Pulse.Assent

On the fifth anniversary of the horrific Ghouta Sarin attack, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France reiterate their condemnation of the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime.

Since 2012, the regime has resorted to the use of chemical weapons during military offensives, not only in Ghouta but also in Khan Sheikhoun, Ltamenah, Saraqib, and Douma, killing and injuring thousands of people.

As Permanent Members of the Security Council, we reaffirm our shared resolve to preventing the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime, and for holding them accountable for any such use.

Our position on the Assad regime’s use of chemical weapons is unchanged. As we have demonstrated, we will respond appropriately to any further use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime, which has had such devastating humanitarian consequences for the Syrian population.

We welcome the establishment of attribution arrangements at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), in accordance with its authority under the Chemical Weapons Convention, as confirmed by the decision of the Conference of States Parties.

The establishment of these arrangements will help ensure that the perpetrators of chemical weapons use in Syria cannot escape identification. We welcome the launch of the International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons on 23 January 2018, and call on all countries committed to fight impunity to join the International Partnership. We remain committed to securing justice for victims of chemical weapons use.

Furthermore, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France are gravely concerned over reports of a military offensive by the Syrian regime against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Idlib, and the resulting humanitarian consequences. We also underline our concern at the potential for further – and illegal – use of chemical weapons.

We urge supporters of the Assad regime to use their influence to uphold the global norm against chemical weapons use. We implore those countries to recognize that the unchecked use of chemical weapons by any state presents an unacceptable security threat to all states. We urge the international community to support our collective efforts to end Syria’s use of chemical weapons. And we remain resolved to act if the Assad regime uses chemical weapons again.

Tourists and residents are being urged to make the most of Salisbury as the city launches its bid to be crowned a ‘Rising Star’ in the Great British High Streets Awards.

Communities Secretary, Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP, today (21 August 2018) visited business owners in Salisbury and Amesbury to thank them for their community spirit, and see first hand how government funding is helping the city recover following incidents earlier in the year.

Salisbury has received more than £5 million in funding to further support businesses, boost tourism and meet unexpected costs.

Early indications show that the cash injection is encouraging tourist to return to Salisbury.

Now the city is in line for a further £10,000 if it scoops the top spot in the ‘Rising Star’ category of the Great British High Streets competition – which celebrates the most ambitious high streets taking a lead and working together to revive, adapt and diversify.

Communities Secretary, Rt. Hon James Brokenshire MP, said:

There are encouraging signs tourists are returning to Salisbury to enjoy the huge variety of attractions and activities the area has to offer. Government funding is helping to support this.

Residents and business owners on the high street have shown huge community spirit and resilience in the face of unparalleled circumstances. I wish them the best of luck as they go for gold in our Great British High Streets competition.

The Great British High Streets Awards also recognise individuals playing a leading role in making our high streets special.

Susi Mason, owner of gift shop Casa Fina, has been nominated as Salisbury’s High Street Hero, recognising her time, dedication and commitment to the city.

Baroness Jane Scott OBE, leader of Wiltshire Council, said:

It’s really good news that the city is in the running for these awards given the recent difficult months for local businesses and the community.

We have been working closely with businesses throughout this time, providing financial support and rate relief, plus bespoke advice, training and coaching to ensure they have the help needed to keep going and safeguard jobs.

The council introduced free parking in both Amesbury and Salisbury to help encourage visitors and shoppers and to support local businesses.

We are extremely fortunate to benefit from world-class attractions in south Wiltshire; including Stonehenge, the cathedral and medieval streets, and we welcome tourist and visitors from across the globe to visit this quintessential city and enjoy all that it has to offer.

Chief Executive of Visit Wiltshire, David Andrews, said:

Salisbury and the surrounding area has long been a huge draw for both domestic and international visitors.

Through working in partnership with VisitEngland, Wiltshire Council and the Salisbury recovery team, we are pleased that our joint activity is bringing people back to Salisbury.

With several weeks of the summer holidays left, there’s no better time to enjoy the world class attractions, unique high streets, heritage sites and packed schedule of events.

On the visit, the Communities Secretary also met senior police officers and council officials to hear about the recovery operation, and thank them for their work and commitment.

Further information

The Great British High Streets Awards 2018, run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and sponsored by Visa, close on 22 August 2018.

The government has announced more than £5 million in funding to further support businesses, boost tourism and meet unexpected costs as a result of the incidents in Salisbury and Amesbury.

This new package is in addition to the £2.5 million that has been made available since March to support the local community.

Two Ukrainian nationals held in Russian detention, Oleg Sentsov and Volodymyr Balukh, are on hunger strike to demand the Russian authorities release all Ukrainian political prisoners. Today marks Oleg Sentsov’s 100th day on hunger strike.

Minister for Europe and the Americas Sir Alan Duncan said:

“On the 100th day of Oleg Sentsov’s hunger strike, we remain extremely concerned for Mr Sentsov’s health and treatment at the hands of the Russian authorities.

“Mr Sentsov was detained by Russia after expressing peaceful opposition to the illegal annexation of Crimea. He was convicted on fabricated terrorism charges and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Mr Balukh is also on long term hunger strike and it is reported that the conditions of both men are rapidly deteriorating and their lives are under threat.

“It is critical that Russia allows Ukrainian officials and international humanitarian organisations unrestricted access to Mr Sentsov, Mr Balukh and up to 70 other Ukrainian political prisoners. No one should be imprisoned for opposing the illegal annexation of Crimea. Russia must now uphold its obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law and release them immediately.”

Further information

• Follow Foreign Office Minister Sir Alan Duncan on Twitter @AlanDuncanMP and Facebook
• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice and Facebook
• Follow the Foreign Office on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn

The Parole Board is moving to new offices over the Bank Holiday weekend (25 -27 August 2018).

From Tuesday 28 August 2018, the Parole Board’s address will be:

The Parole Board will share its office space with other Arm’s Length Bodies and will be on the same floor as a new MoJ hub.

The move to 10 South Colonnade is part of the MoJ Transformation Project, with the aim to use mobile technology to work flexibly and reduce the reliance on expensive office space in Westminster.

All letters sent to the old office will be forwarded to the new one at 10 South Colonnade. All our phone numbers and email addresses will remain the same.

If you have any queries, please contact us:

• By email: info@paroleboard.gov.uk
• By phone: 020 3880 0885

In July:

• HM Land Registry completed more than 1,794,850 applications to change or query the Land Register
• The South East topped the table of regional applications with 412,457

HM Land Registry completed 1,794,855 applications in July compared with 1,701,272 in June and 1,619,118 last July, of which:

• 408,138 were applications for register updates compared with 67,516 in June
• 860,123 were applications for an official copy of a register compared with 825,155 in June
• 231,386 were search and hold queries (official searches) compared with 226,333 in June
• 27,245 were postal applications from non-account holders compared with 24,801 in June

Applications by region and country

Region/country	May applications	June applications	July applications
South East	398,029	391,741	412,457
Greater London	332,546	324,861	342,764
North West	194,722	189,790	199,371
South West	169,351	166,626	175,922
West Midlands	147,196	146,855	153,247
Yorkshire and the Humber	131,727	128,441	138,612
East Midlands	121,511	121,551	129,991
North	78,596	79,945	84,004
Wales	78,038	77,307	81,079
East Anglia	71,749	74,017	77,226
Isles of Scilly	41	66	109
England and Wales (not assigned)	72	72	73
Total	1,723,578	1,701,272	1,794,855

Top 5 local authority areas

Top 5 local authority areas	May applications	Top 5 local authority areas	June applications	Top 5 local authority areas	July applications
Birmingham	26,902	Birmingham	25,724	Birmingham	27,538
City of Westminster	24,121	City of Westminster	23,468	City of Westminster	22,955
Leeds	19,782	Leeds	19,257	Leeds	21,258
Cornwall	18,301	Cornwall	17,591	Cornwall	18,581
Manchester	17,347	Manchester	16,765	Manchester	18,026

Top 5 customers

Top 5 customers	May applications	Top 5 customers	June applications	Top 5 customers	July applications
Enact	53,314	Enact	53,868	Enact	55,674
Infotrack Limited	28,453	Infotrack Limited	29,175	Infotrack Limited	30,027
Optima Legal Services	28,173	O’Neill Patient	26,523	O’Neill Patient	28,146
O’Neill Patient	26,645	Optima Legal Services	26,239	Optima Legal Services	26,763
TM Group (UK) Ltd	22,706	TM Group (UK) Ltd	21,465	TM Group (UK) Ltd	24,461

Access the full dataset on data.gov.uk

Notes to editors

1. Transaction Data is published on the 15th working day of each month. The August Transaction Data will be published at 11am on Friday 21 September 2018 at HM Land Registry Monthly Property Transaction Data.
2. The monthly Transaction Data showing how many applications for new titles, leases, splitting titles, updating existing titles, official copies of the register and search and hold queries (official searches) were received, reflects the volume of applications lodged by customers using an HM Land Registry account number on their application form.
3. We are challenging ourselves to reassess our language to make our terms understandable to both our commercial and our citizen customers. This is in line with our commitment set out in the Business Strategy 2017-2022 under the ‘simplicity’ element of our ambition.
4. Completed applications in England and Wales shown by region and by local authority include postal applications as well as those sent electronically.
5. Transaction Data excludes: pending applications; bankruptcy applications; bulk applications; and
   discharge applications (to remove a charge, for example a mortgage, from the register).
6. Transactions for value are applications lodged involving a transfer of ownership for value. For an explanation of other terms used, see abbreviations used in the transaction data.
7. Most search and hold queries (official searches) carried out by a solicitor or conveyancer are to protect the purchase and/or mortgage. For example, a search and hold query will give the buyer priority for an application to HM Land Registry to register the purchase of the property. This can give an indication of market activity.
8. Reasonable skill and care is used in the provision of the data. We strive to ensure that the data is as accurate as possible but cannot guarantee that it is free from error. We cannot guarantee our data is fit for your intended purpose or use.
9. Transaction Data is available free of charge for use and re-use under the Open Government Licence (OGL). The licence allows public bodies to make their data available for re-use.
10. If you use or publish the Transaction Data, you must add the following attribution statement: Contains HM Land Registry data © Crown copyright and database right 2018. This data is licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HM Land Registry’s mission is to guarantee and protect property rights in England and Wales.
11. HM Land Registry is a government department created in 1862. It operates as an executive agency and a trading fund and its running costs are covered by the fees paid by the users of its services. Its ambition is to become the world’s leading land registry for speed, simplicity and an open approach to data.
12. HM Land Registry safeguards land and property ownership worth in excess of £4 trillion, including around £1 trillion of mortgages. The Land Register contains more than 25 million titles showing evidence of ownership for some 85% of the land mass of England and Wales.
13. For further information about HM Land Registry visit www.gov.uk/land-registry
14. Follow us on Twitter @HMLandRegistry our blog and LinkedIn and Facebook

Contact

Proposals for a North Wales Growth Deal must now gather momentum as it heads into the final stages of negotiations, UK Government in Wales Minister Mims Davies will say today as she kicks off a two-day visit to the region (21-22 August).

Undertaking her first official engagements in Wales, Mims Davies will underline the UK Government’s vision for North Wales and bring new energy to the North Wales Growth Deal.

The North Wales Growth Deal is a UK Government manifesto commitment, setting out an ambitious vision for the region for the next 15 years.

Minister Davies will begin her programme with a meeting with the Chair of the North Wales Growth Board Cllr. Aaron Shotton, and Vice Chairman Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn at OpTIC Glyndwr in St Asaph.

She will also meet with each of the individual council leaders involved in bringing the deal to life where she will issue a rallying call to ensure every sinew of strength is being thrown behind the effort to develop strong and innovative business cases that will get the deal over the line.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Minister Davies said:

Growth deals, like the one we are driving forward in North Wales can produce real, tangible results such as jobs, investment in transport and bringing business and local authorities together.

Over the coming days, weeks and months, I am looking forward to meeting the deal makers, the innovators, the business leaders of this region who will be central to making this deal a success.

The prizes that await for North Wales could be transformational. Now is the time to come together for a final push on a proposal that is underwritten by expertise and local knowledge and ensure we get this deal off the drawing board and over the finishing line.

Cllr Aaron Shotton, Chair of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board and Leader of Flintshire County Council said:

We are looking forward to meeting with the Minister to discuss the progress we have made in developing a bid that will deliver on key themes across the region.

The focus now must be on collaboration and prioritising the most crucial programmes that will impact on our communities and boost the North Wales economy, with a focus on digital connectivity, job creation and transport links.

We would like to thank her in advance for supporting the Ambition Board and for taking the time to witness first-hand the hard work that’s gone in to putting together a bid that will benefit the economy and residents of North Wales. Our immediate focus is to ensure that a Growth Bid for North Wales is a key feature in the upcoming Autumn Budget, which will ultimately shape the growing and dynamic region that we are all striving for.

The Minister will also highlight the region’s growing reputation as the go-to destination for thrill-seeking tourists with a visit to Surf Snowdonia.

The attraction has this year unveiled plans for a multimillion-pound expansion which includes the addition of a four-star hotel with spa and conference and wedding facilities. A new indoor adventure attraction is also envisaged.

Here, the Minister will host a meeting of small businesses from the region to hear their views on how the UK Government can support their own growth potential and compete in the global economy.

Justin Everley, commercial director at Surf Snowdonia said:

It’s an absolute pleasure for us to welcome the Minister to Surf Snowdonia during her visit to North Wales. We’re looking forward to introducing her to our employees and sharing our story so far – and we’re excited to be able to share our development plans which will allow us to grow and evolve our business in 2019 and beyond.

ENDS

• Liam Fox sets out ambitious new plan to make Britain a 21st century exporting superpower
• Government sets new ambition to increase exports as a proportion of UK GDP to 35%
• A government-led collaboration with business developed after extensive engagement with range of UK businesses
• Streamlined and targeted offer for businesses of all sizes, set to raise productivity, boost wages and protect employment across the UK
• Strategy set to help Wales become a world-leading export nation

International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox MP, will today (Tuesday 21 August) set out how the Government will make Britain a 21st century exporting superpower through better use of our overseas network, new online tools and building an extensive business to business network.

This comes as the Government continues to roll out sector deals as part of the Industrial Strategy, boosting jobs and growth in the areas where the UK has a competitive edge – now supporting the export of this expertise across the world.

Research shows that companies that export have increased growth potential, are more productive and have better paid jobs.

Last year £620bn of goods and services exported by British companies accounted for 30% of our GDP, with UK exports are at a record high.

This includes £16.4bn of goods exports from Wales, a 7.1% rise on the previous year.

However, the Department for International Trade estimates that 400,000 businesses believe they could export but don’t, while demand for British expertise and goods overseas is only growing.

Dr Fox, joined by Baroness Fairhead, Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion, will today set out the government’s long-term ambition to go further and increase total exports as a proportion of GDP to 35%.

Baroness Fairhead will also visit Cardiff-based Cloth Cat Animation, whose children’s television programmes have enjoyed great success in China and Australia.

Responding to a call from business, The Export Strategy outlines how the government will produce smarter and more tailored support to UK companies. There are key elements to the strategy to support companies selling overseas:

• Encourage and inspire more businesses to export.
  This includes an increased focus on amplifying the voice of existing exporters to inspire other businesses and facilitating peer-to-peer learning.
• Inform businesses by providing information, advice and practical assistance on exporting.
  New measures include developing great.gov.uk into a single digital platform for both domestic business growth and export support and working with large companies to help build the capability of UK supply chains. We will also assess financial incentives and signposting as a means to support SMEs access new markets and private sector export support.
• Connect UK businesses to overseas buyers, markets and each other.
  New measures include support for businesses looking to invest overseas and developing an online tool enabling businesses to submit non-tariff barriers they face.
• Put finance at the heart of our offer.

Deploying an awareness campaign to target UK exporters most likely to benefit from up to £50bn worth of export finance and insurance support from UKEF, and promoting UKEF support in overseas markets to help UK companies and consortia win contracts.

In a speech to a business audience in London, International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox MP is expected to say:

The United Kingdom is a great exporting nation and our exporters lead the way, in creating jobs, raising wages and growing our economy.

UK businesses are superbly placed to capitalise on the rapid changes in the global economic environment and I believe the UK has the potential to be a 21st century exporting superpower.

As an international economic department, we are determined to support, connect and grow UK companies on the world stage through our international network.

As we leave the EU, we must set our sights high and that is just what this Export Strategy will help us achieve.

Baroness Fairhead, Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion at the Department of International Trade, said:

Since its creation two years ago, DIT has already helped thousands of UK companies to export – with exports now at a record high.

As the world’s sixth largest exporter, we do punch above our weight, however, we also punch below our potential. This Export Strategy sets out to change that and to increase exports as a proportion of GDP from 30% to 35%, taking us from the middle of the G7 to near the top. This is ambitious, but achievable.

This strategy builds on the UK Industrial Strategy and our existing export support services – our network of trade advisers and promoters across the UK and in 108 countries worldwide, UKEF’s £50 billion capacity to support exports in 60 currencies, and our great.gov.uk service. To achieve our aim, Government must join up across departments to enable UK companies to succeed overseas.

This strategy is a first step – a foundation – for a new national drive to export.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:

Wales is home to a whole host of successful exporting companies, whose products and services are being sold around the world. Cloth Cat Animation is no exception, their work has been watched on networks around the globe including in China and Australia.

This Export Strategy aims to guide and inspire other Welsh companies looking to make their mark in international markets. Through the creation of Export Champions across the UK and unrivalled access to overseas trade specialists in 108 countries, our goal is to maximise Wales’ potential as a world-leading export nation, removing the market access barriers faced by businesses to create better, higher paid jobs across the country.

Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said:

Expanding trade is fundamental to creating new jobs, raising productivity and increasing prosperity across the country. This strategy is a timely signal that the Government is committed to improving the United Kingdom’s international competitiveness.

The CBI strongly supports the ambition to make exports 35% of GDP, which will put the UK out in front of many of our international competitors. We estimate that in every region of the country there are around 10% of businesses that could export, but don’t, and we look forward to working alongside the Government to support and inspire them to seize the opportunity.

The CBI has consistently called for a long-term approach to exports. Previous strategies have come and gone, but businesses have been let down by their execution. Firms will work with the strong team in place at the Department for International Trade to ensure these plans are now rigorously carried out.

Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Dialing up the intensity of UK trade – both close to home and further afield – will be the cornerstone of our future economic success.

Working together, business and government have a real opportunity to turbo-charge UK exports, and help more of our firms increase sales and profits in markets all across the world. Our biggest competitors invest heavily in promoting their countries’ products and services, and the UK must match or exceed them.

We welcome the UK Government’s pledge in the new Export Strategy to work hand-in-hand with business to unlock opportunities for UK firms all across the globe. A clear, long-term commitment to support British firms on the ground – both here at home and overseas – is needed to provide a springboard for many companies to take risks and go for growth.

Stephen Martin, Director General of the Institute of Directors, said:

Maximising trade opportunities across the globe will be key to the UK’s future economic success, so we welcome this new export strategy, which provides a solid foundation upon which to build. The Government deserves credit for investing time and effort in working with business to draw up this strategy, and we are delighted that a number of the IoD’s recommendations have been incorporated.

Improving the UK’s export performance will depend upon many variables, but the good news is that there is plenty that can be done now to help businesses, irrespective of Brexit. We will be encouraging our members to engage with government to make sure this strategy really takes off and enables British firms to realise their full trading potential.

The Government’s new network of HM Trade Commissioners will help improve government-to-government relationships to reduce tariff and market access barriers as we leave the EU.

In a series of high-profile appointments by the department, earlier this year DIT appointed former Barclays head of corporate banking John Mahon as the UKs first Director General for Exports, to lead the implementation of the Strategy.

And former Citgroup banking vice-chairman Mark Slaughter was appointed in June as Director General for Investment, to lead a drive to attract more investment into the UK.

The strategy builds on an already strong DIT offer to businesses which includes 250 International Trade Advisors around the UK, showcased export opportunities on GREAT.gov.uk and UKEF support such as trade finance.

ENDS

Further information:

• Latest ONS figures showing UK exports to the world rose by £26bn, an increase of 4.4% compared to the same time last year.
• At the heart of the campaign are its ‘Export Champions’; everyday businesses of all shapes and sizes from around the UK that are proudly exporting. They form a nationwide network of UK companies that are ambassadors for international trade. They share their success stories, offer practical advice and lead by example, under the rallying call ‘If We Can, You Can’