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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Public service reform strategy launched

    Source: Scottish Government

    Blueprint for enhancing lives and communities.

    A new Public Service Reform Strategy will deliver the public services that people of Scotland deserve and need in the future, Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee has said.

    Outlining the strategy to Parliament, the Minister also announced the intention to reduce spending on corporate functions across public bodies, including the Scottish Government, to deliver £1 billion of savings in five years. 

    The strategy sets out concrete steps that government will take through partnership working, particularly with trade unions, to ensure that every pound of investment is focused on frontline delivery and that there are the right staff in the right roles to deliver real change. 

    More than 80 actions are set out to drive change and make Scotland’s public services fit for the future, by addressing the challenges caused by increased demand, changing demographics and UK Government financial decisions.

    These include leadership and cultural change across the public sector; reducing the number of public bodies to deliver increased efficiency; further review and rationalisation of public sector buildings, working with local partners to remove data barriers that prevent the delivery of programmes; embracing automation and publishing a new Digital Strategy which will set out the acceleration of the digitisation of government.

    Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: 

    “This strategy is grounded in the shared belief that Scotland’s public services are an investment — in people, places and our collective future. It builds on the work we’ve done since the Christie Commission which outlined the need for public services focused on prevention, place, partnership, people and performance.

    “Public service reform is an integral part of the government’s response to the challenges we face. The strategy sets out a bold, system-wide approach to change centred around three key priorities: prevention, joined-up services and efficiency.

    “The aim is to do things better, not do less. Public services are an asset and investment in our collective future. They reflect the society we are, and who we aspire to be.

    “We are determined to unlock the full potential of Scotland’s public services — making them more efficient, more joined-up, and more preventative in approach, so that they work better for the people of Scotland. It demonstrates that this Government is ready to go further and faster than we ever have to reform our public services.

    “We must be bold and brave to deliver real, long lasting and meaningful change.”

    Background

    Scotland’s Public Service Reform Strategy: Delivering for Scotland – gov.scot

    The Public Service Reform Strategy is supported by sectoral improvement plans including the NHS Operational Improvement Plan – to tackle immediate pressures on the health service – and the Tackling Child Poverty Plan to reduce the number of children living in relative poverty in Scotland to 10% by 2030.

    It builds on the findings of and subsequent work following the 2011 Christie Commission report, and learning from successful preventative policies such as the roll-out of the Scottish Child Payment. The strategy’s implementation will be evaluated and monitored by the Public Service Reform Board, which brings together scrutiny from public bodies, local government, and the third and private sector. The strategy has also been informed by a summit held in February involving representatives from Scotland’s 131 public bodies, local government and the third sector.

    Learning from 25 years of Preventative Interventions in Scotland – gov.scot

    Examples of previous reforms include:

    • Investment in Early Learning and Childcare: The Scottish Government has invested around £1 billion every year in funded Early Learning and Childcare since 2021. Some 95% of three and four-year-olds are registered for the 1,140 hours funded childcare offer and 74% of parents have said it helped employment prospects.
    • Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012: One of the biggest public service transformations since devolution, this created the Scottish Police Authority, the unified Police Service of Scotland (Police Scotland) and the single Scottish Fire & Rescue Service.
    • Childsmile: Between 2003 and 2020, the Childsmile programme has halved tooth decay amongst children and generated significant cost savings for NHS health boards.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work starts next month on Royal Parade bus improvements

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Work will start next month (July) to change the layout of Royal Parade to improve bus services as part of Plymouth’s ambition to encourage people to make greener travel choices as the city grows.

    The Royal Parade bus improvement scheme aims to reduce congestion and improve the reliability of bus services to and from the city centre by increasing the number of bus stops on the shop side.

    There are over 100 buses every hour – making it the city’s busiest bus interchange – with over nine million passenger journeys from or to Royal Parade every year – either arriving to work in the city centre, to shop, stay or visit, or to head onto to destinations across the city e.g. the hospital, Plymstock or the Dockyard.

    The scheme, which will be carried out by Morgan Sindall, will get underway from Monday 7 July and will take around nine months. When finished, the scheme will reduce delays at this key point by cutting queues and double stacking of buses, making services more reliable and helping to make going by bus a more attractive option than the private car.

    Councillor John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport said: “Plymouth needs to improve bus services to make it easier for everyone to get to work, school, shops and businesses, friends or family. Nearly 25 per cent of households in Plymouth do not have a car and with the city’s population expected to grow, improving sustainable travel choices is vital to keeping the city moving.

    “We realise there is going to be some upheaval for a time for passengers, but please bear with us as the long-term gain will be better bus journeys. We are working closely with the bus companies to make sure everyone knows where to catch their buses from.”

    From Monday 7 July all bus stops on the shop side of Royal Parade between Courtenay Street and St Andrews Cross Roundabout will be closed and temporary stops will be available in alternative locations around the city centre.

    There will be a chance to talk through the scheme at three public drop-in events in the city centre:

    • Wednesday 2 July (10am to 2pm), House of Fraser Café (top floor)
    • Friday 4 July (2pm to 5.45pm), Central Library (Scott Room)
    • Sunday 6 July (10am to 3pm), Royal Parade (gazebo outside House of Fraser entrance.

    Information showing bus users where to find their temporary stops is available on the scheme’s webpage at www.plymouth.gov.uk/royalparade and information will be available in the Plymouth Citybus shop on Royal Parade, Central Library and in bus shelters at key destinations around the city.

    The Plymotion Team and project team will also be on the ground every weekday between Monday 23 June and Friday 18 July to hand out information leaflets and make sure everyone knows where to get their bus from.

    The eastbound side (or shop side) of Royal Parade will be reduced to one lane for all vehicles, meaning there will not be a dedicated bus lane between Derry’s Cross and St Andrews Cross roundabouts. Cyclists will still be able ride on the road in the all-traffic lane.

    Pedestrian access will remain during the day, and all three crossings will be available. Some overnight restrictions may be needed and pedestrians diverted to the other side of Royal Parade via the crossings.

    The scheme includes laying high quality granite along the pavement on this side to replace concrete slabs that have become worn and slippery in places. This means that the pavement between the kerb and shop fronts will be sectioned off for this work. This will be carried out in stages to minimise the impact on businesses and shoppers. Temporary pedestrian footways to allow access to shop doorways will be in place.

    Access to shops, businesses and residential properties will remain at all times.

    The carriageway reconstruction and surfacing works will require full road closures, but these will take place overnight only and a diversion route will be in place around the city centre via Western Approach, Cobourg Street and Exeter Street.

    Main construction work will start on Monday 14 July and entails:

    • redesigning the road with a shallow sawtooth layout, increasing the number of bus stops from 12 to 15, to prevent double stacking, unnecessary idling and improve air quality. This will improve bus manoeuvrability and safety by reducing the need for buses to reverse out and ensure passengers can get on and off from the pavement.
    • clearer information about where and what bus to get in the new shelters and upgraded Real Time Passenger Information displays
    • bigger shelters to make it easier for people with pushchairs or wheelchairs to use them. They will have living roofs to support biodiversity
    • an upgraded toucan crossing at Armada Way for pedestrians and cyclists
    • average speed camera system to replace existing static cameras, supporting a safe environment for pedestrians.

    The original budget was estimate at around £5 million based on the information available at the time. With more costs finalised, £7,494,692 has now been secured from the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund and Bus Grant, Historic England’s Heritage Action Zone funding and the Council’s Better Places funding.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester City Council reacts to Government announcement on new Housing Bank

    Source: City of Manchester

    On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Government announced that it was to create a housing bank to drive their ambition to build 1.5m new homes.

    Leader of Manchester City Council, Cllr Bev Craig has responded to this positive news. She said:

    “We welcome the news that the Government will be making an even greater investment in Manchester helping us to build the homes – and at scale – that our city needs. 

    “We have a track record in Manchester of being able to deliver on our commitment to providing new homes for residents and with the prospect of improved future investment alongside our local housing strategy, we are meeting our target of helping to deliver 36,000 new homes by 2032 – at least 10,000 of which will be for social rent, Council housing or genuinely affordable homes.

    “We look forward to continuing a strong partnership with Government and Homes England to help unlock some important residential opportunities in the coming years – including the future phases of the major Victoria North regeneration programme – that will support our residents into quality homes and onto the housing ladder.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Award-winning SEND Next Choices event returns to first direct arena Leeds

    Source: City of Leeds

    The award-winning ‘SEND Next Choices – getting ready for adult life’ event is returning to the First Direct Arena Leeds on Tuesday, June 24.

    Organised by Leeds City Council Employment and Skills service, this year’s event will feature more than eighty exhibitors offering advice on education, training, apprenticeships, support services and career opportunities.

    The fair will also feature a fun zone where visitors can try out exciting activities, including a climbing tower from West Leeds Activity Centre. Visitors to the morning session will also have the chance to meet Henry, Leeds City College’s cava-poo therapy dog. 

    The free-to-attend event, which won the Institute of Economic Development’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award in 2024, is an opportunity for young people with special educational needs and disabilities, their parents, carers, support workers, and teachers to prepare for the next steps in adult life.

    There will also be the opportunity to attend information sessions and meet people from over eighty organisations who can offer transition support as the children move into adult life. 

    This year’s exhibitors include Leeds City College, University Centre Leeds, Disability Action Yorkshire, Lighthouse Futures Trust, JCT600 Limited, The Kings Trust, Specialist Autism Services and many more.

    Leeds City Council executive member for economy, culture and education, Councillor Jonathan Pryor, said: “Leeds is an inclusive city that has a wealth of opportunities for everyone to achieve their full potential. 

    “The SEND Next Choices event is the perfect way for young people with special educational needs and disabilities to plan toward achieving that potential, as was recently recognised at the 2024 National Institute of Economic Development awards.

    “I encourage any young people with special educational needs and disabilities who are looking at what comes next to book tickets and come along to find out the wide range of options available to them.”

    The SEND Next Choices event is free to attend, but tickets are limited. You can find out more information and book your tickets by visiting: https://www.universe.com/events/send-next-choices-getting-ready-for-adult-life-2025-tickets-4FKVW6?utm_source=schools+and+councillors&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=SEND25

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Blackness Road housing development

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    A TENDER to build 24 new flats on a prominent corner site in the West End of Dundee, is set to be discussed by councillors next week.

    More than £8.5m has been set aside to fund the project, at Blackness Road/Glenagnes Road, which could provide six wheelchair accessible one-bedroom flats and 18 two-bedroom properties.

    Kevin Cordell, convener of the neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee said: “There has been a longstanding commitment to redevelop this site, which this tender delivers on.

    “The development goes towards meeting the need for increased investment in affordable housing developments to ensure that all residents have access to secure, energy efficient and sustainable homes suitable now and in the future.”

    Lynne Short, the committee’s deputy convener added: “Developments like this help to deliver our ongoing commitment to our communities by providing wheelchair accessible properties.

    “The resilient and empowered communities we are striving for in Dundee only come about through inclusivity and with quality of life for all our citizens being a key priority, these homes help to achieve that.”

    Following the traditional tenements of its neighbours the proposed design will be sympathetic to the surrounding area and use enhanced foundation detailing and retaining wall structures.

    The development benefits from high performing insulation and a heating system comprising a hybrid air source heat pump and aligns with Dundee City Council’s commitment to providing affordable homes and supporting the wider community.

    Dundee City Council Housing Revenue Account will meet £5,201,918.54 of the £8.527m total, with Scottish Government Affordable Housing Investment Grant provisionally agreeing to fund £2,326,000.00 and Council Tax income from second homes, meeting the rest.

    The neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee, which meets on Monday, will be asked to approve awarding the tender to Clark Contracts Limited. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SNP abandoning future generations with climate announcement

    Source: Scottish Greens

    19 Jun 2025 Climate

    Newly published carbon budgets have watered down targets, when we need to ramp up our efforts.

    More in Climate

    The Scottish Government has abandoned future generations after ignoring key climate experts’ advice today, when they published concerningly weak new climate budgets, say the Scottish Greens.
     
    Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie has slammed it as “yet another step away from evidence-based climate policy”.
     
    Last month, the UK Climate Change Committee (CCC) published a report urging the Scottish Government to take immediate action to reduce carbon emissions if they are to meet their 2045 net-zero target. With the publication of today’s carbon budgets, the SNP have ignored the advice from the CCC on reducing pollution from agriculture and other sectors.
     
    The newly published carbon budgets lack ambition to reduce emissions, with the previous target of a 75% reduction by 2030 now reduced to 57%.
     
    Patrick Harvie said:

    “This is a deeply troubling announcement from the SNP, and takes us another step away from evidence-based climate policy. We’ve known for years that ambitious targets alone aren’t enough to tackle the climate emergency, but that means we should be ramping up action to protect our planet, not watering down the targets.
     
    “Climate experts have been clear that the Scottish Government has failed to take on board the urgent action needed. They issued warning after warning, but the SNP have failed to step up and tackle the climate crisis head on.
     
    “The UKCCC is clear – we can reach Scotland’s 2045 target. But that will only happen if we are brave enough to have less words and more action to get the job done. Today’s announcement does not show bravery from the SNP.
     
    “The government has many of the solutions they need ready at their fingertips. Investing in climate action will create good jobs and save people money too.
     
    “We can switch to clean heat to warm our homes, invest in public transport to reduce cars on our roads, and support rural communities to cut emissions from land use and farming, but instead, the SNP have decided to shy away from taking action, as if they hope someone else is coming to save us.
     
    “We are in a climate emergency, and we need to start acting like it, so that future generations don’t look back and ask why Scotland abandoned them when we had the opportunity to fix things.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens say Glasgow tourist tax will transform the city 

    Source: Scottish Greens

    19 Jun 2025 Finance

    Cities deserve to be a thriving space for tourists and residents alike – tourist tax can make that happen.

    More in Finance

    Glasgow City Council has today agreed on plans for a tourist tax which would raise £16m a year for public services – a decision welcomed by the Scottish Greens to help improve the city.

    The 5% tax is set to be charged on hotel bookings in Glasgow from January 2027. The money raised will be spent on public services, like street sweeping, investing in city landmarks, and improvements to parks, to improve the city for residents and visitors alike.

    Glasgow Green councillors attempted to amend the scheme to include stronger measures like penalties for non-compliance and capping how much was spent on marketing, however these were voted down by the SNP, Labour, & Conservative councillors.

    Passing the law to introduce a tourist tax came as a result of budget negotiations between the SNP and the Greens, and has been a long standing policy that Greens have been raising in Councils since 2011.

    Green Cllr Blair Anderson, whose motion started the process, said: 

    “The tourist tax is going to be a game-changer for Glasgow, delivering more money to tidy up our city and make it even more attractive for visitors and residents alike.

    “A small contribution from tourists will mean we can invest millions more in street sweeping, bin collections, and getting Glasgow looking good again.

    “I’m glad that Greens in Holyrood got this law passed, and I’m grateful to all councillors who have worked with me over recent months to get this tax in place as soon as possible.”

    Scottish Greens MSP for Glasgow, Patrick Harvie said:

    “Glasgow is a global city, drawing visitors from all over the world. But we have seen how over-tourism can damage communities, like in Venice and Barcelona, where the residents end up paying the price. 

    “The tourist tax is vital to delivering sustainable tourism where local residents feel the benefit of our tourism and events sectors. I’m delighted that Glasgow is continuing to benefit from Green policy in action.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Technical briefing for Canada Day 2025, including media and accreditation information

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Ottawa – On Monday, Canadian Heritage officials will hold a technical briefing for media to discuss the event sites and program details for Canada Day. This briefing will be held via Zoom. Officials will be available to answer questions from the media following their remarks.

    Event: Technical briefing
    Date: Monday, June 23
    Time: 10:00 a.m.

    Participation in the question-and-answer portion of this event is via Zoom and is for accredited members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery only. Media who are not members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery may contact pressres2@parl.gc.ca for temporary access.

    Canada Day registration and accreditation

    Canadian Heritage invites journalists to register for Canada Day in Canada’s Capital Region. Festivities will take place at LeBreton Flats Park. Activities will also take place on Parliament Hill and in front of the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa and Old Hull in Gatineau. A detailed list of events is available on the Canada Day website.

    All media reporting on Canada Day festivities must register their attendance with their name and outlet.

    Media representatives who are not members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery will need to apply for Canada Day accreditation. To register or request accreditation, please contact the Parliamentary Press Gallery at pressres2@parl.gc.ca.

    Deadline: 5:00 p.m. (ET) on Friday, June 27, 2025

    Note:

    • Members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery will be able to access LeBreton Flats Park (on foot) with their regular passes.
    • Media can request a vehicle access pass by emailing media@pch.gc.ca.
      • To request a pass, please provide your name, cellular phone number, make and model of the vehicle and its licence plate number.
      • Note: the access pass only grants access to certain closed streets for Canada Day events. No parking will be allowed and no driving on Wellington Street and Portage Bridge will be allowed. Access to streets is subject to change.
      • The rules printed on the back of the access pass and instructions on additional signage and given verbally by law enforcement personnel and barricade attendants must be respected at all times.

    Important: The use of wireless equipment, including microphones, cameras or intercom systems, that interferes with Canadian Heritage’s pre-authorized frequency channels will not be permitted at LeBreton Flats Park from June 29 to July 1, 2025.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Woman arrested following murder in Camden

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 69-year-old woman was found dead in her home.

    Met officers have arrested a 66-year-old woman on Wednesday, 18 June on suspicion of murder. She remains in police custody.

    Police were called by the London Ambulance Service at 18:00hrs on Friday, 13 June to a report of an unresponsive woman at her home in Mornington Place, Camden.

    Officers attended and found a woman with stab injuries. She was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

    She has been identified as 69-year-old Jennifer Abbott. She was last seen by neighbours on Tuesday, 10 June walking her dog in the Camden area.

    A post-mortem examination, which took place on Sunday, 15 June, gave cause of death as sharp force trauma.

    The victim’s next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

    Detective Inspector Barry Hart, of Homicide Command, Specialist Crime North, said: “Our deepest sympathies are with the victim’s loved ones who are being supported by specialist officers at this time.

    “We thank the local community for their patience as we continue to investigate this shocking crime. This arrest marks a significant step forward. There are several lines of enquiry ongoing, and we are working hard to establish the exact circumstances of this incident.

    “Locals can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while we conduct our enquires.”

    If anyone witnessed the incident, or has any information that can help the investigation, please contact the police as a matter of urgency on 101 quoting 6470/13JUN.

    To remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to further enhance trade ties with Central Asia: commerce ministry

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

    BEIJING, June 19 — China’s Ministry of Commerce said Thursday that the country will further deepen its trade ties with Central Asia and promote bilateral cooperation on industrial and supply chains.

    During the just-concluded second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, the ministry signed three documents with the relevant authorities of Central Asian countries to strengthen economic and trade cooperation, enhance trade facilitation, and promote green mineral cooperation, ministry spokesperson He Yadong said at a press conference.

    The ministry has also signed five bilateral cooperation documents with relevant Central Asian countries, focusing on areas such as economic and trade relations, investment, e-commerce, and economic and technological cooperation, according to He.

    Next, the ministry will take measures to implement the key outcomes and consensus reached at the summit, the spokesperson said.

    To enhance bilateral trade cooperation, China will actively expand imports of energy, minerals and high-quality agricultural products from Central Asian countries, while increasing exports of automobiles, home appliances, telecommunications equipment and light textiles to the region.

    China will also expand its cooperation with Central Asia in emerging fields such as electric vehicles, biomedicine, new energy and the digital economy, and make efforts to increase the China-Europe freight trains passing through Central Asian countries, according to He.

    In addition, China will implement the new versions of investment agreements it has signed with Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, accelerate negotiations with Kyrgyzstan on service trade and investment agreement, and support Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in joining the World Trade Organization, He said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China welcomes multinationals, entrepreneurs to invest in the country: vice premier

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

    China welcomes multinationals, entrepreneurs to invest in the country: vice premier

    QINGDAO, June 19 — Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Thursday said that global multinationals and entrepreneurs are welcome to invest and develop in China as the country steadfastly advances its high-level opening-up.

    He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when addressing the opening ceremony of the sixth Qingdao Multinationals Summit in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province.

    China will steadfastly advance its high-level opening-up, create a world-class business environment, and firmly uphold the multilateral trading system, He said.

    Boasting a super-large domestic market and the world’s most complete industrial system, China has demonstrated strong economic resilience and growth potential, and is an ideal, secure and promising investment destination for multinational companies, He said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s police chief meets with U.S. ambassador to China

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

    China’s police chief meets with U.S. ambassador to China

    BEIJING, June 19 — Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong met with David Perdue, ambassador of the United States to China, in Beijing on Thursday.

    Wang said China is willing to work with the United States to well implement the important consensus reached between their two heads of state, and, based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, strengthen practical cooperation in law enforcement fields such as drug control and the repatriation of illegal immigrants, to achieve results conducive to the well-being of the people in both countries.

    Wang voiced the hope that the United States will work together with China, uphold an attitude of equality, respect each other’s concerns, and inject positive energy into the development of bilateral relations.

    Perdue expressed willingness to play a role in promoting the development of bilateral relations, and to facilitate exchange and cooperation in such areas as drug control law enforcement.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says ceasefire an urgent priority in Middle East

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

    BEIJING, June 19 — Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that ceasefire must be an urgent priority in the Middle East.

    Xi made the remarks during his phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the call, the two leaders exchanged views regarding the situation in the Middle East.

    Xi outlined China’s principles and position, saying that the current Middle East situation is highly perilous, further proving that the world is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation.

    If the conflict continues to escalate, not only will the parties directly involved suffer greater losses, but countries across the region will also be severely affected, Xi said.

    He said the use of force is not a right way to resolve international disputes and only serves to deepen hatred and confrontation.

    The parties involved in the conflict, especially Israel, should halt military operations as soon as possible to prevent a spiral of escalation and to firmly avoid the spread of war beyond the region, Xi said.

    Xi also said that ensuring civilian safety must be a top priority, adding that the red line of protecting civilians in armed conflicts must not be crossed at any time, and indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable.

    He called on the parties to the conflict to strictly adhere to international law, avoid harming innocent civilians, and facilitate the safe evacuation of third-country nationals.

    Dialogue and negotiation are the fundamental solutions, Xi said, adding that communication and dialogue are the right ways to achieve lasting peace.

    Xi urged the relevant parties to firmly support a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, and push the issue back to the track of political solution through dialogue and negotiation.

    The international community’s peacemaking efforts are indispensable, Xi said, adding that without stability in the Middle East, there can hardly be peace in the world.

    The conflict between Israel and Iran has led to a sudden escalation of tensions in the Middle East and severely impacted global security, Xi noted.

    The international community, especially major countries that have a special influence on parties to the conflict, should make efforts to cool down the situation, not the opposite, he said, calling on the UN Security Council to play a bigger role in this regard.

    Xi stressed that China stands ready to continue enhancing communication and coordination with all parties, pool their efforts, uphold justice, and play a constructive role in restoring peace in the Middle East.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Ecolabel: small flower, big power

    Source: European Union 2

    Since 1992, the EU Ecolabel has driven Europe towards a clean, competitive and circular economy and become a symbol that consumers trust. To get it, goods and services across 25 product groups must meet various environmental criteria like reuse potential and recyclability. Find out more.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s vice premier calls for consolidation of poverty alleviation work

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

    YINCHUAN, June 19 — Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has called for unremitting work to consolidate and expand China’s poverty alleviation achievements, and to optimize regular rural support policies.

    Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a research trip to Shanxi Province, Gansu Province and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from Monday to Thursday.

    After declaring that it had eradicated absolute poverty in 2021, China dedicated a five-year transition period to consolidating and building on the outcomes of its poverty alleviation campaign, and to integrating those outcomes with rural vitalization.

    Noting that only six months of this transition period remain, Liu urged action to strengthen the monitoring of emergencies such as diseases and disasters, as well as action to mitigate possible risks. Poverty alleviation efforts in industries must be tailored to local conditions, Liu said, urging intensified work to stabilize employment and boost incomes for those who have emerged from poverty.

    Follow-up assistance for people who participated in the country’s relocation and resettlement program should be strengthened, he said, also noting the necessity of strengthening collaboration between the country’s eastern and western regions, and of deepening targeted assistance from the central government.

    At a symposium during his trip, he urged the establishment of a stratified and classified assistance system for rural low-income populations and underdeveloped areas during the approaching post-transition period. On the basis of safeguarding the bottom line to prevent large-scale relapse into poverty or the occurrence of poverty, rural revitalization efforts should be advanced across the board, he said.

    Liu also emphasized the importance of completing summer harvest work effectively to ensure a full-year bumper grain harvest.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Oaklands Farm Solar Park development consent decision announced

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Oaklands Farm Solar Park development consent decision announced

    The Oaklands Farm Solar Park application has today been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

    Oaklands Farm Solar Park

    The application will comprise of the construction and operation of a solar farm plus energy storage with associated infrastructure and connection to the grid. 

    The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by Oaklands Farm Solar Limited on 8 February 2024 and accepted for examination on 5 March 2024.  

    Following an examination during which the public, statutory consultees and interested parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 19 March 2025.   

    This is the 94th energy application out of 158 applications examined to date and was again completed by the Planning Inspectorate within the statutory timescale laid down in the Planning Act 2008.   

    Local communities continue to be given the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. Local people, the local authority and other interested parties were able to participate in this six-month examination.   

    The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views and the evidence gathered during the examination before making its recommendation to the Secretary of State.  

    The decision, the recommendation made by the Examining Authority to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and the evidence considered by the Examining Authority in reaching its recommendation are publicly available on the project pages of the National Infrastructure Planning website.  

    Journalists wanting further information should contact the Planning Inspectorate Press Office, on 0303 444 5004 or 0303 444 5005 or email:   

    Press.office@planninginspectorate.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Closure of loophole to keep terrorists and extremists out of the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Closure of loophole to keep terrorists and extremists out of the UK

    A law has been introduced to prevent British citizenship being reinstated to people considered a national security risk following a successful initial appeal.

    National security will be strengthened under a new law to prevent British citizenship being reinstated to individuals considered a risk following a successful initial appeal.

    The Deprivation of Citizenship Orders (Effect during Appeal) Bill will ensure that citizenship is not automatically reinstated after a successful appeal until all further appeals are exhausted—protecting the public from potential threats.

    The bill addresses a gap in the law identified by the Supreme Court, where it confirmed people automatically regain their British citizenship if their initial appeal is successful – even before further appeals have been determined.

    This could mean individuals who the government still considers a risk to the UK’s national security can either be released from immigration detention or return to the UK whilst further appeals are still possible or are ongoing.

    This change will also prevent a person from having British citizenship reinstated and then renouncing any other nationalities. This would mean any future decision to deprive their citizenship following a successful further appeal, could not be made as it would unlawfully render them stateless, meaning they could also not be deported from the UK or prevented from returning if they were already overseas.

    Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:

    Protecting our national security and keeping the British public safe is the first duty of this government and the foundation of our Plan for Change. The power to deprive someone of their British citizenship is an essential tool, and helps protect us from some of the most dangerous people.

    We must close this gap in the law and prevent British citizenship being reinstated to individuals until all appeals have been determined. This is the right thing to do if we believe someone is a threat to our national security, and it will make Britain safer.

    Deprivation decisions on ‘conducive to the public good’ grounds are taken only in the most serious cases by the Home Secretary, where it is in the public interest to do so because of the individual’s conduct or the threat they pose to the UK.

    The change in the law follows the similar approach taken in asylum and human rights appeals cases, where asylum is not granted to a person appealing a rejection until all further appeals, up to the Court of Appeal, have been determined. 

    This narrowly focussed bill, consisting of two clauses, makes no change to a person’s existing right to appeal any decision to remove their British citizenship, and doesn’t widen the reasons for which a person could be deprived of their citizenship.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 19 June 2025 Departmental update Re-building trust and a new financing framework: H20 Summit to set the stage for G20 health priorities

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Leading G20 policy-makers, global health experts and representatives from both the private and public sectors are meeting in Geneva from 19–20 June for the annual Health20 Summit (H20) organized by the G20 Health & Development Partnership and co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO).

    The Summit comes at a critical moment for global health amid geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainty, and shock funding cuts to development aid. It will focus on the future of global health and finance, and explore how to build resilience, trust, and sustainability into health systems.

    This year marks the conclusion of the first cycle of G20 meetings, which began in 1999 as a forum for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of industrialized and developing countries to discuss global economic and financial stability.

    The H20 Summit, which has been held annually since the first G20 Health Ministers Meeting in Germany in 2017, will explore strategies to secure the role of health and development in the next cycle starting in 2026, under the leadership of the United States of America.

    Outcomes from the two-day deliberations will inform both the upcoming UN General Assembly’s fourth high-level meeting on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in September and the G20 health ministers and leaders’ summit in South Africa this November.

    “WHO thanks the H20 for its advocacy at this critical time in global health. Severe disruptions to funding and changing disease burdens require new partnerships and approaches, including an increased focus on promoting health and preventing disease,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “WHO is working with all health and development partners, and supporting the G20, to help countries pivot from aid dependency to greater self-reliance in mobilizing domestic resources to deliver the health services their people need.”

    Dr Ghebreyesus delivered the keynote address. Other high-level speakers included: H.E. Dr Jaleela bint Alsayed Jawad Hasan, Minister of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain; H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General, Africa CDC; H.E. Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Public Health Affairs; Former Minister of Health, Qatar H.E. Prof Orazio Schillaci, Minister of Health, Italy; Dr Pakishe Aaron (PA) Motsoaledi, Minister of Health, South Africa; and Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO, GAVI.
     

    Key reports launched at the event

    The first NCDs and Mental Health Global Legislators Report, which offers a toolkit for parliamentarians to advance preventative global health goals; and a second, The health taxonomy report that provides a first framework for a health investment tool aimed at fostering a shared understanding and common language between governments, companies, and investors, to help drive future health financing. This report is pertinent in light of the landmark health financing resolution adopted at last month’s World Health Assembly.

    Under the theme ‘Reimagining partnerships & building back public trust in global health’ participants at the Summit will discuss the status of global health financing and why public-private partnerships are essential for future progress. The H20 Summit is unique in offering an inclusive and collaborative platform where the traditional global health community can intersect with decision-makers from politics and finance, with the purpose of elevating public health within the G20’s broader development agenda.

    NCDs such as cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases account for more than 43 million deaths each year and are on the rise. Mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, psychosis and self-harm, affect close to 1 billion people worldwide and represent a significant long-term risk to economic growth and security. The NCD and health taxonomy reports offer relevant and actionable recommendations for legislators and governments to close the NCD financing gap.

    H.E. Dr Jaleela bint Alsayed Jawad Hasan, Minister of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain, said: “I welcome the NCDs and Mental Health Global Legislators Report launched at the H20 Summit. It is a timely contribution that demonstrates the role of parliamentarians in translating health commitments into lasting impact. As global health systems adapt to complex and evolving challenges, the Kingdom of Bahrain is advancing a model grounded in inclusive governance, robust legislation, and strategic investment.”

    On financing specifically, Dr Agnes Soucat, Director of Health and Social Protection, Agence Française de Développement said: “We must differentiate between health funding and health financing. A health taxonomy already exists for operational costs but not for capital costs, which is what investors are most interested in.”
     

    Note to editors

    The G20 Health & Development Partnership is a not-for-profit advocacy organization representing over 27 global health organizations from across the public and private sector and academia aiming to ensure G20 countries coordinate their current and future health innovation strategies to tackle the growing global burden of communicable and noncommunicable diseases and promote the delivery of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 with a focus on SDG3 ‘health and well-being for all’ and SDG17 ‘strengthening partnerships’.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 19 June 2025 Departmental update Civil society shapes global health at WHA78

    Source: World Health Organisation

    With the theme “One World for Health,” WHA78 brought together Member States and other stakeholders to address major health priorities, including the Pandemic Agreement, antimicrobial resistance, climate-related health risks, and noncommunicable diseases.

    A key development was the growing inclusion of civil society in the policy-making process. “Civil society is not only identifying critical challenges – it is contributing actionable, community-informed solutions,” said Taina Nakari, WHO’s lead for civil society engagement. “This is central to building trust and delivering results that meet the needs of populations.”

    One of the main vehicles for strengthening civil society is the WHO Civil Society Commission, launched to support more systematic and inclusive civil society participation in global health governance. The Commission brings together over 400 organizations and individuals to co-develop policy inputs, share knowledge, and identify entry points into WHO processes.

    “We’ve built a space where civil society can speak with one voice while honouring our diversity,” said Lisa Hilmi, Co-Chair of the Commission and CORE Group, Executive Director.

    “We’re not just advising WHO,” added fellow Co-Chair and Medwise Solutions Director of Research and Evaluation, Ravi Ram. “We’re helping shape the way civil society engages in global health governance.”

    In parallel with the Commission’s work, WHO also supported over 60 non-State actors –including NGOs, foundations, and associations – in delivering more than 200 formal statements to Member States. Nearly 50 official side events provided additional platforms for dialogue and collaboration. While these organizations are not all members of the WHO Civil Society Commission, their engagement is an important avenue to ensure more inclusive and participatory decision-making across WHO processes.

    Another notable example was the high-level side event, “Securing Investments in Global Health: Time for a New Approach,” co-hosted by Save the Children, Medicus Mundi, World Vision, and the Government of Germany. Civil society representatives emphasized the need to reform global health financing by:

    • moving beyond traditional aid models;
    • strengthening domestic health financing;
    • leveraging multisectoral partnerships and innovation; and
    • reaffirming global solidarity amidst declining development assistance and weakening multilateralism.

    “We organized this event to underscore that sustainable financing for health is not only a technical necessity – it’s a matter of equity, accountability, and long-term impact,” said Tara Brace-John, Head of Policy, Advocacy and Research, Save the Children Fund. “Civil society brings grounded perspectives that can help policy-makers design solutions that prioritize health systems and deliver for the people who need them most.”
     

    Strengthening civil society’s policy influence

    WHA78 also featured the second Global Parliamentary Dialogue, convening legislators from around the world to discuss how parliaments can support health priorities through inclusive, accountable governance. During the session, the WHO Civil Society Commission introduced its flagship report: “Civil Society Engagement in the Development of World Health Assembly Resolutions.”

    The report offers practical guidance – including a checklist and real-world case studies – for systematically involving civil society throughout the resolution process.

    “This report is the result of extensive consultation and shared learning across regions,” said Kjeld Steenbjerg Hansen, a member of the WHO Civil Society Commission and Past-Chair of the European Lung Foundation (ELF). “It provides Member States with practical tools to engage civil society from the beginning and systematically throughout the resolution – from early input to final negotiations – while also emphasizing the political value of more inclusive and participatory policy-making.”

    Parliamentarians were encouraged to support the uptake of the report in their national and regional platforms, helping translate civil society perspectives into policy outcomes.
     

    Looking beyond the Assembly

    WHO’s engagement with civil society extends well beyond formal meetings. In May 2025, more than 500 civil society participants joined WHO’s Epidemic and Pandemic Intelligence – Information Network (WHO–EPI-WIN) technical briefing on the public health risks of avian influenza. Speakers at the session:

    • shared real-time updates on outbreak risks;
    • briefed civil society organizations on WHO preparedness and response;
    • explored how civil society organizations can support emergency response efforts; and
    • strengthened pathways for collaboration.

    Civil society also participated in similar sessions on the Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR), antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Interim Medical Countermeasures Platform, the WHO Investment Round, and access to safe, effective, and quality-assured health products. These engagements reflect WHO’s commitment to ensuring civil society is not only informed but also actively involved in shaping global public health.

    Their growing involvement in WHO governance helps ensure that health decisions are more inclusive, responsive, and effective, especially for those most affected.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Case of Missing Sullivan Children Added to Rewards Program

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information about the disappearance of siblings Lilly and Jack Sullivan.

    On May 2, the RCMP started a missing persons investigation for Lilly, 6, and Jack, 4, after family members could not locate the children in their home or on the property in Lansdowne Station, Pictou County.

    Family members reported they last saw Lilly inside the home and could hear Jack on the morning of May 2. The investigation has confirmed that both Lilly and Jack were with family members on the afternoon of May 1.

    “The disappearance of Jack and Lilly Sullivan is felt across the province and beyond, and my heart goes out to the family, the community and everyone who has been working to find these children since Day 1,” said Becky Druhan, Attorney General and Minister of Justice. “Police and investigators are working tirelessly to find answers, and I urge anyone with information to please share this with the RCMP as soon as possible.”

    Lilly Sullivan is described as four feet tall and weighing 60 pounds, with light brown hair and hazel eyes. At the time of her disappearance, Lilly was believed to be wearing a pink Barbie top, pink rubber boots with rainbow print and carrying a cream-coloured backpack with strawberry print.

    Jack Sullivan is described as three feet six inches tall and weighing 40 pounds, with dark blonde hair and hazel eyes. At the time of his disappearance, Jack was believed to be wearing a pull-up diaper, black Under Armour jogging pants and blue rubber boots with dinosaur print.

    Anyone with information regarding this crime should call the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program at 1-888-710-9090. People who come forward with information must provide their name and contact information and may be called to testify in court. All calls will be recorded.

    People who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers of Nova Scotia at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

    Quick Facts:

    • the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program is an additional tool to help police in major unsolved crime cases
    • the reward amount will be based on the investigative value of the information provided
    • including this case, there are now 122 active cases in the program
    • employees of law enforcement and correctional agencies are not eligible to collect this reward

    Additional Resources:

    Cases under the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program are listed at: https://novascotia.ca/just/Public_Safety/Rewards

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Berkeley County man arrested on 11 Child Sexual Abuse Material* chargesRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Nathan Dwayne Reed, 25, of Hanahan, S.C., on 11 charges connected to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Attorney General’s Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Mount Pleasant Police Department, and Goose Creek Police Department, all also members of the state’s ICAC Task Force, assisted with this investigation.

     

    Investigators received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which led them to Reed. Investigators state Reed distributed files of child sexual abuse material.

     

    Reed was arrested on June 17, 2025. He is charged with 11 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, second degree (§16-15-405), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment on each count.

     

    The case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

     

    Attorney General Wilson stressed all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

     

     

     

    * Child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, is a more accurate reflection of the material involved in these heinous and abusive crimes. “Pornography” can imply the child was a consenting participant.  Globally, the term child pornography is being replaced by CSAM for this reason.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: From Strategy to Action: African Development Bank and Google Explore Africa’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Future at the 2025 Annual Meetings

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    One side event at the African Development Bank Group’s (www.AfDB.org) 2025 Annual Meetings unpacked the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a powerful tool to advance inclusive and sustainable development across the African continent.

    Held under the theme: “The AI Revolution: How Will AI Support the Delivery of the African Development Bank’s 2024–2033 Ten-Year Strategy and the Transformation of African Economies?”, the 90-minute session convened leading voices from across sectors. The event was co-hosted with Google AI Research.

    At the heart of the discussion was the question: What will it take for Africa to become AI-ready? which was the central theme of the high-level panel discussion as part of the event.

    In his opening remarks, Solomon Quaynor, Vice-President for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialization of the African Development Bank underscored the critical role of digital transformation in shaping Africa’s future: “AI is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for Africa’s competitiveness, resilience, and long-term prosperity,” he said.

    Caroline Kende-Robb, Senior Director of Strategy and Operational Policies at the Bank, framed the conversation within the context of the Bank’s 2024–2033 Ten-Year Strategy (https://apo-opa.co/3ZFWakh).

    She stressed that “Investing in youth and data infrastructure is no longer optional—these are the foundations upon which Africa must build its AI future.”  Her remarks echoed the strategy’s call to leapfrog development through innovation, anchored in African realities and driven by African talent.

    Following her intervention, Abdoulaye Diack, Program Manager at Google AI Research Africa, highlighted the transformative potential of AI to address structural challenges and unlock progress in agriculture, education, climate adaptation, and public health.

    Diack emphasized the importance of contextualizing AI for African environments, warning that “without local data and inclusive models, Africa risks becoming a passive consumer rather than an active creator of AI solutions.”

    Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Digital Transition and Digitalization, advocated for regional coordination and harmonized policy frameworks to enable responsible, cross-border implementation of AI technologies.

    Robert Skjodt, Group CEO of Raxio Group, focused on the critical need for robust digital infrastructure—especially local data centers—to support the scale and speed required for Africa’s AI ambitions.

    Ousmane Fall, Director of Private Sector Transaction Support at the Bank, called for the development of bankable, scalable digital infrastructure projects that can attract long-term investment.

    Moustapha Cissé, CEO of Kera Health Platforms, and a respected pioneer in African AI research, stressed the need for ethical frameworks and AI systems that reflect African social, cultural, and healthcare contexts.

    Muthoni Karubiu, Chief Operations Officer at Amini, concluded the panel with a call to enhance data sovereignty, especially in the context of agriculture and climate action, by ensuring access to localized and context-specific environmental data.

    Harnessing the power of AI for Africa’s success

    A strong consensus emerged across the panel – for Africa to harness AI effectively, it must focus on three foundational pillars:

    – Human Capital: Equip the next generation with AI literacy and professional expertise.

    – Data Infrastructure: Build the digital backbone for connectivity, storage, and secure data exchange.

    – Localized Data: Train AI systems on African realities, including languages, culture, and societal needs.

    With Africa holding just 1.3% of global data storage capacity and lagging in digital readiness, speakers agreed that the continent is at a crossroads and must urgently make the choice to invest now, or risk falling further behind.

    As Africa moves forward in artificial intelligence, the African Development Bank reaffirms its commitment to shaping a digital future that is inclusive, sovereign, and anchored in shared prosperity.

    For more information or to revisit this session, click here (https://apo-opa.co/4eu3i9P)

    – on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Contact:
    Chara Tsitoura
    Communication and External Relations
    media@afdb.org

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: G Wellness Company Limited Partners with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to Launch the First Internationally Branded Hotel in Banjul, The Gambia

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    G Wellness Company Limited, a subsidiary of MP Trading Group, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (www.WyndhamHotels.com), the world’s largest hotel franchising company, to debut the first internationally branded resort in Banjul, The Gambia, under the globally recognized Ramada by Wyndham brand.

    This landmark development marks a significant milestone for The Gambia’s growing tourism and hospitality sector, reinforcing its status as a rising destination in West Africa. Located on the Atlantic coast, The Gambia is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and natural beauty. As the smallest country on mainland Africa, it has made impressive strides in recent years to position tourism as a key pillar of national development. In 2019 alone, the country welcomed over 620,000 visitors, with the government continuing to invest in infrastructure and travel-related services to boost its global appeal.

    The new Ramada Resort by Wyndham Banjul will be situated in the popular coastal town of Kotu, a well-established tourist hub known for its scenic beaches and lively local markets. Conveniently located approximately 22 kilometers from Banjul International Airport and about 15 kilometers from Banjul city center, the resort will feature 65 elegantly appointed guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, lounge bar, ocean-view swimming pool, wellness spa, and meeting facilities — offering both leisure and business travelers an elevated stay experience.

    “Partnering with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts for this landmark project in Banjul marks an important milestone for us,” said Mr. Manish Tilokani, Chairman of MP Trading Group. “Bringing the first internationally branded resort in The Gambia is a meaningful step in our growth, and with Ramada by Wyndham, we are committed to delivering high-quality hospitality standards. We look forward to welcoming guests to the resort by mid-2026.”

    “This collaboration with G Wellness Company Limited represents a significant addition to our portfolio in West Africa,” said Govind Mundra, Head of Development – Middle East & Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “It reflects our ongoing focus on expanding into high-potential, underserved markets and supporting our partners in delivering trusted, branded hospitality. We value our relationship with Mr. Manish and his team and see strong potential for further development across the region.”

    – on behalf of Wyndham.

    Contact:
    Mr. Manish Tilokani
    G Wellness Company Limited
    Phone: +220 336 5900
    E-mail: emailmanishtilokani@gmail.com

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: NY Times Opinion: “Senator Padilla: The Trump Administration Handcuffed Me, but I Refuse to Stay Silent”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    ICYMI: NY Times Opinion: “Senator Padilla: The Trump Administration Handcuffed Me, but I Refuse to Stay Silent”

    NY Times Op-Ed

    Padilla: “If this administration is willing to handcuff a U.S. senator, imagine what it is willing to do to any American who dares to speak up.”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, published an op-ed in the New York Times this morning following his forcible removal from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s press conference, where he was thrown to the ground and handcuffed after attempting to ask a question.

    Padilla blasted President Trump’s unprecedented militarization of Los Angeles and warned against the immense consequences of the Trump Administration’s increasingly callous anti-immigrant rhetoric and actions, not only for hardworking immigrants essential to our communities and economy, but for the fundamental democratic rights of Americans across the country. He called Trump’s manufactured crisis in Los Angeles a “warning shot” and a “wake-up call” for his Republican colleagues and the American people to speak up against Trump’s egregious continued abuse of power.

    Key Excerpts:

    • If you watched what happened to me or Mr. Lander these past few days and thought this was about any one politician or altercation, you are missing the point. If this administration is willing to handcuff a U.S. senator, imagine what it is willing to do to any American who dares to speak up. If that’s what can happen when the cameras are on, imagine what is already happening in communities across the country when the cameras are off. Today, it’s immigrants on the receiving end of Donald Trump’s outrage machine. Tomorrow, it could be anyone.
    • As the proud son of immigrants from Mexico who came to California to pursue the American dream, I am living proof of the promise this country provides to all of us. Where else can the son of a housekeeper and a short-order cook become a senator? But I also know that America’s promise doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because throughout our history ordinary people have called out our country’s contradictions and called on the government to live up to the principles of equality established at our founding.
    • As we’ve seen in Los Angeles, public safety is not the point — the spectacle is. Americans are living through a historic moment of presidential overreach. With a cabinet of yes-men and underqualified attack dogs surrounding him — from the D.H.S. Secretary to the F.B.I. director to the secretary of defense — Mr. Trump is now testing the boundaries of his power. And he’s using the theatrics around his immigration policies to do it.
    • If you thought any of this administration’s theatrics in Los Angeles these past few weeks was truly about immigrants, it’s time to wake up. If federal troops can deploy to Los Angeles against the wishes of the governor, the mayor and even local law enforcement, they can do the same tomorrow in your hometown. This is a fundamental threat to the rule of law nationwide.
    • Democracy doesn’t fall from any one decision or any one attack. It falls from a thousand cuts that slowly erode our fundamental freedoms. It falls when good people see our democracy sliding backward but still choose to say nothing.
    • To any American wondering if democracy is lost or if they can ever make a difference, I’d say this: If the Trump administration was this scared of one senator with a question, imagine what the voices of tens of millions of Americans organizing will do. No one is coming to save us but us.

    Senator Padilla has been outspoken in calling out the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles and Trump’s misguided deployment of the National Guard and U.S. Marine Corps. This past weekend, Padilla led the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in demanding that President Trump immediately withdraw all military forces from Los Angeles and cease all threats to deploy the National Guard or active-duty servicemembers to American cities. Last week, Padilla and Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) demanded answers regarding the Trump Administration’s decision to deploy approximately 700 Marines to Los Angeles. Padilla has spoken at a spotlight hearing and on the Senate floor multiple times to blast President Trump for manufacturing a crisis by launching indiscriminate ICE raids across Los Angeles and deploying the National Guard and active-duty servicemembers to the region. He also joined all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats earlier this week in calling on Chairman Grassley to schedule Department of Homeland Security Secretary Noem for a broad oversight hearing for testimony before the committee.

    Full text of Senator Padilla’s NY Times op-ed is available here and below:

    NY Times: Senator Padilla: The Trump Administration Handcuffed Me, but I Refuse to Stay Silent

    By U.S. Senator Alex Padilla

    Growing up in the northeast San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles in the 1980s and 90s, you know what can happen if you don’t completely cooperate with law enforcement.

    Even so, it was jarring last week when, despite clearly identifying myself as a U.S. senator, I was forcibly removed from a news conference at which Kristi Noem, the secretary of homeland security, promised to “liberate” Los Angeles from our democratically elected mayor and governor. As I was thrown to the ground, handcuffed and walked down a hall while officers refused to tell me why I was being detained, my mind raced with questions.

    Where are they taking me? Am I being arrested? What will a city already on edge from being militarized think when they see their senator has just been handcuffed?

    What will my wife and our three boys think?

    I imagined similar questions were running through the mind of Brad Lander, the New York City comptroller and mayoral candidate, this week when he, too, was handcuffed by federal agents for asking them whether they had a warrant to arrest a migrant he had locked arms with. Like me, Mr. Lander had the audacity to question the legitimacy of federal actions, only to find himself pushed against a wall and detained.

    If you watched what happened to me or Mr. Lander these past few days and thought this was about any one politician or altercation, you are missing the point.

    If this administration is willing to handcuff a U.S. senator, imagine what it is willing to do to any American who dares to speak up.

    If that’s what can happen when the cameras are on, imagine what is already happening in communities across the country when the cameras are off.

    Today, it’s immigrants on the receiving end of Donald Trump’s outrage machine. Tomorrow, it could be anyone.

    We have seen this playbook before. In fact, it’s what drew me to politics in the first place, back in 1994. I had just earned my mechanical engineering degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with my sights set on a lucrative career in engineering, but life had a different plan for me. I returned home from school to find hateful TV ads and a statewide ballot called Proposition 187, a proposal targeting immigrant families and communities like mine. It was the result of a Republican governor who was up for re-election and who had turned to scapegoating immigrants to try to improve his declining political standing.

    As the proud son of immigrants from Mexico who came to California to pursue the American dream, I am living proof of the promise this country provides to all of us. Where else can the son of a housekeeper and a short-order cook become a senator? But I also know that America’s promise doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because throughout our history ordinary people have called out our country’s contradictions and called on the government to live up to the principles of equality established at our founding.

    And so I got involved. Alongside friends and family, I marched against the vile anti-immigrant rhetoric that was growing in California. Because of the movement that started in the 1990s, a generation of diverse leaders have come of age in California. Today, we celebrate immigrants — knowing full well that California has become the fourth-largest economy in the world, not despite our immigrants but because of them.

    So when Mr. Trump began to face a groundswell of criticism a few weeks ago for his unpopular Medicaid cuts, failed tariff wars and embarrassing public breakup with a billionaire adviser, I suspected that it wouldn’t be long before he broke out the same tired anti-immigrant tactics to distract the public. Raids intensified, detentions skyrocketed and Mr. Trump’s narrative of crisis escalated in the hopes of diverting attention from his political failures.

    If the administration were primarily targeting dangerous criminals, as some White House officials have claimed, there would be no debate. But new reporting shows that less than 10 percent of immigrants taken into ICE custody since October have serious criminal convictions. They may be undocumented, but who are they? Oftentimes, they’re hardworking cooks, day laborers, carwash employees, farmworkers and construction workers. Many are the same people Mr. Trump declared essential workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    But as we’ve seen in Los Angeles, public safety is not the point — the spectacle is. Americans are living through a historic moment of presidential overreach. With a cabinet of yes-men and underqualified attack dogs surrounding him — from the D.H.S. Secretary to the F.B.I. director to the secretary of defense — Mr. Trump is now testing the boundaries of his power. And he’s using the theatrics around his immigration policies to do it.

    That’s why when Angelenos gathered to protest these injustices, the administration labeled them “insurrectionists,” deliberately twisting dissent into something dangerous to use as a pretext for repression.

    So if you thought any of this administration’s theatrics in Los Angeles these past few weeks was truly about immigrants, it’s time to wake up. If federal troops can deploy to Los Angeles against the wishes of the governor, the mayor and even local law enforcement, they can do the same tomorrow in your hometown. This is a fundamental threat to the rule of law nationwide.

    What’s happening in Los Angeles is a warning shot. But I pray it can also be a wake-up call — for my Republican Senate colleagues who have stayed silent in the face of their colleague’s handcuffing, but also for Americans of every stripe who think they’re insulated from Mr. Trump’s power grabs because they’re not immigrants or because they’re not from a blue state.

    Democracy doesn’t fall from any one decision or any one attack. It falls from a thousand cuts that slowly erode our fundamental freedoms. It falls when good people see our democracy sliding backward but still choose to say nothing.

    Even as I’ve seen the authoritarian instincts of this administration up close, I know America is not past saving. True liberation doesn’t come through military occupation. It comes through democratic participation — participation like what we saw this past weekend, when millions of Americans came out to protest this administration’s abuse of power.

    To any American wondering if democracy is lost or if they can ever make a difference, I’d say this: If the Trump administration was this scared of one senator with a question, imagine what the voices of tens of millions of Americans organizing will do. No one is coming to save us but us.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Care for those with learning disabilities or autistic people

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Care for those with learning disabilities or autistic people

    New guidance published today will provide a boost in the quality of care for people with a learning disability or autistic people

    • New guidance published today to ensure health and care staff have skills to provide care for people with a learning disability and autistic people

    • Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism named after teenager who died in 2016 after having severe reaction to medication given to him against family’s wishes

    • Training will aim to tackle health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability and autistic people, who face poorer health outcomes than general population

    People with a learning disability and autistic people will get safer, more personalised care as the government publishes new guidelines for health and care providers to train staff.

    The Oliver McGowan code of practice on statutory learning disability and autism training aims to ensure staff have the right skills to provide care and boost understanding of the needs of these groups of people.

    It sets out the standards that providers are expected to meet to be compliant with the law and help make sure patients are kept safe.

    Those with a learning disability or autistic people face poorer health outcomes than the general population, and it is crucial that health and social care staff have the right knowledge and skills to tackle these inequalities.

    The training and the Code of Practice are named after Oliver McGowan, an 18-year-old from Bristol with a mild learning disability who died following a severe reaction to medication given to him against his and his family’s strong wishes.

    Under the law, health and care providers registered by the Care Quality Commission have a requirement to ensure staff have the appropriate training.

    Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock said:

    I pay tribute to Paula McGowan OBE and Tom McGowan and their incredible campaign to improve the care of people with a learning disability and autistic people after the tragic death of their son, Oliver.

    Through their work, they have shown admirable dedication, commitment and passion – Oliver’s memory and legacy lives through them.

    This government recognises the appalling health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability and autistic people.

    Everyone deserves to receive high-quality, empathetic and dignified care but this cannot be achieved if staff do not have the right training. The Oliver McGowan Code of Practice published today will be a boost for anyone with a learning disability or autistic people, their families and loved ones.

    Paul and Tom McGowan said:

    The publication of the Code of Practice marks a deeply emotional and significant milestone for us and will ensure Oliver’s legacy will continue to make a difference by safeguarding people with a learning disability and autistic individuals from the same preventable failings that he tragically endured.

    The Code establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the delivery of the training, promoting consistency and a deeper understanding across health and social care services.

    We are profoundly grateful to cross party politicians for their unwavering support and especially to Baroness Sheila Hollins, whose leadership has been pivotal in advancing this important work.

    Our heartfelt thanks extend to everyone within the NHS and social care sectors, to our expert trainers, and to individuals with a learning disability and or autism, along with their families and carers. This is a true example of what meaningful change looks like, giving a voice to those who are not always seen or heard, creating a lasting impact that will continue to transform lives for the better.

    Tom Cahill CBE, National Director, Learning Disability and Autism NHS England said:

    We know that often the quality of care and support for people with a learning disability and autistic people has not been good enough and we are determined to make this better  .

    This code of practice – a result of Paula and Tom McGowan’s tireless dedication – will mean all NHS staff have the training and support they need to reduce inequalities and give people with a learning disability or autistic people the care they deserve.

    Rebecca Bushell-Bauers, Care Quality Commission Director for people with a learning disability and autistic people said:

    Today highlights Paula and Tom McGowan’s tireless campaigning in their son’s name for better care for autistic people and people with a learning disability.

    We are dedicated to advocating for and improving the health and care outcomes for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. The code of practice will further support us in assessing and inspecting whether health and social care providers are training their carers and staff to support autistic people and people with a learning disability appropriately and hold them to account to ensure they are delivering good, informed and safe care.

    Baroness Hollins said:

    I am delighted that, following my amendment to the 2022 Health and Care Act, the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice has now been laid before Parliament. This milestone supports the requirement that health and care staff complete training that equips them to better care for people with a learning disability and autistic people.

    I pay special tribute to Paula and Tom McGowan, whose tireless advocacy in memory of their son, Oliver, has led to lasting change including through the Code and training in his name. This is a vital step towards tackling health inequalities and improving care across health and social care services.

    The training will be backed by funding as part of the Learning and Development Support Scheme for adult social care in Autumn 2025.

    Any adult social care providers who arrange for training for their staff between April 2025 and March 2026 will be reimbursed for the costs.

    The Health and Care Act 2022 set out a legal requirement for CQC health and care providers to ensure staff receive appropriate training in caring for those with a learning disability or autistic people.

    Oliver McGowan was repeatedly prescribed antipsychotic medications despite medical notes highlighting his severe adverse reactions to these drugs and against his and his family’s wishes.

    Healthcare staff consistently failed to understand how autism presented alongside epilepsy and did not make the adjustments needed to accommodate for his needs.

    Oliver died after developing a severe side effect to the medication which caused brain damage, and after life support was withdrawn by his parents, he died on 11 November 2016.

    Oliver’s parents, Paula and Tom McGowan, have campaigned for better training for health and care staff to improve understanding of the needs of people with a learning disability or autistic people.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rapist who filmed assault has sentence increased

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Rapist who filmed assault has sentence increased

    A man who raped a woman and shared a video of his assault with other people has had his sentence increased, following intervention by the Solicitor General.

    Gagandeep Gulati (20), from Hounslow, West London, has had his sentence increased by three years after the Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP, referred the case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.  

    The Court heard that Gulati found the victim near Jubilee Square in Leicester city centre and coerced her to go to Castle Gardens where he raped and sexually assaulted her.  

    Gulati’s movements were captured by CCTV, which led detectives to an accommodation where he was arrested. 

    During police enquiries, Gulati claimed that he had been raped and assaulted by the victim. However, detectives found that he had filmed his attack on the victim and shared the footage with other people.  

    The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said: 

    Gagandeep Gulati’s rape of a vulnerable young woman before sharing his awful crimes with other people was sickening.

    I welcome the court’s decision to increase his sentence following my intervention.

    On 28 March 2025, Gagandeep Gulati was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment for rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, and sharing or threatening to share an intimate photograph or film.   He was also placed on the sex offender register for life.

    On 19 June 2025, judges increased Gulati’s sentence to nine years, while imposing concurrent sentences for the assault by penetration and sexual assault of four years and six months respectively after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for life for drugging and raping 10 women as judge commends Met officers

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A senior judge has praised the Metropolitan Police Service following one of the most challenging and complex investigations conducted by detectives to bring a serial rapist to justice.

    The case demonstrates the Met’s ongoing commitment to keeping women and girls safe and work to eradicate sexual violence, largely at the hands of predatory men.

    Zhenhao Zou, 28 (20.02.97), of Churchyard Row, Elephant and Castle, was convicted of drugging and raping women both in the UK and China in March 2025. A jury found him guilty of 28 offences in total, including counts of voyeurism, possession of an extreme pornographic image, possession of a drug to commit a sexual offence and false imprisonment.

    On Thursday, 19 June, he was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court to a life sentence. He will have to serve a minimum of 24 years.

    The lengthy sentence reflects justice for the women who are victim-survivors of Zou and is testament to the extraordinary lengths gone to by investigators, who left no stone unturned in their pursuit to take a dangerous sexual predator off the streets.

    Following the sentencing hearing, officers paid tribute to the brave victim-survivors, who have always remained at the very heart of the investigation.

    During the sentencing hearing, the judge commended Met detectives DC Jack Woods and DC Oliver Colville, while paying tribute to the whole prosecution team.

    Commander Kevin Southworth, of the Metropolitan Police Service, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts have always been with the courageous victim-survivors of Zou’s heinous and predatory crimes.

    “Thanks to the remarkable efforts of our officers and prosecutors, a dangerous and cowardly offender has been handed a life sentence. I hope the fact Zou can no longer harm others serves as a small amount of comfort to the women who have suffered immeasurably.

    “I would also like to take this opportunity to stress that our investigation remains open and we continue to appeal to anyone who may think they have been a victim of Zou. Please come forward and speak with our team – we will treat you with empathy, kindness and respect.”

    The investigation

    Before his arrest in January 2024, Zou was a student at University College London (UCL) since 2019 and prior to that studied at Queen’s University Belfast.

    Zou used social media platforms and dating websites to target victim-survivors – all of which are believed to be of Chinese heritage. He lured women to his accommodation under the pretence of having a drink or studying and then plied them with drinks laced with drugs.

    He filmed himself as he raped the woman as they lost consciousness.

    Met investigators watched hundreds of these disturbing videos as they built a case of evidence against Zou. It was after analysis of this graphic and disturbing material that it became apparent that he had not only committed offences in London, but also in his home country of China too.

    The prosecution team were unable to identify all of the victim-survivors captured, so relied on this video evidence to present a compelling case during the trial. Officers also meticulously pulled together over 4000 documents to leave no doubt in the jury’s mind about Zou’s guilt.

    Alongside this, they downloaded around six and a half terabytes worth of data from Zou’s phones and laptops, which included around nine million messages. This is the equivalent to 1,664 hours of footage and is one of the biggest cases the Met’s digital forensics lab has ever dealt with.

    Met officers spent months trawling through messages to understand Zou’s pattern of offending, scrupulously translating them into English from Simplified Chinese.

    The appeal

    Following Zou’s conviction, investigators shared that they believed Zou’s offending was much wider than the eleven rapes he was convicted of. They made a direct appeal to unidentified victim-survivors to come forward and seek specialist support.

    Securing justice for the victim-survivors of Zou and putting him behind bars has been at the forefront of detective’s minds since the start of the investigation. To secure a conviction through a fair trial, officers made the decision not to appeal for further victim-survivors ahead of conviction. Sharing specific information relating to his offending may have caused the case to collapse, leaving Zou to offend again. By appealing post-conviction, the Met was able to share the fullest details to support potential victim-survivors coming forward.

    Since the appeal in March 2025, 24 women have made reports to the police. These continue to be investigated thoroughly by a dedicated team of officers. Following the sentencing hearing, the team will continue to liaise with the Crown Prosecution Services around potential future charges.

    Detectives continue to keep an open mind about the identities of unidentified victim-survivors but have been keen to speak to women from the Chinese student community – they may have been living in London between 2019-2024 or met Zou while he was living in China.

    So far, investigators have not received any reports from women who met Zou while he was living in Belfast but remain in contact with Police Service Northern Ireland. They continue to encourage any current or former Northern Ireland residents who have concerns to come forward and speak to officers.

    Saira Pike, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Zou is a serial rapist and a danger to women. His life sentence reflects the heinous acts and harm he caused to women and the danger he posed to society.

    “We have always been determined to seek justice for both the unidentified and identified victims in this case. We used an evidence-led approach that relied on the video recordings of Zou to ensure this dangerous predator faced justice.

    “The prosecution team worked with the police for over a year to pick apart an unprecedented amount of footage and web chats showing his meticulous planning and the horrifying execution of his crimes.

    “Following the police appeal, we will continue to review and consider any further charges to ensure that he is held accountable and seek justice for all victims.

    “I’d like to take this opportunity to once again express my heartfelt thanks to the courageous women who came forward to report Zou’s horrific crimes. They have been incredibly strong and brave – there is no doubt that their evidence helped us to secure his conviction, and the life sentence handed to him today.”

    How to contact the police and independent support agencies:

    Reports relating to Zhenhao Zou can be made online via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP): https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X38-PO1 . The MIPP is also available in Simplified Chinese https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X38-PO2, so it is as accessible as possible for potential victim-survivors.

    If you wish to speak to Met detectives or make a report relating to Zou, you can also contact police via email on survivors@met.police.uk

    You can also make a report to police by calling 101 from within the UK, quoting reference 2904/04FEB25.

    If you live in England or Wales and have been affected by this case and would like to seek support from specialist agencies, please contact the independent charity Rape Crisis via their 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line or call them on 0808 500 2222. Specially trained staff are there to listen, answer questions and offer emotional support.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for drugging and raping 10 women as judge commends officers

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A senior judge has praised the Metropolitan Police Service following one of the most challenging and complex investigations conducted by detectives to bring a serial rapist to justice.

    The case demonstrates the Met’s ongoing commitment to keeping women and girls safe and work to eradicate sexual violence, largely at the hands of predatory men.

    Zhenhao Zou, 28 (20.02.97), of Churchyard Row, Elephant and Castle, was convicted of drugging and raping women both in the UK and China in March 2025. A jury found him guilty of 28 offences in total, including counts of voyeurism, possession of an extreme pornographic image, possession of a drug to commit a sexual offence and false imprisonment.

    On Thursday, 19 June, he was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court to a life sentence. He will have to serve a minimum of 24 years.

    The lengthy sentence reflects justice for the women who are victim-survivors of Zou and is testament to the extraordinary lengths gone to by investigators, who left no stone unturned in their pursuit to take a dangerous sexual predator off the streets.

    Following the sentencing hearing, officers paid tribute to the brave victim-survivors, who have always remained at the very heart of the investigation.

    During the sentencing hearing, the judge commended Met detectives DC Jack Woods and DC Oliver Colville, while paying tribute to the whole prosecution team.

    Commander Kevin Southworth, of the Metropolitan Police Service, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts have always been with the courageous victim-survivors of Zou’s heinous and predatory crimes.

    “Thanks to the remarkable efforts of our officers and prosecutors, a dangerous and cowardly offender has been handed a life sentence. I hope the fact Zou can no longer harm others serves as a small amount of comfort to the women who have suffered immeasurably.

    “I would also like to take this opportunity to stress that our investigation remains open and we continue to appeal to anyone who may think they have been a victim of Zou. Please come forward and speak with our team – we will treat you with empathy, kindness and respect.”

    The investigation

    Before his arrest in January 2024, Zou was a student at University College London (UCL) since 2019 and prior to that studied at Queen’s University Belfast.

    Zou used social media platforms and dating websites to target victim-survivors – all of which are believed to be of Chinese heritage. He lured women to his accommodation under the pretence of having a drink or studying and then plied them with drinks laced with drugs.

    He filmed himself as he raped the woman as they lost consciousness.

    Met investigators watched hundreds of these disturbing videos as they built a case of evidence against Zou. It was after analysis of this graphic and disturbing material that it became apparent that he had not only committed offences in London, but also in his home country of China too.

    The prosecution team were unable to identify all of the victim-survivors captured, so relied on this video evidence to present a compelling case during the trial. Officers also meticulously pulled together over 4000 documents to leave no doubt in the jury’s mind about Zou’s guilt.

    Alongside this, they downloaded around six and a half terabytes worth of data from Zou’s phones and laptops, which included around nine million messages. This is the equivalent to 1,664 hours of footage and is one of the biggest cases the Met’s digital forensics lab has ever dealt with.

    Met officers spent months trawling through messages to understand Zou’s pattern of offending, scrupulously translating them into English from Simplified Chinese.

    The appeal

    Following Zou’s conviction, investigators shared that they believed Zou’s offending was much wider than the eleven rapes he was convicted of. They made a direct appeal to unidentified victim-survivors to come forward and seek specialist support.

    Securing justice for the victim-survivors of Zou and putting him behind bars has been at the forefront of detective’s minds since the start of the investigation. To secure a conviction through a fair trial, officers made the decision not to appeal for further victim-survivors ahead of conviction. Sharing specific information relating to his offending may have caused the case to collapse, leaving Zou to offend again. By appealing post-conviction, the Met was able to share the fullest details to support potential victim-survivors coming forward.

    Since the appeal in March 2025, 24 women have made reports to the police. These continue to be investigated thoroughly by a dedicated team of officers. Following the sentencing hearing, the team will continue to liaise with the Crown Prosecution Services around potential future charges.

    Detectives continue to keep an open mind about the identities of unidentified victim-survivors but have been keen to speak to women from the Chinese student community – they may have been living in London between 2019-2024 or met Zou while he was living in China.

    So far, investigators have not received any reports from women who met Zou while he was living in Belfast but remain in contact with Police Service Northern Ireland. They continue to encourage any current or former Northern Ireland residents who have concerns to come forward and speak to officers.

    Saira Pike, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Zou is a serial rapist and a danger to women. His life sentence reflects the heinous acts and harm he caused to women and the danger he posed to society.

    “We have always been determined to seek justice for both the unidentified and identified victims in this case. We used an evidence-led approach that relied on the video recordings of Zou to ensure this dangerous predator faced justice.

    “The prosecution team worked with the police for over a year to pick apart an unprecedented amount of footage and web chats showing his meticulous planning and the horrifying execution of his crimes.

    “Following the police appeal, we will continue to review and consider any further charges to ensure that he is held accountable and seek justice for all victims.

    “I’d like to take this opportunity to once again express my heartfelt thanks to the courageous women who came forward to report Zou’s horrific crimes. They have been incredibly strong and brave – there is no doubt that their evidence helped us to secure his conviction, and the life sentence handed to him today.”

    How to contact the police and independent support agencies:

    Reports relating to Zhenhao Zou can be made online via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP): https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X38-PO1 . The MIPP is also available in Simplified Chinese https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X38-PO2, so it is as accessible as possible for potential victim-survivors.

    If you wish to speak to Met detectives or make a report relating to Zou, you can also contact police via email on survivors@met.police.uk

    You can also make a report to police by calling 101 from within the UK, quoting reference 2904/04FEB25.

    If you live in England or Wales and have been affected by this case and would like to seek support from specialist agencies, please contact the independent charity Rape Crisis via their 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line or call them on 0808 500 2222. Specially trained staff are there to listen, answer questions and offer emotional support.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers Opening Remarks at the Pre-Event Dinner of AMMSTI-21, in Jakarta

    Source: ASEAN

    Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, this evening delivered Opening Remarks at the Pre-Event Dinner of the 21st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-21), where he reaffirmed the critical role of AMMSTI in guiding ASEAN’s STI progress over nearly five decades. SG Dr. Kao also highlighted the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, calling for inclusive innovation, digital transformation, and global partnership, all of which are core to AMMSTI’s agenda moving forward.
     
    Download the full opening remarks here.
     

     
    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers Opening Remarks at the Pre-Event Dinner of AMMSTI-21, in Jakarta appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Victoria and Albert Street completion concludes major highway and transport upgrades

    Source: City of Derby

    One of Derby City Centre’s key routes has completed a major overhaul, connecting key city centre sites like Becketwell Live, The Condor apartment complex and Derby Market Hall.

    The transport improvements – which will enhance appearance, improve air quality, and encourage more sustainable journeys – concluded with the resurfacing of Corporation Street, Victoria Street and Albert Street

    Among the improvements are wider footpaths and a new segregated cycle lane, making it much easier for residents and visitors to choose low-emission, active travel options to move through the heart of the city centre.

    Improved bus bays, coupled with the segregated cycle lane and a permanent one-way system will allow for improved traffic flow and lower emissions, benefitting the health of visitors and residents alike. Bus users will also benefit from new street lighting around bus stops, making them a safer, more comfortable place to wait.

    New living roof bus shelters will be installed, making the area more visually appealing and providing food sources and habitats for a wide variety of pollinating insects.

    On top of the green bus shelters, the area will also benefit from an extensive greening programme, with new planters being installed to give a fresh, vibrant feel to this vital city centre route. The public realm enhancements will also complement the proposed improvements on Osnabruck Square.

    A number of benches have been incorporated into these new planters, giving visitors a place to sit and enjoy a greener city centre.

    The completion of this scheme also marks the end of Transforming Cities programme in Derby, after Derby and Nottingham City Councils secured £161m from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund. This project has seen improvements made to local transport infrastructure around the city. improving sustainable transport, supporting growth and encouraging more low carbon journeys.

    Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said: 

    I’m delighted that work on Corporation Street, Victoria Street and Albert Street is now complete. This has been a very visible scheme for the city and now people will be able to see the benefits.

    A vital element of the Transforming Cities schemes, is creating an environment where we can make the city centre a healthier place for our communities to live, work and enjoy.

    We can also now celebrate the completion of the Transforming Cities programme, which has delivered infrastructure improvements across the city. I’m proud of all that we have achieved throughout this project, but rest assured we will continue to champion sustainable and active travel as we continue to deliver a greener Derby.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –