Category: Gov Press Releases

Indeterminate sentences carry a minimum term, or tariff, for the purposes of punishment and to reflect the gravity of the offence. Once an indeterminate sentence prisoner’s minimum term has been served, he/she is eligible to be considered for release by the Parole Board. The law states that the offender is no longer held in prison as a punishment and can only remain in prison if they pose a risk to the public. It requires a court, in this case the Parole Board, to decide that issue.

Whilst the Board is committed to ensuring that victims are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve, the Board is governed by statute. Parliament has, since 1997, determined that the sole task of the Board is to consider the risk posed by the prisoner at the time of his or her parole hearing. Deciding whether to release a prisoner is a matter of judgement, based on all the evidence presented to the panel.

The Parole Board makes these decisions by assessing the risk the prisoner presents to the public. It may only direct the release of a life sentence prisoner if it is satisfied that it is no longer necessary for him/her to be detained in order to protect the public from serious harm. If it is so satisfied, it is required to release the prisoner. The Parole Board is not legally permitted to consider whether the prisoner has been punished enough, instead it must focus solely on how dangerous the prisoner is.

When making its decision the Parole Board will take into account the nature of the index offence, the prisoner’s offending history, the prisoner’s progress in prison, any statement made on behalf of the victim(s), psychologist’s reports, probation officer’s reports, prisons officer’s reports and any statistical risk assessments that have been completed. There must also be a comprehensive resettlement plan in place.

Any indeterminate sentence prisoner released will be managed in the community by the probation service under strict licence conditions. Should a prisoner breach one of these licence conditions they can be recalled to prison.

Any indeterminate sentence prisoner not released must, under current legislation, have their continued detention reviewed periodically, but at least every two years. The date of parole reviews is set by the Secretary of State for Justice.

A ban on the manufacture of products containing microbeads has come into force today – a landmark step in the introduction of one of the world’s toughest bans on these harmful pieces of plastic.

Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey has announced that manufacturers of cosmetics and personal care products will no longer be able to add tiny pieces of plastic known as ‘microbeads’ to rinse-off products such as face scrubs, toothpastes and shower gels.

These damaging beads can cause serious harm to marine life, but the UK’s ban – praised by campaigners as one of the toughest in the world – will help to stop billions of microbeads ending up in the ocean every year. Alongside the success of the government’s 5p plastic bag charge – which has taken nine billion bags out of circulation – the ban puts the UK at the forefront of international efforts to crack down on plastic pollution.

Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said:

The world’s seas and oceans are some of our most valuable natural assets and I am determined we act now to tackle the plastic that devastates our precious marine life.

Microbeads are entirely unnecessary when there are so many natural alternatives available, and I am delighted that from today cosmetics manufacturers will no longer be able to add this harmful plastic to their rinse-off products.

Now we have reached this important milestone, we will explore how we can build on our world-leading ban and tackle other forms of plastic waste.

Dilyana Mihaylova, Marine Plastics Projects Manager at Fauna & Flora International, said:

Fauna & Flora International has been working to address the issue of plastic microbead pollution since 2009, and we are delighted that the Government took such a clear stand on this issue and that a robust UK microbeads ban comes into force today.

We hope this ban signals the dawn of a new era in the fight for cleaner, healthier oceans, with the UK leading the way and supporting other countries to ensure that plastic will no longer reach the environment.

Dr Sue Kinsey, Senior Pollution Officer at the Marine Conservation Society, said:

We are delighted that such a robust microbead ban has come into force. This is the strongest and most comprehensive ban to be enacted in the world and will help to stem the flow of micro plastics into our oceans.

We believe that this signals a real commitment on the part of this Government to clean up our seas and beaches and hope this is a first step on this road before we see further actions to combat plastic waste.

Today’s announcement comes ahead of the government’s upcoming 25 Year Environment Plan, which will set out how we will be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we inherited it and create clean, healthy and productive oceans.

A ban on the sale of products containing microbeads will follow later in the year.

It is a great honour to be asked to serve as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, particularly at such a decisive moment for Northern Ireland and the whole United Kingdom. I would like to pay the warmest tribute to my predecessor and friend, James Brokenshire, who did such an outstanding job. I wish him all the very best for his medical treatment and for a speedy recovery.

Northern Ireland is a very special part of our United Kingdom and has huge potential. A key part of my role will be to help build a Northern Ireland that is fit for the future and works for everyone. In seeking to achieve that I want to work closely with all parties, the Irish government as appropriate, and with all sections of the community. Be assured the UK Government remains fully committed to the Belfast Agreement, its principles and institutions.

Clearly, there are immediate challenges. It is now a year since Northern Ireland has had an effective, functioning power-sharing administration, and forming a Northern Ireland Executive, to deliver for the benefit of all, is my top priority. I believe a devolved government in Belfast is best placed to address these issues and take the key decisions which affect people’s day to day lives – whether these relate to the economy, public services or issues of policing and justice.

We must also continue the work to deliver a Brexit that recognises Northern Ireland’s unique circumstances and avoids a hard border on the island of Ireland while maintaining the economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom.

Alongside these issues, I am conscious of the need to establish a stronger economy and a shared society, to address the legacy of the past and to keep people safe and secure.

In the coming days, I look forward to meeting many different people, parties and other groups as I take on this hugely important and exciting role in the Prime Minister’s Government.

During December, there were three new detentions of foreign flagged vessels in a UK port. seven vessels remained under detention from previous months. A total of four vessels remain under detention at the end of December.

1. In response to one of the recommendations of Lord Donaldson’s inquiry into the prevention of pollution from merchant shipping, and in compliance with the EU Directive on Port State Control (2009/16/EC as amended), the Maritime and Coastguard agency (MCA) publishes details of the foreign flagged vessels detained in UK ports each month.
2. The UK is part of a regional agreement on port state control known as the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MOU) and information on all ships that are inspected is held centrally in an electronic database known as THETIS. This allows the ships with a high risk rating and poor detention records to be targeted for future inspection.
3. Inspections of foreign flagged ships in UK ports are undertaken by surveyors from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. When a ship is found to be not in compliance with applicable convention requirements, a deficiency may be raised. If any of their deficiencies are so serious they have to be rectified before departure, then the ship will be detained.
4. All deficiencies should be rectified before departure if at all possible.
5. When applicable, the list includes those passenger craft prevented from operating under the provisions of the EU Directive on Mandatory Surveys for the safe operation of regular Ro-Ro ferry and high speed passenger craft services (1999/35/EU).

Notes on the list of detentions

• Full details of the ship.
  The accompanying detention list shows ship’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) number which is unchanging throughout the ship’s life and uniquely identifies it. It also shows the ship’s name and flag state at the time of its inspection.
• Company.
  The company shown in the vessel’s Safety Management Certificate (SMC) or if there is no SMC, then the party otherwise believed to be responsible for the safety of the ship at the time of inspection.
• Classification Society.
  The list shows the Classification Society responsible for classing the ship only.
• Recognised Organisation.
  Responsible for conducting the statutory surveys: and issuing statutory certificates on behalf of the Flag State
• White (WL), Grey (GL) and Black lists (BL) are issued by the Paris MoU on 01 July each year and shows the performance of flag State.

SHIPS DETAINED IN DECEMBER 2017

Vessel Name: PAIVI

GT: 2474

IMO: 9434149

Flag: Cyprus (White List)

Company: Interscan Schiffahrtsgesell Schaft mbH

Classification Society: BV

Recognised Organisation: BV

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: BV

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: BV

Date and Place of Detention: 24th December at Goole

Summary: Fifteen deficiencies with one grounds for detention

Defective item	Nature of defect	Ground for Detention
18425- Access/structural features (ship)	Damaged	No
01306 – Shipboard working arrangements	Not as required	No
18416 – Ropes and wires	Not as required	No
18427 – Ship’s occupational safety and health policies and programmes	Not as required	No
10106 – Compass correction log	Not as required	No
10127 – Voyage or passage plan	Not as required	No
15150 – ISM	Not as required	Yes
10135 – Monitoring of voyage or passage plan	Not as required	No
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions	Not as required	No
13105 – UMS – ship	Malfunctioning	No
18416- Ropes and wires	Not as required	No
18324 – Cold room, cold room cleanliness, cold room temperature	Not as required	No
09233 – Guards – fencing around dangerous machinery parts	Not as required	No
07113 – Fire pumps and its pipes	Not as required	No
13105 – UMS – ship	Malfunctioning	No

This vessel was released on 30th December 2017

Vessel Name: NORVAG

GT: 2854

IMO: 7704849

Flag: Denmark (White List)

Company: Norresundby Rederi & Shipping

Classification Society: RINA

Recognised Organisation: RINA

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: RINA

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: RINA

Date and Place of Detention: 13th December 2017 at Grimsby

Summary: Twenty six deficiencies with six grounds for detention

Defective item	Nature of defect	Ground for Detention
Other		No
01107 – Safety Management Certificate (SMC/ISM)	Invalid	No
01137 – Civil liability for Bunker oil pollution damage cert	Invalid	No
10127 – Voyage or passage plan	Missing	Yes
10116 – Nautical publications	Expired	No
04108 – Muster list	Incomplete	No
10126 – Record of drills and steering gear tests	Missing	No
11131 – On board training and instructions	Missing instructions	No
05118 – Operation of GMDSS equipment	Lack of familiarity	Yes
18401 – Medical Equipment, medical chest, medical guide	Expired	No
18305 – Hospital accommodation (Sickbay)	Not as required	No
14502 – Placards	Missing	No
18302 – Sanitary Facilities	Not as required	No
10101 – Pilot ladders and hoist/pilot transfer arrangements	Unsafe	No
11117 – Lifebuoys incl. provision and disposition	Not as required	No
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire resisting divisions	Not as required	Yes
07199 – Other (fire safety)	Other	No
09232 – Cleanliness of engine room	Insufficient	No
18408 – Electrical	Unsafe	No
18418 – Winches & capstans	Damaged	No
04102 – Emergency fire pump and it’s pipes	Not properly maintained	Yes
10105 – Magnetic compass	Not as required	No
15150 – ISM	Not as required	Yes
04109 – Fire drills	Lack of training	Yes
11102 – Lifeboat inventory	Not as required	No
11124 – Embarkation arrangement survival craft	Missing	No

This vessel was released on 20th December 2017

Vessel Name: RMS CUXHAVEN

GT: 1499

IMO: 9218533

Flag: Antigua & Barbuda (White List)

Company: Rhenus Maritime Service

Classification Society: DNV GL

Recognised Organisation: DNV GL

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: DNV GL

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: DNV GL

Date and Place of Detention: 7th December 2017 at Ipswich

Summary: Seventeen deficiencies with five grounds for detention

Defective item	Nature of defect	Ground for Detention
10127 – Voyage or passage plan	Not as required	Yes
10111 – Charts	Not updated	Yes
10135 – Monitoring of voyage or passage plan	Not as required	Yes
10133 – Bridge operation	Lack of familiarity	Yes
11129 – Operational readiness of lifesaving appliances	Not as required	No
01308 – Records of seafarers’ daily hours of work or rest	Incorrect entries	No
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire resisting divisions	Not as required	No
07118 – International shore connection	Not as required	No
18414 – Protection machines/parts	Not as required	No
18315 – Provisions quality and nutritional value	Not as required	No
01315 – Oil record book	Not properly filled	No
01320 – Garbage record book	Not as required	No
15150 – ISM	Not as required	Yes
08108 – UMS – alarms	Inadequate	No
01113 – Minimum safe manning document	Not as required	No
02105 – Steering gear	Not as required	No
07199 – Other (fire safety)	Other	No

This vessel was released on 14th December 2017

DETENTIONS CARRIED OVER FROM PREVIOUS MONTHS

Vessel Name: DOLLY C

GT: 652

IMO: 7222310

Flag: St Vincent & Grenadines (Grey List)

Company: No Information

Classification Society: No Information

Recognised Organisation: No Information

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: No Information

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: No Information

Date and Place of Detention: 29th November 2017 at Falmouth

Summary: Eight deficiencies with eight grounds for detention

Defective item	Nature of defect	Ground for Detention
01209 – Manning specified by the minimum safe manning doc	Missing	Yes
01214 – Endorsement by flagstate	Missing	Yes
07111 – Personal equipment for fire safety	Missing	Yes
01199 – Other (Certificates)	Other	Yes
11116 – Distress flares	Missing	Yes
05103 – Main installation	Missing equipment	Yes
10105 – Magnetic compass	Not as required	Yes
14103 – Segregation of oil and water ballast	Not as required	Yes

This vessel was still detained on 31st December 2017

Vessel Name: HORIZON GEOBAY

GT: 3502

IMO: 7801556

Flag: Panama (White List)

Company: Horizon Survey Co

Classification Society: ABS

Recognised Organisation: ABS/DNV GL

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: BV

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: BV

Date and Place of Detention: 23th November 2017 at Aberdeen

Summary: Twenty deficiencies with two grounds for detention

Defective item	Nature of defect	Ground for Detention
10101 – Pilot ladders and hoist/pilot transfer arrangements	Unsafe	No
99101 – Other safety in general	Other	No
10106 – Compass correction log	Not as required	No
06199 – Other (cargo)	Other	No
10114 – Voyage data recorder (VDR)/Simplified Voyage data recorder (S_VDR)	Not as required	No
11118 – Lifejackets inc. provision and disposition	Not as required	No
18408 – Electrical	Unsafe	No
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions	Unsafe	No
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions	Not as required	No
01213 – Evidence of Basic Training	Missing	Yes
99101 – Other safety in general	Other	No
99101 – Other safety in general	Other	No
01126 – Document of compliance dangerous goods	Missing	No
10127 – Voyage or passage plan	Not as required	No
10129 – Navigation records	Not as required	No
16101 – Security related defects	Not as required	No
05115 – Radio log (diary)	Not as required	No
15150 – ISM	Not as required	Yes
10138 – BNWAS	Malfunctioning	No
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions	Malfunctioning	No

This vessel was released on 5th December 2017

Vessel Name: OCEAN SPIRIT

GT: 1717

IMO: 8325793

Flag: Russian Federation (White List)

Company: F2 Ltd

Classification Society: RINA

Recognised Organisation: RINA

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: RMRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: RMRS

Date and Place of Detention: 21st November 2017 at Aberdeen

Summary: Fourteen deficiencies with eight grounds for detention

Defective item	Nature of defect	Ground for Detention
08110 – Closing water-tight doors alarm	Inoperative	Yes
10138 – BNWAS	Inadequate	No
10138 – BNWAS	Malfunctioning	Yes
1110 – Rescue boats	Not ready for use	Yes
10101 – Pilot ladders and hoist/pilot transfer arrangements	Unsafe	No
99101 – Other safety in general	Other	Yes
18317 – Food personal hygiene	Not hygienic	No
10118 – Speed and distance indicator	Inoperative	Yes
13102 – Auxilary engine	Not as required	No
07106 – Fire detection and alarm system	Not as required	Yes
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions	Not as required	No
15150 – ISM	Not as required	Yes
10117 – Echo sounder	Inoperative	Yes
18418 – Winches & capstans	Missing	No

This vessel was released on 16th December 2017

Vessel Name: TAHSIN

GT: 1598

IMO: 9055187

Flag: Panama (White list)

Company: Voda Denizcilik IC Dis Tacaret Ltd

Classification Society: NKK

Recognised Organisation: NKK/NASHA

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: NKK

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: NKK

Date and Place of Detention: 2nd June at Sharpness

Summary: Thirty six deficiencies with twenty one grounds for detention

Defective item	Nature of defect	Ground for Detention
01202 – Certificate for rating for watchkeeping	Missing	Yes
01214 – Endorsement by flagstate	Missing	No
01220 – Seafarers’ employment agreement (SEA)	Invalid	Yes
18203 – Wages	Not according SEA	Yes
18327 – Ventilation (Working spaces)	Inoperative	Yes
10111 – Charts	Missing	Yes
10116 – Nautical publications	Missing	Yes
05106 – INMARSAT ship earth station	Not as required	Yes
11128 – Line throwing appliance	Expired	No
11129 – Operational readiness of lifesaving appliances	Expired	No
03104 – Cargo & other hatchways	Damaged	No
15150 – ISM	Not as required	Yes
01201 – Certificates for master and officers	Not as required	Yes
01214 – Endorsement by flagstate	Missing	Yes
01218 – Medical certificate	Missing	Yes
01308 – Record of seafarers’ daily hours of work or rest	Missing	Yes
01220 – Seafarers’ employment agreement (SEA)	Not as required	Yes
10105 – Magnetic compass	Deviation table overdue	Yes
18302 – Sanitary Facilities	Not as required	Yes
18203 – Wages	No records	Yes
18204 – Calculation and payment of wages	No records	Yes
18314 – Provisions quality	Insufficient	No
18316 – Water, pipes, tanks	Not as required	No
18319 – Food segregation	Not adequate	No
18317 – Food personal hygiene	Not hygienic	No
18326 – Laundry, Adequate Locker	Not as required	No
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions	Missing	Yes
02105 – Steering gear	Not as required	No
07103 – Division deck, bulkheads and penetrations	Not as required	Yes
11131 – On board training and instructions	Not as required	Yes
07113 – Fire pumps and its pipes	Not as required	Yes
18420 – Cleanliness of engine room	Not as required	No
07106 – Fire detection and alarm system	Not as required	No
18412 – Personal equipment	Missing	No
11131 – On board training and instructions	Lack of training	No
18104 – Recruitment and placement service	Not as required	No

Twenty four further deficiencies were added to the original twelve on 2nd visit to vessel

This vessel was released on 15th December 2017

Vessel Name: MALAVIYA SEVEN

GT: 3001

IMO: 9087312

Flag: India (Grey List)

Company: GOL Offshore Ltd

Classification Society: IRS

Recognised Organisation: IRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: IRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: IRS

Date and Place of Detention: 5th October 2016 at Aberdeen

Summary: Five deficiencies with five grounds for detention

Defective item	Nature of defect	Ground for Detention
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire resisting divisions	Not as required	Yes
07113 – Fire pumps and its pipes	Not as required	Yes
18203 – Wages	Missing	Yes
01220 – Seafarers employment agreement (SEA)	Invalid	Yes
18204 – Calculation and payment of wages	No records	Yes

This vessel was still detained on 31st December 2017

Vessel Name: SEA TRIDENT

GT: 964.

IMO No: 7393169.

Flag: PANAMA (white list)

Company:

Classification Society: Expired

Recognised Organisation: Expired

Recognised Organisation for ISM DOC:

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC:

Date and Place of Detention: 17 June 2016, West Cowes

Summary: Seventeen deficiencies with seventeen grounds for detentions

Defective item	Nature of defect	Ground for Detention
01101 – Cargo ship safety equipment cert	Expired	Yes
01102 – Cargo Ship safety construction cert	Expired	Yes
01104 – Cargo ship safety radio cert	Expired	Yes
01108 – Loadline cert	Expired	Yes
01117 – IOPP (International Oil Pollution Prevention cert	Expired	Yes
01119 – International Sewage Pollution Prevention cert	Expired	Yes
01124 – International Air Pollution Prevention cert	Expired	Yes
01137 – Civil liability for bunker oil pollution damage cert	Expired	Yes
01199 – Other certs (Certificate of class)	Expired	Yes
01201 – Certificates for master and officers	Missing	Yes
10111 – Charts	Not updated	Yes
10116 – Publications Nautical	Not updated	Yes
11108 – Inflatable liferafts	Expired	Yes
11116 – Distress flares	Missing	Yes
07109 – Fixed fire fighting extinguishing installation	Not as required	Yes
07110 – Fire fighting equipment & appliances	Not as required	Yes
01140 – Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance	Missing	Yes

This vessel was still detained on 31st December 2017

Vessel Name: CIEN PORCIENTO (General Cargo)

GT: 106.

IMO No: 8944446.

Flag: Unregistered.

Company: Open Window Inc.

Classification Society: Unclassed.

Recognised Organisation: Not applicable.

Recognised Organisation for ISM DOC: Not applicable.

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: Not applicable

Date and Place of detention: 4 March 2010, Lowestoft

Summary: Thirty deficiencies including seven grounds for detention

This vessel was still detained on 31st December 2017

Notes to Editors

• The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities. Sea Vision promotes the importance and economic value of the sector and works to highlight the exciting range of activities and career opportunities available to young people within the UK growing maritime sector at www.seavision.org.uk

• Follow us on Twitter: @MCA_media

For further information please contact
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office, on:
+44 (0) 2380 329 401
Press releases and further information about the agency is available here.

All of the companies were part of a scheme and business model which purported to provide advice and business recovery services to directors of insolvent companies.

The role of the provisional liquidator is to protect assets in the possession or under the control of the companies pending the determination of the petitions. The provisional liquidator also has the power to investigate the affairs of the companies insofar as it is necessary to protect assets including any third party, or trust monies, or assets in the possession of, or under the control of the companies.

The case is now subject to High Court action and no further information will be made available until petitions to wind up the companies are heard in the High Court on 28 February 2018.

Notes to editors

The nine companies are:

Rigil Kent Acquisitions Limited was incorporated on 3 October 2015, registration number 09807539. The registered office of the company is at 6 Cambridge Court, 210 Shepherds Bush Road, London W6 7NJ.

Rigil Kent Corporate Acquisitions & Turnaround Limited was incorporated on 5 October 2015, registration number 09809591. The registered office of the company is at 6 Cambridge Court, 210 Shepherds Bush Road, London, W6 7NJ.

Rigil Corporate Rescue Limited was incorporated on 15 September 2014, registration number 09808005. The registered office of the company is at 6 Cambridge Court, 210 Shepherds Bush Road, London, W6 7NJ.

Rigil Kent Group Limited was incorporated on 31 October 2016, registration number 10452727. The registered office of the company is at 78 York Street, London, W1H 1DP

RK Acquisitions Limited was incorporated on 6 January 2017, registration number 10550061. The registered office of the company is at 248 Chase Side, 5 Fairfields, London, N14 4QZ

RK Corporate Rescue Limited was incorporated on 13 January 2017, registration number 10561956. The registered office of the company is at 248 Chase Side, 5 Fairfields, London, N14 4QZ.

RK Client Account Limited was incorporated on 28 November 2016, registration number 10499618. The registered office of the company is at 248 Chase Side, 5 Fairfields, London, N14 4QZ.

French Fox Limited was incorporated on 21 June 2016, registration number 10243799. The registered office of the company is at 14 Carleton House, Boulevard Drive, London, NW9 5QF

Dump Your Bust Business Dot Com Limited was incorporated on 10 May 2017, registration number 10763211. The registered office of the company is at 14 Carleton House, Boulevard Drive, London, NW9 5QF.

The petitions were presented under s124A of the Insolvency Act 1986. The Official Receiver was appointed as provisional liquidator of the companies on 19 December 2017 by Mr Justice Marcus Smith, a Judge of the Chancery Division of the High Court.

Company Investigations, part of the Insolvency Service, uses powers under the Companies Act 1985 to conduct confidential fact-finding investigations into the activities of live limited companies in the UK on behalf of the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

Further information about live company investigations is available.

The Insolvency Service, an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), administers the insolvency regime, and aims to deliver and promote a range of investigation and enforcement activities both civil and criminal in nature, to support fair and open markets. We do this by effectively enforcing the statutory company and insolvency regimes, maintaining public confidence in those regimes and reducing the harm caused to victims of fraudulent activity and to the business community, including dealing with the disqualification of directors in corporate failures.

BEIS’ mission is to build a dynamic and competitive UK economy that works for all, in particular by creating the conditions for business success and promoting an open global economy. The Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions team contributes to this aim by taking action to deter fraud and to regulate the market. They investigate and prosecute a range of offences, primarily relating to personal or company insolvencies.

The agency also authorises and regulates the insolvency profession, assesses and pays statutory entitlement to redundancy payments when an employer cannot or will not pay employees, provides banking and investment services for bankruptcy and liquidation estate funds and advises ministers and other government departments on insolvency law and practice.

Further information about the work of the Insolvency Service, and how to complain about financial misconduct, is available.

All public enquiries concerning the affairs of the company should be made to: The Official Receiver, Public Interest Unit, 4 Abbey Orchard Street, London, SW1P 2HT. Telephone: 0207 637 1110 Email: piu.or@insolvency.gsi.gov.uk

Contact Press Office

Media enquiries for this press release – 020 7674 6910 or 020 7596 6187

You can also follow the Insolvency Service on:

• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Speaking after the meeting the Foreign Secretary said:

The UK-Palestinian relationship is strong and long-standing and it was a pleasure to meet Foreign Minister Riyad al Malki to discuss our shared desire to strengthen it further.

During our productive talks I reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and the two-state solution, the urgent need for renewed peace negotiations, and the UK’s clear and longstanding position on the status of Jerusalem: it should be determined in a negotiated settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and Jerusalem should ultimately be the shared capital of the Israeli and Palestinian states.

I look forward to continuing good relations with Riyad al Malki and our Palestinian friends throughout 2018 and beyond.

Further information

• Follow the Foreign Secretary on Twitter @BorisJohnson and Facebook
• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice and Facebook
• Follow the Foreign Office on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn

Drivers who use the Severn bridges are reminded changes to the TAG payment system take place from 8 January 2018.

Those who pay by top-up with a Trip TAG through online banking will need to update their payment details to Highways England’s account from 8 January 2018. Account holders will still be able to pay through the website or phone.

Drivers paying by direct debit will not need to take any action – their accounts and balances will be transferred automatically and their payments adjusted to reflect the new charges.

The changes have been shared by letter with holders of TAGs – the prepayment system that allows regular travellers to cross without stopping to pay manually.

Clive Perkin, Highways England Divisional Director of Strategy and Planning, explained:

We’re very proud to be taking over the responsibility for these iconic bridges which provide such important links between Wales and England.

We’re also looking forward to welcoming staff currently employed by Severn Crossing PLC into Highways England.

From midnight on 8 January vehicle charges will be exempt from VAT, reducing the overall charge for individual crossings from £6.70 to £5.60.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:

The UK Government’s decision to reduce the tolls will cut costs for commuters and tourists, and present exciting opportunities for businesses operating in Wales and over the border.

I’m absolutely sure that reducing and then removing the tolls will boost Welsh employment and strengthen Wales’ position within the United Kingdom – that is why I made it my number one priority as Secretary of State.

After 8 January the crossings will operate as normal with just a few small changes to signs at the toll plazas.

Staff currently employed with Severn Crossing PLC have all been offered employment with Highways England.

Details of the changes and actions necessary are available on the Severn Crossings website.

Background information: Severn Bridges (M4 and M48) daily charges after 8 January 2018

Vehicle Category	Current daily toll charges	Daily charges after 8 January 2018
Category 1 (Cars and other vehicles up to 9 seats)	£6.70	£5.60
Category 2 (Goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, small buses)	£13.40	£11.20
Category 3 (Goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, large buses)	£20.00	£16.70

• Category 1: £5.60, with the Season/Shared TAG at £98.56 (20% discount based on 22 trips per month).
• Category 2: £11.20, with the Season/Shared TAG at £197.12 (20% discount based on 22 trips per month).
• Category 3: £16.70, with the Season/Shared TAG at £330.66 (10% discount based on 22 trips per month).

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Commuters, drivers and businesses across South Wales and the South West of England are set to make major savings from today (8 January), when the UK Government reduces the charges to cross the Severn bridges.

From 00:01 on 8 January, all vehicles will be exempt from VAT, meaning car drivers will pocket an extra £1.10 as the charge for individual crossings reduces from £6.70 to £5.60. This change will also lift an administrative burden for business users, who will no longer need to claim back VAT.

This move is expected to save regular motorists around £1,400 per year, making it far cheaper to commute Cardiff, Newport or Bristol. Businesses across the area will also benefit by not paying over £16 for lorries to cross the Severn – the abolition will boost the Welsh economy by over £100 million a year.

The reduction comes as the crossings return to public ownership, with Highways England, a UK-Government owned body, taking over responsibility for the bridges’ operation and management from Severn River Crossing PLC.

Drivers are set to benefit further when the UK Government abolishes the charges completely by the end of 2018.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns will discuss the potential joint working and trade opportunities generated by the removal of charges with organisations from both sides of the border at a summit at the Celtic Manor in Newport on 22 January.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:

In less than a year we will see the biggest economic stimulus for south Wales and the valleys for decades. This important move taken by the Prime Minister and the UK Government in regard to the Severn Crossings represents a clear symbol of breaking down the economic and historic barriers which have hindered Wales’ prosperity – whilst supporting the union of the United Kingdom.

My number one priority as Secretary of State was to remove the tolls, which will not only make journeys cheaper for commuters and tourists, but will also create exciting opportunities for businesses and investors looking to make their mark in Wales.

This will boost Welsh employment and establish lasting relationships between the economies and communities of South Wales and South West England, creating the most natural growth corridor spanning from Cardiff through Newport to Bristol. It is time to make politics fit business, not business fit politics in Wales.

I look forward to discussing these opportunities further with hundreds of attendees from both sides of the border at the Severn Growth Summit later this month.

James Durie, Executive Director of Business West said:

There are already strong economic and other linkages between Bristol & the West of England and Cardiff & South Wales (as set out in the Great Western Cities report of 2016) and these are set to only increase further through the UK Government’s decision to reduce and remove the Severn Bridge tolls. Whilst there will be some challenges in the short term to address, businesses welcome the removal of any costs and barriers to trade – and also this opportunity to work with the Secretary of State for Wales and the UK Government via the forthcoming growth summit.

Bristol & the West of England operates globally, enjoying the best performing economy outside of London, but also recognises the absolute need to look at broader regional economic collaboration and working – particularly in the context of the challenges that Brexit is posing. At a time when the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine have got considerable national traction and attention, we need to explore how we can best collaborate together to unlock opportunities and profile for the West of the UK.

We cannot afford to stand still and look forward to working closer to improve this part of the country as a great place to live, work, study and visit.

Highways England have informed all TAG ticket holders of the new arrangements, and remind those who pay by top-up with a Trip TAG through online banking to update their payment details to Highways England’s account from 8 January 2018. Account holders will still be able to pay through the website or phone.

Drivers paying by direct debit will not need to take any action – their accounts and balances will be transferred automatically and their payments adjusted to reflect the new charges.

After 8 January the crossings will operate as normal with just a few small changes to signs at the toll plazas.

Staff currently employed with Severn Crossing PLC have all been offered employment with Highways England.

Details of the changes and actions necessary are available on the Severn Crossings website www.severnbridge.co.uk. TAG holders with any queries can also the TAG helpline on 01454 633 522.

ENDS

Further information:

Severn Bridges daily charges after January 8 2018:

• Category 1 (Cars and other vehicles up to 9 seats): £5.60
• Category 2 (Goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, small buses): £11.20
• Category 3 (Goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, large buses): £16.70

Severn Bridges (M4 and M48) monthly charges after January 8 2018:

• Category 1: £5.60, with the Season/Shared TAG at £98.56 (20% discount based on 22 trips per month).
• Category: 2 £11.20, with the Season/Shared TAG at £197.12 (20% discount based on 22 trips per month).
• Category 3: £16.70, with the Season/Shared TAG at £330.66 (10% discount based on 22 trips per month).
• The abolition is set to benefit the Welsh economy by around £100m a year, according to Welsh Government: The Impact of the Severn Tolls on the Welsh Economy, 30 May 2012.
• Regular motorists are set to save over £1,400 per year based on a monthly tag charge of £117.92 over 12 months.
• The Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns has announced that he will host the first cross-border, Severn Growth business summit on 22 January 2018 at the Celtic Manor Resort. Businesses can sign up to attend the summit via Eventbrite.
• On 13 January, the Government launched a consultation, setting out a series of proposals designed to deliver improvements at the Crossings. This consultation ran for eight weeks until 10 March. The consultation response can be found here.
• The Severn Bridge was built in 1966 and a second crossing was completed 30 years later. When the bridges come under public ownership, they will be run by Highways England. Previously it has been run by Severn River Crossing plc.
• The first Severn Bridge was opened in September 1966, providing a direct link from the M4 motorway into Wales, with a toll in place for use of the bridge to pay for the cost of construction. It continually operated above capacity and in 1986 the then Government stated that a second bridge would be constructed.
• In 1988 it was announced that tenders would be invited from private consortia to fund, build and operate the second bridge and take over the operation of the first bridge. In 1990 the concession was awarded to Severn River Crossing PLC (“SRC”). Construction work also started in April 1992 and the second bridge was opened in June 1996.

Professor Nick Hardwick, Chair of the Parole Board said:

“I welcome the support from the Lord Chancellor for my call for greater transparency of the parole system.

“It is sad that it has taken the Warboys case to get us to this point. I hope it will mean that in future we will be able to be more open with victims and the public about our decision making and that provides reassurance that the safety of the public is always uppermost in our minds.”

Staff at the agency will take part in a wide range of fundraising events and activities throughout the coming year to raise money for the charity, which supports anyone in the Swansea and surrounding South Wales area affected by cancer.

Last year, DVLA handed over a cheque for over £50,000 to the charity Mind after a year packed full of fundraising efforts by its staff.

Fundraising activity in the previous year included members of staff skydiving, cycling from Paris to Swansea, taking part in a national ‘3 peaks challenge’ and a team from DVLA entering the JCP Swansea Half Marathon. A ‘Music for Mind concert’ held by DVLA saw the staff choir performing show-stopping songs. Through the course of the year, staff also ran raffles, sweepstakes and cake sales, with every opportunity raising funds for the good cause.

On hearing the news Lucia Osmond, Centre Fundraising Manager for Maggie’s Swansea, said:

The team at Maggie’s Swansea is delighted to be DVLA’s Charity of choice in 2018. As a local service we rely solely on the kindness and efforts of our supporters, so the funds raised in 2018 by the staff at DVLA will make a significant impact on the work we can continue to do for our service users in the local area.

Maggie’s Swansea has worked with DVLA for some time, providing health awareness sessions and have supported many employees at Maggie’s. So to have this official partnership is very exciting and we look forward to working with DVLA in the year to come.

Oliver Morley, DVLA Chief Executive added:

I’m immensely grateful to all our staff who really do rise to the challenge and give so much of their own time to raise thousands of pounds for our nominated charities. Together, with Maggie’s Swansea we can make a huge difference and I’m delighted that we’ll be working to support this terrific cause in 2018.