Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Violent rapist, Samuel Moulder, to spend longer in prison after referral to the Court of Appeal [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 18 January 2023.

A man who raped a woman twice has had his jail term increased after the case was referred to the Court of Appeal for being unduly lenient.

Samuel Moulder, now 34, denied attacking the woman twice in 2017. The first offence took place in a hotel and the second, which was aggressive and violent, took place in the victim’s own home.

On 8 September 2022 at Gloucester Crown Court, Moulder was sentenced to eight years in prison, he was given a restraining order against his victim and placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Following the sentencing, it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme for being too low.

On 18 January 2023, the Court found his original sentence to be unduly lenient and increased it to 12 years’ imprisonment.

Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson KC MP said:

“Rape is always a horrific crime, but this case has had particularly awful repercussions on his victim.

I welcome this increased sentence which better reflects the long-term harm caused. It sends a clear message that violent, sexual offences will be addressed with vigorous punishment.”

January 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Next steps to rid police of misogyny and predatory behaviour [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 18 January 2023.

The Home Secretary has set out next steps to strengthen vetting of police officers following the David Carrick case.

The government will do whatever it takes to root out misogyny and predatory behaviour from the ranks of the police.

In the wake of the appalling crimes committed by David Carrick and acknowledged failures within the Metropolitan Police that allowed such a despicable criminal to serve the public, the government – working with police chiefs across the country – is taking immediate action to ensure that the system is effective at removing officers who are simply not fit to wear the uniform.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council has confirmed that it will ask all police forces to check their officers and staff against national police databases. This will help identify anyone who has slipped through the net before vetting standards were toughened and ensure those who are unfit to serve can be rooted out.

The Home Secretary has also asked the College of Policing to strengthen the statutory code of practice for police vetting, making the obligations all forces must legally follow stricter and clearer. This will make a raft of guidance a legal requirement for all police forces.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

David Carrick’s sickening crimes are a stain on the police and he should never have been allowed to remain as an officer for so long.

We are taking immediate steps to ensure predatory individuals are not only rooted out of the force, but that vetting and standards are strengthened to ensure they cannot join the police in the first place.

Every day thousands of decent, hardworking police officers perform their duties with the utmost professionalism and I am sure they all share my disgust at his despicable betrayal of everything they stand for.

The government has also brought forward the second part of the Angiolini Inquiry, the terms of reference of which will be published today for consultation, to identify and address any systemic issues with policing. This will:

ask whether processes around recruitment and vetting do enough to identify those who are not fit to serve
investigate the extent to which misogynistic and predatory behaviour exists in police culture
look at whether current measures do enough to keep women safe in public spaces and manage risks posed by perpetrators
The Angiolini Inquiry was established in the wake of the murder of Sarah Everard to understand how a serving police officer was able to carry out such a horrendous crime. The Home Secretary confirmed yesterday that Lady Angiolini will also look at the specifics surrounding the David Carrick case as part of her inquiry.

The government has also commissioned His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services to conduct a rapid review of all forces’ response to the inspectorate’s recent report into vetting and counter-corruption. This will make sure chief officers are taking the necessary action to remove those who are not fit to serve.

The Home Secretary has also launched an internal review into police dismissals to make sure the system is effective at removing officers who fall short of the standards expected of them.

The Prime Minister will meet with Met Commissioner Mark Rowley later on today to make clear we must work together to root out the misogyny and predatory behaviour within the police’s ranks to restore public confidence.

January 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £100 million boost as naval shipbuilding confirms return to Belfast [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 18 January 2023.

A £1.6 billion contract has been awarded to Team Resolute to manufacture the vessels providing munitions, stores and provisions to Royal Navy ships.
- Team Resolute to deliver three naval support ships in £1.6 billion contract.
- 900 shipyard jobs to be created in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
- £100 million of investment into UK shipbuilding industry.
- Strengthening UK shipbuilding and delivering on National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh.
Creating 1,200 UK shipyard jobs, hundreds of graduate and apprentice opportunities, and an expected 800 further jobs across the UK supply chain, Team Resolute, comprising BMT, Harland & Wolff and Navantia UK, will deliver three Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA).

Set to invest around £100 million into UK shipyards, including £77 million of infrastructure at Harland & Wolff’s Belfast and Appledore shipyards, and a further £21 million in skills and technology transfer from Navantia UK, Harland & Wolff will create one of the most advanced shipyards in the UK – significant for future export and domestic shipbuilding.

With around 900 jobs alone to be created at Harland & Wolff’s Belfast site, the contract – awarded by Defence Equipment & Support – is a welcome boost for Northern Ireland, bringing naval shipbuilding back to Belfast.

The Prime Minister visited Harland & Wolff last month, following the announcement that Team Resolute had won the competition for the future support ships in November.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

This contract is a significant boost to the UK’s historic shipbuilding industry, balancing shipbuilding across the Union.

Creating jobs and prosperity, Team Resolute is bringing shipbuilding back to Belfast, developing a modern, resilient and thriving shipbuilding industry that will support naval and commercial shipbuilding into the future.

Expanding and enhancing Harland & Wolff’s shipbuilding facilities, the FSS fleet will be the first ships built by Harland & Wolff in Belfast since MV Anvil Point was launched in 2002.

Strengthening shipbuilding in England and Northern Ireland, this contract will complement existing Type 26 and Type 31 frigate construction contracts in Scotland, bolstering the UK’s shipbuilding capabilities.

The majority of the blocks and modules for the ships will be constructed at Harland & Wolff’s facilities in Belfast and Appledore, following the entirely British crafted design by the Bath-based company BMT. Build work will also take place at Navantia’s shipyard in Cadiz in Spain, with the final assembly for all three 216-metre-long vessels – each the length of two Premier League football pitches – to be completed at Harland & Wolff’s Belfast yard.

On behalf of Team Resolute, Group CEO of Harland & Wolff, John Wood, said:

This programme will bring £77 million of investment into the Harland & Wolff shipyards and create around 1,200 Harland & Wolff shipyard jobs, spring boarding Harland & Wolff back into the naval shipbuilding sphere and significantly enhancing our export opportunities for the future.

This is the last chance to capture the excellent shipbuilding skills that remain in Belfast and Appledore before they are lost and pass them on to the next generation of UK shipbuilders. UK Government has seized this opportunity and in doing so ensured the long-term survival of our shipyards and significantly bolstered sovereign shipbuilding capability.

Aiming to deliver 200 further education opportunities on graduate placements and apprentice programmes, the contract will build on the Prime Minister’s commitment to grow the economy by supporting thousands more supply chain jobs across the UK. Harland & Wolff’s welding academy is set to train 300 new UK welders during the contract, with 120 highly-skilled jobs supported at BMT.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris said:

The award of this major UK Government contract is fantastic news for Northern Ireland and the UK shipbuilding industry.

Harland and Wolff is iconic worldwide for its shipbuilding history, and the creation of hundreds of jobs through this contract as well as training opportunities will ensure that Belfast remains a key player in the shipbuilding industry of the future.

Delivering on ambitions to bolster UK shipbuilding as laid out in the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh, the contract aims to deliver significant capital investment in the UK while providing ships which are essential to the Carrier-led Maritime Strike Group.

The ships will be the second longest UK military vessels behind the two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. They will have commonality with the RFA’s Tide class fleet tankers, also built to a British BMT design. The majority of the three ships’ build will take place in the UK, and the contract will increase industrial productivity, and develop the domestic supply chain and workforce while improving the industry’s environmental sustainability.

Unite Union Representative, Joe Passmore, said:

This is an historic moment for shipbuilding in Belfast. We campaigned for Harland & Wolff with a view to bringing new infrastructure and knowledge into our shipyards, and FSS will create jobs, skills and opportunities for young people in Northern Ireland. We continue to wrestle with a capacity shortage in shipyards and we believe that by unlocking the full potential in Belfast, we can help to secure a bright future for shipbuilding in the UK.

Production is due to start in 2025, with recapitalisation and yard improvements starting immediately. All three support ships are expected to be operational by 2032.
January 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s brutal war blatantly disregards OSCE principles and commitments – UK statement to the OSCE [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 January 2023.

Ambassador Bush welcomes the incoming Bosnian FSC Chair and stresses the continued need to highlight the impact of Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine.

Thank you, Chair, dear Sinisa. I wish to start by offering my heartfelt condolences to Ukraine for those who have lost their lives and have been affected by this morning’s helicopter crash.

Thank you and welcome Deputy Minister Brkic, for clearly outlining your priorities as incoming Chair of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) this trimester.

Bosnia and Herzegovina assumes the role just under eleven months following Russia’s unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric full-scale invasion of Ukraine. An invasion which blatantly disregards the OSCE principles and commitments that we all freely signed up to. An invasion that the FSC must remain focused on, in defence of the values that underpin our collective security.

As we know, Bosnia and Herzegovina has lived the horrors of war and walked the path towards becoming a functional, reform-oriented, European country. The UK remains committed to supporting this process – as a friend and ally, as well as a signatory to the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Agreement remains an important landmark document that is vital to peace and security not just to Bosnia and Herzegovina but the whole region. It has also shaped the OSCE Field Mission’s crucial work. We will no doubt benefit from the experience and the expertise of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Security Dialogues this trimester, including on: Small Arms, Light Weapons, and Stockpiles of Conventional Ammunition (SALW/SCA); the Code of Conduct; and on Mine Action.

Equally, we must continue to highlight the impact of Russia’s brutal war of conquest against Ukraine.

Mr Chair, whilst the FSC paused over the winter period, our Ukrainian friends could not. UK military assistance, with that of our partners, continued in earnest too. On Monday, the UK Defence Secretary announced the most significant package to date, to accelerate Ukrainian success. Time and again, Ukraine has shown the effect of agility and ingenuity.

In response, we have seen an out-manoeuvred and frustrated Russian military unleash horrendous violence on civilians and critical national infrastructure. Over the last four weeks, extremely heavy and attritional fighting has continued, especially around the Donetsk Oblast town of Bakhmut, and in the less reported-on sector of Kremina, in Luhansk. Russia’s horrendous missile strike on an apartment block in Dnipro over the weekend killed over 40 people. It appears to have been conducted using the Kh-22 anti-ship missile which is not optimised to strike ground targets accurately, especially in an urban environment. This is irresponsible and greatly increases the likelihood of disproportionate collateral damage. Russia knows this. It used the Kh-22 in the Kremenchuk shopping centre strike of 27 June last year. Either it does not care if it kills civilians, or it is deliberately targeting them.

Mr Chair, no one can deny the Belarusian regime is an active supporter of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. However, Russia is increasingly attempting to use Belarus to distract from its own failures. This includes the current Joint Russian-Belarusian air exercise, which aims to highlight Belarusian support and divert attention. We call on the Belarusian regime to recognise this, desist from supporting Russia’s attempts to stoke further regional instability and stop its support of Russia’s illegal invasion.

Mr Chair, on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) – the women of Ukraine are yet another powerful reminder of how women’s full, equal and meaningful participation can support better outcomes. The UK’s new WPS National Action Plan, being launched early this year, will respond to the new global context, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

I wish to conclude by welcoming our colleagues from Bosnia and Herzegovina as FSC Chair this trimester. You can count on the UK to support you in protecting the integrity of this Forum, its ability to fulfil its mandate, and to maintain the focus on Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. We warmly welcome Bulgaria to the FSC troika. I wish you, Mr Chair, dear Sinisa, and your able teams in Vienna and Sarajevo, and you Deputy Minister, the best of luck.

January 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Reckless jet skiers to face prison and unlimited fines thanks to law change [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 18 January 2023.

New legislation will grant more powers to prosecute people for the dangerous misuse of watercraft, such as jet skis.
- anyone riding a jet ski recklessly or causing harm to others could now face up to 2 years in prison and an unlimited fine, thanks to a change in the law
- the introduction of new legislation follows growth in the use of watercraft during the pandemic
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency to be granted more powers to prosecute, as government works to ensure the UK’s waters continue to be some of the safest in the world
New legislation is being introduced to crack down on the dangerous misuse of watercraft such as jet skis, with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency being granted more powers to prosecute perpetrators of accidents.

The new law will come into force on 31 March 2023, before the busy summer period and will enable watercraft users to be prosecuted and bound by the same laws that apply to ships in order to help to prevent accidents.

This follows a boom in the watercraft industry during the pandemic, with the number, size, power and availability of watercraft like jet skis increasing, and their use in UK waters rising significantly.

Today’s (18 January 2023) move by the government will help ensure the UK continues to have some of the safest waters in the world.

Maritime Minister, Baroness Vere said:

The watercraft industry is thriving and it’s great to see more and more people enjoying leisure activities. However, they must do so safely.

That’s why we’re introducing a new law to crack down on any dangerous misuse of watercraft like jet skis. It will give the Maritime and Coastguard Agency greater power to prosecute those responsible for causing accidents or entirely avoidable tragedies.

We’ll continue working to ensure our country’s coasts and waters are safe for everyone.

Watercraft are not currently covered by wider maritime safety legislation. The new law will mean those found guilty of using their watercraft in a dangerous manner could receive an unlimited fine and/or up to 2 years in prison.

For those who cause accidents involving loss of life, the new offences could be used to better prosecute perpetrators alongside wider manslaughter charges.

Personal and recreational watercraft will also be bound by the ‘Highway Code of the sea’ – international regulations which require users to act safely by maintaining a lookout, driving at safe speeds and outlining their responsibilities to other vessels.
January 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £300,000 to transform Old Town Hall in Whithorn [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 18 January 2023.

£300,000 was allocated from the Community Ownership Fund to transform the Old Town Hall in Whithorn, Galloway.

The funding will help the town hall become more accessible, functional and support working towards Net-Zero.

Plans for the building

The Grade B listed Georgian town hall is set to turn into a new social enterprise that will offer training to young people in:
- traditional stonemasonry
- joinery skills
It will also showcase energy efficiency innovation for hard-to-treat Georgian buildings.
January 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Paedophile Kevin Porter going to prison after Court of Appeal rules previous sentence was unduly lenient [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 18 January 2023.

A man found with more than 4,000 indecent images of children on his devices will now spend time in prison after his previous sentence was found to be unduly lenient.

Kevin Porter, 62, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children and three counts of taking indecent images of children, at Guildford Crown Court.

He was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, ordered to do 40 days of Rehabilitation, given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years and a Deprivation Order.

Following the sentencing on 11 November 2022, it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme for being too low.

Porter’s original sentence was found to be unduly lenient by the Court on 17 January 2023 and was increased to an immediate imprisonment of 3 years and 4 months.

Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson KC MP said:

“This is an appalling case. This abhorrent behaviour cannot be accepted, and this increased sentence better reflects this shocking crime.”

January 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Preferred candidate for role of Prisons and Probation Ombudsman [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 18 January 2023.

The Secretary of State, Rt Hon. Dominic Raab MP, confirmed today (18 January 2023) that the preferred candidate to be the next Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) is Adrian Usher.

Adrian Usher has been selected following a rigorous assessment process conducted in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments. The PPO is appointed by the Secretary of State for Justice and the process regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments

The role is subject to pre-appointment hearing by the Justice Select Committee. Pre-appointment scrutiny is an important part of the appointment process for some of the most significant public appointments made by Ministers. It is designed to provide an added level of scrutiny to the appointment process. Pre-appointment hearings are held in public and allow a Select Committee to take evidence before a candidate is appointed. Ministers consider the Committee’s views before deciding whether to proceed with the appointment.

The role of the PPO was established in 1994 to be an independent adjudicator of complaints from prisoners following the Woolf Inquiry into the 1990 riots at Strangeways and other prisons. Its remit has since expanded to include probation complaints and complaints from immigration detainees. Further, the PPO now carries out investigations into deaths of prisoners, young people in detention, approved premises’ residents and immigration detainees.

The PPO’s office is operationally independent of, though sponsored by, the MOJ. The role is not defined in legislation but works to the Terms of Reference set by the Secretary of State.

Biography

Mr Usher has had an extensive career as a Senior Police Officer for the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), joining in 2003. He has previously served on both Counter-Terrorism and Anti-Corruption Commands and has been a Senior Investigating Officer in a variety of roles. Currently, he is the Commander for Learning and Development in the MPS where he leads the training requirements across policing operations including changing training to accommodate new legislation, judicial and law enforcement best practice and improving policing standards.

January 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Proposed changes to make MOTs fit for the future [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 18 January 2023.
- consultation launched to seek views on changing MOTs in light of advances to vehicle technology and growing popularity of hybrids and EVs
- proposals include changing the date of the first MOT for new vehicles and boosting the monitoring of emissions to tackle pollution
- safety will be at the heart of the consultation to ensure continued confidence on country’s roads
The Department for Transport has today (18 January 2023) launched a public consultation on the future of MOTs in Great Britain.

Views are being sought to update MOT testing for cars, motorbikes and vans to ensure roadworthiness checks continue to balance costs on motorists while ensuring road safety, keeping up with advances in vehicle technology, and tackling vehicle emissions.

To ensure MOTs remain fit for the future, the consultation launched today is seeking views on proposals to change the date at which the first MOT for new light vehicles is required from 3 to 4 years. The average MOT costs £40 and the move could save motorists across Great Britain around £100 million a year in MOT fees.

Since the MOT was introduced in 1960 – and especially in recent years – there have been major developments in vehicle technology such as lane-assisted driving which have increased road safety, while the spread of electric and hybrid cars is rapidly changing the nature of vehicles on our roads.

Any changes to the MOT will be supported by an information campaign led by the Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to inform drivers of the updates to MOTs and remind them of their responsibility to keep vehicles roadworthy.

Ensuring that the UK maintains its world-class record on road safety is at the heart of the proposals. Data shows that most new vehicles pass the first MOT test at 3 years. With the number of casualties in car collisions due to vehicle defects remaining low, government analysis shows the change from 3 to 4 years for the first MOT should not impact road safety.

Undertaking roadworthiness testing 4 years since the vehicle’s registration is already standard practice across many European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

The consultation also seeks views on the frequency of MOTs and how to improve monitoring of emissions to tackle pollution to bolster the environmental efficiency of vehicles.

Potential new measures include introducing testing of pollutants such as particulate number (PN) and NOx to ensure diesel, petrol and hybrid cars always meet emissions requirements throughout their lifespan.

Among the proposals, the consultation will consider whether electric vehicles’ batteries should be tested to improve the safety and reliability of EVs, if additional measures should be introduced to tackle excessively loud engines, and how the DVSA can continue to crack down against MOT and mileage fraud.
January 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Major incident declared over flood risk in Somerset [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 18 January 2023.

The Environment Agency in partnership with local authorities has taken a decision to declare a major incident on the Somerset Levels to ensure local partners can take a coordinated response to flooding.

This is a precautionary move and imminent flooding to properties is not expected, however the risk of flooding will remain live for the coming week.

A pumping operation started last week and additional pumps were deployed on Tuesday evening (17 January) at Northmoor to reduce the amount of water being stored at Currymoor, which remains full, until river levels allow pumping to resume.

We expect water levels to reduce in Northmoor, Saltmoor and Currymoor now that river levels have dropped to allow pumping. But declaring a major incident is a sensible step so partners can stay coordinated and ready to respond should the situation worsen.

The agency is currently responding to flooding incidents in Somerset, flood risk in the Bristol Avon area and monitoring rising groundwater levels in Dorset.

Ian Withers of the Environment Agency said:

The sight of water on the Somerset Levels and Moors is obviously a concern to those who have suffered from flooding before. Our staff continue to work to the best of their abilities to protect people and properties, install pumps and engage with communities.

The situation is expected to improve when enhanced pumping begins and we continue to run the Sowy flood relief channel, it is prudent to plan for the worst and going into major incident mode is appropriate, so we coordinate with partners and everyone is ready to respond if needed.

Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset County Council, said:

The decision to declare a major incident at this stage means we are well placed to respond. We will be supporting Environment Agency colleagues on the ground and taking every step to ensure our communities receive the help they need.

Additional pumps are pumping at Saltmoor and Northmoor, to help reduce levels as much as possible when the River Parrett has capacity. Extra pumps are also ready to use at Currymoor once conditions allow Once the water level at Currymoor has reduced, Athelney spillway will stop flowing into Northmoor as well as the A361 between East Lyng and Burrowbridge. A flood warning for that area remains in place and the road is closed.

A flood warning has been issued for Saltmoor and Northmoor and agency officers were in the village of Moorland yesterday to meet with residents and offer advice and support.

To allow pumping to continue more frequently and for longer at impacted pump stations, water is being diverted to the Sowy flood relief channel and King’s Sedgemoor Drain to Dunball, where pumps are being installed to allow pumping to continue in the event of high tide.

The Environment Agency urges residents to check their flood risk by signing up for flood warnings and create a flood plan so they know what action to take and are prepared to act. You can find links at https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk.

The recent wet weather has caused flooding and travel disruption in parts of the country. While this has sadly led to the flooding of around 130 properties, over 5,000 properties have been protected across the West Midlands, Yorkshire, in the South West and along the Thames.

Our flood defences have helped to protect over 200,000 properties in England during flooding incidents since 2019. We have 250 high volume pumps available and 5,000 trained staff across the country.

We are delivering on the government’s record £5.2bn investment in new flood and coastal defences by 2027. This builds on our successful delivery of the previous six year programme, better protecting more than 314,000 homes since 2015.

Do not drive through floodwater. It is the number one cause of death during flooding and puts yourself and rescue agencies in jeopardy. Floodwater can contain hidden dangers such as uncovered manholes, obstacles or sewage – so never enter floodwater and be careful around riverbanks and spillways. During this cold snap there is also the risk that floodwater could freeze, so we also remind people to never walk or play on or near ice.

We know that the declaration of a major incident may trigger feelings of anxiety, fear or worry, particularly for those who have been previously affected by flooding. Talk to somebody about how you are feeling, if you don’t feel able to talk to friends or family you can call Mindline – Somerset’s emotional support and mental health helpline which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 01823 276 892 (local) 0800 138 1692 (freephone).

There is further information to help you on what to do during a flood on the Somerset Prepared website.  The key point is to always stay safe, in an immediate flood emergency or where there is a risk to life, follow the advice of the emergency services.

Issued jointly by the Environment Agency, Somerset County Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset West and Taunton Council, Mendip District Council and South Somerset District Council.

Background

The Somerset Levels & Moors are designed to store flood water when the rivers flowing through them over top. The recent heavy rain has caused spillways (specifically designed low points in the riverbanks) on the Rivers Tone and Parrett to flow and water is stored on the moors.

Northmoor Pumping Station

Three additional pumps become operational yesterday, and the remaining seven pumps operational over the next 24-48hrs. At Park Brook, Elson’s Clyce we installed two pumps yesterday evening. This will further help remove water from Northmoor.

Saltmoor Pumping Station

Five temporary pumps have been operational at Saltmoor since Sunday. After an emergency road closure, facilitated by Somerset County Council we are adding a further five temporary pumps today.

Dunball

The installation of pumps at Dunball continues. These will be switched on as soon as each one comes online. This will allow us to direct even more water down the River Sowy and into King’s Sedgemoor Drain. This will help to reduce levels in the River Parrett and Tone. Minimising levels in the Tone is important because it reduces the amount of floodwater that enters Currymoor, Saltmoor and Northmoor.

Currymoor Pumping Station

Additional pumps were installed at Currymoor last weekend. We are ready to run these pumps as soon as levels in the Tone recede. Currymoor remains full.

Langport Upstream of Langport, there is water stored on the moors and storage volumes remain high. All pumping stations are off. When river levels reduce enough, we will balance which pumping stations we operate to minimise risk to people or property.

January 18, 2023