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Welsh minister sacked over “unacceptable” emails
Alun Davies
Alun Davies was asked to leave government after requesting private information about opposition politicians.
Alun Davies requested private information about opposition politicians

Alun Davies, Welsh minister for natural resources and food, has been sacked after it emerged he asked civil servants for private information about the financial interests of opposition politicians.

In an email, Mr Davies asks for information about the common agricultural policy payments made to certain assembly members.

Despite being told by his staff that the information was not publicly available, Mr Davies made the request again verbally. The matter was then forwarded to first minister for Wales, Carwyn Jones.

In an official written statement released on July 8, the first minister said Mr Davies' actions were “poorly judged, inappropriate” and “unacceptable”.

“As a result,” he wrote, “I have asked the minister for natural resources and food to leave the government.

“I made this decision with some regret and would like to record my appreciation for the contribution that Alun Davies has undoubtedly made to the work of the government during his time in office.”

Mr Davies' previous duties have been divided up between other ministers.

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.