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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.