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  • MIL-OSI Global: Flock is a refreshing play about the complex reality of growing up in care

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Eva A Sprecher, Research Fellow in Clinical, Education and Health Psychology, UCL

    Flock follows Robbie (Jamie Ankrah) and his older sister Cel (Gabriella Leonardi).
     Playing On, CC BY

    There are over 100,000 children and young people living in care in the UK, either with foster carers, in residential children’s homes or in other settings. Flock, currently playing at the Soho Theatre in London before embarking on a UK tour, follows the lives of two young people who have spent time in care, Robbie (Jamie Ankrah) and his older sister Cel (Gabriella Leonardi).

    The play was written by Lin Coughlan and directed by Jim Pope after three years of development with Raising the Roof, a project working with young people aged 16-25 who have lived in care, to develop fictional narratives informed by their own lives.

    The voices of young people who have lived in care give this play its beating heart. And they’re also vitally important for authentic representation of first-hand care-stories that are notably missing in mainstream media.

    Historically, characters who have grown up in the care system tend to be represented as villains or criminals in popular culture. Think Paul Spector in The Fall, or Loki from the Marvel universe. Exceptions can be found in many heroes in the Marvel comics created by Stan Lee, like Spider-Man or Daredevil.

    Researchers who have first-hand experience of the care system have commented on the prevalence of stigmatising narratives around “damage” and negative stereotypes associated with experience of care, alongside idealised “happy-ever-after” foundling stories.

    Important work is being done to archive the work of creators with experience of the care system and to capture a variety of care stories. However, nuanced work taking into account the complexity of going through the care system is rare and public attitudes reflect harmful misconceptions about young people living in care.

    Trailer for the touring production of Flock.

    In England, it’s estimated that at least one in three children who enter care are separated from their siblings. In Flock, Robbie is desperately waiting for his 18th birthday, when he hopes he will be able to live reunited with his sister Cel.

    While Robbie and Cel are not living together, they find ways to connect – taking trips to McDonalds or going bowling. Maintaining connections with siblings, while sometimes complex, can make a big difference to supporting the sense of belonging, mental health and wellbeing experienced by young people in care.

    Cel is one of the only people who shares Robbie’s memories of his nan and their valued moments with her before coming into care. There is evidence that sibling separation has a long-lasting impact for adults with experience of care, associated with complicated feelings of loss. However, when planning for young people’s living arrangements, sibling reunification or connection is not always prioritised.

    Young carers and their siblings

    Sibling reunification is not always easy. While Cel loves Robbie, she often feels more like his parent, and the responsibility of supporting him to manage his emotions while she is still a child weighs heavily on her. Cel might be described as a young carer, taking on daily tasks and personal care for her sibling when adults were not able to do so.

    While young carers who have spent time caring for a sibling do often express feeling more resourceful, greater responsibility and prioritising their sibling’s needs can impact their own wellbeing. Cel dreams of going to university and the freedom of leaving her responsibility as an older sister, even as she loves Robbie and wants the best for him.

    Cel is not the only person that Robbie can rely on. He also has a strong connection with his best friend Miko (Deshaye Gayle) and somewhat reluctantly meets with his personal advisor, Mrs Bosely (Jennifer Daley). As Robbie’s relationship with Cel comes under threat, these connections become especially important.

    Coming into care can cause disruption to more than sibling relationships. Children often lose touch with family, friends and communities and often move school and neighbourhood. Most young people living in care, like Robbie, have had difficult and possibly traumatic early experiences before, during and after moving into care.

    After difficult early experiences, some young people may experience changes to their brain and behaviour that allows them to survive loss, neglect or abuse. These adaptations may look like an increased alertness to danger or an unwillingness to trust others.

    While these changes may help children stay safe when living in unsafe circumstances, they might also make it harder to maintain close relationships. This negative impact of these understandable adaptations on relationships is called “social thinning”. At moments, Robbie’s mistrust is clear – when he fears that Miko is only his friend out of pity or when he finds it hard to accept any support Bosely offers him. However, we also see that the consistent, warm and understanding support of Miko and Bosely helps Robbie to stay connected in his lowest moments.

    This play represents both the very difficult experiences of young people living in care, alongside real moments of joy, strength, hope and connection. Flock provides a refreshing and much-needed story of the complex reality of the lives of young people living in care in the UK, putting real voices at its centre.

    Flock is on at the Soho Theatre, London until November 2, when it embarks on a UK tour.


    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Eva A Sprecher does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Flock is a refreshing play about the complex reality of growing up in care – https://theconversation.com/flock-is-a-refreshing-play-about-the-complex-reality-of-growing-up-in-care-241620

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Trump’s messaging is becoming more extreme, a mathematician explains

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dorje C. Brody, Professor of Mathematics, University of Surrey

    “Talk about extreme.” That was the response of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris at September’s televised debate, after her rival, Donald Trump, made the baseless claim that migrants had been eating the dogs and cats of their neighbours in Springfield, Ohio.

    Despite mounting criticism, Trump doubled down on the accusation. Likewise, during the more recent vice-presidential debate, Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, falsely claimed that the migrants in Springfield are illegal.

    The arrival of hurricanes Milton and Helene then gave them more opportunities to disseminate disinformation. Trump’s team attacked the government over its response to the disaster, claiming that government money earmarked for disaster victims has been spent on migrants who crossed illegally into the US.

    “Kamala spent all her Fema [Federal Emergency Management Agency] money – billions of dollars – on housing for illegal migrants”, Trump said at a rally in Michigan. This point was also repeated by Vance in an opinion piece on October 8 in the Wall Street Journal.

    The claim is false. But does it make sense for Trump’s team to spread such extreme disinformation? Mathematical analysis suggests it can.

    The positions of the candidates on the various issues, such as migration, can be represented on the political spectrum from the left to the right. It is fair to say that Trump places himself at the right end of the spectrum, while Harris sits at the centre.

    If you are at the far end of the spectrum, left or right, then you want to move people as far in your direction as possible. So, given that these days, in the US at least, there appear to be no consequences for disseminating disinformation, you want your messages to be extreme.

    By consistently hyping up the dangers of migrants, for example, more voters will start feeling that something needs to be done, even if they have never encountered an issue themselves.

    Indeed, mathematical models show that the probability of a candidate positioned at the end of the spectrum winning an election can, at least theoretically, reach 100%, if the messages are nothing but extreme. The same does not apply to a candidate positioned in the middle.

    We have seen this effect manifesting itself in the recent elections in Germany and France. Unless the public already has a strong appetite for the centre ground, which was the case for July’s general election in the UK, positions at the centre are often precarious.

    The path to victory for Harris therefore remains steep. But there are means for an effective counteroffensive.

    Clear communication

    Political messages have two purposes: communicating where the candidate stands on the various issues, and making the voters feel that those positions are desirable. We can apply the mathematics of communication, which explains our cognitive response to digesting information, to infer the impact of political messages.

    In particular, we can study how different messages on a given issue combine and interact. This, of course, only concerns voters who consume a variety of information sources, as opposed to those confined to an information echo chamber.

    For those who consume both Democratic and Republican messages, the effect of combining them can be subtle. But, in many cases, they combine in an additive way with some weights on each message.

    You can think of it as a weighted average of the two information sources. For example, if Harris says one thing and Trump says something opposite on a particular issue, then the net effect is each message muting the other slightly.

    So, if Trump says the illegal Haitian migrants in Springfield are eating people’s pets, and Harris says the migrants are there legally and are not eating anyone’s pets, then people might come to the conclusion that, while there may be illegal Haitian migrants in Springfield, they may not be eating pets.

    However, in some cases, one of the weights can take a negative value. This means that rather than adding them, the receiver of the two messages will subtract them. When this happens, the effect of that message is unexpectedly reversed.

    For example, when clear and convincing evidence of the legal status of the migrants in Springfield is presented, the prevailing noise about their pet-eating habits will, in anything, strengthen people’s belief that the claim is false.

    This can happen when the message from Harris is sufficiently loud and clear. Importantly, this does not mean Harris should loudly deny the disinformation. Provided that Harris sticks to her own messages in a clear and transparent manner, the mathematics of communication predicts that disinformation can turn itself against its spreader, for the following reasons.

    The idea, roughly speaking, goes as follows. Suppose that a recipient of the messages is unaware of the prevalence of disinformation, and that there is a considerable gap between the unsubstantiated disinformation and reliable information, with the latter being communicated very clearly.

    In this situation, communication theory shows that the receiver will dismiss disinformation more strongly than someone who is aware of the prevalence of disinformation.

    It is reminiscent of the Japanese martial art judo where the ultimate aim is to use your opponent’s momentum, rather than your own force.

    Disinformation should be challenged. And, indeed, both Harris and her predecessor Joe Biden have come out to condemn Trump’s “onslaught of lies” in relation to the two hurricanes.

    But merely focusing on challenging disinformation is counterproductive. What is more important is for their own message to be communicated loud and clear.

    No crystal ball can tell us whether the Democrats will retain the White House in November. But simply repeating the point that Trump is a threat to democracy, as Biden was prone to do, will not cut it.

    Dorje C. Brody has received funding from UKRI.

    – ref. Why Trump’s messaging is becoming more extreme, a mathematician explains – https://theconversation.com/why-trumps-messaging-is-becoming-more-extreme-a-mathematician-explains-239421

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Greens call for introduction of ‘mansion tax’ in Scottish budget

    Source: Scottish Greens

    23 Oct 2024 Economy

    Scottish Greens are calling for a range of revenue-increasing levies such as ‘mansion tax’ to protect people and planet from budget cuts.

    More in Economy

    The introduction of a ‘mansion tax’ on the sale of the most expensive homes is one of a number of property tax changes proposed by the Scottish Greens, with the money raised being used to protect public services from further cuts.

    Scottish Greens finance spokesperson Ross Greer has called for the Scottish Government to use the upcoming budget to introduce a new band of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, set at 15% for the purchase of homes costing over £1 million.

    Currently, the top rate of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax for residential properties is 12% on £750,000 and above. The Scottish Greens are proposing a new 12% rate starting at £650,000 and a 15% rate from £1 million.

    Mr Greer said: “14 years of Tory cuts have left Scotland’s budget in a dire state. Sadly, the new Labour government shows every sign of going further and deeper with their own cuts to public services. We must use every tool available to us here in Scotland to protect people and planet from the damage these budget cuts would do.

    “A mansion tax on the biggest and most luxurious houses is one of many ways we can raise more money to support services like the NHS while only impacting the very wealthiest people.

    “There is more than enough wealth in Scotland to end child poverty tomorrow, but far too much of it is in the hands of a very small number of extremely rich people and big companies. The powers needed to tax them fairly mostly sit at Westminster rather than Holyrood, but we can use tools like Scottish property taxes to make sure the richest people in society pay a bit more when they are buying a new house.

    “A mansion tax could be introduced by the SNP now. It would raise crucial funds we could use to tackle child poverty and the climate emergency.”

    Mr Greer added: “The Scottish Greens have already delivered an income tax system for Scotland which raises £1.5 billion more every year for public services like our schools. If we want to protect these services though, we need to go further. That’s why we are proposing a range of options to the SNP. 

    “If they want Green votes to pass the government’s budget, they know that the price of our support is more funding to tackle child poverty and the climate crisis. We are being clear about where that money could be raised from.”

    In 2023, the Scottish Greens delivered new powers to double Council Tax on second homes and increased the Additional Dwelling Supplement, which is paid by those purchasing a property which is not their primary home, such as “buy to let” landlords and those buying second homes. The purpose of these changes was to raise additional funds and to discourage the purchase of holiday homes in areas where they are causing acute housing shortages.

    The Party also introduced the Housing Bill which is currently working its way through Parliament. If passed, this would provide permanent rent controls and protections for tenants.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Donanemab licensed for early stages of Alzheimer’s disease in adult patients who have one or no copies of apolipoprotein E4 gene

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 23 October 2024, approved a licence for the medicine donanemab (Kisunla) for use in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, following a thorough review of the benefits and risks.

    Donanemab works by removing a sticky protein called beta-amyloid from the brain that is believed to cause Alzheimer’s disease, and in the trials conducted the medicine showed some evidence of efficacy in slowing its progression.

    As for any new medicine, this decision was made with expert scientific advice on the benefit risk of donanemab from the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM), the government’s independent advisory body.

    Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director, Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

    Licensing medicines which meet acceptable standards of safety, quality and efficacy is a key priority for us.

    We’re assured that, together with the conditions of the licence approval, the appropriate regulatory standards for this medicine have been met.

    As with all medical products, we will keep its safety under close review, and with a safety study to be undertaken after licensing, we will ensure that the benefit risk of donanemab is closely followed up post-authorisation.

    Donanemab is approved to treat adults in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease who have one or no copies of the apolipoprotein E4 gene (ApoE4). A person can have no copies, one copy or two of this gene. Approximately 15% of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease have two copies of this gene, known as homozygous patients, and are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, while people with one copy also have an increased risk.

    The patient’s doctor will perform testing to make sure that donanemab is right for them.

    Donanemab was evaluated in a main study (Phase III Study TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2) involving 1,736 patients with early Alzheimer’s disease who had mild cognitive impairment, mild dementia and evidence of amyloid pathology. The patients in the study also had evidence of a protein called ‘tau’ in their brain which is involved in Alzheimer’s disease.

    The study looked at changes in patients’ brain cognition and function, measured by clinical tools such as the integrated Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale (iADRS). Other tools used included the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale – Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB), ADAS-Cog13, and ADCS-iADL. These tools are used by doctors to measure Alzheimer’s disease and were measured at the start (baseline) and then throughout the study.

    In this study, the patients received either 700 mg donanemab every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, and then 1400 mg every 4 weeks (860 patients) or placebo (a dummy infusion, 876 patients) for up to 72 weeks.

    At week 76 of the study, patients treated with donanemab had statistically significantly less clinical progression in their Alzheimer’s disease compared to patients that were treated with the placebo. This was assessed by change in iADRS score from baseline. Patients with low to medium levels of tau protein showed 35% slowing of clinical progression which equated to 4.4 months of delay in disease progression. In the overall population treated with donanemab, there was a 22% slowing of clinical progression, translating to a 1.4-month delay in disease progression.

    Donanemab treatment in both carriers and non-carriers was associated with less decline on iADRS and CDR-SB scores and a significant reduction in amyloid plaque compared with placebo (this is consistent with previous data from phase 2 for carriers but not for non-carriers which previously were not seen to benefit). However, among carriers, the reduced decline in iADRS and CDR-SB was driven by those with one ApoE4 gene. Those with two ApoE4 genes did not demonstrate a significant slowing in decline. Reduction in amyloid plaque was observed regardless of the number of ApoE4 genes an individual had, but the reduction was smaller among those with two ApoE4 genes.

    ApoE4 homozygous patients who received donanemab were also at higher risk of developing Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIAs), which are most commonly seen as temporary swelling in one or more areas of the brain (ARIA-E) or small spots of bleeding in or on the surface of the brain (ARIA-H).

    The CHM therefore advised that the risk benefit of donanemab was favourable in the patients who were ApoE4 non-carriers or heterozygous but not in the homozygous group, and that testing for the ApoE4 gene should be carried out before treatment.

    Use of donanemab in patients who are on anticoagulants (blood thinners, including warfarin) or have been diagnosed with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) on MRI before starting treatment is contraindicated as the risks in these patients are considered to outweigh the benefits.

    Donanemab is a monoclonal antibody which binds to a protein called amyloid beta in Alzheimer’s disease, where clumps of amyloid beta protein form plaques in the brain. Donanemab works by binding to these clumps and reducing them, therefore slowing the progression of the disease.

    The recommended dose of donanemab is 1400mg, with the patient receiving this dose once every four weeks in a healthcare setting. When starting treatment, the patient will initially receive a 700mg dose every week for the first three rounds of treatment. Donanemab is administered intravenously, with each infusion lasting at least 30 minutes. The total duration of treatment should not exceed 18 months.  

    The most common side effects of the medicine are infusion-related reactions (which can cause fever and flu-like symptoms), headaches and ARIA.

    In placebo-controlled studies, the incidence of ARIA was lower in non-carriers (24.1% donanemab vs 11.3% placebo) and heterozygotes (37.4% donanemab vs 13.4% placebo) than in homozygotes (58.3% donanemab vs 21.3% placebo).

    Among patients treated with donanemab, symptomatic ARIA-E occurred in 4.1% of non-carriers and 6.1% of heterozygotes compared with 7.7% of homozygotes. Serious events of ARIA occurred in approximately 0.7% of non-carriers, 1.7% heterozygotes and 3% of homozygotes. Among patients treated with donanemab, the rate of severe radiographic ARIA-E was lower in non-carriers 1.0% (3/291) and heterozygotes 2.1% (11/522) compared to homozygotes 4.2% (7/168). The rate of severe radiographic ARIA-H was lower in non-carriers 4.5% (13/291) and heterozygotes 9.2% (48/522) compared to homozygotes 24.4% (41/168).

    A full list of all side effects reported with this medicine is available in the patient information leaflet or from the product information published on the MHRA website.   

    As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of donanemab under close review. To promote safe and effective use and keep the safety and efficacy of donanemab under close review, initiation of treatment in any patients will be through a central registration system implemented as part of a controlled access programme.

    A post-authorisation safety study will be conducted to investigate the safety and benefit-risk profile of donanemab in routine clinical practice, particularly in relation to incidence and severity of ARIAs and intracerebral haemorrhage, and long-term safety.

    Additional risk minimisation activities will be implemented for donanemab. These activities include the following:

    • educational materials for prescribers and radiologists on important safety risks related to the use of donanemab such as ARIA-E ARIA-H and intracerebral haemorrhage >1 cm
    • a patient card designed to enhance the awareness and knowledge of patients and caregivers about the safety concerns with donanemab as well as inform physicians of ARIA differential in an emergency setting.

    Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine should to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme website or via the Yellow Card app available on Google Play or Apple App stores. 

    ENDS

    Notes to editors  

    1. The authorisation for donanemab was granted on 23 October 2024 to Eli Lilly.
    2. More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website.
    3. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
    4. The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
    5. The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) advises ministers on the safety, efficacy and quality of medicinal products. CHM is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.
    6. For media enquiries, please contact the news centre on 020 3080 7651 or newscentre@mhra.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City council celebrates the contribution of children of foster carers

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Wednesday, 23rd October 2024

    The city council held a Kids of Carers Celebration Day last weekend to thank all the children in Stoke-on-Trent who welcome children into their home.

    It’s part of the city council celebrating The Fostering Network’s Children of Foster Carers Month, a UK-wide campaign to celebrate the significant contribution of children of foster carers to successful foster care. It marks the importance of the children of foster carers and the vital role they play in the lives of fostered children.

    The Kids of Carers group offers support to foster carers’ own children and thanks them for all that they do. It recognises that being the child of a foster parents means sharing your home and family and welcoming another child into your life.

    Lauren, aged 15, said: “I think Kids of Carers makes the kids of foster parents feel valued and appreciated and is also a good opportunity to speak with other people who understand what it like living in a fostering family with fostered children. It’s also nice to meet other people who are doing the same thing.”

    Tia, aged 11, said: “I have been part of Kids of Carers for over 4 years now and I have enjoyed meeting other children that also foster and everybody is so friendly. I enjoy all the activities and know that there is always somebody I can talk too if I need too. I would encourage all children to and meet new friends and have a good time with people that understand fostering.”

    Daisy aged 15, said: “I wanted to start Kids of Carers due to how much fun my older sister had when she was there. When dropping her off to all the fun activities, I was so excited when I was seven so I could join.

    “When I first started I was scared but I was made to feel welcome and I really enjoyed it. I met so many amazing people who were in the same boat as me and understood what it was like fostering – something I had never experienced before and it was so lovely. I highly recommend everyone going, as I have been going for 8 years now and it is so good every time and if you join you will never regret it.”

    Kole aged 13, said: “I enjoy Kids of Carers because you get to meet new people, and Marie and her team always make you feel special. We get to do fun things that are just for us.”

    Kids of Carers thanks children for their support through activities and days out including:

    • Bowling
    • Games
    • Craft activities
    • Trips to football matches

    … and much more.

    New initiatives in the city like higher skills payments and grants for adaptations to home to make them suitable for fostering mean that more people in the city can now foster. Here, there is no typical foster carer and Stoke-on-Trent City Council fostering team is keen to hear from anyone who wants to find out more about opening their heart and home to a child.

    We encourage applications from all people who want to make a difference to children regardless of age, gender, religious, or cultural background, sexual orientation or relationship status. We are looking for people from all walks of life whether you are interested in fostering full time, or can only offer short breaks or emergency care.

    Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for children’s services said: “I’d like to thank all the children and young people who welcome children into their homes. We know it’s not always easy to share your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles so we want to give you a huge thank you. We want to support you all as much as possible through things like our support group, Kids of Carers.

    “We’re always on the look out for more foster carers to enable more children to be cared for locally in a supportive home environment. I’d urge anyone who has a spare bedroom and wants to make a difference to the lives of children in Stoke-on-Trent to consider fostering. As a city council we’re committed to reducing the number of children in care and finding children safe, loving homes.”

    Anyone who would like to know more about becoming a foster carer in Stoke-on-Trent can visit https://fostering.stoke.gov.uk or call 01782 234555.

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work begins on new Community-Led Housing project in Ryde 23 October 2024 Work begins on new Community-Led Housing project in Ryde

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Work is underway on a new Community-Led Housing project in Ryde — one of the first of its kind on the Island.

    The innovative development will offer a mix of studio and one-bedroom flats, available at truly affordable rents.

    The scheme is the first to be funded under the Isle of Wight Council’s Community-Led Housing project and is due to welcome its first residents in June next year.

    John Prickett, the council’s Community-Led Housing officer, has been supporting Aspire Ryde to purchase and re-purpose the charity’s High Street building.

    Last month work started to convert the upper two floors into seven self-contained flats for Island people, including veterans, who would otherwise be in danger of homelessness.

    The ARCH Community Hub and shop will be retained on the ground floor.

    Aspire will support people with their tenancies with the view to their eventual move to a suitable permanent home.

    Councillor Ian Stephens, the council’s Cabinet member for housing, said: “We’re excited that we’re finally able to start work on this important, Community-Led Housing project in partnership with Aspire Ryde.

    “We recognise the issues facing the Island and remain absolutely committed to the delivery of affordable housing.

    “We hope developments such as this will encourage more Community-Led Housing schemes to come forward and help us to provide the affordable homes we so desperately need for Islanders.”

    Aspire has been able to fund the purchase and development of the project through a mix of specific Community-Led Housing funding from the Isle of Wight Council, and a long-term loan from Charity Bank.

    Grants from Charity Bank, the Armed Forces Covenant Trust and the B&Q Foundation have also been secured to fund the finishes to the flats.

    The designers for the project, who worked with Aspire through various re-designs, were local practice Arid Design (Ltd) and the building contractor is DN Associates Limited.

    Trevor Nicholas, chief executive of Aspire Ryde, said: “We are thrilled to have got to this point with the project and are extremely grateful to John Prickett and the Isle of Wight Council, alongside Charity Bank and other grant funders for their support and commitment to providing homes for those in the greatest need.

    “It is fantastic to see Community-Led Housing taking shape here and we hope that this will act as a catalyst for other projects across the Island. We are so looking forward to welcoming our first residents.”

    Photo shows: JD Viette (project manager for Aspire), John Prickett, Trevor Nicholas and council Leader Councillor Phil Jordan.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ODS and Oxford City Council Launch Recycling Trial for Flats to Reduce Waste Contamination

    Source: City of Oxford

    Wednesday, 23 October 2024

    ODS, in partnership with Oxford City Council, has launched a new recycling and waste management trial at some flat sites in Oxford to improve recycling and reduce contamination.

    ODS, which manages domestic recycling and waste collections on behalf of Oxford City Council, is exploring a new approach to waste management at six blocks of Council flats across the city.  

    Blocks of flats typically share bin stores for recycling, rubbish, and food waste, often leading to high contamination rates. This trial aims to address these issues by testing new approaches.  

    The initiative is part of a six-month trial, which will see the Council and ODS trialing different approaches to waste management, to encourage increased participation in recycling efforts and reduce contamination, and identify which approach works best.  

    The Council and ODS have identified six blocks of flats that have recognised concerns around recycling contamination and overflowing waste. The blocks of flats that are participating in the trial are: 

    • Henry Taunt Close  
    • Field Avenue (blocks 113-139) 
    • Hawksmoor (blocks 1-12) 
    • Williamson Way (blocks 2-24) 
    • Mason Road (blocks 69-103) 
    • Wolseley and Riley House 

    At the start of each trial, residents in participating blocks of flats were visited by Recycling Officers, and received a letter and informational leaflet detailing what can and cannot be disposed of in each bin. Signage located near the bins at each block has also been updated to reflect the trial.  

    ODS and the Council will be monitoring and reviewing feedback from residents as well as recycling and waste collection crews. Each approach will be assessed before making any decisions about permanent changes or expanding the new approaches across the city.  

    There will be no change for blocks of flats that are not participating in the trial, and these residents are encouraged to continue to follow their regular recycling and waste advice.   

    “We can all improve our recycling habits. We are committed to increasing recycling rates and reducing costly contamination, which is why we’re trialing these new approaches. We will be working closely with residents in the blocks of flats throughout the trial and will be asking for their feedback before making any permanent changes.”

    Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies (including ODS)

    “We’re excited to launch a new recycling initiative aimed at tackling the unique challenges faced by residents in Oxford who use shared bins. Our pilot programme, starting at six flat sites, will trial innovative strategies to reduce fly-tipping, cut down on contamination, and make recycling easier. If successful, we would look to expand this approach to other flat sites across the city.” 

    Michelle Bradbury, Recycling Team Leader, ODS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local Area Energy Plan adopted by Lancaster City Council Lancaster City Council has adopted a pioneering new strategy that aims to shape future energy planning, reduce carbon emissions and support economic prosperity.

    Source: City of Lancaster

    Lancaster City Council has adopted a pioneering new strategy that aims to shape future energy planning, reduce carbon emissions and support economic prosperity.

    Front cover of the Local Area Energy Plan

    On Tuesday (October 22) the council’s cabinet approved a Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP), which sets out a long-term vision for decarbonising the district by 2040 and looks beyond the council’s own 2030 target for its direct activities.

    The LAEP sets out the changes required to transition the Lancaster district energy system and built environment to net zero while also addressing fuel poverty. It details what changes are required, where, when and by whom.

    It also provides a high-level overview of the likely scale of investment that will be required to achieve net zero.

    This includes:

    • Domestic fabric upgrades – 38,000 domestic properties (approximately 54% of all buildings) are recommended to be retrofitted with fabric upgrade measures
       
    • Low carbon heating – installing heat pumps to 52,000 – 65,000 and having approximately 75% of non-domestic building floorspace being heated by heat pumps in the future
       
    • Installation of electric vehicle charge points – The LAEP recommends the deployment of up to 1,250 public charge points to plug the gaps. It is estimated that 45% of households will not have the ability to charge at home
       
    • Local renewable generation – The district has a significant opportunity to generate renewable energy locally from solar PV and onshore wind. Up to 575 GWh of annual generation is recommended
       
    • Energy Networks: The plan illustrates the importance of investment in the electricity network to ensure there is capacity for the rapid growth of low carbon technologies. The council has been working closely with Electricity North-West to develop the LAEP

    Councillor Paul Stubbins, cabinet member with responsibility for climate action, said: “The city council set itself an ambitious target to decarbonise its services by 2030 and we are well on the way to delivering on that aim.

    “The next step is to set out how the whole district can transition to a low carbon future, and that’s what the LAEP is all about. But it’s not just a blueprint for reducing emissions, it’s a vision for a sustainable future and supporting the local economy.

    “The city council will need to collaborate closely with key local stakeholders along the way but this is an exciting start to delivering a net zero district.”

    To find out more about the plan visit Lancaster.gov.uk/laep .

    Last updated: 23 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Rishworth speech at Inclusion Australia 70th Anniversary Dinner

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    E&OE

    Good evening everyone.

    It’s my pleasure to be joining you tonight as we celebrate 70 years of Inclusion Australia.

    I would like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we meet, the Wurundjeri people, and pay my respects to elders past and present.

    I would also like to acknowledge:

    • Felicity Crowther (Chair of the Inclusion Australia Board and Executive Director of the South Australian Council on Intellectual Disability (SACID)), and
    • Catherine McAlpine (CEO of Inclusion Australia)
    • Those here from other organisations who have contributed to the success of Inclusion Australia
    • Advocates in the room
    • And particularly people with intellectual disability and their families and carers

    Tonight is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a nation to create a more inclusive society for people with intellectual disability, and Inclusion Australia’s critical role in this-  but also to recognise how far we still have to go.  

    As an organisation whose focus is about increasing the voices of people with intellectual disability and supporting them to represent themselves – Inclusion Australia has, and continues, to play a critical role in this space.

    Tonight is a night of celebration!

    I would like to wish a very happy birthday to Inclusion Australia and congratulate you on 70 years of working alongside the disability community to amplify the voices of people with intellectual disability.

    What began in 1954 as a group of family and friends of people with disability has since grown to become the national peak body for intellectual disability, and one of Australia’s longest-standing disability advocacy organisations.

    What you have achieved over the past 7 decades has been nothing short of remarkable.

    And what’s more is that you’ve ensured people with intellectual disability have been at the centre of everything you do.

    From helping to steer the introduction of Australia’s first disability discrimination laws, to what you do now in advocating for inclusive education and employment and supported decision making, you’ve truly been pioneers and built strong relationships across communities and with Government to achieve change.

    Tonight, I want to talk about the importance of the advocacy work organisations like Inclusion Australia do for our community.

    Inclusion Australia has worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the issues that are important to people with intellectual disability – ensuring that your perspectives and ideas are incorporated into Government policy responses.

    Whether this is about making sure people with disability can make their own decisions with the right support, reducing the health inequalities experienced by people with intellectual disability, or making mainstream services and the broader community more inclusive and accessible – Inclusion Australia play a key role in educating the Government, organisations and businesses about the barriers people with intellectual disability can face.

    But importantly, Inclusion Australia provide ideas and solutions to break down these barriers, challenge stereotypes and build the confidence of organisations and services to be truly inclusive.

    And in undertaking your work, people with intellectual disability are at the centre of driving change – with people with intellectual disability leading Government and community engagement and education.

    We know how important advocacy is in promoting the rights and freedoms of people with disability.

    And that is why our Government has recognised Inclusion Australia as a standalone national peak organisation – and this does need to be recognised because you play a vital role to ensure people with intellectual disability have their needs met and can make choices about the way they want to live their lives.

    In the past, people with intellectual disability have experienced really significant exclusion and exploitation and haven’t been included in conversations about the things that impact them – and unfortunately these experiences are still too common. As Minister for Social Services, I am committed to working alongside Inclusion Australia and people with intellectual disability to change this.

    One of the ways our Government is supporting change is through increasing funding to Inclusion Australia as a Disability Representative Organisation.

    But we also know that there are other important ways we can empower people with intellectual disability to self-advocate and support social connections.

    I’ve heard many times how important peer support is for people with intellectual disability and that connecting with people like them to get advice and tips and ideas helps them to break down barriers that exist across society so they can live independently and fully participate in society.

    I often hear it’s about the “I get you” factor that really makes a difference.

    Everyone here knows how important lived experience is and that is why we are investing in peer support and self-advocacy activities for people with intellectual disability.

    These programs are an important way we help people with disability and their families to build knowledge, skills and confidence and connect with their local communities.

    Because we want to make Australia more inclusive and for each Australian with disability to be supported to reach their goals.

    We know that change can only happen when the voices, perspectives and ideas of the people with intellectual disability are a part of the conversation.

    And we will continue to listen to Inclusion Australia to understand how we can best work together to create a more inclusive society – because inclusion creates more opportunities and benefits everyone.

    One area that for too long people with intellectual disability haven’t been given equal opportunities is in employment. For too long supported employment has been seen as the only option available.

    And that is why creating more opportunities for people with disability in employment is a key area I have focused on since becoming Minister for Social Services.

    And I share this focus with Inclusion Australia – who have worked consistently and constructively across the sector and with government to improve employment outcomes for people with intellectual disability and provide more opportunities in open employment and career progression.

    As a Government we want to make sure people with disability, including those with intellectual disability understand the different employment options available to them and understand their rights at work.

    We are doing this by providing employment-related advocacy and information through a new Disability Employment Advocacy and Information Program.

    Advice about employment will be provided through group workshops and information sessions, and people will have access to individual advocacy for specific employment issues when it is needed.

    We also want to make sure there a lots of different employment pathways available for people with intellectual disability, with more opportunities to move into open employment and build careers.  Which is why we are investing in projects to evolve the supported employment sector.

    And to make sure people with intellectual disability have more opportunities to succeed in employment of their choice, we have expanded eligibility under our new specialist disability employment program that starts in July next year so that volunteers and people who can work less than 8 hours per week can participate.

    Because people deserve to be able to take advantage of a diverse range of opportunities and should not be excluded from our specialist disability employment program – because that is not inclusive and that’s why we are changing this.

    And this is a key change I know that Inclusion Australia has been advocating for, for many years – as one of the ways to create more pathways and opportunities for open employment.

    And I look forward to continuing to work with you as we reform the employment system for people with disability.

    In all of these areas we have been working with Inclusion Australia and their member organisation, who have played a big role in creating change for people with intellectual disability in all parts of Australia.

    I join with you in celebrating the work Inclusion Australia does to support people with intellectual disability to speak up and be heard.

    Thank you for this critical work you do to create a better future for people with intellectual disability.

    I look forward to the positive changes we will make together.

    And I hope you all enjoy the rest of the evening, especially on the dancefloor.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The EBA releases a first draft of the technical package for its 4.0 reporting framework

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) published today a draft technical package for version 4.0 of its reporting framework. This publication aims to provide an early version of the 4.0 release given that its reporting obligations will apply as of the first half of 2025. This package, whose final version will be released in December 2024, will facilitate a smoother transition to the new data point model (DPM) semantic glossary and the capabilities of the DPM 2.0 model.

    The package provides the standard specifications that include the validation rules, the DPM and the XBRL taxonomies to support the following reporting obligations:

    This draft technical package includes a version of the data dictionary contents in both formats the DPM 1.0 and the new format DPM 2.0.

    The  DPM Query Tool has also been updated to reflect the current release. 

    Background and next steps

    The final version of the technical package for the 4.0 reporting framework will be published in December and will include the changes suggested by the three ESAs in the Opinion, published on 15 October, on the European Commission’s (EC) rejection of the draft ITS on the registers of information under the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). Together with this technical package the EBA is publishing a set of Q&As providing additional explanations, including on the next steps as well as on the package to be published in December.

    The EBA published in June new Implementing Technical Standards specifying the reporting obligations under Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 on Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCAR).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/BAHRAIN – “Finding Beauty in the Other: Inclusion and Humanitarian Service Among Believers. The Example of the Trinitarian Order”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 23 October 2024

    AB

    Manama (Agenzia Fides) – “Mutual respect and coexistence are possible, even when the region is going through difficult times and inter-community tensions”, said the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., at the international congress ‘Finding Beauty in the Other: Inclusion and Humanitarian Service Among Believers’ just concluded at the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence in Manama, during which authorities from the institutional, academic, diplomatic and religious world discussed the theme of inclusion and dialogue in an era of conflict.“On the occasion of the 825th anniversary of the Rule of the Catholic Order of the Holy Trinity, O.SS.T., my appointment as Apostolic Vicar in this part of the Gulf, which includes Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, based on our history and the important documents of the past and the present time, we thought of organizing this International Congress highlighting a practice and a dialogue that has crossed the centuries,” said Bishop Berardi.Among the objectives of the congress, the speakers and participants presented the example of collaboration between Christians and Muslims that can help today in the search for sincere relationships between believers of different religions; as well as the proposal of a concrete commitment to dialogue and peace as well as cooperation between the congress itself and the various institutions that support dialogue and peaceful coexistence, such as the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence.“This – continues the Apostolic Vicar – is not another conference on interreligious dialogue, but an exchange that connects knowledge of the past, re-reads history and seeks to point out values for greater inclusive and concrete collaboration. The Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives, founded in a time of conflict and misunderstanding between civilizations, wanted to respond with a peaceful and dialogical practice. Violence cannot be responded to forever with violence, which leads to more violence, destruction and death. There are other possible paths. New paths to discover or inventBut it is necessary to have a peaceful heart and a mind open to dialogue. We must discover the beauty of the other and in the other. Inclusion and humanitarian service are possible among believers who are rooted in a vibrant tradition and deep spirituality. ”“The good relations maintained between the Apostolic Vicariate of North Arabia and the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence allowed the visit of Pope Francis to Bahrain but also mutual respect and excellent collaboration,” remarked Berardi.“In the light of history and the current situation, our Congress therefore seeks to identify the values that unite us, to detect what leads to hatred and rejection of the other, to promote a discourse of peace and respect that builds bridges between cultures and religions. A fraternal model is needed and can help in the education of the new generation. Everyone will contribute to the construction of the edifice which is intended to be the home of all.”Berardi insisted on making ideals and wishes concrete, moving from words to deeds, and proposing a project of common utility at the service of the good of the communities. “The Congress is the result of this collaboration and I would like to thank the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence for its support, logistics, professionalism and reflection.”“Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa El Khalifa, Bahrain has been and continues to be a witness to the possible dialogue between religions and philosophies. Through mutual respect for beliefs and mutual dialogue, we can build a more fraternal world where everyone can find their place in peace,” the Apostolic Vicar concluded.Key points of the Congress concluded yesterday, October 22, 2024, and proposed by Bishop Berardi last January on the occasion of a meeting of the Board of the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence (see Fides, 31/1/2024), were the Declaration of the Kingdom of Bahrain, signed by King Hamad on July 3, 2017, as a global document for religious freedoms, and the hosting by the Kingdom of many international conferences and events, the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, in 2019, the visit of Pope Francis in November 2022.As reported at the beginning, another highlight of the event was the celebration of the 825th anniversary of the birth of an Order of religious (1198 / 595H), non-military and completely unarmed, with the aim of freeing prisoners of holy wars: Christians from the hands of Muslims and Muslims from the handsChristians. As a rule of life, these redeemers had to invest a third of their income for the work of redeeming prisoners, a third for assisting the poor and had to live on only a third of their income. Another characteristic that shows their being completely unarmed is the obligation to use only donkeys as mounts. As well as the celebration of the 825th anniversary of the letter of Pope Innocent III sent to Abū ‘Abd Allāh Muḥammad al-Nāṣir, Amīr al-Mu’minīn, head of the Almohads, since this initiative was communicated at a diplomatic level to the emir of the Almohads on March 8, 1199/595H (March 8, 2024/ 27 Sha’ban 1445). With this letter of high diplomacy, the Pope presents the Trinitarian redeemers inflamed with the love of God and their work of redemption and liberation defined as a “work of common utility”.(AP) (Agenzia Fides, 23/10/2024)
    AB

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mana i te whenua protectors and their supporters to rally for Lake Rotokākahi

    Source: Te Whatanui Leka

    A rally is planned at Government House in Auckland for Monday the 28th of October, protesting the construction of a sewerage pipeline through a sacred site near Rotorua.

    Rotokākahi protectors and supporters will travel to the doorstep of the Governor General to demand the protection of Lake Rotokākahi.

    With the controversial project still underway, mana i te whenua are imploring the Governor General to take action.

    Rotokākahi Board of Control spokesperson Te Whatanui Leka Skipwith (Tūhourangi) explains:

    “The Governor General has administrative responsibilities over Rotokākahi under the Māori Purposes Act.”

    “But here in our struggle she has been absent.”

    Construction of the pipeline commenced on Monday 19th August, and is being carried out by Fulton Hogan on behalf of the Rotorua Lakes District Council.

    The pipeline has attracted criticism from mana i te whenua due to it being built next to Lake Rotokākahi in a location which is wāhi tapu (a sacred heritage site) and puts at risk a pristine ecological environment.

    In response, mana i te whenua have been camped at the site for a number of weeks, in what has been described as “another Ihumatao; Te Arawa’s Ihumatao.”

    As the project continues, mana whenua and supporters alike are demanding action from the Governor General.

    “We have tried to message, we have tried to call and so far there has been no response, so we are coming to your doorstep.”

    Sources:

    https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1931/0032/latest/DLM210349.html

    https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/08/28/rawiri-waititi-urges-halt-to-sewerage-works-at-rotokakahi-and-mana-whenua-seek-support/

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/rotorua-protest-100-people-take-part-in-hikoi-against-sewerage-pipeline-route-past-sacred-site/LGTDHQDKWJEOFBX4UNJDEOPR54/

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/rotorua-sewerage-pipeline-work-halted-amid-protester-concerns-over-sacred-sites/BGQ5S4ZFBZFYLEINZEIQIM7PAQ/

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Elderly aid scheme set to expand

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The “District Services & Community Care Teams – Scheme on Supporting Elderly & Carers”, currently implemented in Tsuen Wan and Southern District, will be rolled out citywide next year, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said today.

    Replying to questions from legislator Tang Ka-piu in the Legislative Council, Mr Sun said that the Social Welfare Department – which has been piloting the scheme in the abovementioned districts since March – had assisted in training care teams to reach out to and identify elderly households, caregivers and people who are in need due to disabilities.

    Over the past six months, the care teams have visited around 4,700 families and referred over 730 elderly cases to social welfare organisations for follow up. The 2024 Policy Address announced that the scheme will cover all 18 districts next year.

    In September last year, the department also commissioned the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals to launch a 24-hour designated hotline for carer support.

    The hotline has so far received over 50,000 calls and referred about 850 cases to community support service units for service matching as appropriate. Of these, around 270 elderly households were referred to elderly service units or respite services. In addition, the hotline facilitated crisis handling in 56 cases.

    Mr Sun said the Government will make use of different channels to enable early identification of elderly residents with potential service needs, and the provision of timely and effective support.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Politics with Michelle Grattan: Sally McManus on what unions want from Labor and Innes Willox on business wish list for Dutton

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Industrial relations will be hotly contested at next year’s election.

    Labor has introduced a raft of new worker protections and pushed for wage increases for lower paid workers.
    Business groups have argued against further red tape and claimed the government’s new regulations have contributed to rising costs.

    The union movement, meanwhile, has been mired in the fallout from the CFMEU controversy, with some union leaders angry over the government and ACTU’s tough treatment of that union after revelations of its infiltration by criminals.

    To talk about these issues and more, we’re joined by ACTU secretary Sally McManus and Innes Willox, the head of the Australian Industry Group, one of the peak employer groups.

    On how to fix the construction industry, Willox advocates an oversight body but not the reintroduction of the Australian Building and Construction Commission,

    We believe that the construction sector does require its own oversight. We had the ABCC previously. We’re not saying go back to that. You don’t have to replicate that model entirely. But the sector has shown that it does require an oversight body that has the ability to launch both civil and criminal claims for poor behaviour. You’re not going to clean it up through sort of task forces and the like, which actually don’t do anything on the ground to change and moderate behaviour.

    What other changes to industrial relations would employers want from a Coalition government?

    I think what we can expect or hope that the Coalition will look long and hard at things like the right to disconnect. Which came from nowhere. It came out of left field right at the end of a process. It’s created huge uncertainty in workplaces. It’s a bit of a minefield both for employers and employees.

    The definition of’casual’ is now a 17-page manual that employers have to work through, rather than a straightforward definition. We’d hope that the Coalition would look at that. And, of course, union right-of-entry powers which have now tilted the balance totally in favour of unions. They’re the sort of things we think that they should look at as a priority and examine what they can do to take off the rough edges that have been put in place there.

    On the unions’ wish list from Labor, McManus says they are talking with the government about further action on the issue of equality.

    At the moment, the gender pay gap is at the lowest ever recorded. So that’s a good thing. But in terms of equality in the workplace, that issue is still a big one, and there is a big push that we are making for reproductive leave. This isn’t just for women, it’s also for men.

    So many women suffer from things like painful periods. Of course, there’s a whole issue of menopause.

    For men, there’s a whole lot of issues to do with reproductive issues as well. […] So this is something that we are talking to the government about and campaigning around.

    Another issue is that of youth wages:

    It’s really totally outrageous that 19, 20-year-olds are paid discount wages in Australia. It’s not acceptable in 2024-2025 and should be fixed. The union movement’s taking it up at the moment and have got rid of it in a lot of industries, and we want to finish the job. So we’re going to try and achieve that through campaigning and through the industrial commission. But if we don’t, if there’s no way of fixing it that way, there’ll be no option then other than to say to the government, listen, ball’s in your court now.

    On the split in the union movement over the government and ACTU actions against the construction division of the CFMEU, McManus says the ACTU will continue to keep its door open,

    Look, no one likes what’s happened. No one likes the fact that, obviously, that union was infiltrated by organised crime, outlaw motorcycle gangs. And no one supports corruption. The other construction union who works with the CFMEU all the time, which is the ETU, the Electrical Trades Union – they’re the ones who have disaffiliated from the ACTU.

    They’re mates, they’re all mates, right? And so, obviously, they’re also not happy with what’s happened. And obviously we will always keep the door open and encourage unity. The ACTU is a place where truck drivers and community workers and teachers and nurses and road workers, everyone of every profession, gets together and talks. It’s always a good thing because you’re listening to other people and you’re stronger together.

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Politics with Michelle Grattan: Sally McManus on what unions want from Labor and Innes Willox on business wish list for Dutton – https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-sally-mcmanus-on-what-unions-want-from-labor-and-innes-willox-on-business-wish-list-for-dutton-242019

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: World’s longest undersea high-speed railway tunnel begins ‘journey under the sea’

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    World’s longest undersea high-speed railway tunnel begins ‘journey under the sea’

    A colossal tunnel boring machine named Dinghai began excavating from the land section into the sea section at 42 meters below sea level near Zhoushan City in east China on Tuesday, marking the beginning of an “undersea journey” for the construction of the world’s longest undersea high-speed railway tunnel.

    With a maximum depth of 78 meters, the Jintang Undersea Tunnel will have a total length of 16.18 kilometers, spanning from Ningbo City’s Beilun District to Jintang Town in Zhoushan City in east China. It is an important part of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Uganda: ‘Drastic’ increase in online attacks against LGBTQ people having ‘devastating consequences’ – New Report

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Amnesty research reveals widespread patterns of online violence against LGBTQ people, including blackmailing, outing and threats of physical attack

    Cases of police using social media to connect with individuals before targeting them with physical violence and blackmail

    ‘Nowadays, digital spaces, which are so vital for LGBTQ people in Uganda, are often no safer than offline spaces’ – Roland Ebole

    Online attacks against Uganda’s LGBTQ communities have drastically increased, owing to overly broad laws that criminalise various aspects of the lives of LGBTQ people and entrench discrimination, Amnesty International said in a new report published today.

    The report – “Everybody Here Is Having Two Lives and Phones”: The Devastating Impact of Criminalisation On Digital Spaces for LGBTQ People in Uganda – is based on research across six Ugandan cities and neighbouring areas, including 64 interviews with LGBTQ people and organisations.

    The research reveals widespread patterns of technology-facilitated gender-based violence against LGBTQ people in Uganda. It documents cases of doxing, outing, threats of violence, blackmailing, impersonation, hacking and disinformation – further marginalising LGBTQ people, especially those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds – and highlights not only the failure of state authorities to prevent or address these abuses, but also their active role in encouraging and condoning them, exposing LGBTQ people to grave human rights abuses.

    The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, in particular, has fostered a climate of impunity for attacks against LGBTQ people, forcing both individuals and organisations to significantly alter how they present themselves and engage with people online.

    Amnesty has documented numerous instances where police have seized devices or data of LGBTQ people by threatening them with arrest and found cases where both police and members of the general public have used social media platforms to connect with LGBTQ people before targeting them with physical violence and blackmailing. Blackmail was the most prevalent form of technology-facilitated gender-based violence noted across all locations.

    Shreshtha Das, Amnesty International’s Gender Researcher, said:

    “Our research shows that, while LGBTQ activists and organisations have continued to use digital spaces in a very hostile environment, the stigma, violence, and discrimination they face in offline spaces has been mirrored and amplified in digital spaces.

    “Technology-facilitated gender-based violence has devastating consequences for LGBTQ people, as online targeting can result in offline consequences, including arbitrary arrests, torture and other ill-treatment, forced evictions, dismissal from work, exposure to offline violence, as well as stress, anxiety and depression.”

    A ‘witch hunt’

    LGBTQ people and organisations in Uganda rely on digital platforms to connect with their communities, share information about sexual health services, and protect their rights.

    The prevalence of technology-facilitated gender-based violence has severely limited the possibilities for LGBTQ people to access, communicate and come together in digital spaces, while also hindering the outreach efforts of many organisations.

    Those providing health services to marginalised groups have been forced to avoid advertising their services online, fearing that the authorities could arbitrarily suspend their registration based on spurious accusations of “promoting homosexuality”.

    Marco Perolini, Amnesty International’s Civic Space Policy Advisor, said:

    “Instead of adopting policies to combat technology-facilitated gender-based violence, the Ugandan authorities have clamped down on human rights defenders and organisations, placing discriminatory restrictions on their work. Their acts amount to a witch-hunt against those perceived as “promoting homosexuality”, creating a chilling effect on the rights to freedom of expression and association.”

    Prejudicial laws worsening homophobia and transphobia

    While technology-facilitated gender-based violence against LGBTQ individuals was common in Uganda before, its severity and prevalence have surged since the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, which has intensified homophobic and transphobic public discourse.

    All interviewees told Amnesty that they would not report technology-facilitated gender-based violence to the police due to fears of being outed, blackmailed or arrested. In the few instances when LGBTQ people reported cases, the police failed to take any action and instead subjected them to further humiliation.

    Roland Ebole, Amnesty International’s Uganda researcher, said:

    “Nowadays digital spaces, which are so vital for LGBTQ people in Uganda, are often no safer than offline spaces — they are experiencing discrimination and violence in both.”

    LGBTQ individuals and organisations said that reporting cases of technology-facilitated gender-based violence on social media platforms remained challenging. They often did not know how to report abuses. In spite of social media platforms’ policies to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence, concerns remain regarding content moderation, especially in widely spoken local languages other than English.

    Out of all the organisations Amnesty wrote to – including various government authorities in Uganda, private organisations, and social media companies (Meta, TikTok and X) – only Meta and TikTok responded. Their responses have been reflected in the report.

    Amnesty’s calls

    Amnesty is calling on the Ugandan Parliament to immediately repeal the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 and other laws that criminalise acts and behaviours that disproportionately impact LGBTQ people.

    The authorities must also establish an independent mechanism to conduct effective, prompt, impartial, and independent investigations into allegations of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and other human rights violations committed against LGBTQ people.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to kick off monthlong consumption campaign in five big cities

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, Oct. 23 — China will launch a monthlong campaign to promote consumption in November as part of its efforts to bolster consumer spending, the Ministry of Commerce said Wednesday.

    The consumption promotion month will kick off next month in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin and Chongqing.

    It will feature a series of activities promoting consumption in shopping, catering, tourism, exhibitions and performances, among others, according to the ministry.

    Relevant departments and localities have been asked to refine their plans to implement the promotion month and introduce practical measures to foster the continuous recovery of the country’s consumer market.

    China introduced a large-scale equipment upgrade and consumer goods trade-in program in March this year to expand domestic demand and shore up the economy.

    China’s retail sales of consumer goods went up 3.3 percent year on year in the first three quarters of this year, official data showed.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hong Kong receives more visitors from new cities under individual visit scheme

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    HONG KONG, Oct. 23 — In the third quarter of this year, visitors to Hong Kong from 10 newly added Chinese Mainland cities under the Individual Visit Scheme exceeded 140,000, an increase of about 16.3 percent compared to the same period last year, according to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government.

    Kevin Yeung, secretary for culture, sports and tourism of the HKSAR government, said on Wednesday at the HKSAR’s Legislative Council that in March and May this year, the scheme has been expanded to 10 mainland cities including Qingdao, Xi’an, Taiyuan, Lhasa and Yinchuan. The scheme is currently implemented in 59 cities on the mainland.

    Yeung said that to attract more residents from the 10 cities to visit Hong Kong, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the HKSAR government and the Hong Kong Tourism Board have rolled out a series of promotional activities, including holding briefing sessions in March in Xi’an and Qingdao to introduce the latest tourism products of Hong Kong to local travel agencies and other trade representatives.

    Yeung said that depending on the circumstances of different markets, the Hong Kong Tourism Board promoted immersive, in-depth tours themed around “city walks” and activities appealing to the young generation, aiming to “soft sell” Hong Kong with fresh content and attract more visitors.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New initiative to boost growth and innovation for Winchester district businesses

    Source: City of Winchester

    IncuHive Chief Executive Officer George Scott-Welsh and Cabinet member for Business and Culture Cllr Lucille Thompson

    Entrepreneurs, early-stage startups, and small- to medium-sized businesses across the Winchester district are being encouraged to get involved in a new initiative to boost their growth and inspire innovation.

    The Business Growth Factory, delivered by IncuHive in partnership with Winchester City Council, will provide businesses with crucial skills, such as the ability to identify target markets, effectively manage finances and make successful investment pitches.

    The programme itself features a mix of tailored support, expert-led mentoring and hands-on workshops to help participants make the most of the support on offer and make sure they have the tools and insights needed to thrive in competitive marketplaces.

    The programme is provided completely free of charge thanks to funding from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

    Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Business and Culture, Councillor Lucille Thompson, said:

    “Local entrepreneurship is a vital part of our district’s vibrant local economy and it’s hugely important that our start-ups and small businesses have the support they need.

    “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to partner with IncuHive on this fantastic initiative to empower our local business community by equipping them with important skills for growth”.

    The Business Growth Factory is open to new entrepreneurs, early-stage startups and small businesses in the Winchester district.

    Those interested can apply by visiting incuhive.co.uk/acceleration-investment/winchester-cc-business-growth-factory and completing the online application form.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SDEV expresses sorrow over passing of Mr Michael Suen

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

          The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, today (October 23) expressed her deepest condolences over the passing of former Secretary for Education, Mr Michael Suen.

          Ms Linn said, “Mr Suen was a respected senior who encouraged me a lot throughout my service in the Administrative Officer grade, especially when I was serving in the Education Bureau. As his junior and subordinate, I looked up to him and was deeply impressed by his passion and wisdom, as well as his thorough and pragmatic approach to people and work. He was also enthusiastic about grooming talent. I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Suen and extend my deepest condolences to his family.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE to support Turkmenistan in green energy transition and methane emissions reduction

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    UNECE is supporting Turkmenistan to strengthen efforts on its sustainable energy transition and to deliver methane emissions reductions from the energy sector, in alignment with global climate objectives. 

    This was the focus of discussions this week between Mr. Dario Liguti, Director of the Sustainable Energy Division of UNECE, and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. 

    A central point of discussion was Turkmenistan’s Global Energy Security and Sustainability Cooperation Alliance, an initiative launched by the Government of Turkmenistan at the World Government Summit and reaffirmed at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. This initiative seeks to create a global framework for cooperation on energy security that emphasizes the transition to sustainable energy systems. The Alliance aims to pool resources, expertise, and innovative technologies to tackle energy resilience, enhance energy access, and ensure environmental sustainability. UNECE expressed its support for this initiative and its readiness to foster collaboration across governments, international organizations, and the private sector in addressing the growing challenges of energy transition. 

    The meeting also explored concrete steps for enhancing Turkmenistan’s renewable energy capacity, with a particular focus on solar and wind energy projects. Turkmenistan, with its vast natural resources and favorable climate, has significant untapped potential for renewable energy development. UNECE will provide technical expertise to assist in the planning, development, and implementation of large-scale renewable energy projects, focusing on solar and wind technologies. These projects will be supported by innovative energy storage and transmission solutions, enabling Turkmenistan to overcome the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources and ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply. UNECE’s collaboration with Turkmenistan in this area is expected to play a key role in advancing the country’s energy diversification strategy, contributing to both national energy security and the achievement of its long-term climate goals. 

    In addition to expanding renewable energy, the meeting emphasized the importance of methane emissions management, a critical issue for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing methane emissions from energy production is a priority for Turkmenistan, where UNECE can help deliver reductions. UNECE will support Turkmenistan in developing effective methane monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems, as well as strategies for reducing methane emissions from its energy sector, particularly from oil and gas operations. These efforts align with global initiatives such as the Global Methane Pledge and UNECE’s work on methane management in the energy sector. 

    UNECE’s technical assistance can help Turkmenistan to modernize its energy infrastructure, improve energy efficiency, and reduce its environmental impact, harnessing innovation and technology transfer in accelerating the deployment of clean energy technologies, together with capacity building support. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Prabowo’s presidency sparks fear and faint hope in Indonesia’s contested Papua

    By Victor Mambor in Jayapura

    With Prabowo Subianto, a controversial former general installed as Indonesia’s new president, residents in the disputed Papua region were responding to this reality with anxiety and, for some, cautious optimism.

    The remote and resource-rich region has long been a flashpoint for conflict, with its people enduring decades of alleged military abuse and human rights violations under Indonesian rule and many demanding independence.

    With Prabowo now in charge, many Papuans fear that their future will be marked by further violence and repression.

    In Papua — a region known as “West Papua” in the Pacific — views on Prabowo, whose military record is both celebrated by nationalists and condemned by human rights activists, range from apathy to outright alarm.

    Many Papuans remain haunted by past abuses, particularly those associated with Indonesia’s counterinsurgency campaigns that began after Papua was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 through a disputed UN-backed referendum.

    For people like Maurids Yansip, a private sector employee in Sentani, Prabowo’s rise to the presidency is a cause for serious concern.

    “I am worried,” Yansip said. “Prabowo talked about using a military approach to address Papua’s issues during the presidential debates.

    ‘Military worsened hunman rights’
    “We’ve seen how the military presence has worsened the human rights situation in this region. That’s not going to solve anything — it will only lead to more violations.”

    In Jayapura, the region’s capital, Musa Heselo, a mechanic at a local garage, expressed indifference toward the political changes unfolding in Jakarta.

    “I didn’t vote in the last election—whether for the president or the legislature,” Heselo said.

    “Whoever becomes president is not important to me, as long as Papua remains safe so we can make a living. I don’t know much about Prabowo’s background.”

    But such nonchalance is rare in a region where memories of military crackdowns run deep.

    Prabowo, a former son-in-law of Indonesia’s late dictator Suharto, has long been a polarising figure. His career, marked by accusations of human rights abuses, particularly during Indonesia’s occupation of Timor-Leste, continues to evoke strong reactions.

    In 1996, during his tenure with the elite Indonesian Army special forces unit, Kopassus, Prabowo commanded a high-stakes rescue of 11 hostages from a scientific research team held by Free Papua Movement (OPM) fighters.

    Deadly operation
    The operation was deadly, resulting in the deaths of two hostages and eight pro-independence fighters.

    Markus Haluk, executive secretary of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), described Prabowo’s presidency as a grim continuation of what he calls a “slow-motion genocide” of the Papuan people.

    “Prabowo’s leadership will extend Indonesia’s occupation of Papua,” Haluk said, his tone resolute.

    “The genocide, ethnocide, and ecocide will continue. We remember our painful history — this won’t be forgotten. We could see military operations return. This will make things worse.”

    Although he has never been convicted and denies any involvement in abuses in East Timor or Papua, these allegations continue to cast a shadow over his political rise.

    He ran for president in 2014 and again in 2019, both times unsuccessfully. His most recent victory, which finally propels him to Indonesia’s highest office, has raised questions about the future of Papua.

    President Prabowo Subianto greets people as he rides in a car after his inauguration in Jakarta, Indonesia, last Sunday. Image: Asprilla Dwi Adha/Antara Foto

    Despite these concerns, some see Prabowo’s presidency as a potential turning point — albeit a fraught one. Elvira Rumkabu, a lecturer at Cendrawasih University in Jayapura, is among those who view his military background as a possible double-edged sword.

    Prabowo’s military experience ‘may help’
    “Prabowo’s military experience and strategic thinking could help control the military in Papua and perhaps even manage the ultranationalist forces in Jakarta that oppose peace,” Rumkabu told BenarNews.

    “But I also worry that he might delegate important issues, like the peace agenda in Papua, to his vice-president.”

    Under outgoing President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, Papua’s development was often portrayed as a priority, but the reality on the ground told a different story. While Jokowi made high-profile visits to the region, his administration’s reliance on military operations to suppress pro-independence movements continued.

    “This was a pattern we saw under Jokowi, where Papua’s problems were relegated to lower levels, diminishing their urgency,” Rumkabu said.

    In recent years, clashes between Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) have escalated, with civilians frequently caught in the crossfire.

    Yohanes Mambrasar, a human rights activist based in Sorong, expressed grave concerns about the future under Prabowo.

    “Prabowo’s stance on strengthening the military in Papua was clear during his campaign,” Mambrasar said.

    Called for ‘more troops, weapons’
    “He called for more troops and more weapons. This signals a continuation of militarized policies, and with it, the risk of more land grabs and violence against indigenous Papuans.”

    Earlier this month, Indonesian military chief Gen. Agus Subiyanto inaugurated five new infantry battalions in Papua, stating that their mandate was to support both security operations and regional development initiatives.

    Indeed, the memory of past military abuses looms large for many in Papua, where calls for independence have never abated.

    During a presidential debate, Prabowo vowed to strengthen security forces in Papua.

    “If elected, my priority will be to uphold the rule of law and reinforce our security presence,” he said, framing his approach as essential to safeguarding the local population.

    Yet, amid the fears, some see opportunities for positive change.

    Yohanes Kedang from the Archdiocese of Merauke said that improving the socio-economic conditions of indigenous Papuans must be a priority for Prabowo.

    Education, health care ‘left behind’
    “Education, healthcare, and the economy — these are areas where Papuans are still far behind,” he said.

    “This will be Prabowo’s real challenge. He needs to create policies that bring real improvements to the lives of indigenous Papuans, especially in the southern regions like Merauke, which has immense potential.”

    Theo Hesegem, executive director of the Papua Justice and Human Integrity Foundation, believes that dialogue is key to resolving the region’s long-standing issues.

    “Prabowo has the power to address the human rights violations in Papua,” Hesegem said.

    “But he needs to listen. He should come to Papua and sit down with the people here — not just with officials, but with civil society, with the people on the ground,” he added.

    “Jokowi failed to do that. If Prabowo wants to lead, he must listen to their voices.”

     Pizaro Gozali Idrus in Jakarta contributed to the report. Copyright © 2015-2024, BenarNews. Republished with the permission of BenarNews.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: NRRP: institutional meetings and technical working groups to be held from today until 24 October as part of the sixth visit by the European Commission

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    21 Ottobre 2024

    The sixth visit by the European Commission to discuss in detail the next stages of implementation of Italy’s NRRP (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) is planned from today until Thursday 24 October.

    Around forty working groups will be held, focusing on the Plan’s strategic measures, the new REPowerEU mission, and the progress of reforms and investments. The meetings will closely examine the milestones and targets for the seventh instalment and for the last three instalments of Italy’s NRRP, while  the verification phase is finalised regarding the milestones and targets for the sixth instalment in order to allow its disbursement.

    The visit, which has been coordinated by the NRRP task force at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in constructive cooperation with the European Commission services, will see the active participation of the ministries and institutions involved. The meetings are part of the well-established dialogue which provides for the planning of strategic events for coordination and liaison between the European Commission services and Member States, in order to allow for timely verification of the implementation status of National Recovery and Resilience Plans. 
    Technical working groups on specific topics with all administrations involved will be held together with high-level institutional meetings, all of which are of significant importance ahead of Italy submitting the payment request for the seventh instalment of its NRRP. The aim is to share with the European Commission the path that will lead Italy to achieve the important objectives set by the Plan.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-Germany Trinity House Agreement on Defence – Joint Communique

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A commitment to improve and enhance bilateral defence co-operation between the Ministry of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

    In July this year, the Ministry of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland committed to improve and further enhance bilateral defence co-operation to better meet the common challenges of the 21st Century and to best secure the common interests of both countries in defence-related areas. We outlined escalating security concerns, exacerbated by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. We said that the deteriorating strategic environment demanded a unified response to ensure the preservation of European security.

    As we confront these challenges together with Allies and partners, we are guided by our shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Recognising the imperative for closer collaboration in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges and shared security threats, we aim to promote stability on NATO’s eastern flank, in Europe as a whole, and beyond for the Euro-Atlantic area. Strategic defence co-operation is an important first pillar in the new relationship between Germany and the United Kingdom, which will be codified in the forthcoming bilateral treaty in 2025.

    Recognising the imperative, we have worked at pace to create our response through this historic, first-of-its kind, defence agreement between our two great nations. Our shared strategic objective is to sustain effective deterrence against would-be aggressors by building credible, resilient defence forces and defence industries, working towards the vision of a peaceful and stable Euro-Atlantic area. To do this, our agreement will become a crucial element in the broader architecture of European security; it is explicitly designed to support our Allies and strengthen the European contribution to NATO. In particular, it complements our respective existing bilateral agreements with France, laying the foundation for increasingly close co-operation between the E3.

    Through this agreement, we have brought focus, resource, and ambition to our previously stated objectives: Strengthening Defence Industries, Reinforcing Euro-Atlantic Security, Enhancing Interoperability, Addressing Emerging Threats, Supporting Ukraine, and Deep Precision Strike. In addition to new governance structures, we will bring these objectives to life through the creation of totemic lighthouse projects, which will serve as beacons for unprecedented levels of co-operation and integration between our respective Armed Forces.

    Deep Precision Strike and Defence: The UK and Germany will work jointly to rapidly develop extended Deep Precision Strike capabilities, to provide a conventional deterrent in Europe and strengthen European Integrated Air and Missile Defence. We will do this in the short term through:

    • Undertaking a comprehensive exercise to compare capability needs and identify synergies.
    • Developing common requirements and military doctrine to aid the development of long-range systems, working in co-operation with Allies and partners, in particular through the European Long Range Strike Approach.
    • Identifying opportunities for industrial collaboration and investment to achieve closer working on countering threats through Integrated Air and Missile Defence.

    And in the medium term through:

    • Joint development and procurement of new extended Deep Precision Strike capabilities in close co-ordination with Allies and partners, giving special focus to new capabilities which far exceed today’s ranges.
    • Joint development of a common approach to deploying extended Deep Precision Strike in all physical domains.
    • Cohering Integrated Air and Missile Defence activity through the European Sky Shield Initiative, NATO’s Multinational Procurement Initiatives, and the UK’s DIAMOND initiative.

    Uncrewed Aerial Systems and Future Connectivity: The UK and Germany will work jointly, in close co-ordination with Allies and partners, to develop and employ Uncrewed Aerial and Offboard Air Systems to ensure interoperability between Future Combat Air Systems. We will do this in the short term through:

    • Joint integration of common missile systems into drone fleets to enhance precision strike capabilities, drawing benefit from each nations’ previous experience, e.g. the integration of Brimstone to UK Uncrewed Air Systems.
    • Sharing plans on integration of capabilities between Current and Future Combat Air Systems, to enable development of interoperable offboard systems.

    And in the medium term through:

    • Joint exploration and development of cross-system Combat Cloud capabilities across aircraft fleets.
    • Joint exploration and development of new Maritime Uncrewed Air System capabilities.
    • Joint exploration and development of common offboard systems compatible with respective Future Combat Air Systems to enable, inter alia, data sharing, to support interoperability and integration of those systems.
    • Supporting implementation of NATO-agreed common standards to ensure connectivity and collaboration between fighter aircraft, reinforcing inter-generation and (un)crewed teaming.

    Strengthening the Eastern Flank through a new Land Strategic Partnership: Using our Forward Land Forces and shared enduring commitment to NATO’s eastern flank as a catalyst, the UK and Germany will work to strengthen NATO by developing doctrine, uncrewed systems, and enabling capabilities to transform our land forces; sustaining continuous land-based deterrence within Europe. We will do this in the short term through:

    • Working jointly in the Armour Capability Coalition to drive innovation in the land domain, through support to Ukraine.
    • Working jointly with Canada and the Baltic States, including through the 3+3 format, to rapidly transform the capability and effectiveness of our respective Forward Land Forces and tap the full potential of synergies of the Forward Land Forces in the Baltic States
    • Co-ordination of UK and German exercises between the Forward Land Forces, with the goal of combined exercises.
    • Working together to tackle the challenges in the shortage of NATO Corps troops across the Alliance. Equipping, training, and exercising the German-British Amphibious Engineer Battalion 130 in Minden to fulfil tasks as one entity within the NATO Force Model.
    • Fostering a deep Industrial Partnership between UK and German Defence Industries, including assisting respective prime contractors wishing to expand production facilities in each other’s countries. Our will to develop industrial co-operation is illustrated by developing plans between the UK MOD and Rheinmetall for a new barrel factory to be opened in the UK, further strengthening the defence industrial links between the UK and Germany.
    • Close collaboration in the BOXER User Group, conducting regular consultations on the “strategic pipeline”, and joint exploration of new capabilities and variants, striving for a closer exchange of BOXER In-Service-Experience topics, and close co-operation in the area of BOXER training and operation. Beyond BOXER, we will pursue joint procurement and through-life capability management initiatives around land vehicles.

     And in the medium term through:

    • Joint development of common offboard systems for Future Ground Combat Systems to support interoperability between those systems, in co-ordination with Allies and Partners
    • Joint development of military doctrines for future land warfighting, supported by Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Disruptive Technologies.

    Undersea Co-operation in the Northern Seas: The UK and Germany will work jointly to strengthen UK-German naval co-operation with a focus on the North Atlantic and North Sea. We will aim to establish and share a clear and concise picture of underwater activity, significantly contributing to the protection of Critical Undersea Infrastructure and Sea Lines of Communications. We will do this in the short term through:

    • Co-ordination of combined and joint operations in the North Atlantic, in close co-operation with Allies and partners, focussing on Anti-Submarine Warfare with ships, submarines, and aircraft. We will enable forward deployments of each other’s units and goods between our countries when required.
    • Episodic deployments of German P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft in the UK to support interoperability and collaborative Anti-Submarine Warfare operations in the North Atlantic, following their entry into service.
    • Joint development of common training for our Maritime Patrol Aircraft crews.
    • Promoting a common co-operative procurement of the UK’s Lightweight Torpedo STINGRAY MOD 2 for our Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
    • Contributing to the strengthening of NATO’s work strand on Critical Undersea Infrastructure.

    And in the medium term through: 

    • Exploring new offboard undersea surveillance capabilities to improve detection of adversary activity and support the protection of Critical Undersea Infrastructure, supported by Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Disruptive Technologies.

    In addition, we are committed to working together for as long as it takes to support and enable Ukraine to counter Russian aggression. Our combined will is unequivocal, we will continue to ensure Ukraine has the military capabilities it requires. Our specialist teams and our Defence Industries will work ever more closely to ensure that Ukraine will prevail and achieve a fair and lasting peace. In the short term, we will collectively provide Ukraine with a new offensive capability, supporting fitting German donated Sea King Helicopters with modern missile systems. In the longer term, we will work increasingly closely through the Capability Coalitions for Ukraine using the lessons learnt there to continuously develop our co-operation. The UK will increase its support to the German and Polish-led Armour Coalition, Germany will support the UK and Latvian led drone coalition.

    Through our agreed mechanisms, enhanced dialogue, and increased political leadership, we will drive co-operation for decades to come. We will regularly review the content and our collaboration. We will consistently raise our ambitions to meet tomorrow’s threats wherever they come from: on Land, at Sea, or in the Air, in Space or in the Cyber domain; and irrespective of whether these threats are caused by hostile actors or are a result of natural disasters or Climate Change.

    We will confront such threats across all domains and between each of our Armed Forces and joint organisations, with co-operation in Cyber, Communications, and Information Systems forming the backbone and connective tissue required to embark on such an ambitious programme of work.

    John Healey Boris Pistorius
    Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom Federal Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany

    UK-Germany Trinity House Agreement on Defence

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: We invite students and young employees of the State University of Management to take part in the all-Russian survey on the topic of value orientations

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The Department of Public and Municipal Administration of the State University of Management, with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia, is beginning to study the value orientations of Russian youth in 2024.

    Part of this research is a nationwide youth survey, in which all interested students and young teachers of our university aged 14 to 35 are invited to participate. The research can be helped by distributing information among friends from other universities.

    The survey is available at the link: https://anketolog.ru/s/868311/C21VB50m

    According to the head of the research team, head of the department of state and municipal administration of the State University of Management Sergey Chuev, the scientific project will assess changes in the attitudes and guidelines of young people since 2017.

    “Conducting this type of research allows us to dynamically assess a number of indicators in the youth environment, including changes in the life priorities of young people, the level of patriotism, and attitudes toward the most pressing social issues,” said Sergei Chuev.

    This work will allow us to assess and significantly reduce the risks of deviant behavior of young people and unpredictable reactions of the student environment and its surroundings to various events at both the regional and federal levels.

    Let us recall that this is the second such study by the State University of Management. Our university conducted the first one in 2017 as part of the preparation of the report to the Government of the Russian Federation “On the implementation of the state youth policy”. Results of the study.

    Subscribe to the tg channel “Our State University” Announcement date: 10.23.2024

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Expeditionary corps opens at GUU

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On October 25 at 12:00, the State University of Management will host the grand opening of the student expeditionary corps, a public organization whose goal is to conduct student expeditions of historical, patriotic and environmental focus.

    The grand opening will be attended by:

    Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Konstantin Mogilevsky, Rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev, Deputy Director General of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives Evgeny Murakhveli, Vice-Rector of the Russian Technical University MIREA Igor Tarasov, as well as invited guests and students.

    The expedition team members will share their impressions, successes in the work they have done, and demonstrate their findings.

    In 2024, the State University of Management joined the unique inter-university project “Arctic Team” and began to actively develop cooperation with RTU MIREA and other higher education institutions in organizing and conducting volunteer expeditions.

    As a result of the expeditions, the remains of seven soldiers who died defending the borders of our Motherland were found and ceremoniously buried, two unique pillboxes (long-term firing points) were cleaned, which were part of the “Stalin Line” erected to protect the western borders of the USSR. Parts of German military equipment and insignia of German officers were found. In one of the pillboxes of the Sebezh fortified area, students of the State University of Management and the Russian Technical University of Radio Engineering and Electronics set up an exhibition, the exhibits of which are items from the Great Patriotic War found on the territory of the fortified area, and which can be visited during a shift as part of an organized excursion.

    Students of the State University of Management took part in 10 expeditions, including search operations in the Sebezh fortified area at the sites of battles of the Great Patriotic War, went to the Arctic to clean up scrap metal – about 120 tons of scrap metal were collected, helped restore a kindergarten in the territory of the ethno-settlement “Land of Hope” (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug).

    Having assessed the high activity and involvement of students in expedition trips, a decision was made to open our own expeditionary corps in order to expand the possibilities and geography of travel.

    We are waiting for everyone on October 25 at 12:00 at the Information Technology Center of the State University of Management.

    Subscribe to the tg channel “Our State University” Announcement date: 10/25/2024

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: USEE attends Third Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    USEE attends Third Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference (with photos)
    USEE attends Third Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference (with photos)
    ****************************************************************************

         The Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, attended the Third Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference in Qingdao today (October 23) and was invited to speak at a thematic forum.     The Conference was organised by the National Energy Administration and the Shandong Provincial People’s Government. The theme of the Conference this year is “Together for an Innovative and Win-Win Future”, promoting high-quality green energy co-operation under the Belt and Road Initiative. In delivering her speech at the “Embracing the Green Development Trend and Enhancing Innovation in Energy Policy and Mechanism” thematic forum, Miss Wong highlighted the energy policy measures of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to support the country’s contribution to combating global climate change, as well as the decarbonisation strategies to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050.     Miss Wong said, “The HKSAR Government is actively developing renewable energy, exploring new energy sources for electricity generation and strengthening regional co-operation, with a view to increasing zero-carbon electricity supply, reducing carbon emissions at source and achieving the goal of carbon neutrality in the long run. Our country’s headway in building a sustainable future is also providing the HKSAR with bountiful development opportunities. With our country’s development of top-notch green products and advanced technologies, the HKSAR Government could leverage our unique position and distinctive edge to play a pivotal role in stepping up efforts to promote new energy.”     She added that the Chief Executive has promulgated the 2024 Policy Address, themed “Reform for Enhancing Development and Building Our Future Together”, with the announcement that the HKSAR Government will earmark around $750 million under the New Energy Transport Fund to subsidise the taxi trade and franchised bus companies to purchase electric vehicles, and will launch the Subsidy Scheme for Trials of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Heavy Vehicles. Furthermore, the HKSAR Government will earmark $300 million for a new scheme, providing subsidies to the private sector for installing fast-charging facilities. The target is to have a total of 3 000 fast chargers installed by 2030. Regarding hydrogen energy development, the HKSAR Government announced the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong in June and will actively support the industry to establish a solar-to-hydrogen facility for demonstration. It also plans to introduce a bill next year to ensure the safe use of hydrogen fuel, and will also formulate the approach of hydrogen standard certification suitable to Hong Kong.     She said that co-operation between the Government and various parties is crucial for spearheading innovation, enacting policies, and cultivating an environment conducive to green transformation. The HKSAR Government will work together with nearby cities and regions under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to actualise a sustainable future.     Miss Wong will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning (October 24).

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 23, 2024Issued at HKT 18:12

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Smart Traffic Fund approves seven projects

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Smart Traffic Fund approves seven projects
    Smart Traffic Fund approves seven projects
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         The Transport Department (TD) today (October 23) announced that a 16th batch of seven projects has been approved by the Management Committee on Smart Traffic Fund, involving a total grant of around $86.4 million.     The seven approved projects in the latest batch cover safety enhanced autonomous driving artificial intelligence bus with self intelligence, smart taxi ecosystem for efficient electric taxi operations, dynamic reward mechanism for taxi drivers, driving risk detection for taxi, electric taxi dynamic charging solution, optimisation of taxi dispatching and reposition through real-time circumstances monitoring and next generation taxi operating system. Details of the projects are available on the Fund’s website (www.stf.hkpc.org).     The Fund accepts applications throughout the year to provide funding support to local organisations and enterprises for conducting research and application of innovation and technology with the objectives of enhancing commuting convenience, enhancing efficiency of the road network or road space, and improving driving safety. All applications are considered and assessed in batches by the Management Committee, which is chaired by the Deputy Commissioner for Transport (Planning and Technical Services) and comprises representatives from the Government, experts in the industry and relevant stakeholders.     The TD appeals to interested organisations and enterprises for participation to help make the Fund a success, and to build Hong Kong into a more liveable and sustainable city by driving Hong Kong toward a new era of transportation.      Application details are available on the Fund’s website. For enquiries, please contact the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Secretariat of the Fund, on 2788 5536 or stf_sec@hkpc.org. 

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 23, 2024Issued at HKT 18:15

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong and Mainland experts jointly study first discovery of dinosaur fossils in Hong Kong

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) today (October 23) signed the Framework Agreement on Deepening Exchange and Collaboration regarding Stratigraphy, Palaeontology and Prehistoric Sites (Framework Agreement) to conduct scientific research, specimen management and identification, training, and exchanges in the fields of palaeontology, palaeoanthropology and palaeolithic sites. The study of dinosaur fossils discovered on Port Island is the inaugural project under the Framework Agreement.  
     
         Witnessed by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, the Framework Agreement was signed by the Commissioner for Heritage of the DEVB, Mr Ivanhoe Chang, and the Vice Director of the IVPP of the CAS, Mr Liu Jun.  
     
         Dinosaur fossils were discovered for the first time in Hong Kong. The site is on Port Island in the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark in the northeastern waters of Hong Kong. Ms Linn said that the discovery is of great significance and provides new evidence for research on palaeoecology in Hong Kong.
     
         The Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) of the DEVB was informed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) in March this year that the sedimentary rock on Port Island might contain suspected vertebrate fossils. The DEVB then commissioned experts from the IVPP to come to Hong Kong to conduct field investigation, study fossil specimens, recommend management plans and discuss follow-up actions. 
     
         Experts from the IVPP, officers from the DEVB, the AMO and the AFCD conducted site visits to Port Island to collect specimens which contain suspected vertebrate fossils. After taking a preliminary osteohistological analysis of specimens by the IVPP experts, the specimens have been identified as bone fossils of large aged dinosaur. Thereafter, IVPP experts prepared specimens containing dinosaur bone fossils, and it was initially confirmed that the fossils dated to the Cretaceous period (about 145 million to 66 million years ago). Further studies will have to be conducted to confirm the species of the dinosaur.
     
         The AMO and the AFCD, together with the IVPP, will jointly take forward the study of dinosaur fossils, including excavation of the fossils on Port Island and preparation of the fossils. They will also collaborate with universities in Hong Kong and other places to conduct scientific research, and construct the story of dinosaurs in Hong Kong.
     
         The AMO will hold talks tomorrow (October 24) afternoon at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre (HKHDC), where experts from the IVPP will talk about dinosaurs in China and relevant research. Participants will have the chance to preview the dinosaur fossils prepared at the HKHDC after the talks. The dinosaur fossils will be on public display at the HKHDC from October 25. In addition, the temporary workshop and exhibition space being built in the courtyard of the HKHDC is expected to open by the end of this year for the public to observe the experts’ preparation work and the fossils prepared. The Government will also devise plans for the long-term display of the fossils to enhance the public’s interest and knowledge in palaeontology.
     
         To facilitate future investigations, excavations and research on Port Island, the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation announced the closure of the entire area of Port Island within Plover Cove (Extension) Country Park from today until further notice pursuant to the Country Parks and Special Areas Regulations (Cap. 208A). Patrols have been arranged together with the Marine Police. During the closure of Port Island, except approved experts and relevant personnel, no person shall land or enter Port Island. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $2,000 and three months’ imprisonment upon conviction.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CEDD deeply saddened by passing of worker

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Michael Fong, today (October 23) was deeply saddened by the passing of a subcontractor’s worker who fell into the sea at the Tuen Mun Area 38 Fill Bank earlier. Mr Fong expressed his deepest condolences to the deceased’s family. The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) is working with the contractor to provide appropriate assistance to the deceased’s family.

         The worker fell into the sea after assisting with the berthing of a vessel on October 21. The Fire Services Department recovered a body underwater around 7.30am today near a pier at the Tuen Mun Area 38 Fill Bank. The body was later confirmed to be the worker who fell into the sea and went missing earlier.

         The CEDD is rendering full assistance to investigations by the Labour Department and the Police on the cause of the incident. The CEDD requires contractors and subcontractors to strictly comply with safety guidelines. After the incident, the CEDD immediately requested the contractor and subcontractor to suspend relevant works and carry out a thorough review on safety measures to prevent a reoccurrence of similar incidents.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –