A Bill to require the holding of a referendum to endorse the United Kingdom and Gibraltar exit package proposed by HM Government for withdrawal from the EU, or to decide to remain a member, following the completion of formal exit negotiations; and for connected purposes.
Link: Terms of Withdrawal from EU (Referendum)
Source: Public Bills
Press release: New and revised permits for Horse Hill oil and gas site
The company already held a permit to drill the exploratory borehole and manage wastes arising from that process. This variation allows them to drill a new borehole, drill a side track from the original borehole and carry out flow testing to understand the long term economic viability of the oil and gas reserves. No hydraulic fracturing will take place as part of this activity.
The company has also been issued with an environmental permit to allow them to store oil on site following production.
The company will need to adhere strictly to the conditions set out in these permits, which will ensure the local community and environment are protected.
The Environment Agency considered the opinions raised by local people during the 4 week consultation with communities, interested groups and other professional organisations before reaching this decision.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:
We would like to thank all those people who responded to the consultation. Since the consultation period closed, Horse Hill Developments Limited has provided additional information to clarify some of the aspects of their application for flow testing.
After considering all of the information available and completing our assessment we are confident that the environment and people will be protected. Environment Agency officers will now ensure compliance with these operating conditions during the next phase of works.
For all media enquiries please contact 0800 141 2743 or email Southeastpressoffice1@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Link: Press release: New and revised permits for Horse Hill oil and gas site
Source: Environment Agency
Press release: Visitors and wildlife to benefit from East Farleigh lock improvements
The Environment Agency project has refurbished the lock, in East Farleigh near Maidstone, Kent, stabilised the weir, and installed a new fish pass. The previous lock was last refurbished over a century ago, and these improvements enhance and protect the River Medway for local residents and river users.
The refurbished lock was constructed within the existing lock and not only secures the future of the structure but improves the safety and convenience for boaters using it. New features include improved mooring systems, new access steps, and new rubbing timbers and fendering to reduce the risk of damage to visiting vessels.
Wildlife on the River Medway will also benefit from the works at East Farleigh. A new fish pass has been installed alongside the weir, providing climbable slopes for fish wanting to travel upstream, meaning freshwater fish, such as barbel, roach, perch, dace, chub and pike, will be able to pass the site freely.
Julie Foley, Environment Agency Area Manager, said:
The lock refurbishment is a £3.65 million investment in the River Medway that will be a great asset to visitors, river users, and wildlife for many years to come.
With a newly refurbished lock and weir we will be able to continue to maintain the upstream water levels for boaters, anglers, cyclists and walkers to enjoy, and the lock is essential for a number of commercial river operators.
It’s great for the river that 9 of the 10 locks on the River Medway now have fish passes in place. Allowing free movement of fish will ensure that it becomes a healthier river than it has been in at least the last 250 years, offering better access to spawning grounds for fish.
For all media enquiries please contact 0800 141 2743 or email Southeastpressoffice1@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Link: Press release: Visitors and wildlife to benefit from East Farleigh lock improvements
Source: Environment Agency
School Holidays (Meals and Activities)
A Bill to require local authorities to facilitate the delivery of programmes that provide free meals and activities for children during school holidays; and for connected purposes.
Link: School Holidays (Meals and Activities)
Source: Public Bills
Northamptonshire Clinical Commissioning Groups (Merger)
A Bill to require the merging of the Nene Valley and Corby Clinical Commissioning Groups; and for connected purposes.
Link: Northamptonshire Clinical Commissioning Groups (Merger)
Source: Public Bills
North Northamptonshire (Urgent Care Facilities)
A Bill to make provision about the restructuring of urgent care facilities in North Northamptonshire; and for connected purposes.
Link: North Northamptonshire (Urgent Care Facilities)
Source: Public Bills
Isham Bypass
A Bill to impose duties relating to the completion of the Isham Bypass by 31 December 2020; and for connected purposes.
Link: Isham Bypass
Source: Public Bills
Genocide Determination (No. 2)
A Bill to provide for the High Court of England and Wales to make a preliminary finding on cases of alleged genocide; and for the subsequent referral of such findings to the International Criminal Court or a special tribunal.
Link: Genocide Determination (No. 2)
Source: Public Bills
Pensions (Review of Women’s Arrangements)
A Bill to establish a review of pension arrangements for women affected by changes made by the Pensions Act 1995 and the Pensions Act 2011; and for connected purposes.
Link: Pensions (Review of Women’s Arrangements)
Source: Public Bills
Pilot (Licensing)
A Bill to create a pilot licensing system in line with International Civil Aviation Organization standards; and for connected purposes.
Link: Pilot (Licensing)
Source: Public Bills