The petition was issued following confidential enquiries carried out by Company Investigations, part of the Insolvency Service, under section 447 of the Companies Act 1985, as amended.

The investigation found that vulnerable and elderly individuals were being targeted and aggressively sold investments in fancy coloured diamonds, rough diamonds, gold, fine art and oil wells.

The company’s sales team was located in prestigious office accommodation at 25 Canada Square in Canary Wharf.

The company claimed that its services “represent excellent value” and that for diamond trades it charged investors a “1.5% arrangement commission”.

The investigation discovered that at least £7 million was raised from investors generating commission of over £2.5 million before the company was forcibly closed by the Insolvency Service’s intervention.

Chris Mayhew, Company Investigations Supervisor, said:

This company promised safe and spectacular investment returns but simply delivered a hole in the pocket for investors

There’s only one thing to do with these bogus investment schemes, put them straight in the bin.

The Insolvency Service will continue to take robust action whenever serious failings are discovered and in particular against contemptible companies as here preying on vulnerable investors.

Notes to Editors:

Heritage FA Limited (company registration number 08499859) was incorporated on 23 April 2013 in the name Techrelevance Ltd. The name of the company was changed to its present style on 10 March 2014. The registered office was initially Suite B, 29 Harley Street, London, W1G 9QR until 16 April 2014, when it was changed to 33 FL 25 Canada Square, London, E18 5LB and, shortly afterwards, on 24 April 2014, further changed to 25 Canada Square, London, E14 5LB from 24 April 2014 to present date.

The sole recorded officer of the company (apart from the company formation agents) has been John Henry Crowder who is shown to have been the director from 10 March 2014 to present date. The share capital of the company is shown to be £100 divided into 100 ordinary shares of £1 each and all held by Mr Crowder.

Unaudited accounts for the period from 23 April 2013 (the date of incorporation) to 30 April 2014 (some 8 weeks after the appointment of Mr Crowder) report turnover of £198,973, a loss of £1,443, assets of £248,752 (debtors £241,874 and cash £6,878) and liabilities (creditors) of £250,095.

The company operated the following websites:

• www.heritagefineassets.co.uk
• www.heritagefineassets.com
• www.www.heritage-fine-assets.com
• www.heritage-fa.com

The petition to wind up the company was presented in the High Court on 4 December 2015 under the provisions of section 124A of the Insolvency Act 1986.

The public interest grounds for winding up the company were its lack of commercial probity by participating in a wider scheme involving the sale of fancy coloured diamonds to the public for investment and making unfounded and misleading statements to induce people to invest in diamonds and other commodities.

On the application of the Secretary of State, without notice to the company, Mr Justice Newey appointed the Official Receiver as provisional liquidator of the company on 14 January 2015.

In ordering the company into liquidation on grounds of public interest on 9 March 2016 Mr Chief Registrar Baister said:

… there has been no response by the company to the petition which appears to be unopposed … the petition is supported by an investor … who is in Court today … the evidence sets out how the company is one of a number of broker companies involved in the sale to the public of what is described as fancy coloured diamonds … action has been taken against some of these broker companies already, or might do in the future … the main allegation here is that the company has traded with a lack of commercial probity … in the absence of the company I need simply draw attention to one particular piece of evidence … a report detailing 459 individual transactions showing Diffraction paid the original supplier £1,282,862 for fancy coloured diamonds that were sold by the broker companies to investors for £5,616,030, an overall average mark-up of 334% … in some cases, the purchase price paid by investors represented an overall average mark up of over 600% … one only has to state that to see, even without the misrepresentations, that would have hampered or obliterated any possible chance of a sale at a profit for investors … the real mischief is best illustrated by one investor’s story, I will not name the lady … she explains how she was initially persuaded to invest £5,000 in a fancy coloured diamond by a company called Walbrook, one of the other broker companies using Diffraction’s platform … she was then contacted by Heritage and persuaded to invest in another fancy coloured diamond for a further £8,000, and to pay for storage fees on top of that … although she wanted to sell the second diamond Heritage had persuaded her to buy, she was instead persuaded to invest a further £9,000 in another diamond … in total she invested around £25,000 without having received any of the returns she was promised which had induced her to invest … leaving her at 91 years old with a complete loss of her savings … in my view it is plainly in the public interest to wind up this company up and I do so order.

Walbrook and Company Limited (company number 08249302) was placed into voluntary liquidation on 20 November 2013 having a reported deficiency of £35,167 with Martin C Armstrong of Allen House, 1 Westmead Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 4LA appointed liquidator.

The London Diamond Bourse has published consumer advice developed with the Insolvency Service with the objective of preventing the public falling foul of “boiler room” scams purporting to sell highly lucrative investment diamonds. The advice can be found in the public area of the London Diamond Bourse website.

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, Innovation & Skills (BIS). Further information about live company investigations is available.

The Insolvency Service administers the insolvency regime, investigating all compulsory liquidations and individual insolvencies (bankruptcies) through the Official Receiver to establish why they became insolvent. It may also use powers under the Companies Act 1985 to conduct confidential fact-finding investigations into the activities of live limited companies in the UK. In addition, the agency authorises and regulates the insolvency profession, deals with disqualification of directors in corporate failures, 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.

By virtue of the appointment of the Official Receiver 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

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The UK Space Agency is expanding support for business incubation centres across the UK, providing funding that will enable a network of incubators to support start-up companies across the breadth of the space sector.

The incubation funding will grow space in the regions by providing a supportive business environment to assist entrepreneurs to develop small companies - an important path in realising the space sector’s ambition to achieve a 10% share of the global space market by 2030.

The funded incubators, located in the North, North Wales and east Midlands, will provide small businesses with access to facilities and resources and will be part of a network of incubators that will collaborate on events and initiatives.

The incubator funding was announced today at a Northern Space Consortium event in Liverpool where politicians and business leaders in the region were introduced to the opportunities and potential of the highly lucrative UK Space Industry.

Colin Baldwin, UK Space Gateway Programme Manager at the UK Space Agency, said:

North England, the Midlands and north Wales all have the potential to make a significant contribution to our thriving space sector. There are opportunities for a range of companies developing innovative products that can match the needs of the space industry. We’re committed to nurturing business and research in these regions, and showing small businesses how they can benefit from our £11.8 billion space industry.

The incubators receiving funding include:

Business Durham

As part of County Durham’s innovation strategy, Business Durham seeks to help existing businesses diversify and innovate; encouraging high-tech, high growth businesses to join the growing cluster within County Durham. At the centre of this strategy is the North East Technology Park (NETPark).

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

STFC - a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation – will use the incubation funding to support a greater cross section of space related companies, both upstream and downstream, at its Daresbury Laboratory site. Daresbury Laboratory sits at the heart of Sci-Tech Daresbury, a National Science and Innovation Campus that co-locates high tech businesses with world leading science and technology, thus making it an ideal location to incubate space companies.

Glyndwr Innovations

Glyndwr Innovations (GI), a private company owned by Glyndwr University, manages the OpTIC Centre which provides technology-related, innovative companies with accommodation and business/academic/financial support. Its vision is to ensure a high quality, consistent supply chain for the space sector from north Wales.

Leicester Dock

Leicester Dock is an innovation centre specifically for high tech companies and includes companies that work with technology within the space sector. The funding will enable Dock to successfully deliver a regional incubator for start-up space companies which will have access to a range of business support. The Dock building was part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

UNIP Management Ltd

UNIP provides a unique environment where business and research work together, sharing knowledge and sparking innovation. The business incubation funding will be used to offer a package of support for start-ups and small businesses.

Loughborough University

Loughborough University (LU) will use the funding to establish and support the development of a cluster of start-up companies, working in areas related to the space sector, at the new Advanced Technology Innovation Centre (ATIC) - part of Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Parks (LUSEP). The ATIC building was part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The full list which includes awards in respect of worldwide operations for the period 1 January to 30 September 2015 as well as others for non-operational gallantry.

OPERATIONS

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Major General Robert Bernard BRUCE, DSO

Brigadier James Richard Hugh STOPFORD

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Captain Nicholas COOKE-PRIEST, Royal Navy

Major Edward Gilbert Robin CARTWRIGHT, The Parachute Regiment

Acting Colonel (now Colonel) Edward James Marston DAWES, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Colonel (now Acting Brigadier) Angus George Costeker FAIR, DSO

Wing Commander Michael Robert FORMBY, Royal Air Force

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Lieutenant Commander Andrew Scott BROWN, Royal Navy

Major Andrew Richard NECKLINE, Royal Corps of Signals

Major Richard Darren WALKER, The Royal Dragoon Guards

Flight Lieutenant Rebecca Jane HUTCHINGS, Royal Air Force

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Captain Michael Olaf Chetwynd DOBBIN, Grenadier Guards

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Sergeant (now Acting Colour Sergeant) Robert Baden John COLLEY, Royal Marines

Military Cross (MC)

Sergeant Nicholas James HILLYARD, Royal Corps of Signals

Colour Sergeant Jordan Edward MACKENZIE, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

Mention in Despatches (MID)

Colour Sergeant Stephen James WALKER, Royal Marines

Colour Sergeant Andrew Neil BRAYSHAW, The Parachute Regiment

Colour Sergeant Ian George GALLAGHER, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

Queen’s Commendation for Bravery (QCB)

Marine (now Acting Lance Corporal) Kieran Robert SCOTT, Royal Marines

Sergeant James LYNDON, Royal Marines

Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service (QCVS)

Acting Major (now Major) Henry DOWLEN MBE, Royal Marines Reserve

Petty Officer Engineering Technician (Weapon Engineering) Luke EBSWORTH, Royal Navy

Warrant Officer 1 Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering) Alan EVANS, Royal Navy

Commander Stuart Andrew FINN, Royal Navy

Corporal Matthew GOLDSWORTHY, Royal Marines

Chief Petty Officer (Underwater Warfare) Julian LEE, Royal Navy

Marine August Emanuel Nils LERSTEN, Royal Marines

Petty Officer (Diver) Stuart Russell RICE, Royal Navy

Captain David Bissett SMITH, Royal Fleet Auxiliary

Sergeant Lewis David ARTHEY, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment

Lieutenant Colonel (now Colonel) Dominic Stead James BIDDICK MBE MC, The Royal Anglian Regiment

Staff Sergeant Andrew John COY, Army Air Corps

Sergeant (now Acting Staff Sergeant) Thomas Edward Trevithick DAWSON, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment

Sergeant (now Acting Staff Sergeant) Paul Anthony DILLOWAY, Royal Army Medical Corps

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Clement GIDLOW-JACKSON MBE, The Rifles

Staff Sergeant Gregory Mitchell GASKINS, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)

Brigadier Andrew Gordon HUGHES MBE

Warrant Officer Class 2 Paul Michael KEARNEY, The Royal Anglian Regiment

Staff Sergeant Richard Charles KERRY, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)

Lieutenant Colonel (now Acting Colonel) Eldon Nicholas Somerville MILLAR MBE, Corps of Royal Engineers

Brigadier Charles Spencer Thomas PAGE MBE

Major Samuel James ROBERTS, Intelligence Corps

Captain Philip Charles ROWLAND, Royal Corps of Signals

Warrant Officer Class 2 Jamie RUFUS, The Rifles

Acting Staff Sergeant Gareth David TAYLOR, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Captain Timothy James Hamilton TOWLER, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

Flight Lieutenant Samuel John BAKER, Royal Air Force

Wing Commander Matthew Edward LAWRENCE, Royal Air Force

Non-operational gallantry

Queen’s Commendation for Bravery (QCB)

Staff Sergeant Peter James ASHTON, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Staff Sergeant Edward James CLINTON, The Royal Logistic Corps

Staff Sergeant Richard Thomas MCKINNON, The Royal Logistic Corps

Sergeant Dhaniram RAI, The Royal Gurkha Rifles

Lance Corporal Sean Joseph WILSON, The Mercian Regiment

Senior Aircraftsman Shane Joseph MITCHLEY, Royal Air Force

Queen’s Commendations for Bravery in the Air (QCBA)

Sergeant Michael Edward BEAMISH, Royal Air Force

The 45th Operational Honours and Awards List includes personnel from all three Services who have displayed bravery, commitment and meritorious service.

From the Royal Navy, Captain Nicholas Cooke-Priest has been awarded an OBE for his consistently exemplary tactical control of HMS Bulwark on her deployment to the Central Mediterranean on a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation. The Commanding Officer of HMS Bulwark quickly reconfigured his ship from commemorative events associated with the centenary of the Gallipoli Landings to focus on the saving of life in the wake of the tragic deaths of many migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean.

Captain Cooke-Priest was responsible for numerous SAR operations, often simultaneously and sometimes in demanding environmental conditions. He was in command of a large number of landing craft, boats, helicopters and warships from other nations at the scene of numerous rescue operations and has been praised for his consistent performance. Whilst on deployment, HMS Bulwark saved 2,884 lives and the Royal Navy continues to provide vital support to the European mission in the region.

Capt Nick Cooke-Priest said:

I am fully humbled by this award. The migrant search and rescue mission in the Southern Mediterranean last year was a demanding and challenging period for the ship. In receiving this honour I would like to pay my greatest respects to the officers, sailors and marines who served with me in Bulwark throughout the operation, it was a genuinely fantastic team effort.

Colonel Edward Dawes, from Plymouth has also been recognised with an OBE for his work on a UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan where he led 12,500 international peacekeepers, making life and death decisions. Colonel Dawes was Chief of Staff of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) from April 2014 to April 2015 and made ‘a demonstrable difference to UNMISS during a very testing and dangerous time’.

On learning of his award Colonel Dawes of the Royal Artillery said:

It’s very humbling. I’m acutely aware that I was just part of a very large force of 12,500 people, and everyone was doing their best in South Sudan at that time. So, it is a little uncomfortable that the spotlight has chosen to alight on me. It’s humbling to be recognised and thanked so publicly.

Also from the Army, Staff Sergeant Edward Clinton and Staff Sergeant Richard McKinnon are both being recognised with a Queen’s Commendation for Bravery (QCB), having disarmed the 250kg ‘Bermondsey Bomb’ over the course of two days. The two ammunitions technicians from the Royal Logistics Corps were deployed to the scene in Bermondsey last year, where building works disturbed the unexploded WW2 German high explosive bomb. The nature and intensity of the task meant the pair had to work in shifts through the night while they painstakingly made the bomb safe, allowing it to be moved off site for destruction.

Senior Aircraftman Shane Mitchley of the Royal Air Force will receive the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery for saving a woman’s life in the Thames in June 2015. SAC Mitchley, based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, was part of a team from the RAF’s 54(R) Squadron visiting London to learn about the RAF’s history when the team heard cries for help from a woman stricken in the Thames near Westminster Bridge. At great risk to himself SAC Mitchley dived in to the treacherously choppy waters, struggling against a strong current to reach the woman while she struggled to keep her head above the water. At one point he had to dive beneath the water to secure the woman to a life buoy so that other RAF colleagues could haul her to safety.

Senior Aircraftman Shane Mitchley said:

I’m very honoured and very proud. I’m no hero; it was a spur of the moment decision, but not one I regret in the slightest. If I came across a similar situation I’d do the same again without hesitation.

Also listed among today’s Operational Honours and Awards recipients is Sergeant Michael Beamish, a former RAF Search and Rescue winch operator. Sgt Beamish is to receive the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery in the Air for his selfless attempt to save the life of a critically ill sailor near the Falkland Islands in June 2015. Despite mountainous seas Sgt Beamish winched down to the ice-coated Royal Fleet Auxiliary supply ship Gold Rover to provide first aid to the sailor, winched him to safety and later donated his own blood to him in hospital.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:

Members of our armed forces are deployed all around the world helping to keep Britain safe. These well-deserved honours reflect the dedication and bravery they display on a daily basis.

These are just a few examples of personnel from all three services who are honoured in the 45th Operational Honours and Awards List, which includes awards in respect of worldwide operations for the period from 1st January to 30th September 2015, as well others for non-operational gallantry.

Since my last blog, the Expert Advisory Group (EAG) has been continuing its work to build the foundations for what is now to be called the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch.

We have come a long way – and there is still work to do before the EAG publishes its full set of recommendations – but I am confident and more convinced than ever that the hard work of the group and its stakeholders will make a real difference for patients, families and staff.

What we’ve been doing

Throughout the autumn we spent time engaging with patients, families and staff to get their opinions on how an independent patient safety investigation function should operate; and their views on what is required for the function to be completely committed to supporting the NHS to learn and improve.

We spoke to people at a number of events as well as gathering views via our online call for evidence and survey. In total we had more than 800 responses to our surveys and call for evidence, a fantastic number which has helped us enormously in shaping our recommendations.

This process allowed us the privilege of talking face-to-face with many people involved in investigations – patients, families and staff; including a roundtable event with clinicians where we listened to their views and how it feels to be involved in an investigation.

The richness of what we heard means it is not possible for me to do justice to everything in the space of this blog, but the main things we heard were:

• both patients and staff stressed that patients and their families should be at the heart of investigations, and need to feel safe to participate - they want to be treated with honesty and compassion and for processes to be transparent
• both staff and patients felt it was important that the investigation function is as independent as possible and able to make judgements without fear or favour, with both internal and external scrutiny required
• it should focus on learning from safety incidents in the NHS, as well as being able to investigate system-wide failures and develop and recommend solutions
• an essential measure of success is for any learning to be widely spread to prevent mistakes happening again, and for that learning to be embedded across the system
• access to information arising from the learning from investigations should be made much easier
• both patients and staff require more support during investigations and that they need to feel safe to participate
• it was emphasised that, at present, participation in an investigation can be a very lonely and stressful experience, and often people have significant concerns about the personal implications of providing evidence

All of this evidence is being fed into the EAG’s final report and I, and the group, are incredibly grateful to those who told us their stories.

One of the key things we heard from stakeholders, and the EAG themselves, was that the function’s original proposed title – ‘IPSIS’ (Independent Patient Safety Investigation Service) – could be improved. The name has therefore been changed and it will now be known as the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch.

To head up the branch, the Department of Health is supporting the recruitment of a chief investigator, a role which is being recruited for now.

Through our engagement, and reflected in the advice of the EAG, we have heard that people want a chief investigator who is a credible, strong leader with an expertise in investigation; who is patient-focussed and visionary; and who is independent in thought, impartial and courageous.

Identifying a person with those attributes will be essential in the recruitment and decision making process, to ensure the right individual is appointed for the important job at hand.

Next steps

The EAG will conclude its work this month. And I’d like to acknowledge here the tireless commitment of each member throughout this journey.

The chief investigator is likely to be in post in the summer. At that point, they will take on full responsibility for the work of the new branch, determining how it will operate and when it will begin its investigation work. Over the past 7 months we have been on an insightful journey and I am looking forward to the final steps of chairing the EAG and seeing the investigation branch being fully established as a vital service to support improvement across the NHS.

Of all the money raised by the public this Sport Relief, the international spend will be matched by the UK government up to £10 million, to transform lives across the world’s poorest communities, supporting young people to make a successful transition into adulthood.

International Development Secretary Justine Greening said:

Sport Relief is changing lives, and we will help double the difference Sport Relief makes in some of the world’s poorest communities by matching donations pound for pound, up to £10 million.

This is going to help thousands of young people in Tanzania, Nepal and Nigeria remain in school, stay healthy and find good jobs. By working with young people from day one, Sport Relief will make sure that they have a say in building their own future.

The following summary of planned new and ongoing road improvements over the coming week is correct as of 18 March 2016 but could be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. All our improvement work is carried out with the aim of causing as little disruption as possible.

M1 junction 6a (M25), Hertfordshire: electrical repair

Work to improve journeys by carrying out electrical repairs takes place this week. The dedicated link road from the M1 southbound to the M25 in both directions will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Tuesday 22 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M1 junction 6 and the A405 to M25 junction 21a.

M3 junctions 2 (M25) to 4a Farnborough, Hampshire: smart motorway improvement

Work to reduce congestion and improve journey times continues this week with narrow lanes, a contraflow and a 50mph speed limit in place on both carriageways between junctions 2 and 4a, with a free recovery service operating 24 hours a day until the end of 2016.

Both carriageways between junction 2 and junction 3 will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, on Monday 21 March and on Wednesday 23 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M25 anti-clockwise to junction 13, A30 and A322 to M3 junction 3.

M23 junction 8 (M25), Surrey: barrier repair work

Work to improve safety by carrying out barrier repair work will start this week. The dedicated link road from the M23 northbound to the M25 clockwise will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 21 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M25 anti-clockwise to junction 6 and return.

M25 junction 3 Swanley, Kent: litter clearance

Work to improve journeys by carrying out litter clearance will start this week. The anti-clockwise exit slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 21 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 2 and return.

M25 junction 10 (A3), Surrey: carriageway resurfacing

Work to improve journeys by carrying out carriageway resurfacing will start this week. The clockwise carriageway will be closed between the slip roads overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Monday 21 March for 3 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the exit and entry slip roads.

M25 junction 12 (M3), Surrey: smart motorway improvement

Work to improve journeys by carrying out smart motorway improvements on the M3 will continue this week. The link roads from the M25 clockwise and anti-clockwise to the M3 southbound will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, on Monday 21 March and Wednesday 23 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M25 junction 13, A30, A322 to M3 junction 3.

M25 junction 15 (M4), Greater London: signage maintenance

Work to improve journeys by carrying out signage maintenance will start this week. The dedicated link roads from the M25 anti-clockwise to the M4 in both directions will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 21 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 14 and return.

The dedicated link roads from the M25 anti-clockwise to the M4 eastbound will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Wednesday 23 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M4 westbound to junction 5 and return.

M25 junction 20 Kings Langley, Hertfordshire: electrical repairs

Work to improve journeys by carrying out electrical repairs will start this week. The anti-clockwise exit slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Wednesday 23 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 18 and return.

M25 junction 21 (M1), Hertfordshire: electrical repairs

Work to improve journeys by carrying out electrical repairs will start this week. The dedicated link road from the M25 anti-clockwise to the M1 northbound will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 21 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 20 and return.

M25 junction 22, London Colney, Hertfordshire: electrical repair

Work to improve journeys by carrying out electrical repairs will continue this week. The clockwise exit slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 21 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 24 and return.

M25 junction 23 South Mimms, Hertfordshire: carriageway sweeping

Work to improve journeys by carrying out carriageway sweeping will start this week. The anti-clockwise entry and exit slip roads will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 21 March. A clearly signed diversion for the entry slip road will be in place via junction 24 and return. A clearly signed diversion for the exit slip road will be in place via junction 22 and return.

M25 junction 24 Potters Bar, Hertfordshire: electrical repair

Work to improve journeys by carrying out electrical repairs will start this week. The clockwise entry and exit slip roads will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, from Tuesday 22 March for 2 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the entry slip road via junction 23 and return. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the exit slip road via junction 25 and return.

M25 junction 26 Waltham Abbey, Essex: barrier repair work

Work to improve safety by carrying out barrier repair work will start this week. The anti-clockwise exit road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 21 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 25 and return.

M25 junction 27 (M11), Essex: carriageway repair

Work to improve journeys by carrying out carriageway repairs will start this week. The anti-clockwise exit slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Wednesday 23 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 26 and return.

M25 junction 29 (A127), Essex: bridge inspection

Work to ensure safety by carrying out a bridge inspection will continue this week. The northern section of the roundabout will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 21 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 28 and return.

M25 junctions 31 to 30 Lakeside to Thurrock, Essex: major improvement

Work to improve journeys by carrying out major improvements at junction 30 will continue this week. The anti-clockwise carriageway will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, on Tuesday 22 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the exit slip road at junction 31 and the link road to junction 30. M25 junction 31 Lakeside, Essex: electrical repairs/major improvement

Work to improve journeys by carrying out electrical repairs will start this week. The clockwise entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Tuesday 22 March for 2 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 30 and return.

Work to improve journeys by carrying out major improvement works at junction 30 will continue this week. The anti-clockwise exit slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, on Wednesday 23 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 30 and return.

A3 Esher, Surrey: litter clearance

Work to improve journeys by carrying out litter clearance will start this week. The southbound exit and entry slip roads will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 21 March. A clearly signed diversion for the exit slip road will be in place via the Painshill junction and return. A clearly signed diversion for the entry slip road will be in place via the Tolworth junction and return.

The northbound exit and entry slip roads will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Tuesday 22 March. A clearly signed diversion for the exit slip road will be in place via the Tolworth junction and return. A clearly signed diversion for the entry slip road will be in place via the Painshill junction and return.

A3 Painshill, Surrey: litter clearance

Work to improve journeys by carrying out litter clearance will start this week. The southbound exit and entry slip roads will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Wednesday 23 March. A clearly signed diversion for the exit slip road will be in place via the M25 junction 10 and return. A clearly signed diversion for the entry slip road will be in place via the Esher junction and return.

A13/M25 junction 30 Thurrock, Essex: major improvement

Work to reduce congestion and improve safety continues this week as part of a major scheme to widen the A13 and the M25 junction 30 roundabout and slip roads. On the A13, narrow lanes and a 40mph speed limit are in place and on the M25, narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit are in place. A free recovery service will operate 24 hours a day. There will be additional overnight lane and slip road closures as required. All closures will have a clearly signed diversion in place.

The westbound A13 carriageway between North Stifford (A1012) and Wennington (A1306) will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Monday 21 March, for 3 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A1012 and A1306.

For further details visit the scheme page.

A282 junction 1a Swanscombe, Kent: maintenance work

Work to improve journeys at the Dartford Crossing by carrying out tunnel maintenance continues this week. The northbound anti-clockwise entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 8.30pm and 5.30am, on Monday 21 March and on Wednesday 23 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 1b and return.

A282 (M25) Dartford – Thurrock Crossing: maintenance

Work to improve journeys at the Dartford Crossing continues this week. The following closures will be in place with a fully signed diversion for oversized vehicles for the northbound east tunnel closures.

• Monday 21 March (8.30pm to 5.30am): northbound west tunnel.
• Tuesday 22 March (8.30pm to 5.30am): northbound east tunnel.
• Wednesday 23 March (8.30pm to 5.30am): northbound west tunnel.

On the QEII Bridge, 3 lanes of 4 will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Tuesday 22 March for 2 nights.

A316 Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey: electrical repair

Work to improve journeys by carrying out electrical repairs will continue this week. The westbound carriageway will be closed between Hampton Road (Apex Roundabout) and M3 junction 1 overnight, between 10pm and 5am, from Monday 21 March for 3 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A312 and the A308.

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.

The following summary of planned new and ongoing road improvements over the coming week is correct as of the above date but could be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. All our improvement work is carried out with the aim of causing as little disruption as possible.

Devon

A30 Whiddon Down, east of Okehampton: resurfacing

Eastbound entry slip road will be closed between 7pm and 6am from 21 March until 23 March.

A30 between Tongue End and Woodleigh, east of Okehampton: resurfacing

Eastbound carriageway will be closed nightly between 7pm and 6am until 23 March. Diversion via Sticklepath, South Zeal, A382 and C50.

A30 Fingle Glen, west of Exeter: barrier repairs

Eastbound exit slip road will be closed between 10.30pm and 4am on the nights of 23 March and 24 March. Diversion via Alphington and C50.

A38 Plympton, east of Plymouth: bridge replacement

Two-lane contraflow and 50mph speed limit in place until 24 March.

A38 between Deep Lane and Forder Valley, Plymouth: bridge replacement

Eastbound and westbound carriageways will be closed nightly between 8pm and 6am until 24 March. Diversion via B3416.

A38 Weston Mill, Plymouth: resurfacing

Westbound entry slip road will be closed nightly between 8pm and 6am until 24 March. Diversion via Manadon.

A38 St Budeaux, Plymouth: resurfacing

Westbound exit slip road will be closed nightly between 8pm and 6am until 24 March. Diversion via Tamar Bridge roundabout.

Cornwall

A38 between Trerulefoot and junction with B3352 Looe Road, south of Liskeard: resurfacing

Westbound carriageway will be closed between 8pm and 6pm from 22 March until 24 March. Diversion via A374, A387 and B3252.

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.

The following summary of planned new and ongoing road improvements over the coming week is correct as of Friday, 18 March, and could be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. All our improvement work is carried out with the aim of causing as little disruption as possible.

M57 Tarbock

Resurfacing for both carriageways between junctions 1 and 2 for approximately 2 more weeks Work will progress in a number of phases, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 9pm and 7am. Most work will be done on weekdays, though some weekend working may be required which will be carried out between 8pm and 7am.

M6 junctions 16 to 19: Cheshire smart motorway

Work is underway for the smart motorway upgrade – typically with 1 or 2 lanes closed overnight between junctions in both directions and/or mobile lane closures along short sections of carriageway.

For more information, visit the scheme website.

M6 junctions 19 to 20

Traffic management for a £14.5 million programme of bridge repairs and new safety barriers has now been set out with narrow lanes, 50 mph speed limit and use of the hard shoulder as a running lane in places.

For more information, visit the scheme website.

M6 junctions 24 to 23

Phase 1 of overnight maintenance works on Beeches Bridge including waterproofing the bridge and resurfacing over the bridge deck started on 26 February for around 6 weeks between the hours of 10pm Friday to 5am Monday.

Overnight lane closures of the M6 southbound carriageway between junction 24 and junction 23 will take place between 10pm and 6am.

M6 junction 27 to junction 29

Surfacing works has now commenced on the northbound and southbound carriageway. This will be undertaken Monday to Friday between the hours of 9pm and 5am, for completion July 2016. To facilitate the works lane closures will be requires as well as slip road closures at junction 7 only. Diversion routes will be in place.

M6 junction 34: Lancaster

Lancashire County Council work off the motorway on the Heysham Link project requires a lane 1 and hard shoulder closure in both directions on the motorway around junction 34.

For more information, visit the scheme website.

M6 junction 36 to 35: Holme to Burton Services

Work started on February 1 between junctions 36 (Holme) and 35 (Burton Services) to resurface the carriageway, renew reflective studs and road markings, and upgrade safety barriers. The work is expected to last for 6 more weeks.

A single lane closure and 50 mph speed limit will manage traffic through the works for the safety of crews and road users.

M60 junction 1 to junction 27: St Mary’s Retaining Wall

Maintenance works to the retaining wall has commenced and due for completion in April. This will include removal of graffiti and installation of anti-access facilities. An additional closure may be required on Monday 21 March 10pm to 5am.

M60 junction 8: Sale to M62 junction 20 Rochdale

A major scheme is taking place to cut congestion and improve journey times on parts of the M60 and the M62 in Greater Manchester. The scheme involves overnight slip road and carriageway closures with a 50mph limit in place for the safety of workers and drivers.

The project is due to be completed in autumn 2017.

For more information, visit the scheme website.

M62 junction 7 to junction 8

Surfacing works have commenced on the eastbound and westbound carriageway. This will be undertaken Monday to Friday between the hours of 9pm and 5am. Works are scheduled for completion end of April. To facilitate the works lane closures will be required as well as slip road closures at J7 only. Diversion routes will be in place.

M62 junctions 9 to 11

Work to improve the safety barriers began in early February and is expected to last for around 4 months. Work will take place Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm. However, there will be occasions where overnight and weekend working will be required. During the works, narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit will apply. On occasions, lane closures will also be required. Clearly signed diversions will be in place.

A5036 Litherland

A £1.7 million project to resurface the main road to the Port of Liverpool is due to finish end of March. A 2.5 mile stretch of the A5036 is being resurfaced from the junction with the M57 and the M58, known as Switch Island, to the junction with Hawthorne Road. All of the work will be carried out overnight to keep disruption to drivers to a minimum, and clearly signed diversions will be in place when short stretches of the road are closed.

A55/A483 Posthouse roundabout

From 21 March for approximately 2 nights, we will be carrying out alteration works on the roundabout and associated slip roads. This will include amendments to road markings, signage as well as some vegetation clearance.

In order to facilitate and carry out the works safely, closures on the A483 northbound and southbound carriageways will be required on 21 March between the hours of 9pm and 5am, subject to traffic flows.

We will also require lane closures to the roundabout and associated slip roads on 22nd March between the hours of 9pm and 5am.

Localised diversion routes will be in place.

A556 Knutsford to Bowdon

A £192 million project is being carried out to create a new dual carriageway linking the M56 to the M6 in Cheshire. A temporary 40mph speed limit is currently in place between Bucklow Hill and Bowdon, and the new dual carriageway is expected to open in winter 2016/17.

For more information, visit the scheme website.

A56 Haslingden

Work has started to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians near the junction with the A680 - with new steel safety barriers and better pedestrian crossing arrangements including a new crossing island. Overnight between 8pm and 5am there will be lane closures in place during the week and around the clock at weekends. Some full carriageway closures on Friday and Sunday nights will also be needed to install, adjust or remove traffic management with clearly signed diversions in place. The scheme is now due to be completed by the end of this month.

A56 Rising Bridge roundabout

Work has started to improve safety and reduce delays at Rising Bridge Roundabout near Haslingden. Works will be carried out daily between 10pm and 5am, and will involve single closures on A56 and Rising Bridge roundabout. Some full carriageway closures will be needed, during which times fully signed diversion routes will be in place. Works are scheduled for completion at the end of July.

A590 Greenodd

Lane 1 of the eastbound carriageway just west of Greenodd roundabout is currently closed until further notice while we undertake a survey of the embankment.

A590 Newby Bridge to Barrow Banks

Resurfacing of a 1.4 mile stretch of dual carriageway. A temporary speed limit of 30mph will apply on the westbound approach to the closure, and a diversion will be clearly signed.

A595 Egremont, Iron Bridge, Yottenfews

A new cycleway improvement scheme is to be built along a section of the A595 in Cumbria. Work begins 21 March between Egremont, Iron Bridge, and Yottenfews roundabout. The scheme will include improved footway, cycleway links, cycleway markings and cycleway signs.

The work is expected to last 2 weeks, and the majority will take place off the main carriageway. Temporary traffic lights will be used when required, especially around Yottenfews roundabout, to protect the safety of crews and road users.

A66 Barras Junction to Stainmore

Resurfacing work until the end of March during the day with a 40 mph speed limit and contraflow running.

A66 Bassenthwaite Lake

Due to flooding and damage to the carriageway, the westbound dual carriageway is currently closed and awaiting repair. A contraflow system has been installed so drivers travelling westbound can use a lane of the eastbound carriageway.

A66 Embleton

Work to reduce flood risk on a mile stretch of the A66 at Embleton began on 1 February. The programme includes the construction of new storm drains as well as resurfacing and new road markings.

The work is expected to be completed by the end of April with a break between 24 and 29 March to minimise disruption at Easter.

Temporary traffic lights operate 24 hours a day for the safety of crews and drivers.

Full road closures in both directions will also be required on some nights between 8pm and 6am, and at some weekends.

When the road is closed, diversions for HGVs and other vehicles will be clearly signed. Drivers are advised to use the A591 and the A595. This route is not suitable for HGVs which should use the M6 and A595 Dates of closures will be announced nearer the time.

A663 Broadway

Resurfacing on a 1.5 mile stretch of the A663 Broadway, between the A627M up to the junction with Foxdenton Lane to tackle chips, cracks and potholes.

Work will take place between 10pm and 5am, Monday to Friday, and until 7am at weekends. Some overnight carriageway closures will be required, with clearly-signed diversions in place. Access for local residents will be maintained at all times. Works are scheduled for completion at the end of April.

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.

The following summary of planned new and ongoing road improvements over the coming week is correct as of 18 March 2016 but could be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. All our improvement work is carried out with the aim of causing as little disruption as possible.

A46 Coventry Eastern Bypass northbound: improvement scheme

The northbound carriageway will be closed between 8pm and 6am on the 19, 21, 22, 23 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A45 Stonebridge Highway: improvement scheme

The eastbound carriageway will be closed overnight between 8pm and 6am on 22 March. The westbound will be closed on 23 March between 8pm and 6am. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A449 Gailey roundabout to School Lane/Old Stafford Road: drainage works

The carriageway will be closed in both directions overnight between 8pm and 6am from 22 March until 24 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted

A46 A4177 junction to M40 junction 15: traffic signal improvements

The southbound carriageway will be closed overnight between 8pm and 6am from 21 March until 24 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted

A49 Dinmore Hill: road layout and footpath improvements

The carriageway will be closed in both directions overnight between 10pm and 7am from 21 March until 24 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A5 Churchbridge to Washbrook Lane: footway widening

The eastbound and westbound carriageway will be closed overnight between 8pm and 6am from 21 March until 24 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A5 Washbrook Lane to Rising Sun roundabout: footway widening

The eastbound carriageway will be closed overnight between 8pm and 8am from 21 March until 24 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A50 Meir Tunnel to Blyth Bridge: signing and white lining

The westbound carriageway will be closed overnight between 8pm and 5.30am from 21 March until 24 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M42 junction 4 entry slip road and exit slip roads: carriageway repairs

The entry and exit slip roads will be closed in both directions overnight between 9pm and 5am from 21 March until 24 March. Please note, all the slip roads will not be closed on the same night. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M42 northbound link to M40 southbound link: safety barrier repairs

The northbound link to M40 southbound link will be closed overnight between 8pm and 6am from 21 March until 24 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M42 junction 9 exit slip road: routine maintenance

The southbound exit slip road will be closed overnight between 9pm and 6am from 21 March until 23 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M42 junction 9 to junction 7: electrical works

The southbound carriageway will be closed overnight for one night from 10pm on 23 March until 6am the following morning (24 March). A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M5 junction 4a to junction 5: smart motorway scheme

The southbound carriageway will have lane one and two closed from on 21 March between 8pm and 6am. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M5 junction 5 southbound entry and exit slip road closure: smart motorway scheme

The M5 southbound entry and exit slip road will be closed on 21 March between 8pm and 6am. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M5 junction 5 northbound entry exit slip road closure: smart motorway scheme

The M5 northbound exit slip road will be closed on 22 March between 8pm and 6am. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M5 junction 6 southbound entry slip road closure: smart motorway scheme

The M5 southbound entry slip road will be closed at junction 6 on 22 March between pm and 6am. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M5 junction 5 to 4a northbound carriageway closure: smart motorway scheme

The northbound carriage of the M5 will be closed on 23 March from 8pm to 6am. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M5 junction 5 northbound entry slip road closure: smart motorway scheme

The northbound entry slip road of the M5 junction 5 will be closed on 23 March between 8pm and 6am. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M5 junction 5 southbound entry slip road closure: smart motorway scheme

The southbound entry slip road of the M5 will be closed on 23 March from 8pm to 6am. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M5 junction 6 southbound entry slip road closure: smart motorway scheme

The southbound entry slip road will be closed on 23 March from 8pm to 6am. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M5 junction 4a to 5 southbound carriageway closure: smart motorway scheme

The southbound carriageway of the M5 will be closed on 29 March between 8pm and 6am. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M50 to M5 junction 8 to M50 junction 2: resurfacing works

The carriageway will be closed in both directions overnight between 9pm and 6am from 21 March until 24 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M54 junction 2 to junction 3 including slip roads: filter drain renewals

The carriageway including the entry and exit slip roads will be closed in both directions overnight between 11.30pm and 6am from 21 March until 24 March. Please note the slip roads will not be closed in both directions at the same time. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M6 junction 5 entry slip road: bridge repairs

There will be a full 24-hour southbound entry slip road closure from 18 January on-going until 6am on 30 June. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M6 junction 1 to junction 2: electrical works

The northbound carriageway will be closed overnight between 8pm and 6am from 21 March until 24 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M6 junction 10: bridge inspections

The carriageway will be closed in both directions overnight for two nights between 10pm and 6am from 21 March until 23 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted

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.

HMC news release

Julie Swan, Acting Executive Director for General Qualifications, Ofqual said:

“Our proposals were put together by talking to teachers, schools and others who have expressed concerns about the existing Enquiries about Results system, including HMC and NAHT. They were also informed by a significant piece of empirical research.

The concept that students are either given a ‘right mark’ or a ‘wrong mark’ is a misunderstanding – often more than one mark can be a fair mark for a script. There is no question that marking mistakes should be avoided and corrected if they happen, but differences of professional judgement are a very different matter.

The current system can lead some students to get a higher mark on review, even when the first mark was entirely consistent with the mark scheme. That is unfair to those who do not seek a review. Of course where the first result is not reasonable – and the mark scheme was applied incorrectly – these errors should be corrected and a new mark awarded.

Review requests are typically greater in high-volume, high-stakes subjects, such as English and maths. And we know that many enquiries are made just below key grade boundaries. In 2015, around 80% of candidates who asked for their GCSE English result to be reviewed saw no change in their grade. In the majority of cases (62.8%) where a grade change did occur, it resulted from a change in marks of 3 or less. In GCSE maths, 86% who asked for a review did not see their grade change, and where they did, 87.5% resulted from a change in marks of 3 or less. So mark changes on review are typically small.

Some of these mark changes will have reflected errors in marking. But in many cases, students will have been unfairly advantaged through a legitimate mark being replaced with a different, often higher, mark. We want the review and appeal system to focus squarely on errors. The initial picture from our full consultation suggests that a majority of respondents agree.

Given the above, it is misleading to suggest that the number of enquiries is a barometer for the overall quality of marking. Our position is clear - marking needs to be as good as it can be. But for some meaningful assessment there will never be only one ‘right’ mark. Removing the Code of Practice will enable us better to hold exam boards to account through the application of our Conditions. And this will make sure the new system remains transparent and easy to understand and navigate.

Our objective remains to deliver a marking, review and appeals system built on the professionalism of thousands of markers, most of whom are teachers, which is fair and robust for all.”

Julie Swan, Acting Executive Director for General Qualifications and Cath Jadhav, Associate Director, Standards and Comparability, explain more.

In this video

Chris Shadforth, Associate Director, Communications looks at some of the numbers in his blog

Introduction

Thank you Martin for that kind introduction, and to the Great Britain China Centre (GBCC) for convening this seminar on ‘Advancing the rule of law in China’, in such auspicious surroundings. Thank you all for coming this afternoon. It’s wonderful to have so much expertise in one room.

Importance of the rule of law

All of us here know how important the rule of law is. It is the cornerstone of an open and fair society; it promotes prosperity and stability; it provides the transparency and legal clarity needed to promote trade and investment; and it ends impunity and improves access to justice for all citizens.

Rule of law enables states to function on behalf of their citizens. Without it, elites can misappropriate a nation’s wealth, abuse power and control access to entitlement. States without the rule of law are often the poorest and most fragile.

Rule of law in China

Whilst we of course recognise that China has made unprecedented improvements in social and economic rights and personal freedoms in the last 30 years, there is no doubt that its application of the rule of law and the Rules Based International System, at home and further afield, continues to present challenges. Recent events in Hong Kong and the South China Sea have raised questions about China’s commitment to the rule of law. The Foreign Secretary raised both these issues with counterparts during his visit to China in January.

Hong Kong

Turning first to Hong Kong. The peaceful return of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty under One Country Two Systems was one of the great successes of United Kingdom-China diplomacy. Rule of law is a key part of that system and has been fundamental to Hong Kong’s continued economic success. It is one of the main reasons why British and international businesses have chosen to locate their Asian headquarters in Hong Kong. As long as the rule of law remains in place it makes good business sense.

That is why the upholding of that rule of law remains so fundamental to Hong Kong’s future growth and prosperity. That is also why we are so concerned about the disappearance of British citizen Lee Po and other employees of the Mighty Current publishing house - as the Foreign Secretary set out in our most recent 6 monthly report to Parliament.

Our current information indicates that Lee Po was involuntarily removed to the mainland. This constitutes a serious breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong and undermines the principle of One Country Two Systems. We call again for the immediate return of Lee Po to Hong Kong.

South China Sea

The United Kingdom is also concerned about tensions in the South China Sea and the effect that these could have on regional peace and security, global prosperity – given the $5 trillion worth of trade that passes through it each year, around one-third of global seaborne trade by value - and the principle of freedom of navigation. We are concerned about moves towards militarisation of the South China Sea - most recently the siting of missiles on Woody Island, part of the Paracels - and other unilateral actions, such as large scale land reclamation, that change the facts on the ground.

We do not take sides on sovereignty in the South China Sea. But we do have an interest in the way in which territorial claims are pursued. We want to see claims settled peacefully in line with international law.

So we are watching closely the case launched by the Philippines against China under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The United Kingdom fully supports countries’ rights to use these peaceful dispute settlement proceedings, and will respect the outcome of the ruling, as should the rest of the international community. And how China responds will also be seen as a signal of its commitment to the Rules-Based International System.

Domestic issues

We also continue to have significant concerns about a range of civil and political rights issues in China. Access to justice is part of this and that is why it forms an important part of our dialogue and cooperation with China.

We raised our concerns yesterday at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. We regularly report on them as part of our annual Human Rights Report, and we are one of only a handful of countries that insist on an annual human rights dialogue with China, at which we raise both individual and thematic cases. We look forward to the next round of the dialogue, which is scheduled to be held here in the United Kingdom next month.

Why engage on the rule of law?

In this context, I believe there are clear reasons why it is in the United Kingdom’s interest to deepen our rule of law engagement with China. It is the right thing to do to support social and economic equity and growth. It is the right thing to do to support our values and human rights. It is the right thing to do to fight corruption.
  It is also the right thing to do for United Kingdom trade. It supports our companies and our people who - like their Chinese counterparts - need certainty and transparency to grow their business, create jobs, boost innovation. This means the provision and implementation of rules for setting up or closing a business, protecting property rights or paying taxes.That is why the United Kingdom has been so successful in attracting investment, not least from China itself, which chooses to invest more in the United Kingdom than anywhere else in Europe.

We believe that developing the rule of law is in China’s interests too, and I am pleased that President Xi Jinping has prioritised it in the third and fourth Plenums. Because as the Chinese economy moves into its next phase of development, it needs to unleash entrepreneurship and innovation on a huge scale. As it does so, economic progress will increasingly depend on the development of the rule of law. This will provide the certainty and the security that investors and entrepreneurs demand.

Rule of law in China – United Kingdom cooperation

The United Kingdom is particularly well placed to engage due to our comparative advantages in this area - from our common law system and the excellent reputation of the judiciary, to our strong legal services sector. Following the strengthening of the United Kingdom-China relationship with the State Visit of President Xi last year, we are now better placed than ever. A good example of this strengthened relationship is the agreement we reached during the State Visit not to support state-sponsored cyber enabled commercial espionage.

We are already making the most of this closer relationship. The United Kingdom is one of China’s primary partners for Intellectual Property cooperation. This has helped shape real change - on civil court procedures, patent protection and copyright enforcement. These changes have been welcomed by British companies, who lose hundreds of millions of pounds every year due to the lack of protection for Intellectual Property.

Plans for future cooperation

It makes sense that we try to take our cooperation further. The Foreign Secretary discussed it with his ministerial counterparts in Beijing earlier this year. Among the areas of collaboration identified were training of judges, judicial reform, and legal clarity for bilateral trade and commerce.

In the next few months, the GBCC will be taking forward an exciting new partnership with the China Law Society. This will build on the GBCC’s excellent work on judicial reform and transparency, and expand the scope of their work in China to support the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s wider programme.

In May, Supreme Court President Lord Neuberger will lead the United Kingdom delegation to China for the third United Kingdom-China judicial round-table.

In the same month, the Prime Minister will hold a high level Anti-Corruption Summit. We have been working closely with China on anti-corruption, in the framework of the G20, and look forward to seeing a high-level Chinese representative at the summit.

In June, we will welcome Supreme People’s Court President Zhou Qiang to the United Kingdom to study the development of the common law system.

And in July, Baroness Neville Rolfe, Minister responsible for Intellectual Property at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, will visit China to focus on Intellectual Property issues.

I am delighted that we have recently agreed a new programme of funding to support this new strand of cooperation between the United Kingdom and China. This work will build on our existing cooperation in a wide range of areas from judicial reform and transparency to regulatory reform, from dispute resolution and arbitration to intellectual property, from access to justice to anti-money laundering.

Wider context

Of course there are wider international considerations which make our cooperation with China on the rule of law even more pressing. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China is already a key player in the Rules Based International System. With rapid growth and increased exposure to global economic and political risk, we expect China to play an increasingly active role on the international stage. And we welcome the recent support the Chinese gave to the latest United Nations Security Council Resolution against the continuing ambition of North Korea to develop its nuclear programme.

Part of this will be in shaping multilateral institutions and international law to ensure they are fit for purpose for the 21st century, whether this be the way in which the international financial institutions are governed or the standards that are applied to cross-border procurement.

How we define that phrase – fit for purpose - will be a key task for the United Kingdom, China and others, working together to secure prosperity and security for all of our people. That is why we support efforts to reflect China’s growing economic and political power in multilateral institutions, as well as China’s initiative to establish the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). We have just provided one of the AIIB’s vice presidents, in the form of Sir Danny Alexander, former Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

Conclusion

So to conclude: we have our differences, but these should not in any way preclude us from working together, both to further the rule of law and to develop the international system of governance for the 21st century. There is much that we can learn from each other, much that we can share and much that we can do together to the benefit of both our peoples and the wider world. This is wholly in keeping with our global partnership.

We want China’s reforms to succeed. We do not believe they will unless China demonstrably applies the rule of law and adheres to the International Rules Based International System. We do believe that an enhanced, mutually beneficial partnership on the rule of law will help. In that spirit, we are determined to continue building a stronger and deeper United Kingdom-China relationship to enable that partnership to flourish, for the benefit of the people of both our countries into the 21st century. Thank you.

Good afternoon,

This European Council has rightly been focused on the migration crisis affecting continental Europe.

With over 8,000 migrants still arriving in Greece every week and signs that the numbers using the Central Mediterranean route are on the rise once again, it is absolutely vital that Europe takes the concrete action necessary to stem these flows.

And that is what we’ve agreed here today.

This is a plan to break the link between getting in a boat and getting settlement in Europe. It’s a plan to bust the business model of the smugglers. And it’s a plan to reduce the numbers coming from both Turkey and Libya.

Let me say a few words on each.

First, I welcome the agreement we have reached with Turkey today.

We will work together to stop migrants from leaving Turkey in the first place, to stop at sea those that do leave and to turn back the boats and to return back to Turkey those that do make it to Greece.

For the first time in this crisis, I believe that we have a plan, if properly and fully implemented, that really could help to make a difference deterring people from coming and shutting down the trade that the smuggling gangs have been exploiting.

Now we’ve got this on paper, we have absolutely got to make it work in practice.

This will not be easy.

It will require a comprehensive and large scale operation.

Britain will help. We have the expertise. We have skilled officials. Indeed, we are already playing our part.

Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Mounts Bay and border force vessels are patrolling the Aegean.

Asylum experts and interpreters are already working in Greece to help them process individual cases.

And today I’ve said that we stand ready to do more.

But it all needs to be part of a fully worked up plan to be drawn up – at our suggestion – in the next few days.

Now let me be clear about the part the UK plays in this because of our special status.

We will not be giving visa free access for Turks coming to the UK. That is a decision taken by Schengen countries for the Schengen area. We are not in the Schengen area, we are not bound by their decisions. This is a national decision by Britain and we won’t be giving that visa free access.

Second, we will not be taking more refugees – we have our programme of resettling people direct from the refugee camps and that stays the same.

We are already investing in the Syrian refugee camps in Turkey and elsewhere and we have been calling for others to do more - so the financial commitment agreed today is money rightly spent and our share comes from our existing aid budget.

With this new agreement today, I do think we can significantly reduce numbers coming to Europe via the eastern Mediterranean.

But we mustn’t take our eye off the ball and forget about other routes - particularly across the central Mediterranean from North Africa.

Now the EU naval operation we established last Summer has had some success – over 90 vessels have been destroyed and more than 50 smugglers arrested.

HMS Enterprise is taking part and we will extend her deployment through the Summer.

But with a new government now in Libya, we now have an opportunity to make this operation more effective - working with the Libyan coastguard in Libyan waters so we can turn back the boats and stop the smugglers there too.

Now this isn’t going to happen overnight – but we need to start now.

That’s why today I brought together leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Malta to discuss how we make this happen.

And we all agreed that we would work with the new Libyan government, that we’d commit the necessary resources and we’d look towards the next stage of the mission which is going into Libyan territorial waters.

And we all agreed that we would:

• work with the new Libyan government
• we’d commit the necessary resources
• and we’d look toward the next stage of the mission which is going into Libyan territorial waters.

Finally, I just wanted to seize the opportunity here at this summit to address a concern of many people back at home – the VAT rate on sanitary products.

We have some EU wide VAT rules in order to make the single market work.

But on the specific issue of VAT on sanitary products, we have been pressing the European Commission for several months to bring forward proposals so we can apply a zero rate.

I secured clear Council Conclusions for this and that’s exactly what they will do – with proposals in the coming days.

What’s more, I also secured backing from all other European leaders for this plan.

So we are now a step closer to stopping this tampon tax once and for all.

It shows that when we fight for our interests here, we are heard and we can get things done.

We can reform the EU to make it work for Britain.

And at this summit we have shown that once again.

And I believe that Britain will be stronger, safer and better off in a reformed European Union.

Thank you very much.

Offenders, suspects and victims have been urged to share their experience of possible racial bias in the criminal justice system.

The Prime Minister has asked David Lammy MP to lead the review to investigate evidence of possible bias against black defendants and other ethnic minorities in England and Wales.

A consultation will be hosted on www.gov.uk until June, with a final report published in spring 2017. The Rt Hon David Lammy MP said:

We know that there is disproportionate representation in the criminal justice system – the question is why.

Over the course of the next year my review will search for those answers, starting with an open call for evidence to get to grips with the issues at hand.

There is clearly an urgent need for progress to be made in this area, and the evidence received through this consultation will be crucial in identifying areas where real change can achieved.

Questions in the consultation include why respondents think black defendants are more likely to be found guilty by a jury, face custodial sentences and report a worse experience in prison than white defendants.

Despite making up just 14% of the population of England and Wales, Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals currently make up over a quarter of prisoners.

Latest figures also show that BAME people make up a disproportionate amount of Crown Court defendants (24%), and those who are found guilty are more likely to receive custodial sentences than white offenders (61% compared to 56%).

The review will address issues arising from the CPS involvement onwards - including the court system, in prisons and during rehabilitation in the wider community, to identify areas for reform and examples of good practice from the UK and beyond.

Notes to editors

The consultation will be available from 0900 on Monday 21 March.

The Prime Minister David Cameron wrote:

Thank you for your letter this evening.

We are all very proud of the welfare reforms which this Government has delivered over the last six years, and in which you have played an important part.

As a Government, we have done a huge amount to get people into work, reduce unemployment and promote social justice. There are now more people in work than ever before in our country’s history, with 2.4 million more jobs created since 2010.

I regret that you have chosen to step down from the Government at this moment. Together we designed the Personal Independence Payment to support the most vulnerable and to give disabled people more independence.

We all agreed that the increased resources being spent on disabled people should be properly managed and focused on those who need it most.

That is why we collectively agreed – you, No 10 and the Treasury – proposals which you and your Department then announced a week ago. Today we agreed not to proceed with the policies in their current form and instead to work together to get these policies right over the coming months.

In the light of this, I am puzzled and disappointed that you have chosen to resign.

You leave the Government with my thanks and best wishes.

While we are on different sides in the vital debate about the future of Britain’s relations with Europe, the Government will, of course, continue with its policy of welfare reform, matched by our commitment to social justice, to improving the life chances of the most disadvantaged people in our country, and to ensuring that those who most need help and protection continue to receive it.

Hundreds of thousands of Scottish workers are set to benefit from the increase on 1 April, which will see the current minimum hourly rate increase to £7.20 from £6.70 for workers aged 25 and over. Many full time workers will see their pay rise by around £900 a year.

Since the beginning of the year, the UK Government has been running an information campaign in Scotland to raise awareness of the changes with both employers and employees. That has included billboards, television and radio advertisements across the country. But there may still be businesses which are unaware of the new legal requirement.

Scotland Office Minister Andrew Dunlop said:

The UK Government’s National Living Wage is key to our commitment to generate a higher wage, lower tax, lower welfare economy. As a result of the new National Living Wage, hundreds of thousands of workers in Scotland will get a much-needed pay rise.

It is crucial that employers in Scotland are aware of the change and understand what they need to do. We are running an information campaign across the country, but are also calling on the business community to help spread the word.

I have written today to some of Scotland’s top business organisations, asking them to join us in spreading the word about the National Living Wage.

Bar Soba Group, which runs a group of bars and restaurants in Scotland and across the UK, announced in January 2016 that they would adopt the National Living Wage early. Brad Stevens, Managing Director of Bar Soba Group said:

We took the decision for Bar Soba Group to adopt the UK National Living Wage early so we can lead from the front. In the bar and restaurant industry, our employees are one of our biggest assets. By giving them a bit more money in their pockets, we ensure they feel they are a valued part of the business. We are a fast growing business, but to grow at the speed we want to we need our employees to be invested in the business, and hopefully attract some new employees as well.

HR Services Scotland is a professional services firm, based in Hamilton, offering companies advice and support in the areas of human resources, employment law, business development and health and safety. Andy Purdon, Managing Director of HR Services Scotland said:

It’s hugely important that businesses are aware of their new legal requirements under the UK National Living Wage. At HR Services Scotland, we work with businesses around Scotland to help them prepare for changes in the law such as this. The key is preparation. The earlier businesses begin to prepare for the National Living Wage, the easier making the transition will be. Many businesses see the benefits of paying a higher wage to their staff, but it’s important to be ready.

With only two weeks until the National Living Wage becomes law, it is crucial that as many employers and employees as possible understand the changes. Businesses need to ensure that they are compliant as of 1 April, and employees need to know whether they are eligible and where they can go they have not received the pay rise they are entitled to.

The Queen has been pleased to approve the following ministerial appointments:

• Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP to become Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
• Alun Cairns MP to become Secretary of State for Wales
• Guto Bebb MP to become a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State* at the Wales Office and a Government Whip (Junior Lord of the Treasury)

This follows the resignation from Government of the Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP.

Further information

• Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP was previously Secretary of State for Wales
• Alun Cairns MP was previously a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State* at the Wales Office and a Government Whip (Junior Lord of the Treasury)

*unpaid

Alun Cairns was today (19 March) appointed as Secretary of State for Wales and immediately promised to work with continue working with communities, businesses and the Welsh Government to deliver a package for the whole of Wales.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:

This has been an extraordinary week for Wales with a City Deal for Cardiff Capital Region, the doors being opened for a North Wales growth deal and negotiations for a Swansea Bay city deal.

The Severn tolls announcement demonstrates that Wales is open for business and I am determined to keep this momentum going and deliver on these projects.

I am privileged to accept the role as Secretary of State for Wales and look forward to being a strong voice at the Cabinet table to make sure that economic growth is felt across all parts of Wales.

Minister for Europe David Lidington said:

“I was saddened to learn about the loss of so many lives in the plane crash in Rostov-on-Don in Russia earlier today. I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those killed. The UK stands ready to provide any necessary assistance to the Russian authorities.”

Further information

• Follow Foreign Office Minister David Lidington on Twitter @DLidington

• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice

• Follow the Foreign Office on Facebook and Google+

Minister for Europe David Lidington said:

“I was appalled to hear of another senseless bomb attack in Turkey this morning. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families and friends of those killed or injured in Istanbul. The UK stands side by side with its Turkish friends at this difficult time and offers any assistance that may be required to track down those responsible. With unity, calm and determination, we can defeat the menace of terrorism.”

Further information

• Follow Foreign Office Minister David Lidington on Twitter @DLidington

• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice

• Follow the Foreign Office on Facebook and Google+