Press release: Minister for Europe statement on election of new Armenian Prime Minister

Minister for Europe, Sir Alan Duncan said:

I am pleased that a solution to the political situation in Armenia has been found, via negotiation and through the Parliament, and congratulate Nikol Pashinyan on his election as Armenia’s new Prime Minister.

It is to the credit of all involved that events over the last three weeks have unfolded peacefully and largely without incident.

It is important that the restraint and statesmanship shown by all parties continues and that the political process moves forward, based on solid constitutional and legal foundations.

In my two visits to Armenia in the last 12 months, I have seen first-hand the country’s rich history, and its huge potential. I was particularly impressed by the many young people I met, who are determined to build a bright future for Armenia.

The UK, as a longstanding friend of Armenia, stands ready to support its efforts to strengthen its democracy, deliver good governance, and improve economic opportunities for all.

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Link: Press release: Minister for Europe statement on election of new Armenian Prime Minister
Source: Gov Press Releases

News story: Master and vessel owner fined for fishing in Bass Nursery Area during closed period

William Paul Chapman, master and owner of unlicensed vessels Spirt and Last Minute, was sentenced at Bodmin Magistrates Court on 12 April 2018 in a prosecution brought by the MMO.

The court heard about a joint patrol that was conducted on 15 September 2016 by MMO and Environment Agency (EA) officers around the Camel Estuary in Cornwall, a Bass Nursery Area (BNA) where fishing is prohibited between 1 May and 30 November in any year. The officers observed one vessel fishing within the BNA and two men transferring items to a second vessel.

When that vessel returned to shore officers identified themselves to one of the men, Chapman, who subsequently left the scene. The fish box left behind was found to contain 10 bass, two of which were below the minimum conservation size. Three nets and anchors used in the fishing operation were also found on the vessel.

Chapman pleaded guilty to three offences relating to the catching of the bass and was ordered to pay total of £1,000 fine and £1,000 costs.

A spokesperson for the MMO said:

Bass conservation is very important and this case highlights the benefits of joint patrols between MMO and EA.

In cases like these MMO will always take proportionate and appropriate action, including prosecution, to ensure offenders do not profit from such illegal activity and to protect fish stocks for the wider fishing industry and future generations.

Chris Hitchings, EA Fisheries Enforcement Officer said:

We regularly work with the MMO and pool our resources enabling us to better protect sea fish and migratory fish from illegal capture. We hope that this result will serve as a deterrent to others seeking to fish illegally.

Link: News story: Master and vessel owner fined for fishing in Bass Nursery Area during closed period
Source: Environment Agency

Press release: PM appoints new Deputy Chair of Security Vetting Appeals Panel

The Prime Minister has approved the appointment of Sir Antony Edwards-Stuart as the new Deputy Chair of the Security Vetting Appeals Panel, with effect from 1 April 2018. He will replace Sir Stephen Silber who is retiring from the Panel after several years of service.

Sir Antony Edwards-Stuart was called to the Bar (G) in 1976, took Silk in 1991 and elected a Bencher in 2009. He was appointed an Assistant Recorder in 1991, a Recorder in 1997, a Deputy High Court Judge in 2003 and a Judge of the High Court (Queen’s Bench) in 2009. He was appointed a Judge by Request of the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals and Immigration and Asylum Chambers) in 2011. He was appointed a Legal Member of the Special Immigration and Appeals Commission and a Judge in Charge, Technology and Construction Court, in 2013. Sir Antony retired from the High Court in November 2016 and has, since, taken up appointments as party appointed arbitrator or chairman in several international arbitrations.

Link: Press release: PM appoints new Deputy Chair of Security Vetting Appeals Panel
Source: Gov Press Releases

The Town and Country Planning (Pre-commencement Conditions) Regulations 2018

Section 100ZA of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (the 1990 Act), which was inserted by section 14 of the Neighbourhood Planning Act 2017, provides that planning permission for the development of land may not be granted subject to a pre-commencement condition (as defined in section 100ZA(8) of the 1990 Act) without the written agreement of the applicant to the terms of the condition. This requirement is subject to such exclusions as may be prescribed by the Secretary of State (see section 100ZA(6)).

Link: The Town and Country Planning (Pre-commencement Conditions) Regulations 2018
Source: Legislation .gov.uk

The Fire and Rescue Authorities (National Framework) (England) Order 2018

Section 21 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 requires the Secretary of State to prepare a Fire and Rescue National Framework for fire and rescue authorities. Fire and rescue authorities must have regard to the Framework in carrying out their functions. This Order applies to fire and rescue authorities in England only.

Link: The Fire and Rescue Authorities (National Framework) (England) Order 2018
Source: Legislation .gov.uk