Methodology
Performance
Wastes
Water
Drinking water
Link: PD ISO/TR 24514:2018 Activities relating to drinking water and wastewater services. Examples of the use of performance indicators using ISO 24510, ISO 24511 and ISO 24512 and related methodologies
Source: BSI Standards
Hair clippers
Hairdressing equipment
Razors
Safety measures
Motor-operated household appliances
Flexible conductors
Livestock equipment
Household equipment
Rated voltage
Electrical safety
Protected electrical equipment
Marking
Shaving equipment
Animal grooming equipment
Mechanical testing
Electrical household appliances
Link: BS EN 62863:2017 Methods of measuring performances of electric hair clippers or trimmers for household use
Source: BSI Standards
The Prime Minister welcomed representatives from the European Roundtable of Industrialists (ERT) to Downing Street and set out the Government’s desire to hear views from businesses in the UK and across Europe as the UK prepares to leave the EU.
She spoke about the need to ensure our future economic partnership with the EU is ambitious and comprehensive, going beyond existing models, as she set out in her Mansion House speech. EU Exit Secretary David Davis then provided an update on progress in the negotiations.
On customs, the Prime Minister explained the work that was underway on the two customs models and underlined the importance of ensuring that our future trading arrangements with the EU are as frictionless as possible, delivering on the commitments to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, and allowing the UK to pursue an independent trade policy.
The PM recognised the necessity of providing certainty for businesses, pointing to the agreement of an implementation period at the European Council in March to provide time to allow businesses to prepare for the new arrangements.
The attendees discussed regulatory standards, with the Prime Minister and David Davis reiterating the UK’s commitment to maintain high standards.
There was consensus that reaching a robust agreement on data-sharing is vital to our future economic and security relationship with the EU.
The PM finished by thanking ERT members for an open and productive discussion, and they agreed to continue the dialogue on the issues discussed.
| Carl-Henric Svanberg | Chairman, ERT, Chairman, BP |
| Vittorio Colao | Vice-Chairman, ERT, Chief Executive, Vodafone Group |
| Svein Richard Brandtzaeg | President and CEO, Norsk Hydro |
| Paul Bulcke | Chairman, Nestlé |
| Ignacio Galán | Chairman and CEO, Iberdrola |
| Moya Greene | Chief Executive Officer, Royal Mail Group |
| Paul Hermelin | Group Chairman and CEO, Capgemini |
| Frans van Houten | President and CEO, Royal Philips |
| Harald Krüger | Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW Group |
| Rafael del Pino | Chairman, Ferrovial |
| Tony Smurfit | Group Chief Executive, Smurfit Kappa Group |
| Johannes Teyssen | Chairman and CEO, E.ON |
| Brian Ager | Secretary General, ERT |
Link: Press release: PM meets European Roundtable of Industrialists: 30 May 2018
Source: Gov Press Releases
Fast Pensions Ltd and five other related firms have been wound up in the public interest at the High Court on 30 May 2018. The Official Receiver in the Public Interest Unit (North) is now the liquidator of all six companies.
Between 2012 and 2013, 520 people were encouraged to transfer their pension savings from existing providers into one of 15 schemes, with Fast Pensions acting as the sponsoring employer.
FP Scheme Trustees Ltd (FPST) was the trustee of all 15 pension schemes and a proportion of the funds were invested in the remaining four related finance companies.
The Insolvency Service was made aware of complaints about the management and operation of the companies and following an investigation, the High Court ordered that Fast Pensions and the five related companies be put into provisional liquidation in March 2018 following a petition presented by the Secretary of State.
Investigations found that a total of at least £21 million was invested into the 15 schemes and people were persuaded to transfer their savings through various methods. Some received cold calls questioning the performance of their pension funds or offering free pension reviews.
Others who were originally looking for credit were advised by the connected finance companies that they could get a loan if they transferred their pension savings to one of Fast Pensions’ schemes.
Advice provided was inadequate as the companies misrepresented the schemes on offer. Advisors also failed to disclose information around returns and the high risk and illiquid nature of the investments made by the schemes, as well as the benefits members would be entitled to.
Scheme members were also informed that the investments would consist of a wide ranging portfolio but investigators found that funds were misused. At least £4 million was used to pay commissions and the remaining funds were largely used to make loans to companies and other entities which appear to be connected with Fast Pensions and FPST.
The six companies failed to preserve, maintain or produce adequate accounting records and failed to cooperate fully with the investigation. This made it impossible for investigators to determine the full extent of the companies’ activities, the nature and value of the investments made or the value of the members’ pension funds.
David Hope, Chief Investigator for the Insolvency Service said:
People work long and hard to put money away for their retirements but the six companies that have been shut down paid scant regard to their members. They used unsavory tactics to attract members and failed to paint the full picture as to what would really happen with their savings.
By shutting the companies down, the courts have put a stop to their unscrupulous activities and we hope this sends a strong message that we will robustly investigate and take action where people’s funds and savings are at risk.
The Official Receiver has made an application to The Pensions Regulator for the appointment of an independent Trustee to take over the running of the pension schemes and it is anticipated that the application will take 4 to 6 weeks to complete. Further updates will be publicised in due course.
Until the application is completed the Official Receiver will continue to act as the trustee to the pension schemes and, in doing so:
Members of the pension schemes who require advice should consider contacting a solicitor, a regulated financial advisor or the Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS) on: 0800 011 3797 ; email: virtual.appointments@pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk.
All public enquiries concerning the affairs of the companies should be made to: The Official Receiver, Public Interest Unit (North), PO Box 16663, Birmingham, B2 2JP; email: piu.north@insolvency.gsi.gov.uk.
The six companies that are subject to compulsory liquidation are:
The 15 pension schemes involved:
Link: Press release: Rogue pension and finance companies closed down after abusing millions of pounds
Source: Gov Press Releases
Link:
Source: Legislation .gov.uk
These Regulations, which apply in relation to Wales, set out fees payable to the Welsh Ministers in the field of animal health.
Mae’r Rheoliadau hyn, sy’n gymwys o ran Cymru, yn nodi’r ffioedd sy’n daladwy i Weinidogion Cymru ym maes iechyd anifeiliaid.
Link:
Source: Legislation .gov.uk
This Order sets out the fees payable to the Welsh Ministers in the field of animal health relating to the licensing of certain animal gatherings in Wales.
Mae’r Gorchymyn hwn yn nodi’r ffioedd sy’n daladwy i Weinidogion Cymru ym maes iechyd anifeiliaid mewn perthynas â thrwyddedu crynoadau anifeiliaid penodol yng Nghymru.
Link:
Source: Legislation .gov.uk
Find out how Parliament is marking 90 years since the passing of the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act of 1928.
Link: On this day in May 1929 women vote in general election on same terms as men
Source: Parliamentary News
Foreign Office Minister Sir Alan Duncan said:
It is utterly unacceptable that the Asad regime has recognised the so-called “independence” of the breakaway Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
The Russian military intervention in Georgia in 2008 and its subsequent recognition of the breakaway territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as so-called “independent states” was an unacceptable violation of the sovereign rights of Georgia. Russia’s actions continue to undermine Georgia’s rightful territorial integrity.
This move will do nothing to bring peace closer. Once again, both the Syrian regime and Russia are aggressively trying to undermine the rules-based international order.
The British Government reiterates its full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and to UN Security Council Resolution 1808 which reaffirms the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders.
For journalists
Email
newsdesk@fco.gov.uk
Newsdesk
020 7008 3100
Link: Press release: Statement on Asad regime’s recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states
Source: Gov Press Releases
Article 2 of this Order adds The Gambia to Schedule 3 to the British Nationality Act 1981, with the result that citizens of The Gambia shall have the status of Commonwealth citizens.
Link: The British Nationality (The Gambia) Order 2018
Source: Legislation .gov.uk
