Developments September 2008

The Pitt Review final report published

The final findings of The Pitt Review into lessons learned from the 2007 summer floods was published by the Cabinet Office on 25 June. The Review incorporates the results of the three-month consultation period that followed the publication of the Pitt Review Team’s interim conclusions in December 2007.

Government's data handling review released

The Cabinet Office’s Data Handling Procedures in Government: Final Report, which came out in June, has called for changes to the way in which Government departments handle personal information.

US proposes new bio-defence facility

On June 20, the US Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate issued the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility Draft Environmental Impact Statement (NBAF Draft EIS), in which it proposes the building of a new biodefense facility for the US.

Climate change vision from G8 summit

July’s G8 Summit in Tokyo, Japan, focused heavily on issues surrounding climate change and, in particular, its relevance to energy and food security. During the three-day conference, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on the G8 nations to tackle the ‘interconnected challenges of soaring food costs, development and climate change’.

UK Border Agency sees more criminals deported

Half way through its first full year of operation, the new UK Border Agency is on track to meet its target of deporting 5,000 foreign criminals in 2008.