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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Steve Reed National Trust 130th Anniversary Dinner speech

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Steve Reed National Trust 130th Anniversary Dinner speech

    Defra Secretary of State Steve Reed addressed the National Trust’s 130th Anniversary Dinner on Tuesday 10 June

    Thank you for inviting me to your celebration today.

    I’d like to thank Hilary, Rene, National Trust staff and the thousands of volunteers around the country for the work you do. And wish the National Trust a happy 130th birthday.

    I’m one of the 5 million people who have a National Trust membership card like this one.  We all have a special place we love to visit. For me, it’s Sissinghurst Castle in Kent.

    I love the beautiful gardens designed by the writer and poet Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson.

    Vita opened her gardens for everyone to enjoy in the late 1930s, with visitors putting a shilling into an old tobacco tin under the entrance archway.

    This special place was donated to the National Trust in the 1960s, and it continues to welcome thousands of visitors every year. Admittedly seeing some inflation since Vita’s time!

    As we have heard from Hilary, the National Trust is not just about preserving the past. It is carrying out vital work to prepare for the future.

    The Frogmead Restoration project on the Sissinghurst Estate is restoring biodiversity – increasing flora and fauna, attracting wetland birds, bolstering the dragonfly population and allowing frogs to return to the area.

    It is also reducing flood risk in the Medway catchment, protecting homes and livelihoods.

    We need more projects like this so we can adapt to our changing world.

    We make many competing demands on the finite amount of land that’s available to us.

    Nature underpins everything. Our economy, our communities and our livelihoods. 

    But we have become one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

    Restoring nature is a key pillar of the Government’s Plan for Change.  That’s essential because we human beings are not merely observers of nature, we are an intrinsic part of it. When we destroy nature, we are ultimately destroying ourselves, and we can’t let that happen.  

    The National Trust’s new strategy to 2035 that will be pivotal in helping us restore nature. But the Government must play our part too. 

    I’ve just arrived back this afternoon from the UN Oceans Conference in Nice.  I was proud to announce a consultation on banning bottom-trawling in our Marine Protected Areas. We can’t go on wiping out precious marine habitats just because they’re out of sight beneath the sea. 

    The oceans cover two thirds of our planet. If we are serious about protecting nature, we must protect our seas and the life and ecosystems they sustain.  

    This afternoon, my colleague Emma Hardy has told the same conference that the UK will introduce legislation this year to ratify the Global Oceans Treaty so we are part of the first group of nations coming together to protect biodiversity in the seas beyond national jurisdictions. 

    And yesterday, my colleague Matthew Pennycook announced that the Government will update national planning policy to ensure swift bricks are incorporated into new buildings. They make a massive impact on expanding bird populations.  We will make sure that now happens in new developments right across the country. 

    Those three initiatives have been announced in the past 24 hours alone. But we know there’s much more to do.

    We are committed to increasing access to nature for everyone, whether that’s hiking in our beautiful countryside, swimming in clean rivers, lakes and seas, or taking a lunchtime stroll around the park.  

    We will create nine new National River Walks, plant three new National Forests and support communities to create new parks and green spaces in their neighbourhoods.

    We’ve already announced the first new national forest between the Cotswolds and the Mendips which will see 20 million trees planted in the coming years.

    It’s a national scandal that our rivers, lakes and seas are choked by record levels of pollution. We’re cleaning them up with new laws to ban bonuses for water bosses who oversee catastrophic pollution incidents, and bringing in over £100bn of private sector funding to upgrade the broken pipes that are the primary cause of sewage leaks.   

    We’ve saved more than 40 thousand miles of footpaths and historic rights of way so they can continue to be used by the public.

    And we are making protected landscapes, national trails, forests and countryside more accessible with our £33 million ‘Access for All’ programme.

    I look forward to working with the National Trust to develop this work and open up more of our beautiful countryside for everyone to enjoy.

    I know that we need to speed up nature’s recovery.

    I asked Dan Corry to lead a review into environmental regulation. He pointed out that a very large proportion of applications come from organisations like the National Trust, the RSPB and others who have to wait months despite having a proven track record in protecting nature. 

    So we are going to speed things up by giving them the power to approve their own applications.

    I’m delighted that the National Trust is a frontrunner for this.

    The National Trust and Natural England, along with the Forestry Commission, are working together in the Peak District to pilot one of two ‘Nature Enterprise Zones’ – the other is in North Devon.

    These zones will pilot this new approach, reviewing and testing how we can streamline and simplify the system so the National Trust can do more on protected sites, restoring species, and improving land management. 

    The Peak District Nature Enterprise Zone will span over ten thousand hectares of National Trust land. It will include trees, peat, grassland, farming, and it will open up nature to more people.   

    I’m excited about this pilot, and we’ll learn from it how we can expand the approach more widely.   

    Collaboration like this is vital to protecting nature.  We are all links in a chain, and we have to pull together to get the outcomes we want to see. 

    I want to thank the National Trust for your continued engagement with Defra.

    I know the Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh, was thrilled to be part of the historic moment at Purbeck when beavers were reintroduced into the wild in England.

    We’ve fully banned bee-killing pesticides as a step towards helping pollinators recover, which will also support the bird populations that depend on them as a food source.

    We are working with farmers to move towards regenerative farming that focuses on improving the soil so it needs less artificial fertiliser, fewer pesticides, and has more organic matter that helps retain water.  

    Approaches like this aren’t just good for nature and good for water quality, they’re good for farm businesses because they reduce input costs but increase food production and food quality sustainably. 

    Many people at this gathering are helping shape the first-ever Land Use Framework for England. A rather boring title for an incredibly exciting initiative that will provide the most sophisticated land-use data and toolkit ever published in our country’s history. 

    It will allow us to expand nature across whole landscapes while ensuring land is used more rationally for the many other demands we make of it for food, energy and housing. 

    The partnership between us is critical as we work together to restore nature for future generations.  We’ll have to overcome tensions and disagreements from time to time. But this is a government that aspires to be the best government for nature this country’s ever had. And you are our partners in getting there.   

    The prize before us is huge.

    Our rivers, lakes and seas cleaned up of pollution.

    Birds, pollinators and wildlife back in our gardens.

    Nature in full recovery and open to everyone to enjoy.

    Nature underpins everything that we are as a society.  It is our duty to protect it, cherish it, and restore it. 

    That’s the best 130th anniversary present we could wish for!

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spending Review: Billions to back Scottish jobs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Spending Review: Billions to back Scottish jobs

    UK Government’s Plan for Change delivers record settlement for Scottish Government with an extra £9.1 billion over the SR period to deliver public services

    Working people across Scotland will benefit from significant investment in clean energy and innovation, creating thousands of high-skilled jobs and strengthening Scotland’s position as the home of the United Kingdom’s clean energy revolution.  

    The UK Government has confirmed £8.3 billion in funding for GB Energy-Nuclear and GB Energy in Aberdeen. This is alongside an increased commitment to the Acorn Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage project, which will receive development funding.   

    The Spending Review, outlined today, Wednesday 11 June, announces targeted investment in Scotland’s most promising sectors to grow the economy and put more money in working people’s pockets.  It delivers an extra £9.1 billion over Phase 2 of the Spending Review, through the Barnett formula.

    The government also confirmed £25 million for the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Freeport.   

    These investments are part of a wider package, with funding for hydrogen production projects at Cromarty and Whitelee.

    Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, said:  

    Putting more money in the pockets of working Scots by investing in the country’s renewal is at the heart of this Spending Review and our Plan for Change.

    The Chancellor has unleashed a new era of growth for Scotland, confirming billions of pounds of investment in clean energy – including new development funding for Acorn – creating thousands of high-skilled jobs.

    Scotland’s leading role at the heart of UK defence policy has been strengthened and there is also significant investment in our trailblazing innovation, research and development sectors.

    And the Scotland Office will work with local partners to ensure hundreds of millions of pounds of new targeted support for Scottish communities and businesses goes to projects that matter to local people. This means that the UK Government is now investing almost £1.7 billion in dozens of important growth schemes across Scotland over 10 years.

    To maximise the benefit of recent trade deals with India, US and the EU we are continuing the Brand Scotland programme to promote inward investment opportunities boosting Scottish exports of our globally celebrated products.

    And we are delivering a record real-terms funding settlement for the Scottish Government with an extra £9.1 billion over the Spending Review period through the Barnett formula. That’s more money than ever before for them to invest in Scottish public services like our NHS, police, housing and schools.

    This is a historic Spending Review for Scotland that chooses investment over decline and delivers on the promise that there would be no return to austerity.

    Investment in Scotland to strengthen UK defence  

    Speaking in the House of Commons today, the Chancellor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027, backing our Armed Forces, creating British jobs in British industries, and prioritising the security of Britain when it is most needed.  

    The long-term future of the Clyde is secured through an initial £250 million investment over three years which will begin a multi-decade, multi-billion pound redevelopment of HM Naval Base Clyde through the ‘Clyde 2070’ programme.   

    Investing in innovation and R&D  

    Scotland will also become home to the UK’s largest and most powerful supercomputer, with up to £750 million committed to its development at Edinburgh University. This world-class facility will give scientists across all UK universities access to extraordinary computer power, further strengthening Scotland’s research and innovation capability.   

    The UK Government is backing Scottish industry with a share of increased UK-wide R&D spending set to grow from £20.4 billion in 2025-26 to over £22.6 billion per year by 2029-30. Scotland will also benefit from a £410 million UK-wide Local Innovation Partnerships Fund.  

    Targeted support for Scottish communities   

    The government is also investing £160 million over 10 years for Investment Zones in the North East of Scotland and in Glasgow City Region, and confirming £452 million over four years for City and Growth Deals across Scotland.  

    A £100 million joint investment for the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth deal with the Scottish Government (£50 million from UK Government and £50 million from Scottish Government), demonstrating the UK Government’s continued commitment to the Grangemouth industrial area.  

    A new local growth fund, and investments in up to 350 deprived communities across the UK, will maintain the same cash level as in 2025-26 under the Shared Prosperity Fund. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Scotland Office, will work with local partners and the Scottish Government, to ensure money goes to projects that matter to local people. This investment will help drive growth and improve communities across Scotland.  

    Supporting Scottish businesses  

    The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is trialling a Strategic Partnership with Glasgow City Region to provide enhanced, hands-on support to help it develop and finance long term investment opportunities. The NWF has already made its first investment in Scotland with £43.5 million in direct equity for a sustainable packaging company, which is to build its first commercial-scale manufacturing facility near Glasgow.  

    Through its Nations and Regions Investment programme the British Business Bank is delivering £150 million across Scotland to break down access to finance barriers and drive economic growth.  

    The settlement also allocates £0.75 million each year to champion our ‘Brand Scotland’ trade missions to promote Scotland’s goods and services on the world stage and to encourage further growth and investment.

    A record settlement for Scottish public services   

    The Government has been clear that local decision-making against local priorities is central to delivering growth.   

    The Scottish Government will receive the largest real terms settlement since devolution began in 1998, with an average £50.9 billion per year between 2026-27 and 2028-29, enabling the Scottish Government to deliver for working people in Scotland.  This includes £2.9 billion per year on average through the operation of the Barnett formula, with £2.4 billion resource between 2026-27 and 2028-29 and £510 million capital between 2026-27 and 2029-30. 

    This investment and record settlement is made possible by the tough but necessary decisions taken in the October Budget.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cabinet reshuffle is no excuse for delays on climate plan

    Source: Scottish Greens

    11 Jun 2025 Climate

    Scotland’s carbon budgets must be published now.

    More in Climate

    Cabinet reshuffle can no longer be used as an excuse to delay publication of Scotland’s first carbon budgets, says Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie MSP.
     
    Today, the First Minister confirmed that Gillian Martin will remain in her role as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, with Mairi McAllan returning from maternity leave in a new role as Cabinet Secretary for Housing.
     
    Mr Harvie said:

    “The delay in setting Scotland’s first carbon budget has already caused serious concern, and some had blamed it on the imminent reshuffle.
     
    “Now that Gillian Martin has been made permanent in the job she was covering for, this can no longer be the explanation.
     
    “It’s urgent that she comes to the Chamber in the days ahead to explain the delay and to publish the Government’s proposals immediately. There is no time to waste.
     
    “We welcome Mairi McAllan back from maternity leave. She will also have a critical role to play here, and must restore boldness to Government action on both rent controls and clean heating that the Greens kick started, but which the SNP have watered down ever since.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Grothman Responds to Revealing Washington Post Piece on the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

    Following a scathing investigative piece by the Washington Post, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) is doubling down on his call to end the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). The article confirms that the LIHTC program enriches developers, banks, and lawyers while failing to effectively help the low-income Americans it was meant to serve. 

    “The Washington Post article exposed what we’ve known all along: the LIHTC program is not only inefficient, it’s scandalous,” said Grothman. “Projects built with LIHTC subsidies can cost up to $1.3 million per unit in Washington, D.C, far more than the average market-rate home in the city. These units aren’t modest, often including extravagant amenities in some of D.C.’s most affluent neighborhoods, and they’re mostly funded by taxpayer dollars. One developer boasted about including ‘a fitness room to encourage physical activity, a library, a large café with an outdoor terrace, a large multi-purpose community room with a separate outdoor terrace, an indoor bike room, on-site laundry, lounges and balconies on every floor.’ These luxurious amenities are costly, unnecessary for these developments, and paid for with taxpayer dollars. 

    “As costs rise, developers, banks, and lawyers take a bigger cut. The more expensive the project, the more these wealthy individuals profit. Meanwhile, fewer units are built because the costs are so high. LIHTC wastes taxpayer dollars and fails to deliver real help to struggling Americans. It’s a system rigged to reward developers, not the people it claims to assist. At one D.C. development, taxpayers shelled out nearly $800,000 per one-bedroom unit. Meanwhile, the same developers built a neighboring market-rate complex for about $350,000 per unit. The difference? The LIHTC-backed project generated an $8.5 million developer fee. 

    “This isn’t just the Washington Post sounding the alarm,” Grothman continued. “Even the Wall Street Journal is calling out LIHTC as a sweetheart deal for politically connected developers that runs through taxpayer money while producing few results. 

    “Despite the blatant waste and inefficiency occurring with LIHTC, the House reconciliation bill currently proposes increasing LIHTC funding by $14 billion over the next decade. This approach is far off the mark from serving the American people, and my colleagues must recognize that this program hurts taxpayers. 

    “I introduced the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Elimination Act, to shut down this broken, bloated program. It’s time to end LIHTC and invest in solutions that truly help American families, not line the pockets of wealthy developers.” 

    U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • India showcases labour reforms at 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday highlighted India’s strides in labour welfare and social security during his address at the plenary session of the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva. Representing India, he outlined key achievements and advocated for balanced global labour standards.

    India’s unemployment rate has dropped from 6% in 2017 to 3.2% in 2024, with over 7.5 crore formal sector jobs created in the past seven years. The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme, with a budget of approximately $12.81 billion, is set to further boost formal employment. The National Career Service (NCS) portal is being enhanced to connect Indian workers with global job opportunities, facilitating international labour mobility.

    The Minister emphasized India’s efforts to integrate gig and platform workers, projected to reach 23.5 million by 2030, into the mainstream. The e-Shram portal, a national database of over 300 million unorganised workers, including gig workers, enables targeted social protection. India’s social security coverage has surged from 24.4% in 2019 to 64.3% in 2025, benefiting around 940 million people, supplemented by food and health security schemes.

    Addressing the ILC’s discussions on biological hazards, Dr. Mandaviya supported worker protections but cautioned against overly broad definitions that extend beyond workplaces, particularly for informal sectors and MSMEs. He proposed a risk-tiered approach to balance safety and operational realities, urging the ILO to consider diverse national contexts in setting global standards.

    India’s Code on Social Security 2020 recognizes platform workers as a distinct category, and the country is fostering an education-to-employment ecosystem by aligning universities, industry, and skilling centers. .

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan’s Surgical Investment Delivers More Surgeries and Reduces Wait Times

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 11, 2025

    There were 100,406 surgeries and procedures performed between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. The health system also exceeded its target of completing 90 per cent of surgeries within eight months, with nearly 92 per cent completed within that timeframe.

    “Saskatchewan’s health care system is delivering on the commitment to improve access to surgical care through investments and setting aggressive targets,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “Annual budget investments have helped to stabilize system capacity and lay the groundwork for even greater progress in the years ahead. The surgical program is now well-positioned to achieve a six-month wait time target for most surgeries set for 2025–26. We are thankful to our surgical teams for their hard work and dedication to benefit patients.”

    The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) focused on meeting the needs of longest-waiting patients. The list for patients waiting longer than 24 months for their procedures is nearly eliminated. The number of people waiting longer than 12 months has decreased by 24 per cent over the past year.

    As part of the 2025-26 Provincial Budget, the Government of Saskatchewan is investing an additional $15.1 million in surgical services to help expand capacity, encourage innovation and reduce wait times for patients.

    This includes:

    • $12.9 million to increase surgical volumes and capacity in 2025-26;
    • $2 million in Saskatchewan’s robot-assisted surgery program to support expansion to Regina Pasqua Hospital and perform up to 600 more robot-assisted procedures; and
    • $1 million for surgical service enhancements to support coordination of care for back surgery and pain management for hospitalized patients.

    The plan to increase surgical volumes will span the next four years with the province committed to delivering 450,000 surgeries to significantly reduce the number of patients waiting for surgery. The number of procedures now include surgical interventions performed outside of operating rooms, such as cardiac catheterization or interventional radiology which are done in specially equipped treatment rooms and better reflects the actual number of surgical procedures being performed in the province.

    “As we continue to advance surgical care in Saskatchewan, we are focused on improving access and reducing wait times, all while maintaining the highest standards of quality,” Saskatchewan Health Authority Provincial Head of Surgery Dr. Michael Kelly said. “This progress is made possible by the exceptional commitment of our health care providers and physicians who work tirelessly every day to provide timely, high-quality care to patients across the province.”

    Expanding services for back surgery and pain management presents a valuable opportunity to reduce wait times. Strategic investment in these high-demand areas will boost capacity, improve access and lead to better health outcomes for patients.

    Surgical demand continues to rise, with bookings increasing by four per cent annually since 2022–23, up from 1.5 per cent before the pandemic. Initiatives like the new Breast Health Centre are helping to improve coordination and speed up access to cancer care.

    “By streamlining processes and focusing on patient-centered care, we have improved access and reduced the length of time all patients must wait for surgery,” SHA Chief Operating Officer Derek Miller said. “These enhancements are helping patients get the care they need sooner and strengthening the surgical system for the future.”

    Recruitment and retention efforts continue to be a priority. The government is actively investing in Saskatchewan’s dedicated surgical teams and working to attract additional health professionals to support the growing surgical program. Surgical leaders continue to explore all possible opportunities to recruit anesthesiologists, with recent success from efforts both locally and internationally.

    To learn more about Saskatchewan’s Surgical Performance and Wait Times, visit:
    https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/accessing-health-care-services/surgery/surgical-performance-and-wait-times.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Adams Questions Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer in House E&W Committee Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

    WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) questioned Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer on enforcing child labor protections in the face of historic cuts, as well as the Department of Labor’s impact on HBCUs, in the House Education & Workforce hearing on “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Labor.”

    Video of Rep. Adams’s remarks is available for media use here.

    Rep. Adams’s remarks are also available on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

    Full transcript of the remarks can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Adams Introduces Bill to Lower Cost of Housing, Reduce Corporate Housing Ownership Rates

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

    WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) introduced the American Neighborhoods Protection Act to protect and improve family home ownership opportunities.

    The American Neighborhoods Protection Act would require corporations that own more than 75 single-family residences to pay $10,000 per home annually into a Housing Trust Fund for down payment assistance grants to families purchasing homes. This would lower housing costs, increase housing supply, and provide financial assistance to families looking to buy a home.

    Corporate housing ownership is agrowing problem nationwide. In 2021, corporations bought 33% of single-family homes in Georgia, 31% in Arizona, 30% in Nevada, and 29% in both California and Texas.

    “A home should be a place for you to start a family and build your life, but unchecked corporate housing ownership is making that more and more unattainable for the average American,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Like so many communities across the country, Charlotte and Mecklenburg County face an affordable housing crisis, primarily driven by a small number of large corporations buying up housing, raising the costs and lowering supply. My bill would restore the opportunity of home ownership, an essential part of the American Dream, to all families, and especially our most economically vulnerable.”

    The issue of corporate-owned housing in Charlotte has received local and national attention. In 2023, 26% of single-family homes were owned by corporations, a 53% increase since 2010. Meanwhile,a report by the NC Chamber Foundation found that North Carolina’s affordable housing crisis is expected to grow over the next five years, if left unchecked.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Adams Statement on SCOTUS Granting DOGE Access to Social Security Administration Records

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

    WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) released a statement on the Supreme Court of the United States granting DOGE access to sensitive Social Security Administration records.

    “A group of unelected, unconfirmed private citizens has no business accessing your sensitive data,” said Congresswoman Adams. “The Supreme Court ruling granting DOGE access to Social Security Administration records is a blatant violation of the privacy of every U.S. citizen. Social Security is a lifeline for millions of Americans—seniors, widows, children, disabled workers—and we cannot and will not let it be undermined.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Adams Statement on the White House Deploying National Guard to Los Angeles

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

    WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) released a statement on the White House deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles during the city’s protests.

    “The president’s decision to deploy National Guardsmen to Los Angeles to stop American citizens from protesting was reckless and dangerous,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Neither Governor Gavin Newsom nor Mayor Karen Bass requested their support and this action only served to needlessly escalate the situation.”

    “This decision was fueled by the president’s ego, not by what was best for the people of Los Angeles, and we cannot let him continue to weaponize the executive branch against our communities,” Adams continued. “Republicans in Congress should join Democrats in standing up for our citizens and reining in the executive overreach from the White House.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Adams Questions Education Secretary Linda McMahon in House E&W Committee Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

    WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) questioned Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon on HBCUs, as well as federal education grant administration and compliance, in the House Education & Workforce hearing on “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Education.”

    Video of Rep. Adams’s remarks is available for media use here.

    Rep. Adams’s remarks are also available on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

    Full transcript of the remarks can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Frankel Requests Legal Justification for State Department’s Reorganization, RIF Plans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

    Rep. Frankel Requests Legal Justification for State Department’s Reorganization, RIF Plans

    Washington, June 10, 2025

    This week, Rep. Lois Frankel, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, requesting he lay out the State Department’s legal justification for its intended reorganization and reduction in force (RIF) plans in light of a recent preliminary injunction against the Administration which prohibited such drastic staffing changes. For full text of the letter, click here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to Czech government statement on Chinese cyberattack against Czech foreign ministry

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to Czech government statement on Chinese cyberattack against Czech foreign ministry

    Date：2025-05-29
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    May 29, 2025The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) notes that in a statement published on May 28, the government of the Czech Republic said it had identified the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as being responsible for a malicious campaign of cyberattacks targeting one of the unclassified networks of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It said the campaign had been carried out since 2022 through the cyberespionage actor APT31. Strongly condemning this action, the Czech government called on the PRC to adhere to international rules and take all appropriate measures to address the issue. In a post on the social media platform X, Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavksý said that China was interfering in Czech society through manipulation, propaganda, and cyberattacks.
     
    Taiwan is subjected to millions of cyber intrusions per day, the majority of which originate from China. This number is increasing daily. Taiwan is thus particularly capable of empathizing with the Czech Republic and other democracies facing similar threats. China has long employed cyberattacks, information warfare, and other forms of gray-zone tactics to infiltrate and harm Taiwan and democracies around the world, drawing widespread concern and condemnation from the international community. MOFA strongly urges the Chinese authorities to immediately halt these types of malicious cyberactivity targeting democratic countries and to respect international rules and its associated responsibilities.
     
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung reiterates Taiwan’s support for and solidarity with the Czech Republic. He emphasizes that cyberattacks and similar behavior committed against sovereign nations represent a grave violation of national security and freedom of information and threaten the stability and working of the global democratic community. As a responsible member of the global democratic camp, Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the Czech Republic, the European Union, and other like-minded partners, deepening information security exchanges and defensive capacity and jointly working to resist the threats to the democratic system and information security posed by China and other authoritarian regimes.
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Eswatini Minister of Agriculture Tshawuka

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Eswatini Minister of Agriculture Tshawuka

    Date：2025-05-29
    Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    May 29, 2025  No. 187  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon on May 29 in honor of a delegation led by Eswatini Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka. During the luncheon, Minister Lin welcomed Minister Tshawuka on behalf of the government as the two sides shared views on agricultural exchanges and cooperation. Minister Lin also thanked Eswatini for its long-term steadfast support of Taiwan’s participation in the international community.
     
    In his remarks, Minister Lin pointed out that Eswatini was Taiwan’s staunch ally in Africa and thanked H.M. King Mswati III and the Eswatini government for their long-term support of bilateral diplomatic relations. He said that agriculture was one of the kingdom’s major industries and stressed that there had long been close collaboration between Taiwan and Eswatini in this area. Taiwan, he continued, was willing to share its developmental experience and know-how with Eswatini and would continue to implement more joint projects through the Taiwan Technical Mission of the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF). Under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, Taiwan would utilize its technological prowess to help Eswatini promote a smart agriculture transition and increase food security which, he said, would bolster Eswatini’s economic development and improve the welfare of the people. 
     
    In his remarks, Minister Tshawuka thanked Taiwan for having provided assistance for Eswatini’s agriculture, especially the Taiwan-Africa Vegetable Initiative, a joint endeavor by the World Vegetable Center and the Taiwan government. This project had helped Eswatini to preserve the seeds of vegetables native to Africa and to advance the promotion of and education on the kingdom’s traditional vegetable crops, thereby increasing local food supply and benefiting the people. Minister Tshawuka also stated that the Taiwan-Eswatini relationship was strong and that the Eswatini government would continue to support Taiwan at international events and work with Taiwan to promote mutually beneficial cooperation.
     
    Also in attendance at the luncheon were Eswatini Ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Promise Msibi, Ambassador-at-Large Richard Soong, Ministry of Agriculture Director-General of International Affairs Hsiou Dong-chong, TaiwanICDF Secretary General Huang Yu-lin, World Vegetable Center Director General Marco Wopereis, and Mt. Dadu Industrial Innovation Foundation CEO Liao Tsu-chen. The guests exchanged views with Minister Tshawuka on a wide variety of issues relating to Taiwan-Eswatini collaboration on smart agriculture as well as Eswatini’s agricultural development.
     
    Taiwan and Eswatini have had diplomatic relations for 57 years and enjoy close ties in the area of agriculture. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work with the government of Eswatini to promote the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project and develop a mutually beneficial relationship that contributes to the welfare of both nations’ people, thus bringing bilateral cooperation to a new level. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to UK Ministry of Defence’s expression of concern over cross-strait peace and stability in Strategic Defence Review

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to UK Ministry of Defence’s expression of concern over cross-strait peace and stability in Strategic Defence Review

    Date：2025-06-03
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    June 3, 2025  

    On June 2, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) of the United Kingdom published its Strategic Defence Review, which stressed that the Indo-Pacific was strategically important to the United Kingdom and that growing Chinese assertiveness was a key driver of regional and global instability. The report also emphasized that China’s military exercises around Taiwan risked dangerous escalation in the Taiwan Strait and that its aggressive actions were fueling tension in the South China Sea. Moreover, the review stated that the MOD would continue strengthening regional partnerships and protecting freedom of navigation so as to further defend and shape international rules and norms. 
     
    At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31, Admiral Tony Radakin, UK Chief of the Defence Staff, publicly stated that upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the principles of freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific mattered greatly to the United Kingdom. He added that Royal Navy ships had therefore been exercising the right of freedom of navigation in the region, including in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. The fact the MOD’s Strategic Defence Review once again expressed grave concern over the Taiwan Strait and clear opposition to China’s provocative military actions demonstrates the United Kingdom’s consistent stance regarding the need to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly affirms and appreciates the UK statements. 
     
    The United Kingdom, a like-minded partner, shares with Taiwan such universal values as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. It also plays a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Taiwan will continue to engage in close cooperation with the United Kingdom and other democratic countries, taking concrete action to uphold peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, defend the rules-based international order, and jointly advance security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and throughout the world. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin meets with Eswatini delegation led by Foreign Minister Shakantu

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    June 4, 2025  No. 194  On the afternoon of June 4, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung met with a delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini led by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu. During their meeting, they had an extensive exchange of views on such topics as bilateral cooperation, trade, and investment.  
    In his remarks, Minister Lin stated that he had visited Eswatini in late April as presidential special envoy to join the birthday celebrations for King Mswati III. He added that this meeting with Minister Shakantu and other ministerial-level officials from Eswatini just over one month later demonstrated the close and frequent interactions between the two countries and symbolized the strength of their diplomatic alliance. 
     
    Minister Lin took the opportunity to express appreciation once again to King Mswati III and the Eswatini government for their long-standing and staunch support for Taiwan in the international arena, such as at the recently concluded World Health Assembly, the United Nations, and other multilateral forums. He stressed that Eswatini’s consistent advocacy for Taiwan had touched the hearts of the people of Taiwan. 
     
    Minister Lin said that during his trip to Eswatini in April, he and King Mswati III had discussed such topics as strengthening bilateral economic, trade, investment, and tourism exchanges, as well as Taiwan’s assistance in building 5G smart cities and developing energy resources in Eswatini. He expressed confidence that the close collaboration between the two countries would spur Eswatini’s national development and better ensure the welfare of both peoples, stating that this would realize Taiwan’s vision of advancing allies’ prosperity and demonstrate that Taiwan could help and that Eswatini could serve as a leader on the African continent. 
     
    Minister Shakantu thanked Minister Lin for rapidly formulating a series of concrete plans following his trip to Eswatini in April that would advance bilateral cooperation and Eswatini’s development, underscoring Taiwan’s high regard for and steadfast commitment to its allies. She also expressed the hope to see greater investment and more tourists from Taiwan in Eswatini through the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, thereby fueling bilateral exchanges.  
     
    Earlier on June 4, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu hosted a luncheon for the delegation. Attendees at the luncheon included International Trade Administration Secretary General Amelia W. J. Day, Export-Import Bank of the ROC President Hsieh Fu-hua, Hua Nan Bank Vice Chairman T. Lin, MOFA Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs Director General Lien Yu-ping, and MOFA Department of West Asian and African Affairs Deputy Director General Chen Yung-po. They exchanged views with the members of the Eswatini delegation on a variety of issues. 
     
    Eswatini is an important diplomatic ally of Taiwan in Africa. MOFA will continue to maintain close interactions with the Eswatini government and actively seek to enhance mutually beneficial collaboration in all fields so as to realize the vision of advancing allies’ prosperity and thereby deepen and consolidate diplomatic relations between the two countries. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA congratulates ROK on successful completion of 21st-term presidential elections

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA congratulates ROK on successful completion of 21st-term presidential elections

    Date：2025-06-04
    Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    No. 192June 4, 2025Following the completion of the presidential elections on June 4, Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party was elected the 21st-term president of the Republic of Korea. On behalf of the government of Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sincerely congratulates the government and people of the ROK on once again conducting a successful round of democratic elections. Furthermore, following the public announcement of the election results, the Taipei Mission in Korea immediately transmitted a congratulatory telegram on behalf of the government of Taiwan.Taiwan and the ROK are both important countries in the Indo-Pacific. They share such universal values as democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, while exchanges and cooperation on economics and trade, culture, tourism, and other domains have yielded fruitful results. The ROK government has reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait at numerous international events in recent years, highlighting the determination of Taiwan, the ROK, and like-minded nations to work together to maintain regional peace, stability, and prosperity and curtail the expansion of authoritarianism.Based on existing close and stable interactions, Taiwan looks forward to continuing to engage with the ROK through its new government so as to deepen collaboration in all areas and jointly advance peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt rejects slanderous remarks

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition against the slanderous remarks made by some Western countries, anti-China organisations and anti-China politicians regarding the case of Joshua Wong involving the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Hong Kong SAR’s work on safeguarding national security.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government said as the legal proceedings of the case involving Joshua Wong are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly urges these Western countries, anti-China organisations and anti-China politicians to immediately stop interfering in the Hong Kong SAR’s internal affairs and the independent exercise of judicial power by the courts.

    The Hong Kong SAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the people or entities concerned, and have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation.

    The Department of Justice is in charge of criminal prosecutions under the Basic Law, with all its prosecutorial decisions made on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws.

    The Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence will receive a fair trial strictly. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or backgrounds of the people involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that any attempt by any country, organisation or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the Hong Kong SAR by means of political power, thereby resulting in a defendant not being able to have a fair trial that one should receive, is a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law and should be condemned.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government is appalled by irresponsible remarks of some countries, organisations or individuals that seemed to suggest that people with certain political beliefs should be immune to legal sanctions, or even call for release of suspects who have been arrested by the Hong Kong SAR law enforcement agencies in accordance with the law.

    Moreover, it elucidated that it will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government added that it will uphold the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems”.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VA announces $42M in grants to fight Veteran homelessness

    Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs

    Skip to content

    WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced the availability of $42 million in grants to eligible organizations to assist homeless Veterans and those at risk of homelessness with various legal services.

    Grant applications are due by 4 p.m. ET, July 7. Organizations can apply for grants worth up to $500,000, which will fund operations for a two-year period beginning Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2027.

    The funds are being made available through VA’s Legal Services for Veterans Grant Program and are designed to help Veterans in several ways, including:

    • Providing Veterans with representation in landlord-tenant disputes to prevent eviction.
    • Assisting with court proceedings for child support, custody or estate planning.
    • Helping Veterans obtain benefits like disability compensation.
    • Defending Veterans in criminal cases that can prolong or increase their risk of homelessness, such as outstanding warrants, fines, and driver’s license revocation.

    “Services to help Veterans obtain benefits, maintain access to housing and navigate other common legal issues can make a huge difference in preventing or resolving homelessness,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “These important grants will help us make a positive difference in the lives of thousands of Veterans.”

    Learn more about the grant program eligibility and award process online or by emailing lsv@va.gov.

    Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov

    Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.

    Contact us online through Ask VA

    Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.

    Learn about our chatbot and ask a question

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  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Oklahoma Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Spring Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and residents in Oklahoma of the July 11 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by severe storms and flooding beginning April 19.

    The disaster declaration covers the Oklahoma counties of Caddo, Comanche, Cotton, Grady, Kiowa, Stephens and Tillman.

    Small businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.”

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is July 11.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Agreement protects sovereignty and economic security of Gibraltar

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Agreement protects sovereignty and economic security of Gibraltar

    Political agreement reached that will protect British sovereignty, UK military autonomy and secure Gibraltar’s economic future.

    • UK, alongside the Government of Gibraltar, reaches a political agreement with the EU which will protect British sovereignty, UK military autonomy and secure Gibraltar’s economic future. 

    • Agreement resolves the last major unresolved issue from Brexit, avoiding the need for checks on people and goods crossing the Gibraltar-Spain border to support prosperity in the region. 

    • Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, central to the agreement as Foreign Secretary visits Gibraltar this morning. 

    The UK Government has today [11 June] reached a political agreement with the EU which will secure Gibraltar’s economy, provide certainty for people and businesses in Gibraltar and protect British sovereignty. 

    This government inherited a situation which left Gibraltar’s economy and way of life under threat. Gibraltar was not included in the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement negotiated by the previous UK government following Brexit. Instead, the previous government began negotiations in 2021 to reach a deal which has remained unresolved until today. 

    Approximately 15,000 people – over half of Gibraltar’s workforce – cross the land border between Spain and Gibraltar every day. Without a new agreement, the EU’s incoming system of entry and exit controls would have introduced a ‘hard border’ under which every individual passport was checked.    

    Today’s agreement provides a practical solution to avoid the need for onerous checks and long delays at the border which would have proved ruinous for Gibraltar’s economy – costing hundreds of millions a year and placing pressure on the UK taxpayer for fiscal support, underlining the government’s commitment to economic stability under the Plan for Change.  

    The Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, has been central to the negotiations from the start and today’s agreement has his full backing.  

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: 

    This government inherited a situation from the last government which put Gibraltar’s economy and way of life under threat. Today’s breakthrough delivers a practical solution after years of uncertainty.  

    Alongside the Government of Gibraltar, we have a reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar’s economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again. 

    I thank the Chief Minister and his Government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK’s commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as the Rock itself.” 

    Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo said: 

    I’m delighted we have finalised a conclusive political agreement which will bring legal certainty to the people of Gibraltar, its businesses and to those across the region who rely on stability at the frontier. 

    I have worked hand in glove with the UK government throughout this negotiation to deliver the deal Gibraltar wants and needs – one that will protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty. 

    Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed cooperation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it’s time to finalise the Treaty.

    As the only UK overseas territory which shares a border with the EU, today’s political agreement provides a practical solution for the unique situation faced by the people of Gibraltar whose livelihoods depend on a fluid border.  

    Under the agreement, there will be:  

    • A clause agreed by all sides which makes explicitly clear that the final Treaty does not impact sovereignty.    

    • A fluid border between Gibraltar and Spain, without checks on people crossing.  

    • Dual border control checks for arrivals by air at Gibraltar airport, carried out by Gibraltar and Spanish officials. Immigration and law and order in Gibraltar will remain the exclusive responsibility of Gibraltar’s authorities. Spanish officials will be responsible for ensuring the integrity of the Schengen Area, in a model similar to French police operating in London’s St Pancras station.   

    • A bespoke goods and customs model for products entering Gibraltar across its land border, avoiding the need for onerous checks.  

    • Full operational autonomy of the UK’s military facilities in Gibraltar, which play a vital role in protecting regional security and important trade routes.  

    • The opportunity for flights to operate from Gibraltar airport to EU destinations, increasing Gibraltar’s connectivity to the continent and improving its prosperity.  

    The agreement clears the way for finalisation of a UK-EU Treaty Text on Gibraltar, which all parties have committed to complete as quickly as possible.   

    Background

    • Gibraltar is a UK overseas territory located on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula that was formally ceded to the United Kingdom from Spain in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht.   

    • The people of Gibraltar expressed their overwhelming desire to remain British in referenda in 1967 (99%) and 2002 (98%).  

    • Negotiations for a UK-EU Treaty on Gibraltar began in October 2021 under the previous UK government.  

    • The final Treaty will be subject to ratification by the UK and Gibraltar parliaments.  

    • The UK Strategic Defence Review set out the importance of maintaining the UK military presence in Gibraltar, including for maritime force protection operations, upholding the sovereignty of British Gibraltar Territorial Waters, as well as providing a base at a strategic location at the western entrance to the Mediterranean to provide critical support to UK—and allied— military objectives.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

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    Updates to this page

    Published 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-EU Agreement in Respect of Gibraltar: Joint statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UK-EU Agreement in Respect of Gibraltar: Joint statement

    A joint statement from the UK, European Commission, Spain and Gibraltar following talks today (11 June) in Brussels.

    European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, together with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo, met in Brussels on Wednesday 11 June.

    Building on significant progress achieved in the previous political meetings in 2024 and on intensive work of the negotiating teams since then to solve outstanding issues, today’s discussions resulted in a conclusive political agreement on the core aspects of the future Agreement between the EU and the UK in respect of Gibraltar. The future Agreement is without prejudice to the respective legal positions of Spain and the United Kingdom with regard to sovereignty and jurisdiction.

    The main objective of the future Agreement is to secure the future prosperity of the whole region. This will be done by removing all physical barriers, checks and controls on persons and goods circulating between Spain and Gibraltar, while preserving the Schengen area, the EU Single Market and Customs Union. This will bring confidence and legal certainty to the lives and well-being of the people of the whole region by promoting shared prosperity and close and constructive relations between the Gibraltar and Spanish authorities.

    In the area of persons, the Parties agreed to establish dual Gibraltar and Schengen border checks at Gibraltar port and airport – to be carried out in full cooperation between the EU and UK/Gibraltar authorities, removing all checks at the crossing point between Gibraltar and La Linea for the many thousands of people who travel across daily in both directions. For the EU, full Schengen checks will be carried out by Spain. For the UK, full Gibraltar checks will continue to be carried out as they are today.  They also agreed arrangements for visas and permits and close cooperation between the police and law enforcement authorities.

    In the area of goods, the Parties agreed on the principles underpinning the future customs union between the EU and Gibraltar, providing for strong cooperation between the respective customs authorities and removing checks on goods. There is also agreement on the principles of indirect taxation to be applied in Gibraltar, including on tobacco – that will avoid distortions and contribute to the prosperity of the whole region.

    Other important areas of the future EU-UK Agreement include level playing field commitments on State aid, taxation, labour, environment, trade and sustainable development, anti-money laundering, and transport – including the airport; the rights of frontier workers and social security coordination. Specific cooperation will also be included in environmental matters. The creation of an appropriate financial mechanism to promote cohesion and support training and employment in the region has also been agreed.

    Today’s agreement has been reached in a shared commitment to European security.

    The way is now clear for negotiating teams swiftly to finalise the full legal text and proceed with the respective internal procedures leading to the signature and ratification of the future Agreement.

    The Parties are confident that this Agreement will support prosperity and bring confidence, legal certainty, and stability to the lives and well-being of the people of the whole region.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

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    Updates to this page

    Published 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Roger Devlin appointed as Chair of the Horserace Betting Levy Board

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Roger Devlin appointed as Chair of the Horserace Betting Levy Board

    The Secretary of State has appointed Roger Devlin as Chair of the Horserace Betting Levy Board for a term of four years from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2029.

    Roger Devlin

    Roger Devlin is currently Chair of Persimmon, the FTSE housebuilder as well as a Director of the Sutton Trust, the leading social mobility charity.

    Previous non-executive roles have included Senior Independent Director of the Football Association and Chair of Marstons. He also chaired Sunningdale and served on the board of the R&A. In an executive capacity Roger was a director of merchant bankers Hill Samuel (1978-1993) and Hilton International (1994-2008).

    In roles linked to horseracing he was Chair of William Hill until its sale to Caesars in 2022; Chair of Gamesys the fast growing online gaming company; and Chair of SiS, the media rights business. Roger owns horses in training with Anthony Honeyball and William Muir. He was co-owner and bred Pyledriver, the winner of the King George and Coronation Cup.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    The Chair of the Horserace Betting Levy Board is remunerated £39,600 per annum. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Roger Devlin has not declared any significant political activity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: June 10th, 2025 Ranking Member Martin Heinrich Statement on Trump Administration’s Attack on America’s National Monuments, Undermining the Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement in response to an opinion issued by the Trump Administration’s Department of Justice asserting that Presidents can modify or revoke national monument designations made using the Antiquities Act of 1906. This position contradicts long-held views of the Justice Department dating back to 1938. 

    “At Donald Trump’s order, his Justice Department is attempting to clear a path to erase national monuments.   

    “Here’s what they don’t understand: Our national monuments are about who we are. They tell the story of our ancestors, support jobs and our rural economies, and connect Americans to our history and the land itself. No president can erase that. 

    “I will oppose any attempt by President Trump or Congressional Republicans to rip away our national monuments, using this outrageous path or otherwise. We’re ready to fight back — and we won’t back down.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Shivraj Singh Chouhan to engage with farmers in Bardoli as Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan concludes

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhanon Thursday will interact with farmers in Bardoli, Gujarat, marking the culmination of the 15-day Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel will also attend the event.

    Launched on May 29 in Odisha, the nationwide campaign has seen the Union Minister engage with farmers across Odisha, Jammu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and Delhi. In Bardoli, Chouhan will participate in a Kisan Chaupal to personally address farmers’ concerns and discuss practical challenges.

    The campaign has mobilized 2,170 teams comprising 16,000 scientists, reaching over 1.08 crore farmers nationwide. It focuses on delivering region-specific agricultural research tailored to local climatic conditions, soil fertility, and other factors. The initiative also aims to identify farmers’ challenges and shape future agricultural research and policies.

  • India’s PSUs and PSBs turn into wealth creators in last 11 years

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has strengthened India’s public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the last 11 years, turning them into wealth creators and making them integral to the nation’s growth, the data-focused X handle infoindata showed on Wednesday.

    With focused reforms, strategic autonomy, and capital support, PSU market cap surged across the energy, power, and infrastructure sectors.

    While NTPC saw its market cap reach Rs 3.27 lakh crore in 2025, from 0.99 lakh crore in 2014, Power Grid saw its market cap touch Rs 2.80 lakh crore in 2025, from 0.55 lakh crore in 2014 (till June 9), as per data sourced from the DIPAM and the Department of Public Enterprises.

    Other PSUs like IOCL, Power Finance, BPCL, GAIL, NHPC, BHEL, etc, also saw a meteoric rise in their market caps in the last 11 years.

    On the other hand, the market cap of public sector banks (PSBs) also surged in the last 11 years.

    The SBI saw its market cap reach Rs 7.32 lakh crore in FY26, from Rs 1.51 lakh crore in FY16.

    PNB saw its market cap touch Rs 1.29 lakh crore in FY26 from 0.06 lakh crore in FY16, while Bank of Baroda’s market cap reached Rs 1.28 lakh crore from 0.34 lakh crore in the same time frame, as per the data.

    “In 11 years, the Modi government transformed public sector banks from the NPA crisis of the UPA era to record market capitalisation through structural reforms such as asset quality review, bank mergers, targeted recapitalisation, and measures to resolve bad loans,” said infoindata on X.

    Meanwhile, India’s top public sector companies in the financial, power and energy sectors recorded a robust growth in profit during the January-March quarter of 2024-25, which is expected to further strengthen the government’s fiscal position.

    The country’s largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI), and insurance giant Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) led the charge with a net profit of Rs 18,643 crore and Rs 19,013 crore, respectively. SBI’s net profit for the financial year 2024-25 has now soared to Rs 70,901 crore, while LIC has recorded an impressive net profit of Rs 48,151 crore for the year.

    In the energy sector, Coal India earned a net profit of Rs 9,604 crore during the fourth quarter, while Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) registered a net profit of Rs 7,265 crore, with upstream oil exploration giant ONGC registering a net profit of Rs 6,448 crore during the quarter.

    In the power sector, the country’s largest electricity producer, NTPC, recorded a net profit of Rs 7,897 crore, while Power Finance Corporation (PFC), which also comes under the Ministry of Power, earned a robust Rs 8,358 crore. Power Grid Corporation of India also registered a strong profit of Rs 4,143 crore during the January-March quarter.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sec. Wright Agrees: “Absolutely” Electric Transmission Lines Should Get Parity with Natural Gas

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, during an Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing on the Department of Energy’s (DOE) budget, DOE Secretary Chris Wright agreed that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission should give electric transmission lines the same fast-track, one-stop-shop permitting process, that natural gas pipelines and Liquid Natural Gas export facilities currently get.  

    Large, high-voltage, interregional transmission lines are crucial for moving energy from all sources, including clean energy from renewables and nuclear, from where it is produced to where it is needed. Currently, the process to permit and build transmission lines requires reviews by states, localities, multiple federal agencies and can take more than two decades to complete. In comparison, natural gas pipelines go through one unified federal review at FERC and can be completed significantly faster as compared to transmission.  

    During the hearing, Representative Peters asked Secretary Wright, “Since 2005, FERC has had the authority to act as the sole permitting agency for large multi-state transmission lines that your department deems to be in the national interest, but the federal government has not once used this authority due to litigation and endless bureaucracy regarding DOE’s role in the process. That’s Bush, Obama, Trump, Biden, never use the authority. The backstop permitting authority for transmission is also a fraction of the authority that FERC has long had over natural gas pipelines and LNG, which always get their one-stop permitting shop at FERC. So, my question is, would you support bipartisan efforts in Congress to streamline this permit authority for large transmission lines, including would you be supportive of establishing permitting parity at FERC between natural gas and transmission? 

    Secretary Wright responded, “Absolutely. The United States needs to build more energy infrastructure of all kinds and certainly including transmission lines.”  

    Watch Rep. Peters’ full question line here.

    Background: 

    SPEED & Reliability Act 
    Representative Peters’ and Senator Hickenlooper’s SPEED and Reliability Act would accelerate the siting and permitting of interregional transmission lines by:  

    • Allowing individual transmission lines to be deemed as “national interest high-impact transmission facilities.”  
    • Requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to conduct a single environmental review for these transmission lines, rather than requiring duplicative reviews by FERC and the Department of Energy. 

    FASTER Act:  

    Representative Peters’ FASTER Act will strengthen FERC’s permitting authorities by designating it as the lead agency for large, interstate transmission lines and by: 

    • Giving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) siting authority and establishes it as the lead agency to coordinate state, local, and federal authorizations for National Interest Electric Transmission Facilities, defined as 345 kV or 750 MW, crosses two states, or a designation from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that the route proposed by a developer is consistent with the purpose of a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor. 
    • Incentivizing communities and project sponsors to negotiate an enforceable Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) and ensures greater community engagement by developing clear protocols to help communities negotiate a CBA. 

    BIG WIRES Act 
    Representative Peters’ and Senator Hickenlooper’s BIG Wires Act would update the country’s patchwork energy transmission system by:  

    • Coordinating the construction of an interregional transmission system. 
    • Establishing minimum-transfer requirements to move large amounts of energy from one U.S. grid region to another.  

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Under President Trump, America is Defeating Inflation

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    America is beating inflation as President Donald J. Trump leads the country into the new Golden Age with lower costs, higher pay, and economic opportunity for all.
    Here’s what you need to know from the latest Consumer Price Index:
    In May, inflation came in lighter than expected for yet another month.
    Since President Trump took office, inflation has come in below economists’ expectations every single month.

    Core inflation held steady and remains at the lowest level since March 2021.
    Under President Trump, core inflation has tracked at just 2.0% on an annual basis — levels not seen since the first Trump Administration, when prices were low and stable.

    Wage growth remains strong under President Trump.
    In May, real wages for production and nonsupervisory workers saw the highest monthly increase in nearly a year — rising each month since President Trump took office and up nearly 2% over last year.
    The average private sector worker is on track to see their real earnings increase by around $1,200, adjusted for inflation.

    Prices for everyday Americans continue to fall.
    Energy prices fell by 1.0% over the last month — down 3.5% over the past year.
    Gasoline prices have fallen each month since President Trump took office, down 2.6% over the past month and down 12% over the past year.
    Prices in key areas — such as meats, poultry, eggs, airfares, used and new cars, and apparel — all went down over the past month.

    Here’s what they’re saying:
    CNN’s Matt Egan: “We got ANOTHER month of positive inflation news. Despite these historic tariffs, the latest numbers do show that inflation remained relatively tame in May … This was better than expected … We did see a drop in energy prices. In particular, gas prices were low.”
    CNBC’s Mike Santoli: “There’s no way to look at these numbers and say they’re not welcome news.”
    CNBC’s Steve Liesman: “Not only did we get a decline in inflation expectations earlier this week from the important New York Fed report … I do not see broader impacts on inflation from the tariffs.”
    CNBC’s Rick Santelli: “Inflation certainly looks like it is cooling.”
    Fox Business Network’s Maria Bartiromo: “That is much better than expected.”
    Commentator Adam Johnson: “Now we’re talking about numbers that are down in the low twos — under 2.5% — and we’re seeing that now for three months in a row, so this is wonderful news.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome dinner to mark state visit by Marshall Islands President Heine

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome dinner to mark state visit by Marshall Islands President Heine

    Date：2025-06-04
    Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    June 4, 2025No.193Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a dinner on June 3 to mark a state visit by President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Minister Lin conveyed a warm welcome on behalf of the government of Taiwan and thanked the Marshall Islands for firmly backing Taiwan’s international participation. He said that Taiwan hoped to build upon the solid foundation of cooperation with the Marshall Islands to continue to advance the bilateral partnership and advance development in all areas.In his remarks, Minister Lin stated that in the 27 years since diplomatic relations were established, Taiwan and the Marshall Islands had seen fruitful results from cooperation in many areas, which demonstrated that ties were close and friendly. During President Heine’s state visit, the two sides had signed the Letter of Intent on Sports Exchange and Cooperation, the Memorandum of Understanding on the ROC (Taiwan)-RMI Presidents’ Scholarship, and an agreement on enhancing cooperation in air travel as ways of strengthening the bilateral partnership. Minister Lin further emphasized that since taking office, he had overseen implementation of the integrated diplomacy policy, the three pillars of which were values-based diplomacy, alliance diplomacy, and economic and trade diplomacy. He had also promoted the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, under which Taiwan would continue to assist the Marshall Islands in realizing sustainable economic development based on the Taiwan model.In her remarks, President Heine said that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands had cooperated closely in such key sectors as medical care, education, agriculture, and climate change adaptation. This, she declared, had profoundly enhanced the welfare of the people of the Marshall Islands and contributed to national development. She further recognized that her state visit served as a milestone in improving bilateral relations. She particularly thanked Taiwan for providing scholarships, which had helped the Marshall Islands nurture professional talent and train medical personnel and which had greatly benefited the Marshallese people and boosted momentum for the nation’s economic development. President Heine reiterated that diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands were grounded in shared democratic values. As Taiwan’s steadfast friend and ally, the Marshall Islands would, she pledged, continue to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and work with Taiwan to facilitate peace, prosperity, and development in both nations.Among other attendees at the dinner were Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi; International Cooperation and Development Fund Secretary General Huang Yu-lin; Sports Administration Deputy Director-General Fang Jui-wen; Fisheries Agency Deputy Director-General Lin Ding-rong; and Shuang-Ho Hospital Vice Superintendent Chan Lung. At the conclusion of the banquet, members of the Marshallese delegation sang traditional folk songs, demonstrating their Austronesian cultural heritage. Minister Lin and the Taiwanese attendees also joined in. The atmosphere of the event was warm and cordial. (E)
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin meets with delegation led by Mayor Zdanowska of Polish city of Łódź

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin meets with delegation led by Mayor Zdanowska of Polish city of Łódź

    Date：2025-06-05
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    June 5, 2025  
    No. 196  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on the morning of June 4 met with a delegation led by Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of Łódź, Poland. The six-member delegation also included Łódź University of Technology Rector Krzysztof Jóźwik, Łódź City Councilors Beata Bilska and Maciej Rakowski, and Łódź city government officials. The two sides engaged in an in-depth exchange of opinions regarding Taiwan-Poland interactions on economics and trade, culture, and academic and city affairs.
     
    During the meeting, Minister Lin began by once again welcoming Mayor Zdanowska to Taiwan and thanking her for the warm reception extended to him during his visit to Łódź in November 2024. Noting that city-to-city diplomacy played an important role in Taiwan’s overall external relations, Minister Lin said he was delighted that the delegation would be meeting with Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che to formally conclude a sister-city agreement. He said that Tainan and Łódź had many things in common and that he looked forward to the two cities continuing to deepen substantive cooperation, further expanding mutual interactions and exchanges in a range of areas, and developing a mutually beneficial partnership.
     
    Mayor Zdanowska said that Łódź, a city with a long history at the heart of Poland, enjoyed convenient transport links, a rich cultural heritage, and a solid industrial foundation. Remarking that the development of special economic zones and road and airport infrastructure had much improved the city’s economic prospects in recent years, she said she hoped that Taiwanese industries would work with Łódź to generate mutual prosperity. Mayor Zdanowska also stated that Łódź had recently been active in developing its film and television and arts and cultural industries, and said she believed there was room for collaboration with related sectors in Taiwan.
     
    Taiwan and Poland share such values as freedom and democracy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to promote close cooperation between Taiwan and Poland and seek to deepen their resilient partnership so as to create enduring prosperity and well-being for the peoples on both sides. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –