations on the welfare of farmed ratites which offer guidance on the standards that should apply.

Council of Europe recommendations on the welfare of farmed ratites

The existing Codes of Recommendations for the welfare of livestock continue to apply, however, with the introduction of the Act and the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007, the references to the legislation throughout the code are now out of date. Whilst the vast majority of the 2000 regulations are replicated by the 2007 regulations, you should check the legislation as it currently stands.

Legislation

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes owners and keepers responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs of their animals are met. These include the need:

for a suitable environment (place to live)
for a suitable diet
to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
to be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable)
to be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease

Anyone who is cruel to an animal, or does not provide for its welfare needs, may be banned from owning animals, fined up to £20,000 and/or sent to prison.

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 contains the general laws relating to animal welfare. It is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal. Unlike previous legislation, the Act applies to all animals on common land. The Act contains a Duty of Care to animals - this means that anyone responsible for an animal must take reasonable steps to make sure the animal’s needs are met. This means that a person has to look after an animal’s welfare as well as ensure that it does not suffer and apply to all animals.

The welfare of farmed animals is additionally protected by The Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007 (as amended), which are made under the Animal Welfare Act.

The welfare of all farmed animals is protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which makes it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal. The Act also contains a duty of care to animals - anyone responsible for an animal must take reasonable steps to make sure the animal’s welfare needs are met.

The Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007 set minimum standards for all farm animals. These regulations replaced the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000 on 1 October 2007. The new regulations are made under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and are very similar to the previous regulations.

Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007
Guidance to the 2007 Regulations (PDF, 82.6KB, 2 pages)

The Welfare of Animals at Markets Order 1990 (WAMO) contains rules covering the treatment of animals in markets to ensure they are not caused injury or unnecessary suffering. They also set out detailed arrangements in respect of penning, food and water and the care of young animals. Responsibility for enforcing WAMO rests with local councils.

The welfare of farmed animals is additionally protected by the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007 as amended (S.I. 2007 No.2078), which are made under the Animal Welfare Act.

These regulations continue to implement EU directives on the welfare of calves, pigs, laying hens, conventionally reared meat chickens and a general welfare

TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | ANIMAL PLANT HEALTH AGENCY

Report on weekly findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) in wild birds in Great Britain.

Details

This report is produced by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). It is updated regularly with findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) – often referred to as bird flu – in wild birds in Great Britain. Updates are recorded in calendar weeks (for example, week 1 is the first week in January).

These are findings of avian influenza from our ongoing routine surveillance for avian influenza in wild birds. This surveillance is made up of patrols by wild bird reserve wardens and collections of found-dead wild birds reported to us by members of the public. This data only represents cases where birds have tested positive for avian influenza.

Read the avian influenza (bird flu) detailed guidance for the latest information.

Published 30 December 2016
Last updated 19 January 2021 + show all updates

19 January 2021
Updated avian influenza in wild birds for 2021.
13 January 2021
Added the avian influenza in wild birds report for 2021.
5 January 2021
Updated the avian influenza in wild birds for 2020.
29 December 2020
Updated the avian influenza in wild birds for 2020.
21 December 2020
Updated avian influenza in wild birds for 2020.
18 December 2020
Updated the avian influenza in wild birds for 2020.
11 December 2020
Updated the avian influenza in wild birds for 2020.
9 December 2020
Updated the avian influenza in wild birds for 2020.
4 December 2020
Updated the avian influenza in wild birds for 2020.
27 November 2020
Updated the avian influenza in wild birds for 2020
19 November 2020
Updated the avian influenza in wild birds for 2020.
TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE
Recent sentences examined by the Attorney General’s Office under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme.

Members of the public can ask the Attorney General’s office to examine sentences handed down by Crown Courts in England and Wales within 28 days of sentencing under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme (ULS).
This document is intended to assist the public in reviewing cases which have recently been submitted to the Attorney General’s office. This includes the sentences examined, the outcome and details of the cases. This information is updated weekly. If you are a journalist looking for an update in a case or comment on the ULS Scheme please contact the Press Office directly.
Please note that as reporting restrictions exist in a number of these cases, names of all offenders have been truncated to only include offenders’ initials. Members of the public can still search for specific cases by knowing the offence, court of sentence and original sentence.
In cases involving multiple offenders; while each offender is listed separately, they are linked by a unique case reference number. The reason for the referral could relate to one substantive error made during sentencing which has affected multiple sentencing decisions, regardless of the number of offenders involved.
Find out more on how to ask for a Crown Court sentence to be reviewed as well as further guidance about unduly lenient sentences.
ULS case update 19 January 2021 (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 81.4KB)ULS case update 19 January 2021 CSV (CSV, 106KB)

Published 3 May 2016
Last updated 19 January 2021 + show all updates

19 January 2021
ULS stats updated
12 January 2021
Updated stats
23 December 2020
Updated stats for 23 December 2020
16 December 2020
ULS stats updated
8 December 2020
Added updated ULS stats for 8 December 2020
1 December 2020
Updated with this week's case update.
24 November 2020
Updated weekly cases
17 November 2020
Updated weekly cases
10 November 2020
Updated with this week's case update.
3 November 2020
Updated with this week's case update.
27 October 2020
Updated with this week's case update.
20 October 2020
Updated with this week's case update.
13 October 2020
Updated with this week's case update.
6 October 2020
Updated with this week's case update.
29 September 2020
Updated with this week's case update.
22 September 2020
Updated with this week's case update.
15 September 2020
Updated with this week's case update.
8 September 2020
Updated with this week's case update.
1 September 2020
Updated with this week's case update.
25 August 2020
Updated with this week's case update.
18 August 2020
Updated with this week's case update.
11 August 2020
Updated with this week's case update.
4 August 2020
Updated with this week's case update.

TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE

The Attorney General has appointed Andrew T. Cayley as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of the Crown Prosecution Inspectorate (HMCPSI).

The Attorney General, the Rt. Hon. Suella Braverman QC MP has appointed Andrew T. Cayley CMG QC as Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI).

As part of the recruitment process, Mr. Cayley was subject to a pre-appointment hearing with the Justice Select Committee on Thursday 14 January. The committee recommended Mr. Cayley’s appointment. He is expected to take up post on 1 April 2021.

Andrew T. Cayley was the Director of Service Prosecutions from 2013 to 2020. He led the Service Prosecuting Authority through major reforms and the Service Justice Review. From 2009 to 2013 he was the United Nations Chief International Co-Prosecutor of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, the Khmer Rouge Tribunal. Here he was responsible for prosecuting the leadership of the Khmer Rouge for the genocide, extermination and murder of up to two million of their citizens between 1975 and 1979.

From 1995 to 2007, he was Prosecuting Council and Senior Prosecuting Counsel at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). At the ICTY he was co-counsel in a case that secured the court’s first conviction for genocide regarding events at Srebrenica in Bosnia-Herzegovina in July 1995; he also led for the prosecution in several other high-profile cases involving various aspects of the Yugoslav conflict. Also at the ICC, Mr Cayley led the investigation and pre-trial proceedings regarding allegations of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes committed since 1 July 2002 in Darfur, Republic of Sudan.

Mr Cayley first qualified as a Solicitor of the Senior Courts in 1989, transferring to the English and Welsh Bar in 2007. He is a Governing Bencher of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. He was appointed Companion of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George for services to human rights and international criminal law in 2014, and appointed Queens Counsel in 2012.

Commenting on the announcement, Attorney General the Rt. Hon. Suella Braverman QC MP said:

I’m pleased to announce Mr Cayley as Chief Inspector. His role is crucial to driving improvements across the justice system especially for victims. I’m confident that Andrew’s extensive prosecutorial and leadership experience will stand him in good stead to successfully lead the Inspectorate. I look forward to working with him during his tenure.

Commenting on the announcement, Andrew T. Cayley CMG QC said:

I am honoured that the Attorney General has appointed me as Chief Inspector, a role that is so vital to improving the criminal justice system and reinforcing public trust in it. I look forward to leading the team in delivering a comprehensive and high-quality inspection programme.

Mr Cayley has been appointed following a fair and open assessment process conducted in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. He donated £10,000 to the Conservative Party in 2019.

Role of HM Chief Inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service, the head of HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) is appointed by the Attorney General. This is a fixed-term public appointment. The Chief Inspector acts independently of the Attorney General and of government.

HMCPSI has a statutory duty to inspect the operation of the CPS and SFO and report to the Attorney General, who superintends both organisations. Its reports plan and important role in effective superintendence. The operational relationship between the Attorney General and the Chief Inspector is set out in a protocol agreed between the Law Officers (

THURSDAY, 21 JANUARY 2021 | BONA VACANTIA

A list of unclaimed estates held by the Treasury Solicitor. Last updated 21st January 2021.

The Division publishes a list of unclaimed estates which have been recently referred, but not yet administered, and historic cases which have been administered but not yet been claimed within the time limits for doing so.

The list

Unclaimed estates list (CSV, 1.11MB)

Some people have experienced an intermittent problem downloading the Unclaimed estates list. We are investigating the cause of the issue.

The list is published in a Comma Separated Values (CSV) file format. This acts like a spreadsheet and although it can be opened in any text editor it is is best viewed in a spreadsheet application, such as Microsoft Excel, Google Docs or OpenOffice Calc.

If you are looking for a particular estate you can search by using Ctrl-F in your browser, text editor or spreadsheet application.

The list is updated every working day and newly advertised estates appear at the top of the list. After one day of publication, new estates drop into the rest of the list in alphabetical order.

Any estates where the Bona Vacantia division (BVD) no longer has an interest, for example, when a claim to an estate has been admitted, will be removed daily. Estates where the 30 year time limit from the date of death has expired are also removed.

BVD provides as much genealogical information as it holds on its files, subject to its obligations under the Data Protection Act and any other legal requirements. If a field is blank then BVD either do not hold the information or it may only be held in paper files stored off-site.

If you have a claim

Further information can be found in the guide on how to Make a claim to a deceased person’s estate

Disclaimer

Please note: The list cannot be guaranteed to be complete and correct and no warranties are given or implied to that effect. Copies of the list held on other sources or provided by third parties other than the Treasury Solicitor cannot be guaranteed to be accurate or up-to-date. The Treasury Solicitor does not accept any responsibility for any loss whatsoever which might result from reliance thereon.

Published 6 December 2013
Last updated 21 January 2021 + show all updates

21 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
20 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
19 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
18 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
15 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
13 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
12 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
11 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
8 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
7 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
6 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
5 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
4 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
31 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
30 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
29 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
24 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
23 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
22 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
21 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
18 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list

WEDNESDAY, 20 JANUARY 2021 | BONA VACANTIA

A list of unclaimed estates held by the Treasury Solicitor. Last updated 20th January 2021.

The list

Unclaimed estates list (CSV, 1.11MB)

Some people have experienced an intermittent problem downloading the Unclaimed estates list. We are investigating the cause of the issue.

If you are looking for a particular estate you can search by using Ctrl-F in your browser, text editor or spreadsheet application.

The list is updated every working day and newly advertised estates appear at the top of the list. After one day of publication, new estates drop into the rest of the list in alphabetical order.

If you have a claim

Further information can be found in the guide on how to Make a claim to a deceased person’s estate

Disclaimer

Published 6 December 2013
Last updated 20 January 2021 + show all updates

20 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
19 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
18 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
15 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
13 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
12 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
11 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
8 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
7 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
6 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
5 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
4 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
31 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
30 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
29 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
24 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
23 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
22 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
21 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
18 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
17 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list

TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | BONA VACANTIA

A list of unclaimed estates held by the Treasury Solicitor. Last updated 19th January 2021.

The list

Unclaimed estates list (CSV, 1.11MB)

Some people have experienced an intermittent problem downloading the Unclaimed estates list. We are investigating the cause of the issue.

If you are looking for a particular estate you can search by using Ctrl-F in your browser, text editor or spreadsheet application.

The list is updated every working day and newly advertised estates appear at the top of the list. After one day of publication, new estates drop into the rest of the list in alphabetical order.

If you have a claim

Further information can be found in the guide on how to Make a claim to a deceased person’s estate

Disclaimer

Published 6 December 2013
Last updated 19 January 2021 + show all updates

19 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
18 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
15 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
13 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
12 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
11 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
8 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
7 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
6 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
5 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
4 January 2021
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
31 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
30 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
29 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
24 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
23 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
22 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
21 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
18 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
17 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list
16 December 2020
Daily update of the unclaimed estates list

THURSDAY, 21 JANUARY 2021 | CABINET OFFICE

COP26 President Designate Alok Sharma and US Special Presidential Climate Envoy John Kerry spoke today, on Secretary Kerry’s first full day in his new role.

COP26 President Designate Alok Sharma and US Special Presidential Climate Envoy John Kerry spoke today, on Secretary Kerry’s first full day in his new role.

Mr Sharma congratulated Secretary Kerry on bringing the US back to the Paris Agreement yesterday, noting the great importance of the accord being fully universal again.

They agreed that there is no time to waste on tackling climate change. They noted that our two countries are once again tightly aligned in prioritising this shared challenge and will work together to raise global efforts ahead of COP26 in November.

Mr Sharma said that, as hosts of COP26, the UK had sent a clear message to the world in setting an ambitious new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in December and that he looked forward to seeing the US’s own ambitious NDC in the coming months.

Mr Sharma and Secretary Kerry agreed on the particular importance of international climate finance, and for both the UK and the US to work closely with countries who are especially vulnerable to climate change. They also noted the encouraging growth in the shift to renewable energy across the world.

The pair agreed that their respective officials should work together closely. They looked forward to speaking regularly in the run up

THURSDAY, 21 JANUARY 2021 | CABINET OFFICE

The Deputy Cabinet Secretary, Helen MacNamara, has today announced that she will be standing down from her role in the Civil Service

Helen MacNamara, the Deputy Cabinet Secretary, will be leaving the Civil Service in February. She will take up a new role in the private sector later this year.

Helen has spent the last three years at the Cabinet Office, joining as DG, Propriety & Ethics before being promoted to Deputy Cabinet Secretary in March 2020.

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said:

“I would like to congratulate Helen on her tremendous public service over the last two decades. I am hugely grateful for her support during my time in office and I wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”

Cabinet Secretary, Simon Case said:

“Helen and I have worked together in various roles over the last decade and throughout that time she has been a close friend and colleague. She has been instrumental in transforming the Cabinet Office over the last three years and I am especially grateful for the personal support she has given to me in my role. She will be greatly missed and I hope that she may one day return to the Civil Service.”

Helen MacNamara said:

“It’s been an absolute honour to have served as a civil servant over the last two decades. I am very grateful for the support I’ve had from the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Secretary and I wish them and all my friends and colleagues in public service every success for the future.”

Notes to Editors:

Before joining the Cabinet Office in 2018, Helen was Director General for Housing and Planning from 2016 to 2018.

She was previously Director of the Economic and Domestic Secretariat in the Cabinet Office, working for the Cabinet Secretary from 2013 to 2016. She was responsible for brokering collective agreement in the coalition government, coordinating government preparations for the 2015 General Election and contingency preparations for the Greek Eurozone crisis.

She worked in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport from 2002 to 2013 where she held a variety of roles including working on the Olympic bid, as Principal Private Secretary to the Rt Hon Tessa Jowell and as Director for media policy.

She spent the ear

THURSDAY, 21 JANUARY 2021 | CABINET OFFICE

Applications have opened today to help shape the COP26 venue in Glasgow ahead of the crucial climate change talks later this year.

Call for groups to bring climate action to life in an interactive setting
Chance to engage with key audiences and make a real change in the fight against climate change
Two-week showcase opportunity when world leaders gather in Glasgow

Applications have opened today to help shape the COP26 venue in Glasgow ahead of the crucial climate change talks later this year.

Businesses, civil society, academia, trade unions, indigenous groups, and young people have the opportunity to bring climate action to life through fun and lively events, displays and workshops in the areas where many of the world’s leaders will be meeting in November.

This is likely to include demonstrations of virtual reality technology; showcasing innovation helping to tackle global climate change; opportunities for local voices from around the world through culture and arts; and youth groups provided a platform to show the impact they are making.

With demand expected to be high for this unique opportunity, organisations are being encouraged to work together with collaborative proposals wherever possible with a focus on profiling the voices of those most impacted and on the front line of climate change.

COP26 President Alok Sharma said:

COP26 will be the largest summit the UK has ever hosted and this is an exciting opportunity for all of society to be involved.

I would encourage those who are interested, to join with us to inspire climate action around the world.

This is part of a wider call for action from individuals, organisations and businesses to get involved in committing to and inspiring others to act on climate change in the run-up to COP26 through the Together for Our Planet campaign.

Background

Further guidance and a link to the online form can be found here. A downloadable PDF guidance pack can also be found here.
The Expression of Interest process closes at 17:00 GMT on Friday 5 March 2021.
The Expression of Interest process includes a range of opportunities for businesses and organisations to get involved within the UK Government managed spaces at COP26. This includes the UK Pavilion within the Blue Zone and the Green Zone.
The Blue Zone is a UN-managed space which hosts the negotiations. The space brings together delegations from 197 countries, alongside observer organisations to share their stories at panel discussions, side events, exhibits, and cultural events.
The Green Zone is managed by the UK Government, and is a platform for the general public, youth groups, civil society, academia, artists, business and others to have their voices heard through events, exhibitions, workshops and talks that promote dialogue, awareness, education and commitments.
More information on the Together for Our Planet campaign here.

Eligibility

Criteria for organisations and businesses participating in the UK-Government spaces of COP26 are as follows. More information can be found here.

Large businesses with over 250 employees to sign up to Science Based Targets and/or the Race to Zero.
SMEs, cities, regions and local governments signing up to the Race to Zero. By joining this campaign, organisations show they are committed to a clean future, and allows us to show in one place the collective global momentum to net zero.
Civil society organisations (such as NGOs, activists and faith based organisations), schools, universities & colleges

WEDNESDAY, 20 JANUARY 2021 | CABINET OFFICE

Community asymptomatic testing helps identify and isolate individuals who have coronavirus (COVID-19) but do not have symptoms.

Community testing: a guide for local delivery

HTML

Community testing programme areas

HTML

Details

Community asymptomatic testing is a major new tool to help identify and isolate individuals who have COVID-19 but do not have symptoms and may inadvertently be spreading the virus.

Alongside the deployment of tests to NHS front-line staff, social care and other critical settings, testing of asymptomatic individuals within the community can help suppress COVID-19 and offer communities a direct route out of the toughest restrictions.

Published 26 November 2020
Last updated 20 January 2021 + show all updates

20 January 2021
Added to the list of community testing programme areas in the East Midlands, East of England, North West and South West regions.
11 January 2021
Following national lockdown restrictions from 6 January 2021, we are expanding the eligibility of community-led testing to all local authorities across England. The document 'Community Testing: a guide for local delivery' has been updated to reflect this offer. 'Community Testing: an explainer' has also been removed.
10 January 2021
Added list of community testing programme areas.
23 December 2020
Added list of community testing programme areas.
16 December 2020
Updated 'Community testing: explainer' and 'Community testing: a guide for local delivery' to reflect that the community testing programme has been extended to support Tier 2 areas with high prevalence and at risk of entering Tier 3.
30 November 2020
Added the attachment 'Community testing: a guide for local delivery'.
26 November 2020
First published.

Brexit

Check how the new Brexit rules affect you

WEDNESDAY, 20 JANUARY 2021 | CABINET OFFICE

Guide for VCSE organisations on how to bid and win contracts with government

Foreword from Claire Dove CBE

VCSE Crown Representative

As the VCSE Crown Representative, I act as an intermediary between government and the charity and social enterprise sectors to champion the Public Services (Social Value) Act and improvements in commissioning and procurement practices.

The expertise of charities, public service mutuals and social enterprises (‘VCSEs’) means they are often ideally placed to help create compassionate, responsive and efficient public services. I am working alongside the Cabinet Office and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), other government departments and the sectors to unlock the barriers that have prevented VCSEs entering the public sector market in the past.

We have created this guide because we are committed to bringing more charities and social enterprises into public sector supply chains. I hope it helps your organisation on your journey to becoming a successful government supplier.

Follow me on Twitter @VCSECrownRep and my GOV.UK page for updates. To keep up to date with all government procurement follow @gov_procurement on Twitter

Introduction

If you are a charity or social enterprise looking to build your experience and credibility, boost your sustainability and diversify your income, and if you are considering exploring the opportunities of selling on a large or small scale to central Government, local authorities and/or other public sector buyers, then this guide is for you.

Central Government has committed to diversify its supply chains. We have also committed to ensuring contracts are awarded on the basis of more than just price, but a supplier’s social impact too, giving VCSE organisations much deserved recognition for their positive actions in society. VCSEs can have real impact in public sector procurement. This is why we have changed the way we buy goods and services to help more VCSEs and SMEs to bid for our contracts. These changes include:

building on the Social Value Act to mandate all central government departments to explicitly include social value in all major new procurements
buying in a simpler and quicker way by abolishing pre-qualification questionnaires for low value public sector contracts
requiring the public sector to publish its contracts on Contracts Finder
requiring the entire public sector supply chain to be paid within 30 days

So now is a good time to find out about opportunities that are available and learn how you can bid for public sector contracts.

This guide will cover how to work with public sector buyers, how to get ready for tender, what buyers are looking for and 10 top tips for tendering.

Find out about PPN 06/20 and the new Social Value Model here

How do I work with the public sector?

Engage Early

To be ahead of the game, spot opportunities before they have formally gone to market. Early-market engagement is your opportunity to shape the formal tender. The three main ways of engaging early are as follows:

Talk to commissioners or get involved in designing services (‘co-design’) before they write the contract specification. Events range from information gathering to putting forward proposals on solutions. Search “early engagement” on Contracts Finder and research and talk to commissioners you might want to work with for more information.
Attend a ‘meet the buyer’ event. These allow you to talk to buyers about how to bid, what their organisation’s future plans are and how they approach public services. It’s also an opportunity for buyers to learn about your services and products. These events are advertised on the relevant organisation’s website. You can also search “meet the buyer” on Contracts Finder for more information.
Participate in a bidders’ event. Buyers frequently run events immediately before or during the early stages of a tender process. The purpose is to explain the documentation and objectives of a specific project. It offers you the chance to ask specific questions about the process. Search “future opportunity” on Contracts Finder for more information.

Find Opportunities

Contracts Finder is the government’s single online portal on which contracts valued above £10,000 in central government and above £25,000 in the rest of the non-devolved public sector are listed. It’s free to use to find opportunities. You don’t have to register but if you do you can set up an account to have new opportunities that suit your organisation emailed to you regularly.

The contract notice contains all the information about the opportunity being advertised, including the name of the buying organisation, what they’re seeking, any selection criteria, the scope of the contract and whether the buyer has identified it as being suitable for VCSEs or SMEs. We recommend filtering the search function of Contracts Finder by selecting the “Suitable for VCSEs” tag but it is worth looking at other contracts too - you are not restricted by whether or not opportunities have been tagged this way.

Take a look at notices for past opportunities and awards on Contracts Finder. If your organisation is experienced in winning and delivering contracts of a similar size and type to those you see, then consider bidding for contracts to supply directly to the government.

Join frameworks

Public sector buyers may sometimes know that they require a service to be fulfilled or work to be completed, but they may not know all the details up front – for example, how many suppliers they need to fulfil the service. In these cases they may issue a Framework Agreement.

A Framework Agreement is an ‘umbrella’ agreement. A lead buyer agrees terms with one or more suppliers via a procurement (in line with the rules of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015) and then they, and any other pre-advertised organisations can purchase goods or services from the suppliers on the framework agreement, subject to these terms. Each subsequent purchase forms a contract.

This means public sector organisations can request your services using shorter, simpler processes saving you and them time. There can be further competition for contracts but this is only between businesses on the framework.

The Crown Commercial Service manages a number of frameworks for central
government. Find out how to access current opportunities here. See their future plans for new ones here. Other government and wider public sector buyers also advertise framework agreements on Contracts Finder.

Register on Dynamic Purchasing Systems

The Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) is a procedure available for contracts for works,services and goods commonly available on the market. As a procurement tool, it is similar to an electronic framework agreement, but new suppliers can join at any time.

However, the DPS has its own specific set of requirements. It has to be run as acompletely electronic process. It should be set up using the restricted procedure andsome other conditions (as set out in Regulation 34 of the Public Contracts Regulations2015).

DPS use a two stage process where firstly, all suppliers who meet the selection criteria and are not pre-excluded must be admitted to the DPS. There is no limit to how many suppliers can join a DPS. Unlike frameworks, suppliers can join a DPS at any point in its lifetime.

Individual contracts are awarded during the second stage whereby the buyer invites all suppliers on the DPS to bid for the specific contract.

Why is this useful to VCSEs? Dynamic Purchasing Systems help to streamline the procurement process for both suppliers and buyers. Suppliers don’t have to demonstrate their suitability and capability every time they wish to compete for a contract within the system. Find out more about Dynamic Purchasing Systems here.

Join the supply chain

With a bit of research, you could join a government supply chain. Search

TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | CABINET OFFICE

The Leadership Academy holds regular learning events for civil servants.

The Leadership Academy delivers core leadership programmes and a selection of masterclasses and events.

Director Leadership Programme

Date	Virtual event
3 & 4 February	DLP Cohort 5 Virtual Launch Event

Open SCS leadership learning events

Whether you choose to join a programme or not, you have access to the wider Civil Service Leadership Academy’s SCS curriculum, which will compliment your leadership journey.

Date	Virtual event
27 January	Leading with systems Part 2
4 February	Psychology of Leadership in challenging times - (Leading within complexity part 1)
9 February	Brain hacks - resilience for senior leaders
11 February	Groupthink - (Leading within complexity part 2)
16 February	Inclusive Leadership workshop
18 February	Leading with systems Part 1
25 February	Complexity and sensemaking - (Leading within complexity part 3)
4 March	Leading with disruption
11 March	Inclusive Leadership workshop
18 March	Leading with systems Part 2

Leading and Parliament

At this series of online talks, you will hear from a range of high-level parliamentarians, senior officials, and parliamentary experts to gain a better understanding of your role in supporting ministers with their parliamentary duties, which is essential for Civil Service leaders. This course is designed to give new SCS, or those with little to no experience of Parliament, a grounding in the key aspects of the parliamentary process.

Published 27 September 2017
Last updated 19 January 2021 + show all updates

19 January 2021
Removed section: Leading in Complexity Series – Sense-making and Response Removed event: 20 January - Leading at your Best in Challenging Times Added event: 16 February and 11 March - Inclusive Leadership workshop
4 January 2021
Removed event: 12 Jan - Storytelling Part 2, as sold out Added events: 4 Feb - Psychology of Leadership in challenging times; 11 Feb - Groupthink; 25 Feb - Complexity and sensemaking. All are part of the Leading in Complexity series.
17 December 2020
Update: DLP Cohort 5 Virtual Launch Event date changed 8 & 9 December to 3 & 4 February 2021
1 December 2020
removed events:for November 2020
2 November 2020
Update: Leading in Complexity Part 3 - Group Think, event date change from 4 Nov to 1 Dec
28 October 2020
Update: Leading in Complexity Series - Part 2, event date change from 28 Oct to 12 Nov
28 October 2020
Added event: 16 November - Leading an inclusive Civil Service
26 October 2020
Removed event: 15 October - Leading with systems Part 2 Removed event: 21 October - Leading in Complexity Series - Part 1 Added event: 4 November - Leading in Complexity Part 3 - Group Think
6 October 2020
Added: Leading in Complexity Series - Part 1 & 2 in October Removed September events
25 August 2020
removed event: 18 August 20 Accomplishment Workshop removed event: 25 August 20 Resilience Workshop changed event: Leading at your Best in Challenging Times from 26 August to 29 September 20
19 August 2020
Added: Leading and Parliament event
4 August 2020
course date change: Leading at your Best in Challenging Times, changed from 4 Aug to 26 Aug
22 July 2020
Psychology of leadership within challenging times (Part 2) date changed from 29 July to 31 July
22 July 2020
Positive Emotions Workshop date changed from 23 to 27 July
15 July 2020
TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | CABINET OFFICE
COP26 President Alok Sharma at the 11th International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) assembly on the importance of international collaboration for the clean energy transition

Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen. It is an absolute pleasure to join you today.
And I would like to thank Mr Francesco La Camera for the fantastic work IRENA is doing under his leadership.
Friends, we all know that we must act now on climate change.
If we do not, the consequences will be almost unimaginable:
With crops failing.
Nature devastated.
And hundreds of millions threatened by rising seas.
To avoid this, it is vital to decarbonise the energy sector, which accounts for around two-thirds of global emissions.
And so I am asking governments around the world to do three key things to achieve it.
First, raise ambition and action at home.
Second, invest in clean recoveries in response to the COVID pandemic.
And, third, work together to make progress on our climate ambitions.
I am urging all countries to come forward with new Nationally Determined Contributions, and long-term strategies.
And to put clear policies in place to achieve them.
Policies like improving product efficiency standards.
Phasing out coal power.
Encouraging decarbonisation in those sectors where it is a challenge.
And creating the policy environment to attract private finance.
Getting finance flowing, both public and private, is one of my key COP26 priorities.
Including urging developed countries to honour the commitment they have made to raise $100 billion a year in international climate finance.
I am grateful to IRENA for its work on NDCs and long-term planning. And its support for countries on the clean energy transition.
And I am pleased to say that here in the UK, we are acting.
We announced a new NDC, consistent with our target to reach net zero by 2050.
And last year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced our ten-point plan for a green industrial revolution.
A plan to mobilise £12 billion of government investment.
That spurs three times as much from the private sector.
A plan to power every home in the country from offshore wind within a decade.
And invest in nuclear, hydrogen technologies and Carbon Capture Usage and Storage.
A plan which will support and create a quarter of a million jobs.
This shows how investment in clean technology can drive our recovery from COVID-19.
Which I know has been a focus of IRENA’s work.
By aligning our recovery packages with the Paris Agreement, we can help to build clean growth into the heart of our economies.
And of course many countries are doing fantastic work to invest in green recoveries. And now we need all leaders to follow suit.
We are confident in this approach because we have seen that clean growth is absolutely possible.
Over the past thirty years in the UK, we have seen our economy grow by 75 per cent while reducing our emissions by 43 per cent.
We have also seen how, by working together, we can make progress faster.
By increasing incentives for investment.
Creating economies of scale.
And accelerating innovation.
Solar and wind power costs have fallen by 28% and 15% respectively, each time global deployment has doubled.
But we only realise these benefits if we tailor our response to each challenge and sector.
That is why international collaboration is one of the key goals of my COP Presidency.
Our COP26 campaigns are bringing government, industry, investors, development banks, and civil society together, around five critical areas:
Finance, nature, adaptation and resilience, clean transport, and, of course, clean energy.
And we have created new forums for collaboration, like the Zero Emission Vehicle Transition Council, and the Energy Transition Council.
And I would like to thank everyone involved with this work. Including IRENA, as a member of the COP26 Energy Transition Council.
The work of this council includes improving the international support to developing countries to move away from coal.
Friends, together, through ambition, collaboration, and investment in green recoveries, we can transform the global energy sector.
So let’s take action now, to put the world on track for a clean and prosperous future.

Published 19 January 2021

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TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | CABINET OFFICE

COP26 President, Alok Sharma, discusses raising climate ambition and action in 2021 at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a global platform for accelerating the world’s sustainable development.

Good afternoon.

It is an absolute pleasure to join you today. At the beginning of what is a momentous year for our planet.

Together we must make 2021 the year of climate action.

And we have just ten years to bring our emissions under control. A decade to limit global temperature rises, to the levels set out in the Paris Agreement.

The choices we make today will determine whether we or not we achieve it.

The science is clear on the destruction we will unleash if we do not.

Water supplies strained. Nature devastated. Human health increasingly stunted by the air we breath.

So it is vital that we act now.

As President of the next UN climate conference, COP26, I want this to be the year that all of us unite around the aims of the Paris Agreement.

From governments, cities, and civil society. To businesses, investors, and development banks.

So it is great to see Clover Hogan on today’s panel. Who is working to empower young people.

And of course, my friend Laurent Fabius, who delivered the historic Paris Agreement.

And Francesco La Camera. Under whose leadership, IRENA is supporting the clean energy transition around the world.

I have four key goals.

One, to strengthen adaptation – to respond to the realities of a changing climate.

Two, to enhance international collaboration among governments, business and civil society.

Of course, the UK works with the UAE on Mission Innovation, for example. Speeding up innovation in clean energy technologies.

Three, I want to get finance flowing to climate action – both public and private.

And I am calling on developed countries to honour their commitments on international climate financeand raise that $100 billion a year.

And I am urging investors to take climate risk into account, and capitalise on the shift to clean, resilient growth across the world.

I thank our hosts, Masdar, for their work on the global energy transition,

including their support for UK offshore wind, which is powering British homes and businesses as we speak.

The fourth, incredibly important, goal I want us to work towards is reducing emissions.

I am calling on world leaders to come forward with ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions.

To set out net zero targets, and long-term plans to achieve them.

And to introduce policies to make these targets a reality.

Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies.

Deploying renewables faster.

And moving to clean transport.

I welcome the leadership the UAE has shown amongst the Gulf states.

Its new NDC last December, setting a target that covers the whole economy,

and some of the lowest solar power prices in the world.

I am also urging business, cities and regions to take actions.

To sign up to the Race to Zero campaign.

And work to reach net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.

By signing up you will be joining over 450 cities, and 1400 firms which have already done so.

Including the likes of the UAE’s Globesight, Microsoft and EDF.

This is not just the right thing to do.

It also helps to drive shareholder value.

Whether it is finance, business, or our national economies, the opportunities presented by the move to clean growth are enormous.

Once pre-election commitments made by President-elect Joe Biden are enacted, almost two-thirds of the world’s emissions will be covered by net zero commitments. A club that is growing all the time.

Global trade in low-carbon goods and services is expected to grow up to 34 times between 2015 and 2050.

By investing in clean sectors today, as we recover from the coronavirus pandemic, we can build clean growth into the heart of our economies.

Creating jobs and prosperity.

Here in the UK for example, our Ten Point Plan for a green industrial revolution will support and create a quarter of a million green jobs.

Government investment in wind power, hydrogen, carbon capture usage and storage, electric vehicles and much more, will help to leverage in three times the amount from the private sector.

The opportunities are there for the taking.

So, friends, in this vital year for our planet, let’s come together.

Let’s increase our ambition.

And take action.

To put the world on course for a clean and prosperous future.

Published 19 January 2021

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Published 13 August 2014
Last updated 19 January 2021 + show all updates

19 January 2021
Amended guidance text, and new version of notification form added
11 December 2020
New rules statement apply Jan 2021 and new version of the notification form uploaded
21 June 2016
Updated form to new format and layout for better usability.
27 April 2016
Updated the AHH1 form to the new government branding
13 August 2014
First published.

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Published 13 August 2014
Last updated 19 January 2021 + show all updates

19 January 2021
Guidance text amended and new version of the notification form uploaded
11 December 2020
New version of the EXP1 form now available and up-loaded - Body text amended in-line with new guidance
29 June 2020
Guidline notes added
24 April 2019
Updated form to new format and layout for better usability.
13 August 2014
First published.

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TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT FISHERIES AQUACULTURE SCIENCE
Explaining the standards for how the Fish Health Inspectorate deliver services to those they regulate

Fish Health Inspectorate: Service Charter

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Details

This guidance explains what services the Fish Health Inspectorate provide and the standards they aim to meet.
It also outlines the standards expected from those they regulate.

Published 7 August 2014
Last updated 19 January 2021 + show all updates

19 January 2021
Annual review to the service charter
5 February 2020
Changes have been made to update the FHI Service charter inline with current processes.
6 May 2016
Annual review
7 August 2014
First published.

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THURSDAY, 21 JANUARY 2021 | COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP COMMISSION IN THE UK

61st annual report to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs for the year ending 30 September 2020.

CSC annual report 2020: delivering a common future

PDF, 5.38MB, 48 pages

Details

2020 has been a year of extraordinary global change, calling on us to identify new ways of living and working. Our refocused strategy is supported by our internationally recognised evaluation programme. We seek answers in increasingly accurate and sophisticated ways to the fundamental question: do Scholarships result in developmental benefits? And to what extent do our Scholars build development capacity in their workplaces, local communities and beyond?

Published 21 January 2021

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TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | COMPANY NAMES TRIBUNAL

Decisions and orders of the Company Names Tribunal - undefended.

2021 decisions and orders - undefended

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2020 decisions and orders - undefended

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2019 Decisions and orders - undefended

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2018 Decisions and orders - undefended

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2017 Decisions and orders - undefended

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2016 Decisions and orders - undefended

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2015 Decisions and orders - undefended

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2014 Decisions and orders - undefended

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Use this guide to find details of all our undefended decisions and orders.

Pre 2014 undefended decisions can be found via National Archives
Pre 2014 undefended orders can be found via National Archives

Published 4 November 2014
Last updated 19 January 2021 + show all updates

19 January 2021
Company names decisions O/025/21 added.
19 January 2021
Undefended table for 2021 and Decisions O/019/21, O/20/21, O/21/21, O/22/21, O/023/21 and O/024/21 added.
30 December 2020
Company names decisions O/648/20, O/649/20 and O/650/20 added.
21 December 2020
Decision O/630/20, O/637/20, O/638/20 and O/639/20 added.
25 November 2020
Signed orders 12000670, 11936480, 11437352, 12085833 and 12275449 added.
18 November 2020
Decisions O/573/20. O/575/20, O/576/20 and O/577/20 added.
16 Nov

TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | COMPANY NAMES TRIBUNAL

Decision for applicant Zurich Insurance Company Ltd against registration number 12374614 applicant successful

Decision on Zurich Trade Finco Ltd

Ref: O/025/21 HTML

Details

Application number 3144

Applicant Zurich Insurance Company Ltd objected to the name used by Zurich Trade Finco Ltd under the Companies Act 2006.

This decision was undefended. ‘Undefended’ refers to decisions where there has been no defence in response to the application to the Company Names Tribunal.

Published 19 January 2021

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THURSDAY, 21 JANUARY 2021 | COMPETITION MARKETS AUTHORITY

Ofwat has made 4 references from water companies to the CMA for a redetermination following its 2019 price review.

Administrative timetable

Published on 2 April 2020, as required by Rule 7 of the Competition &Markets Authority Rules of Procedure for Merger, Market and Special Reference Groups (CMA17). Any revisions made to the timetable will be published on this website.

Date	Action
18 March 2021	Statutory deadline
Mid February 2021	Target for determination(s) to be sent by CMA to Ofwat
3 February 2021	Final deadline for representations
January 2021	Consultation period
Late November to early December 2020	Third Party and Main Party Hearings
October 2020 - mid January 2021	CMA analysis phase
27 October 2020	Deadline for responses to provisional determination
29 September 2020	Publish provisional determination
17 August 2020	Deadline for main party submissions
Late July to early August 2020	Main party hearings and additional third party hearings if required
25 June 2020	Deadline for third party submissions
Late May to late August 2020	CMA analysis phase
Late May 2020	Deadline for affected water companies’ responses to Ofwat’s reply
May 2020	Third party hearings
Mid May 2020	Parties (Ofwat) present to Group
Early May 2020	Deadline for Ofwat’s response to the affected water companies
Early to mid April 2020	Parties (water companies) present to Group
Early April 2020	Affected water companies submit details of the grounds for redetermination(s)
19 March 2020	References made and initial submission received from Ofwat

Consultation Responses

Responses to cost of capital working papers published 8 January 2021

Anglian Water – Initial Response (21.1.21)
Bristol Water – Initial Response (21.1.21)
Northumbrian Water – Initial Response (21.1.21)
Yorkshire Water – Initial Response (21.1.21)
Ofwat – Initial Response (21.1.21)
CPP Investments (21.1.21)
Dalmore Capital (21.1.21)
Electricity North West Ltd (21.1.21)
GIIA (21.1.21)
GLIL Infrastructure (21.1.21)
IFM Investors (21.1.21)

Responses to 2019/20 data for base cost models working paper published 13 January 2021

Consultations

15 January 2021: The CMA is consulting on the appropriate approach to take in these references towards enhancement allowances for leakage. Responses are requested by noon on 25 January 2021.

Working paper – Leakage enhancement totex allowance

Leakage enhancement totex allowance (15.1.21)

15 January 2021: The CMA is consulting on the appropriate approach to take in these references towards Anglian Water’s Elsham scheme. Responses are requested by 22 January 2021.

Working paper – Elsham

Elsham (15.1.21)

13 January 2021: The CMA is consulting on whether to include 2019/20 data in the base cost models for these references. Responses are requested by 4pm on 18 January 2021.

Working paper – 2019/20 data for base cost models

2019/20 data for base cost models (13.1.21)

8 January 2021: The CMA is consulting on the proposed approach to take in these references towards two aspects of cost of capital. Responses are requested by 27 January 2021.

Working papers – Cost of capital

Executive summary (8.1.21)
Point estimate for the cost of capital (8.1.21)
Cost of capital (8.1.21)

Main party replies to the responses to the provisional findings

Anglian Water (19.11.20)

THURSDAY, 21 JANUARY 2021 | COMPETITION MARKETS AUTHORITY

The CMA is investigating the completed acquisition of 3G Truck & Trailer Parts Limited by TVS Europe Distribution Limited.

Phase 2

Administrative timetable

Date of referral: 12 June 2020

Statutory deadline: 21 January 2021

Administrative timetable (22.10.20)

Final report

Final report (12.1.21)
Appendices and glossary (12.1.21)
Press release: CMA breaks up motor parts merger (12.1.21)

Responses to provisional findings and possible remedies

Merging Parties response to the Remedies Notice (17.11.20)
Merging Parties response to the Provisional Findings (17.11.20)
Merging Parties response to the Provisional Findings – Annex 1 (17.11.20)
Merging Parties response to the Provisional Findings – Annex 2 (17.11.20)

Notice of extension of inquiry period

21 October 2020: The Inquiry Group has decided to extend by eight weeks under section 39(3) of the Enterprise Act 2002 (the Act) the period for the preparation and publication of its report on the reference, as it considers that there are special reasons why the report cannot be prepared and published within the period specified in section 39(1) of the Act. The revised period will therefore end on 21 January 2021. However, the Inquiry Group aims to complete the inquiry as soon as possible and in advance of this date.

Notice of extension (22.10.20)

Provisional Findings

20 October 2020: The CMA has provisionally found competition concerns as part of its in-depth investigation of the completed acquisition by TVS Europe Distribution Limited of 3G Truck & Trailer Parts Ltd.

Provisional findings (21.10.20)
Appendices and glossary (21.10.20)
Notice of provisional findings (21.10.20)
Notice of possible remedies (21.10.20)
Summary of provisional findings (20.10.20)
Press release: Customers could lose out in motor parts merger (20.10.20)

Directions

On 19 June the CMA issued directions under paragraph 12 of the Initial Enforcement Order.

Directions (22.9.20)

Issues statement

6 July 2020: The issues statement sets out the scope of the inquiry. It outlines initial theories on what might be adversely affecting competition, but it does not set out findings or conclusions. The deadline for submissions on the issues statement is 5pm on Monday 20 July 2020.

Issues Statement (6.7.20)

Inquiry group appointed

23 June 2020: The CMA has appointed the inquiry group.

Kirstin Baker (Chair), Humphrey Battcock, Ulrike Hotopp, Stephen Rose

Terms of reference

12 June 2020: the CMA has referred the completed acquisition by TVS Europe Distribution Limited of 3G Truck and Trailer Parts Ltd for an in-depth investigation.

Terms of reference (12.6.20)

Phase 1

Date	Action
2 June 2020	Decision announced
1-17 April 2020	Invitation to comment
1 April 2020	Launch of merger inquiry
10 February 2020	Initial enforcement order

Response to phase 1 decision

Parties’ response to phase 1 decision (28.7.20)

Reference decision

12 June 2020: The CMA has referred the completed acquisition by TVS Europe Distribution Limited of 3G Truck and Trailer Parts Ltd for an in-depth investigation, on the basis that, on the information currently available to it, it is or may be the case that this merger constitutes a relevant merger situation that has resulted or may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom.

Decision to refer (12.6.20)

Reference unless undertakings accepted

2 June 2020: The CMA has decided, on the information currently available to it, that it is or may be the case that this merger has resulted or may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom. This merger will be referred for a phase 2 investigation unless the parties offer acceptable undertakings to address these competition concerns.

Full text decision (6.7.20)

THURSDAY, 21 JANUARY 2021 | COMPETITION MARKETS AUTHORITY

The CMA is investigating the anticipated joint venture between Liberty Global plc and Telefónica S.A to merge their UK operating businesses Virgin Media/Virgin Mobile and O2, respectively.

Phase 2

Administrative timetable

Referral date: 11 December 2020

Statutory deadline: 27 May 2021

Administrative timetable (21.12.20)

Issues statement

21 January 2021: The issues statement sets out the scope of the inquiry. It outlines initial theories on what might be adversely affecting competition, but it does not set out findings or conclusions. The deadline for submissions on the issues statement is 5pm, Thursday 4 February 2021.

Issues statement (21.1.21)

Inquiry group appointed

11 December 2020: The CMA has appointed the inquiry group:

Martin Coleman (Chair), Margot Daly, Cyrus Mehta, and John Thanassoulis.

Contact

Please send written representations about any competition issues to:

Virgin.O2@cma.gov.uk

Terms of reference

11 December 2020: the CMA has referred the anticipated joint venture between Liberty Global plc and Telefónica S.A. for an in-depth Phase 2 investigation.

Terms of reference (11.12.20)

Phase 1

Statutory timetable

Date	Action
22 December 2020	Decision published
11 December 2020	Decision announced
19 November 2020 to 26 November 2020	Invitation to comment
19 November 2020	Launch of merger inquiry
19 November 2020	Deadline for European Commission to decide on CMA request
8 October 2020	CMA request for referral made

Reference decision

11 December 2020: The CMA has referred the anticipated joint venture between Liberty Global plc and Telefónica S.A. for an in-depth Phase 2 investigation under its fast track procedure at the request of the merging parties.

Full text decision (22.12.20)
Press release: Virgin and O2 merger referred for in-depth investigation (11.12.20)

Launch of merger inquiry

19 November 2020: The CMA has launched its phase 1 investigation following the European Commission’s decision to refer the case to the United Kingdom under Article 9(3)(b) of the EC Merger Regulation.

Press release: European Commission refers review of Virgin and O2 deal to CMA (19.11.20)

Invitation to comment: now closed

19 November 2020: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom (UK) for goods or services.

In this case, the CMA has received a request from the Parties for a fast track reference to Phase 2, in accordance with paragraphs 6.61 to 6.65 of the Guidance on the CMA’s jurisdiction and procedure (the Guidance).

The CMA is considering whether the criteria for a fast track reference, as set out in the Guidance, are satisfied. If the CMA is satisfied that the criteria for the use of the fast track process are met, the CMA will move quickly to a Phase 2 investigation. In previous fast track cases, a Phase 1 decision has typically been adopted within ten to 15 working days of the launch of the merger inquiry, although the duration of a fast track Phase 1 investigation varies on a case by case basis. A Phase 2 investigation would then last 24 weeks (subject to a possible extension of 8 weeks).

The CMA therefore invites comments from any interested party on (i) the impact that the Merger could have on competition in the UK and/or (ii) any reasons why it would not be appropriate for the CMA to use the fast track procedure in this case. In line with the CMA’s usual practice in fast tracked cases, the period for this consultation is relatively short (five working days), as interested parties will have further opportunities to present their views on the Merger during the Phase 2 investigation.

The comments should be provided by the deadline set out above.

Invitation to comment (19.11.20)

CMA request for referral

8 October 2020: The CMA has made a request to the European Commission to refer the proposed joint venture between Liberty Global plc and Telefónica S.A to merge their UK operating businesses Virgin Media/Virgin Mobile and O2, respectively.

CMA request for referral (13.10.20)
Press release: CMA requests review of Virgin and O2 merger (8.10.20)

Please note that, due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, we are no longer able to accept delivery of any documents or correspondence by post or courier to any of our offices.

Published 8 October 2020
Last updated 21 January 2021 + show all updates

21 January 2021
Issues statement published.
22 December 2020
Full text decision published.
21 December 2020
Administrative timetable published.
11 December 2020
Terms of reference published and inquiry group appointed.
11 December 2020
Reference decision published.

WEDNESDAY, 20 JANUARY 2021 | COMPETITION MARKETS AUTHORITY

The CMA is investigating the anticipated acquisition by Bellis Acquisition Company 3 Limited of Asda Group Limited following the European Commission’s decision to refer the case to the United Kingdom under Article 4(4) of the EC Merger Regulation.

Statutory timetable

Phase 1 Date	Action
TBC	Deadline for Phase 1 decision (*)
8 December 2020	Launch of merger inquiry (**)
8 December 2020 to 22 December 2020	Invitation to comment

(*) This date is the current statutory deadline by when the decision will be announced. If any change occurs, the information is refreshed as soon as practicable. However, the CMA cannot guarantee that the decision will be announced on or before this current deadline, as the deadline of a given case may change during the merger assessment process due to different reasons.

(**) The CMA commenced its phase 1 investigation and is inviting comments.

Phase 1

Notice of extension

Notice of termination of extension (20.1.21)
Notice of extension (12.1.21)
Notice of extension (11.12.20)

Launch of merger inquiry

8 December 2020: The CMA has launched its phase 1 investigation following the European Commission’s decision to refer the case to the United Kingdom, following a request by the merging parties under Article 4(4) of the EC Merger Regulation. The CMA is inviting comments from any interested party on the impact that the Merger could have on competition in the UK, until 22 December 2020.

Invitation to comment closed: 22 December 2020

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so,?whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.

To assist it with this assessment, the CMA invites comments on the transaction from any interested party.??

These comments should be provided by the deadline set out above.?

Contact

Please send written representations about any competition or public interest to:

Kalani Herath

Kalani.Herath@cma.gov.uk

Iqra Khanom Uddin

Iqra.KhanomUddin@cma.gov.uk

Published 8 December 2020
Last updated 20 January 2021 + show all updates

20 January 2021
Notice of termination of extension published.
12 January 2021
Notice of extension published.
11 December 2020
Notice of extension published.
8 December 2020
First published.

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TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | COMPETITION MARKETS AUTHORITY

The CMA is investigating the completed acquisition by Facebook, Inc of Giphy, Inc.

Statutory timetable

Phase 1	Action
TBC	Deadline for phase 1 decision (*)
TBC	Launch of merger inquiry (**)
12 June to 3 July 2020	Invitation to comment
9 June 2020	Initial enforcement order

(**) The CMA has decided to investigate this transaction and is inviting comments and has made an initial enforcement order. This case page will be updated when the CMA formally commences its phase 1 investigation.

Competition Appeal Tribunal judgment

13 November 2020: The Competition Appeal Tribunal has dismissed all grounds of Facebook’s appeal.

Judgment (13.11.20)
News story: CMA welcomes Tribunal judgment in Facebook and Giphy case (13.11.20)

Directions to appoint a hold separate manager

10 August 2020: On 30 July 2020, pursuant to an initial enforcement order dated 9 June 2020, the CMA directed Facebook, Inc, Tabby Acquisition Sub, Inc, Facebook UK Limited and Giphy, Inc to appoint a hold separate manager.

Directions to appoint a hold separate manager (10.8.20)

Directions to appoint a monitoring trustee

29 June 2020: On 19 June 2020, pursuant to an initial enforcement order dated 9 June 2020, the CMA directed Facebook, Inc, Tabby Acquisition Sub, Inc, Facebook UK Limited and Giphy, Inc to appoint a monitoring trustee.

Directions to appoint a monitoring trustee (29.6.20)

Invitation to comment: now closed

12 June 2020: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction has resulted in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.

To assist it with this assessment, the CMA invites comments on the transaction from any interested party.These comments should be provided by the deadline set out above.

Initial enforcement order

9 June 2020: The CMA served an initial enforcement order under section 72(2) of the Enterprise Act 2002 on Facebook, Inc, Tabby Acquisition Sub, Inc, Facebook UK Limited and Giphy, Inc in relation to the completed acquisition by Facebook, Inc of Giphy, Inc

Initial enforcement order (12.6.20)

Amendments/consents granted

Contact

Please send written representations about any competition or public interest to:

Alex Hazell

Alex.Hazell@cma.gov.uk

James McGarrachan

james.mcgarrachan@cma.gov.uk

Please note that, due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, the CMA’s offices across the UK are closed until further notice. We are no longer able to accept delivery of any documents or correspondence by post or courier to any of our offices.

Published 12 June 2020
Last updated 19 January 2021 + show all updates

19 January 2021
Derogation published.
13 November 2020
Update published following a Competition Appeal Tribunal decision.
22 September 2020
Derogation published.
4 September 2020
Derogation published.
10 August 2020
Directions to appoint a hold separate manager published.
21 July 2020
Derogation 16 July 2020 published.
3 July 2020
Derogation letter published.
30 June 2020
Directions to appoint a monitoring trustee published.
12 June 2020
First published.

TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | COMPETITION MARKETS AUTHORITY

The CMA has published new research on algorithms, showing how they can reduce competition in digital markets and harm consumers if they are misused.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is now seeking evidence from academics and industry experts on the potential harms to competition and consumers caused by the deliberate or unintended misuse of algorithms. It is also looking for intelligence on specific issues with particular firms that the CMA could examine and consider for future action. The research and feedback will inform the CMA’s future work in digital markets, including its programme on analysing algorithms and the operation of the new Digital Markets Unit (DMU), and the brand-new regulatory regime that the DMU will oversee.

Much of people’s lives is spent online, be it consuming news, socialising, dating, ordering food, or arranging travel. Many of these online activities and the markets that underpin them could not exist without algorithms, often in the form of artificial intelligence, and these have enabled considerable gains in efficiency and effectiveness. However, they can negatively impact consumers in various ways.

Algorithms can be used to personalise services in ways that are difficult to detect, leading to search results that can be manipulated to reduce choice or artificially change consumers’ perceptions. An example of this is misleading messages which suggest a product is in short supply.

Companies can also use algorithms to change the way they rank products on websites, preferencing their own products and excluding competitors. More complex algorithms could aid collusion between businesses without firms directly sharing information. This could lead to sustained higher prices for products and services.

The majority of algorithms used by private firms online are currently subject to little or no regulatory oversight and the research concludes that more monitoring and action is required by regulators, including the CMA. The CMA has already considered the impact of algorithms on competition and consumers in previous investigations, for example monitoring the pricing practices of online travel agents.

Kate Brand, Director of Data Science, said:

“Algorithms play an important role online but, if not used responsibly, can potentially do a tremendous amount of harm to consumers and businesses. Assessing this harm is the first step towards being able to ensure consumers are protected and complements our wider work in digital markets to promote greater competition and innovation online.

“We want to receive as much information as possible from stakeholders in academia, the competition community, firms, civil society and third sector organisations in order to understand where the harm is occurring and what the most effective regulatory approach is to protect consumers in the future.”

This work is being led by the CMA’s Data, Technology and Analytics (DaTA) unit, the largest team of data and technology experts in any competition or consumer agency worldwide.

As well as playing a vital role in informing the work of the new regulator, the DMU, it will play a key role in supporting our wider Digital Markets Strategy to protect consumers in dynamic markets online. The CMA intends to work closely with the ICO and Ofcom, through the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum, in taking this work forward.

For more information, visit the algorithms paper web page.

For media enquiries, contact the CMA press office

TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | COMPETITION MARKETS AUTHORITY

The CMA is inviting views and evidence on the harms outlined in its paper on algorithms and information on specific issues with firms that the CMA could examine and consider for future action.

The CMA has published a paper on ‘Algorithms: How they can reduce competition and harm consumers’. Respondents should refer to the relevant parts of the paper when considering the questions below.

Press release: CMA lifts the lide on impact of algorithms

We will use the responses from this call for information to inform and enhance our analysing algorithms programme.

As we develop our approach to investigating, mitigating and remedying the harms outlined in the paper, we invite responses to the following questions:

Are the potential harms set out in the review paper the right ones to focus on for our algorithms programme? Are there others that we have not covered that deserve attention?
Do you agree with how we have described each harm, and are there other examples that demonstrate them in addition to the examples we have included?
How likely and impactful are the identified harms now, and how might they evolve in the next few years?
Are there specific examples that we should investigate further to consider whether they are particularly harmful and potentially breaching consumer or competition law?
Are there any examples of techniques that we should be aware of or that we should consider beyond those that we’ve outlined?
Are there other examples where competition or consumer agencies have interrogated algorithms that we have not included?
Is the role of regulators in addressing the harms we set out in the paper feasible, effective and proportionate?
Are there other ideas or approaches that we should consider as part of our role?

Questions 1 to 4 refer to Section 2 of the algorithms paper, questions 5 and 6 relate to Section 3 and questions 7 and 8 refer to Section 4.

We also invite academics or other organisations who would be interested in collaborating on our algorithms programme to contact us.

Next steps

In providing responses, please say whether you are an individual or a business, or if you represent consumer or business interests. Please provide your name and email address and indicate whether you would be happy for us to follow-up with you.

Please note that we are unable to provide advice on individual complaints. Our website provides links to sources of advice, information and support.

We will be publish on our website responses from businesses and other organisations. In providing responses, please:

provide a brief summary of the interest or organisation that you represent, where appropriate
state whether you are providing any material that you consider to be confidential and explain why this is the case
provide both confidential version and a non-confidential version for publication of your response

Event

Join our DaTA unit on the 25 January 2021 for a panel discussion with leading experts to explore the topic further.

Documents

Algorithms: How they can reduce competition and harm consumers

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algori

TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | COMPETITION MARKETS AUTHORITY

Paper from the CMA's Data, Technology and Analytics (DaTA) Unit, identifying potential harms to competition and consumers from the use of algorithms.

Algorithms: How they can reduce competition and harm consumers

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Details

The paper identifies potential harms to competition and consumers from the use of algorithms, focusing on those the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) or other national competition or consumer authorities may be best placed to address.

Press release: CMA lifts the lid on impact of algorithms

These include direct harms to consumers, such as personalisation of prices and other aspects of online choice architecture. They also include harms to competition, such as the use of algorithms to exclude competitors (for example, to facilitate self-preferencing) and the potential for algorithms to facilitate collusion.

The paper also summarises techniques that could be used to analyse algorithmic systems and the role of regulators in addressing these harms.

Call for information: closes 16 March 2021

We are now seeking views and evidence on the harms outlined in the paper to inform our Analysing Algorithms Program. We are also interested in information about specific issues with firms that we could examine and consider for future action. Stakeholders are invited to respond by 16 March 2021.

Visit our consultation page to find out more.

Event

Join our DaTA unit on the 25 January 2021 for a panel discussion with leading experts to explore the topic further.

Background

The Competition and Markets Authority’s Data, Technology and Analytics (DaTA) unit is helping it stay ahead, using the latest in data engineering, machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques.?The DaTA unit is a multidisciplinary team of 35 people that brings together data scientists, data engineers, technologists and behavioural scientists.

The publication of?our?paper?marks?the launch of the?CMA’s?Analysing Algorithms Programme.?As part of this?programme, we will work with others to identify problematic markets and firms violating consumer or competition law, take cases forward where we think action needs to be taken, and work with other regulators?and industry?to set standards and determine how algorithms should be audited.?

Published 19 January 2021

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TUESDAY, 19 JANUARY 2021 | CRIMINAL PROCEDURE RULE COMMITTEE

Statutory Instruments that relate to the Criminal Procedure Rules.

Statutory Instruments

The following Statutory Instruments relate to the Criminal Procedure Rules.

Number	Title
SI 2021 No. 40 (L. 1)	The Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2021
SI 2020 No. 759 (L. 19)	The Criminal Procedure Rules 2020
SI 2020 No. 417 (L. 12)	The Criminal Procedure (Amendment No. 2) (Coronavirus) Rules 2020
SI 2020 No. 32 (L. 5)	The Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2020
SI 2019 No. 1119 (L. 9)	The Criminal Procedure (Amendment No. 2) Rules 2019
SI 2019 No. 143 (L. 1)	The Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2019
SI 2018 No. 847 (L. 8)	The Criminal Procedure (Amendment No. 2) Rules 2018
SI 2018 No. 132 (L. 2)	The Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2018
SI 2017 No. 915 (L. 13)	The Criminal Procedure (Amendment No. 4) Rules 2017
SI 2017 No. 755 (L. 11)	The Criminal Procedure (Amendment No. 3) Rules 2017
SI 2017 No. 282 (L. 5)	The Criminal Procedure (Amendment No. 2) Rules 2017
SI 2017 No. 144 (L. 2)	The Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2017
SI 2016 No. 705 (L. 8)	The Criminal Procedure (Amendment No. 2) Rules 2016
SI 2016 No. 120 (L. 1)	The Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2016
SI 2015 No. 1490 (L. 18)	The Criminal Procedure Rules 2015
SI 2010 No. 60 (L. 2)	The Criminal Procedure Rules 2010
SI 2005 No. 384 (L. 4)	The Criminal Procedure Rules 2005

Published 5 October 2020
Last updated 19 January 2021 + show all updates

19 January 2021
SI 2021 No. 40 (L. 1) The Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2021 added.
5 October 2020
First published.

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