Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
Infected Blood Compensation Authority’s update that was circulated on 2 June 2025
Infected Blood Compensation Authority’s update that was circulated on 2 June 2025
Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry
2 June 2025
The Press Launch of the ONeills Foyle Cup took place on Friday at St Joseph’s Boys’ School Westway, Derry – a most appropriate venue as St. Joseph’s are not only the present holders of Northern Ireland Under 18 Schools’ Cup but also host the Manchester United Foundation and the Stephen Gerrard 17-19 Academy, organised by Derry City F.C. on their school campus.
School Principal, Mrs. Ciara Deane, in introducing the large attendance at the launch, said: ‘It is a huge pleasure to support the Derry & District Youth F.A., organisers of the ONeills Foyle Cup and I commend the work done by this organisation, not just for the kids of this city and district but for all the kids who have had a memorable experience of competing in the event over the thirty plus years of its existence, since its humble beginnings in 1992.’
The St. Joseph’s Principal continued: ‘I am delighted to hear that no fewer than 950 teams will compete in the 2025 event, resulting in over 20,000 actual participants creating lifelong memories and I’m even more delighted that our school premises will host some of the 3,300 fixtures scheduled this year!’
John Murphy, on behalf of ONeills Sports, Title Sponsors, spoke proudly of what sponsorship of the Foyle Cup meant to his organisation.
‘We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with the ONeills Foyle Cup, a tournament that captures the very best of youth football, community spirit, and international connection.
‘With 950 teams competing this year from places as far afield as South Africa, Australia, the USA, Canada, Spain, Finland, and across the UK and Ireland, the ONeills Foyle Cup is a powerful reminder of how sport brings people together. At ONeills, we’re committed to supporting young athletes from the grassroots up, and this event truly reflects our passion for helping them grow in confidence, skill, and love for the game. We hope every player, coach, and supporter has a fantastic tournament experience and enjoys every moment on and off the pitch.”
The Deputy Mayor of Derry Strabane District Council, Darren Guy expressed his delight in how the event delivers for the city and district.
‘I am proud to attend the formal launch of the 2025 Foyle Cup. The tournament is rightly regarded as one of the biggest and best celebrations of youth football in Europe and is a place where players, coaches and supporters make lifelong memories.
‘As a Council, we are delighted to sponsor the tournament each year and provide playing pitches for games as part of our commitment to bring high level sporting events to our City and District. We believe sport can play a key role in promoting friendship, team skills and social cohesion. Good luck to all the teams as they finalise their preparations for what will be an unforgettable week of football in July.’
Chief Executive Officer of Derry Credit Union, Joan Gallagher also expressed delight in being invited to sponsor the mini soccer events during the Foyle Cup week and spoke of the excitement the whole city, – kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, experience during the week of the tournament. A fantastic week for the city and district and we are so proud to be supporting this wonderful, exciting, colourful event.
Cyril Moorhead, Good Relations Officer at Choice Housing, praised the organisers, not just on the success of the event in terms of numbers registered but more importantly, the tremendous work that has been done on a cross-community basis, actively promoting good relations and friendliness and welcome afforded to all visitors which is synonymous with the city and district.
‘It is most pleasing to see how the Foyle Cup has grown into such a large international event and how much support the event has from local communities, schools, colleges, Ulster University and Northwest Regional College.
‘The impact of the Foyle Cup is significant, from its contribution to the local economy to the impact it has on young people’s lives, their communities and the positive community relations that it builds. As a housing association, Choice is committed not only to building quality affordable homes but contributing positively to the communities that we operate in, this partnership is a prime example of this.
‘I wish the organisers continued success this year and, in the years, ahead.’
Special Guest of Honour, Rory Holden, a player who participated in the Foyle Cup for many years with his local team, Top of the Hill Celtic, said he was ever thankful to the organisers and his own junior club, for without the effort of so many, it is doubtful if he would be having the enriching experience of playing with his own professional club, All Saints from Wales, having played in Champions’ League and Europa league competitions this year.
‘This event continues to thrive, grow and delivers for all our youth – boys, girls and those with sports disabilities. It is a real pleasure to be here to celebrate the success of this superb tournament.’
Philip Devlin, Foyle Cup committee member, in taking charge of the live draw, advised all that details of the draw were available on the tournament website www.foylecup.com and he expected that fixtures for the full week would be on site within 36 hours of launch. He also thanked all teams for their support and co-operation and wished them well in the tournament, from July 21-26.
Diolain Ward, of Foyle Cup committee member, concluded the launch event.
‘Thank you to everyone who gave of their time to be here this evening. In particular, I would like to thank our sponsors – Derry City and Strabane District Council, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, ONeills, Derry Credit Union, Choice Housing, Seagate, Inner City Trust, Brunswick Moviebowl, Ulster University and North West Regional College. Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to Rory Holden for spending some of his much-valued time at home, with us, this afternoon and I wish him, on behalf of the member clubs of the Derry & District Youth Football Association, even more success in his football career.’
Source: City of Manchester
Manchester’s favourite day of the year is back for 2025 and looks set to hit all the right notes with a mammoth day of music-themed free fun promised for all the family on Saturday 26 July to help celebrate the city’s homegrown musical talent and this year’s big summer of live music in the city.
With 1.3 million music tourists expected in Manchester this summer and a massive line-up of live music legends set to take over venues and parks across the city, this year’s Manchester Day aims to get everyone in the groove.
The city council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme for the day that promises something for music fans of all ages, and all musical abilities or none – from the virtuoso violinist to the can’t-sing-a-note novice.
From English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans and community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, plus two musical cats and a larger-than-life canary all in a giant birdcage – this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.
With activities taking place in St Ann’s Square, Cathedral Gardens, and everywhere in-between, there will be plenty of chances throughout the day for visitors young and old to get stuck in, or to try their hand at music-making and uncover that hidden musical talent they didn’t know they had.
And with a setlist that includes strum-along ukulele sessions, spontaneous sing-a-longs, dancing to a steel pan band or some surprising Ska, visitors will want to make sure they get down early and not miss a beat.
The day will also see a music takeover of the route from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral, with families invited to take a musical meander through the city streets as a music-filled mini parade makes its way from the square, along Deansgate, to the Cathedral.
Sure to be one of the highlights of the day, expect toe-tapping sounds and surprises all the way as two huge Griffins lead the parade with fantastical birds and other winged creatures in tow, all swooping their way along the parade route.
Accompanied by the sounds of Brazilian-inspired brass from Jubacana, drumming from Manchester Dhol Players and a giant Dhol drum, along with the percussive rhythms of Manchester Batala, and performers from community groups across the city including the Anglo Filipino Club, the Hong Kong Cultural Community, Greater Manchester’s Youth network, Manchester’s Lithuanian Society and more – the mini parade looks set to get everyone moving and in the music groove.
Councillor Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: “We’ve got a mammoth summer of live music coming up in the city this year which means it’s only right that we max out on the music for Manchester Day.
“Everyone in Manchester loves music. Mancs have music in their bones, there’s so much talent here – we’re either making it or playing it. And that’s why everyone’s on the guestlist for this year’s Manchester Day to help us celebrate the music that Mancunians make best.
“We’ve got a fantastic day lined up so loosen up those vocal chords, grab a guitar, grab your granny, all the family, and don’t miss it!”
Proceedings on the day get underway at 12 noon with final encores at 5 pm.
Source: City of Manchester
The Council is set to enter into a landmark partnership with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund to deliver hundreds of genuinely affordable homes as part of plans to build 1,600 more homes.
GMPF has been selected, through a competitive process, as the investment partner for the next phase of development by This City, the Council’s housing company. The Council’s Executive is being asked to endorse the creation of a new joint venture with GMPF to deliver the second phase of This City development when it meets on 4 June.
This City’s first flagship project, No.1 Ancoats Green, is nearing completion – with 129 low carbon homes created next to the brilliant new green space and park at Ancoats Green. 30% of these will be available at the Manchester Living Rent, capped at the rent level which can be covered by housing benefit to make sure they are affordable to as many people as possible.
The initial pipeline for phase two consists of 1,583 homes on Council-owned brownfield sites across the city. At least 20% of these new homes will be affordable homes to rent. This City also has a strong emphasis on sustainability through low carbon homes, and on community.
Postal Street in the Northen Quarter, Piccadilly is the most advanced of the phase two sites with a planning application expected to be submitted in the coming weeks for 126 new homes – 20% of them affordable and to be let at the Manchester Living Rent.
Engagement with local communities in Monsall and Longsight started earlier this year, beginning a conversation with local people about proposals for sites in their areas. While formal consultation will be undertaken later this year with local people in the Grey Mare Lane estate in east Manchester around proposals for new housing as part of the major estate regeneration that will deliver 100s of new affordable homes in this part of Beswick
Postal Street, Piccadilly: 126 new homes
Hyde Road, Longsight: 85 homes
Monsall, Harpurhey: 750 homes
Grey Mare Lane, Ancoats and Beswick: 136 homes
Downing Street, Ardwick: 166 homes
Heyrod Street, Piccadilly: 256 homes
Kirkmanshulme Lane, Longsight: 64 homes
“This City is about accelerating home building on Council-owned land so that we can build the homes that Manchester needs on our own terms. These homes will contribute to our housing strategy target to deliver at least 36,000 new homes up to 2032 – and at least 10,000 of these homes will be social, Council or genuinely affordable. “These are ambitious numbers and we are on track to meet them. For example, last year we built more council and social homes than any year for more than a decade, but we want to go even further. We plan to build new council and social housing in every part of the city and being creative, using our land and building the homes ourselves, we will do just that. And having the Greater Manchester Pension Fund on board gives us the financial boost to go further and build much needed low cost, low carbon homes for Manchester residents.”
“Having Greater Manchester Pension Fund on board with This City as an institutional investor will help us deliver at scale the new housing, including significant amounts of affordable housing, which Manchester needs.
“We’re seeing a step change and acceleration in the delivery of affordable housing, with more being built now than at any point in the last 12 years and with even more in the pipeline.”
“We are acutely aware of the severe housing crisis both nationally and in the North-West region. This is why we are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Manchester City Council investing in the “This City” vehicle that supports the Government’s plan to provide much-needed affordable homes for hardworking families while ensuring strong, low-risk returns to secure the pensions of our members.”
Source: Scottish Government
Longest waits to be targeted.
More than £106 million has been allocated to health boards to help tackle the longest waits for procedures and operations.
The funding has been assigned to specialty areas for the year ahead where it can have the greatest impact against the longest waits – this includes £25 million for trauma and orthopaedics, £21 million for imaging, £14 million for cancer treatment and more than £12 million for ophthalmology.
The investment is part of the £200 million announced as part of the Programme for Government to build capacity, tackle delayed discharge and improve patient flow through hospitals.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said:
“This government is focussed on taking the action needed to cut waiting lists – significant activity is already underway through this additional investment which will help us target the longest waits for treatment.
“We are determined to reduce patient waits in the year ahead and this £106 million of additional funding will help us to deliver more than 150,000 extra appointments and procedures in 2025-26. This funding is just part of our record investment of £21.7 billion for health and social care this year.
“Last year, health boards vastly exceeded the commitment to deliver 64,000 appointments and procedures – instead delivering more than 105,000 through our targeted approach. This investment will allow us to build on this progress and deliver tangible improvements for patients.”
Source: City of Portsmouth
Newly planted trees have been vandalised around Portsmouth, hampering efforts to increase the city’s tree numbers.
Five young trees were damaged in St George’s play park, Portsea. It follows similar recent acts of vandalism to small numbers of new trees at Stamshaw Park, Buckingham Green and Great Salterns Recreation Ground.
Around 2,500 trees were planted by Portsmouth City Council teams and residents over the winter, as part of a wider project to increase tree numbers across the city.
Cllr Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Greening the City, said:
“Because we’re a city, our tree numbers are lower than other more rural areas, so our planting work is especially important because trees bring so many benefits. They help to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall, provide important shade in hot weather, are good for improving local air quality, and help with people’s wellbeing.
“Each year we get a limited amount of funding for new trees, and it takes considerable effort and resource to plant and care for them. For example, residents have been helping our teams to water young trees during the recent dry spell to help them establish, showing the huge community effort involved.
“So it’s extremely sad to see this senseless vandalism taking place by a few people, which undermines the hard work of our teams and our communities.”
Thanks to Portsea residents quickly reporting the recent damage, some of the trees were replanted to give them a chance of survival.
The council is calling on residents to report any incidents of damaged trees by calling 023 9283 4092 or emailing cityhelpdesk@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Source: City of Wolverhampton
Since its launch, the programme has welcomed individuals from all walks of life, offering meaningful opportunities to engage with the arts, develop new skills, and build confidence in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Wolverhampton Arts and Culture service has 48 regular volunteers, who collectively contributed an impressive 12,936 hours of their time over the past 12 months.
Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “Volunteers are at the heart of what we do, they help bring our exhibitions and events to life by creating a welcoming environment for visitors and sharing in the stories behind the art.
“We’re excited to welcome new faces and help them grow their skills while being part of something truly inspiring.”
Melaine Addis, Senior Operations Officer said: “Our volunteers bring warmth, enthusiasm, and a sense of community to everything we do. Their stories are inspiring, and their impact is immeasurable.
“The oldest volunteer is 81 years old and our youngest 18. Volunteering offers a rewarding way to engage with the vibrant arts and culture community across Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Bantock House Museum. There are many reasons people join us for volunteering; we have young people who want to gain experience in the creative sector, retired people who would like something new to do and some of our volunteers are looking for work based experience and training to help them into work.”
The gallery works closely with local organisations to ensure the programme is accessible to all, supporting over a third of the volunteer team with additional access needs. Volunteers are encouraged every step of the way, and many have gone on to further education, employment, or simply found a renewed sense of purpose through their involvement.
From welcoming visitors and supporting exhibitions to assisting with workshops and events, volunteers play a vital role in shaping the gallery’s cultural offering. Their contributions have not only enriched the visitor experience but also transformed their own lives.
Our volunteer stories highlight the programme’s impact:
John started working as a volunteer and now works casually as a visitor assistant as well as continuing as a volunteer – “Volunteering gets me out of the house and keeps me busy. I work with nice people and have made some new friends. I think it gives me more confidence and has helped show me I am more capable than I believed. I really enjoy helping in the shop.”
Maya started working as a volunteer in 2024 and has grown in confidence over the past 12 months, regularly helping with events in the gallery – “I like to focus on my job and keep myself busy. I help customers find where things are in the art gallery. It gives me more confidence, the people that I work with are nice and the staff I work with are kind and have respect, I can talk to them if I have any problems. I enjoyed it so much that I now go in 4 days a week instead of 2.”
Kieran first came to the gallery as a work placement for Walsall College’s SEND students and stayed on after it was completed – “I do enjoy just doing my job and helping people around the gallery, helping out with craft club and showing new volunteers around gives me the confidence to have a go at things and learn new skills that I never knew were there.”
As the gallery celebrates this milestone, it also looks ahead with excitement, continuing to build partnerships, support volunteers, and welcome new faces into its creative community.
Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 4 hours per week, with flexible scheduling available to suit individual availability, training will also be provided.
If you’re interested in becoming a part of Wolverhampton’s cultural story, join the team on Saturday 7 June , from 11am to 3pm, and see where volunteering could take you.
The volunteer team at Wolverhampton Art Gallery are finalists in the BID Excellence Awards for Team of the Year. The winning team will be announced on Thursday 10 July.
For more information, please visit Wolverhampton Arts and Culture or email art.gallery@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
A short film featuring our current volunteers is also available to view, offering insight into the experience and the rewarding opportunities available through the programme:
Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen
A campaign to find people who go above and beyond when it comes to reuse and recycling opened today for residents living in several local communities.
People living in Altens, Cove, Kincorth, Nigg, Torry, and Tullos are being asked to nominate themselves as a “recycling champion”, with five successful nominees to be rewarded with an Aberdeen gift voucher, worth £25, and the Council will spread their message on its new “Go Green Aberdeen” Facebook page.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “Communities are at the heart of how we reuse and recycle what we no longer need.
“This campaign aims to harness local voices to spread the message of how to improve habits for the benefit of everyone.
“The Council is looking for committed groups or individuals who go above and beyond with creative and effective ways to manage waste and recycling in their community. Examples of positive action could include repairing old items, sorting waste, arranging litter picks, and helping others.”
Net Zero, Environment, and Transport vice-convenor Councillor Miranda Radley added: “Reducing what we waste, and reusing or recycling what we can, forms an increasingly important part of our lives.
“We’re urging anyone who thinks they could be a champion to put themselves forward. And for everyone across the eligible communities to help spread the word about the campaign to help us find our champions.”
The nomination form, along with terms and conditions for entry, can be found online. The deadline for entries is 5pm on 18 June. Entry is open to everyone living in the eligible communities, as long as they are 12 years old or older.
The campaign will act as a test to assess how using local voices can encourage others to improve their reuse and recycling habits. If successful, other communities will be invited to take part in future campaigns.
Source: City of Coventry
The development of a new sports hall has got underway at Lyng Hall Secondary School.
Following discussions between Lyng Hall School and Coventry City Council, it was agreed that additional sports facilities are needed to accommodate the growing number of students. As a result, a new four-court sports hall will be built.
The new court will be a standalone sports area which will be home to four badminton sized courts, associated changing rooms, a weights room and a fitness suite.
The new facility will be an excellent addition to the school PE curriculum and able to serve the wider community better.
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “Every child in the city deserves to have the best education. That’s why we agreed to this new sports facility for pupils at Lyng Hall School. The new development will offer advanced facilities for students to learn and for staff to teach at the school.
“It’s going to be a huge asset for whole school community upon completion. I’m looking forward to seeing the development work progress.”
Contractor, GEDA, an award-winning, multifaceted Construction, Civil Engineering, and Development company will be completing the works.
Colm McVeigh, Build Director at GEDA said: “At GEDA, we recognise the significant impact that sports facilities have on schools and their communities. We are excited to continue collaborating with Coventry City Council to expand the sporting opportunities available to students, ensuring the school’s long-term needs are met by providing pupils with access to top-tier sports resources.”
The new sports hall is estimated to cost around £2.3m and is due to be completed by late 2025.
To keep up to date with the latest news, sign up for our Your Coventry email newsletter or follow the Council on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Watch ICE San Antonio arrest Cuban criminal alien Luis Alba-Navarro.
He lived in our country illegally despite his drug convictions & 2018 removal order. This shows he has no respect for our boundaries or our laws.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Day two at the #GoldenAgeGames is all about Veterans showing their strength, resilience, and dedication to staying active. Every event brings fierce competition and big wins for fitness and wellness at every age. Let’s keep the momentum going!
#FitnessForLife #LetsGlow
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Secretary Duffy’s at Newark Liberty International Airport
June 2, 2025
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
WATCH ICE Acting Director respond to lawmakers villainizing ICE and encouraging people to fight back against law enforcement.
“It’s plain out disgusting.” —ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons
#ice #shortvideo #shortsvideo
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Video Message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the World Environment Day (5 June).
“This World Environment Day focuses on solutions to beat plastic pollution.
And rightly so.
Plastic pollution is choking our planet – harming ecosystems, well-being, and the climate.
Plastic waste clogs rivers, pollutes the ocean, and endangers wildlife.
And as it breaks-down into smaller and smaller parts, it infiltrates every corner of Earth: from the top of Mount Everest, to the depths of the ocean; from human brains; to human breastmilk.
Yet there is a movement for urgent change.
We are seeing mounting public engagement…
Steps towards reusability and greater accountability…
And policies to reduce single-use plastics and improve waste management.
But we must go further, faster.
In two months, countries will come together to hammer-out a new global treaty to end plastic pollution.
We need an ambitious, credible and just agreement this year.
One that covers the life-cycle of plastic, through the perspective of circular
economies…
That responds to the needs of communities…
That aligns with broader environmental goals, the sustainable development goals, and beyond…
And that is implemented fast and in full.
I urge negotiators to return to talks in August determined to build a common path through their differences and deliver the treaty our world needs.
Together, let’s end the scourge of plastic pollution and build a better future for us all.
Thank you.”
———————————
Summary
World Environment Day joins the UNEP-led #BeatPlasticPollution this year to mobilize communities worldwide to implement and advocate for solutions. World Environment Day will spotlight the growing scientific evidence on the impacts of plastic pollution and drive momentum to refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink plastics use to build a cleaner and more sustainable future.
———————————
Related links:
World Environment Day – Website:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/environment-day
Source: United Nations (Video News)
On the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, marked today (29 May) Peacekeeping Chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix said, “we are committed to maximising our own cost effectiveness,” but at the same time, he said “it is imperative that peacekeeping should be provided with the resources that are needed to deliver on the mandate.”
Speaking to reporters in New York, Lacroix said the 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin brought together “more than 150 delegations,” 60 of them at ministerial level.
He said there “many expressions of support,” as well as “many pledges that were made to support peacekeeping.”
The main takeaway, Peacekeeping Chief was that “peacekeeping remains very strongly supported by Member States.”
He said, “we have a great amount of work to do to operationalise all the commitments and also to continue with the many bodies of work that we’re currently working on in different areas, such as safety and security of peacekeepers; performance; conduct and discipline; relation with the host government; how to introduce and make the best possible use of digital technology in peacekeeping and so many other bodies of work.”
Lacroix said, “Member States requested a broad review of all peace operations at the Summit for the Future last September. And we’re currently working on this with our sister department, the Department of Peacebuilding and Political Affairs. And, of course, we are working to operationalise UN80 initiatives, the Secretary-General initiative, within the peace and security pillar.”
Faced with financial constraints, he said, “peacekeeping is constant adapting” and “looking for innovative ways to deliver while remaining both an effective and really a low cost option compared to many other multinational deployments.”
Lacroix stressed that “we are committed to maximising our own cost effectiveness, but at the same time, we want to insist that it is imperative that peacekeeping should be provided with the resources that are needed to deliver on the mandate.”
Responding to a reporter’s question on the matter, he said, “I think it’s clear that most of our top financial contributors have constraints in terms of their public finances. Now, of course, we expect all of them to pay what they have to pay on time and in full, but at the same time, we live in a real world, and we know what those constraints are. So, we want to have a very productive dialogue with them, in addition of course to making sure that as far as we’re concerned, we work on cost effectiveness.”
Later in the day, Secretary-General António Guterres laid a wreath to honour the more than 4,400 United Nations peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1948.
During an awards ceremony at the ECPOSOC Chamber, Guterres said, “over the decades, more than 2 million women and men have served in 72 UN missions across four continents. And I’m deeply grateful to all Member States for these invaluable contributions. In the communities and countries in which they serve, UN peacekeepers are an important symbol of the United Nations at its best. And together, they’ve helped improve millions of lives, protecting people, preserving peace and providing hope, rebuilding infrastructures, repairing institutions, and ensuring life-saving assistance. With their support, nations around the world have made the transition from war to peace.”
The Secretary-General presented awards to the Military Gender Advocate of the Year, Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana and the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year, Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone. Both of them serve with our peacekeeping mission in Abyei.
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Lethal autonomous weapon systems — AI-powered machines that can select and kill targets without human oversight — are no longer science fiction. This eye-opening explainer breaks down the risks of killer robots and why the United Nations is calling for a global ban.
Featuring UN Under-Secretary-General Izumi Nakamitsu, Mary Wareham (Human Rights Watch), Nicole van Rooijen (Stop Killer Robots), and Thompson Chengeta (AI & Human Rights Expert) we explore:
What autonomous weapons really are
How they could change the future of warfare
Why they risk violating human rights and humanitarian law
The push for a legally binding treaty
This is not just about technology. It’s about the future of warfare—and who gets to decide who lives or dies. With momentum building and lives at stake, the world faces a critical decision: How do we control AI weapons?
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Killer drones and UAVs
01:40 – What are lethal autonomous weapons?
03:16 – AI-enabled weapons and decision making
04:27 – International Humanitarian Law
06:07 – A new framework: Prohibition & Regulation
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
Secretary-General/Africa Dialogue
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Sudan
South Sudan
Cyprus
Security Council
Haiti – Hurricane Season
International Days
Programming Note – Monday
Deputy Secretary-General/Travels
SECRETARY-GENERAL/AFRICA DIALOGUE
The Secretary-General will speak at the Africa Dialogue at 3 pm today and will focus on reparations, which is also the African Union’s theme for 2025.
He will say that for too long, the colossal injustices inflicted by enslavement, the transatlantic slave trade, and colonialism have been left unacknowledged and unaddressed.
And he will argue that reparatory justice frameworks are critical – to redress historic wrongs, address today’s challenges, and ensure the rights and dignity of all.
DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL/TRAVELS
Today, in Tajikistan, the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed participated in the High-Level International Conference on Glacier Preservation, taking place in Dushanbe. She underscored the urgent need to preserve glaciers and keep the 1.5°C climate target within reach — not only to protect ecosystems and water sources, but to ensure the livelihoods of people and prospering communities.
The Deputy Secretary-General called for bold, coordinated action ahead of COP30 rooted in cooperation, solidarity, and science. She later held a series of bilateral meetings with senior government officials, delegations, and youth constituents. She also met with the UN Country Team to acknowledge the UN’s continued support in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in Tajikistan.
Tomorrow, the Deputy Secretary-General will travel to Marrakech, Morocco, to attend the 2025 Ibrahim Governance Weekend.
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tell says that the catastrophic situation in Gaza is the worst it has been since the war began.
Strikes have continued across Gaza, particularly in North Gaza, where the last remaining partially functioning hospital, Al Awda, was forced to evacuate last night after repeated strikes on and around the facility in recent days. Attacks also continued farther south in Deir al Balah, in areas of Al Bureij and An Nuseirat camps.
IHH, an international aid organization that runs community kitchens and nutrition points, reported on Wednesday that five of its workers had been killed and two injured in the previous two days.
OCHA underscores once again that civilians, including aid workers, must always be protected.
Displacement continued across Gaza, with nearly 200,000 people displaced in the last two weeks alone. Yesterday, Israeli authorities issued a renewed displacement order covering about 30 per cent of Gaza’s total territory in North Gaza, eastern parts of Gaza City and Deir al Balah.
To date, displacement orders have covered the entirety of the northernmost and southernmost governorates, as well as the eastern parts of each of the three governorates in between. Partners note that the limited movement of people observed in recent days appears to be driven by the search for food and necessities, rather than displacement orders.
The UN and its humanitarian partners continue to provide support to people in need, despite the immense challenges on the ground and the crippling restrictions on the amount and type of assistance being allowed into Gaza. Yesterday, the UN and the humanitarian partners only managed to collect five truckloads of cargo from the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom. The other 60 trucks had to return to the crossing due to intense hostilities in the area.
Meanwhile in Gaza City, our partners working to address shelter needs managed to distribute 45 emergency shelter kits to families as part of a pilot initiative aimed at pooling resources to respond to some of the most critical needs.
Humanitarian needs have exploded in Gaza following nearly 80 days of a total blockade of all supplies.
The limited amounts of aid now entering the Strip are nowhere near sufficient to support 2.1 million people in desperate need of assistance.
As conditions on the ground further deteriorate and public order and safety break down, looting incidents continue to be reported. Today, a group of armed individuals stormed the warehouses of a field hospital in Deir al Balah, looting large quantities of medical equipment, supplies, medicines and nutritional supplements intended for malnourished children.
Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=30%20May%202025
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
The 2025 National Veterans #GoldenAgeGames Parade of Athletes was nothing short of breathtaking. The energy in the room was enough to light up the whole City of Memphis, with a mix of pride, anticipation and unshakable determination. These #Veteran athletes 55 and over are here to win, and we are here for it!
Let the #GoldenAgeGames begin! @sports4vets #Sports4vets
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Day 1 set the tone for the #GoldenAgeGames. Veterans have been training all year for this!
From the Health & Wellness Fair to powerful moments of camaraderie, today proved that strength and support go hand in hand.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Watch our at-large arrest of Guatemalan criminal alien Miguel Tamup-Tamup May 15.
You may remember him from the early-release photos — he’s responsible for breaking an ICE agent’s leg during an earlier apprehension attempt.
ICE officers risk their lives to protect the American public and enforce our laws. If an ICE agent tries to apprehend you, don’t resist, fight or flee.
Ultimately, you’ll still be arrested — but you’ll also face criminal charges.
Source: World Food Programme
MAPUTO – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a generous contribution of EUR 500,000 from the Government of Finland to provide tens of thousands of children with daily hot meals as part of Mozambique’s ongoing National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (PRONAE).
The initiative, which will be immediately rolled out, reinforces the shared commitment of the Government of Mozambique, WFP, and partners to improve education, nutrition, and food security in some of the most vulnerable areas of the country. Finland’s contribution will enable WFP to provide daily hot meals to more than 56,000 students over the next three months in primary schools located along the Nacala Corridor in Nampula Province, northern Mozambique.
“School meals are more than just a plate of food; they are a vital investment in the future of Mozambican children”, said Satu Lassila, Ambassador of Finland to Mozambique. “Finland has a long-standing partnership with Mozambique, including in education. I am delighted that we can now support Mozambican children also in this way.”
Mozambique is currently facing one of the most severe food insecurity crises in recent years, with nearly 40 percent of children under the age of five suffering from stunted growth and a record 5 million people in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. The situation is especially dire in the northern region, where conflict and recurrent climate shocks continue to disrupt lives and livelihoods.
“Investing in school meals is one of the smartest and most impactful ways to support the next generations in Mozambique,” said Antonella D’Aprile, WFP Country Director in Mozambique. “Thanks to Finland’s generous contribution, thousands of children will receive the nourishment they need to learn and build a better future—not only for themselves but for the country as a whole.”
Evidence shows that school feeding programmes not only improve children’s nutrition and learning but also help reduce poverty and inequality by increasing school attendance and building human capital over time.
As a founding member and co-chair of the Global School Meals Coalition, Finland remains a steadfast provider and supporter of school meals around the world. This latest contribution builds on Finland’s longstanding collaboration with WFP to ensure that no child learns on an empty stomach.
# # #
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media and @wfp_mozambique
Follow the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs on X, formerly Twitter, via @Ulkoministerio, and the Embassy of Finland in Maputo on Facebook (@Embaixada da Finlândia Maputo – Suomen suurlähetystö Maputo) and Instagram (@finlandinmozambique).
Source: United Nations secretary general
I am appalled by the reports of Palestinians killed and injured while seeking aid in Gaza yesterday. It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food.
I call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events and for perpetrators to be held accountable.
Israel has clear obligations under international humanitarian law to agree to and facilitate humanitarian aid. The unimpeded entry of assistance at scale to meet the enormous needs in Gaza must be restored immediately. The UN must be allowed to work in safety and security under conditions of full respect or humanitarian principles.
I continue to call for an immediate permanent, sustainable ceasefire. All hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. This is the only path to ensuring security for all. There is no military solution to the conflict.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Daniel Cash, Reader in Law, Aston University
For governments, a credit rating is more than a financial signal. It is a verdict that can influence the cost of borrowing, access to markets and, ultimately, the ability to provide for their citizens.
Rating decisions are made behind closed doors in a private process that isn’t open to assessment or scrutiny.
For African countries, this opacity can be especially damaging. When rating decisions lack transparency, it’s impossible to challenge potential biases or inconsistencies in methodology that put developing economies at a disadvantage. The result is higher borrowing costs that drain resources from healthcare, education and infrastructure investment.
Africa’s new credit rating agency has the chance to change this. The African Credit Rating Agency is an initiative under development by the African Union and its partners. It is more than a new entrant; it is an attempt to rethink how financial authority is earned, exercised and scrutinised. The new agency plans to introduce transparent governance structures that could revolutionise rating methodology.
As a researcher who has looked closely at the working of rating agencies, I believe this opportunity to bring transparency to financial governance isn’t just about better ratings. It’s a step towards economic sovereignty.
Success for the African Credit Rating Agency shouldn’t be measured by whether it displaces the “big three” rating agencies (Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch). The real question isn’t whether an African agency can compete, but rather whether it can show the world how to rate credit differently.
The three big agencies do publish their methodologies – their criteria and risk models. This creates an illusion of transparency. Yet the final judgments emerge from committee meetings that produce no public record, no accountability, and no right of meaningful appeal.
These rating committees typically comprise five to 10 analysts who meet in closed sessions to make each sovereign rating decision. S&P, Moody’s and Fitch each operate internal rating committees for every sovereign rating decision. The deliberations, dissenting views, and specific reasoning behind final votes remain confidential. Only a brief summary is provided with a rating decision.
Research has shown that credit rating agencies are more accurate at assessing the creditworthiness of advanced economies than developing economies. There have also been studies on the discrepancy between what is expected when the public methodologies are applied and what the agencies actually rate. These studies have been done for economies like Hong Kong and China, but no equivalent research has yet been undertaken for African sovereigns.
This discrepancy exposes an accountability void. When methodology-based predictions miss the mark, we must question what happens in those committee rooms. Especially when African nations are being assessed by analysts stationed continents away, with limited understanding of local economic and political realities.
The African Credit Rating Agency could make three changes to the way ratings are done:
through public deliberations
by forming hybrid committees
with technological intervention.
First, it could release committee transcripts within 30 days of each decision. This would give markets and governments unprecedented insight into rating rationales. This isn’t radical – central banks already publish meeting minutes, and courts publish opinions with dissenting views.
Second, it could pioneer panels that include not only rating analysts, but regional economists, sectoral specialists, and even civil society observers. All with recorded votes. This diversified expertise would disrupt “group think” while capturing nuances of African economies that traditional agencies overlook.
I have examined this idea from the perspective of injecting climate and sustainability-related expertise into credit rating committees. I believe this is a crucial step to take to evolve the concept of the credit rating committee.
Third, the agency could use artificial intelligence to analyse patterns across committee discussions, flagging potential regional biases or inconsistent methodology application. It might be able to use secure digital ledgers to create unchangeable records of decisions.
The industry thrives on privacy – protecting proprietary methodologies and shielding decisions from external challenge. And the natural oligopoly (a market dominated by a few large players due to high entry barriers, reinforced by market preference for predictability) helps it stay that way.
The sovereign credit ratings of the three big agencies are built on quantitative and qualitative factors. But research shows that sovereign ratings are subjected to qualitative understandings. This puts developing economies at a disadvantage when agencies demonstrate pro-western biases because they lack data or knowledge.
The impact of a credit rating downgrade for a sovereign borrower is usually multifaceted. Research shows that a single-notch downgrade can raise borrowing costs by more than 100 basis points, equivalent to an extra US$100 million annually on a US$10 billion bond.
Investors prefer fewer, stronger signals rather than many competing views. So there’s little incentive for established players to change. The African Credit Rating Agency, as a new entrant, can offer something the incumbents won’t: governance innovation that serves both markets and nations.
Radical openness will shake markets, at least at first. Committee members might face political pressure. Transparency alone doesn’t guarantee fair outcomes.
But the world already demands transparency from central banks and constitutional courts. Why accept anything less from institutions that shape sovereign destiny?
By 2050, one in four people on Earth will be African. The financial architecture serving them must evolve towards systems that recognise the continent’s unique strengths.
Opening the rating committee to view represents more than technical reform – it’s about shifting who holds power in global finance. If it does this, the African agency won’t just deliver better ratings; it will model how global finance can be governed more justly.
Daniel Cash does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Africa’s new credit rating agency could change the rules of the game. Here’s how – https://theconversation.com/africas-new-credit-rating-agency-could-change-the-rules-of-the-game-heres-how-257138
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Naomi Joseph, Arts + Culture Editor
At The Conversation, we are big believers in the health benefits of being near the sea. In fact, we have a whole series dedicated to how our health is intrinsically linked with that of the ocean, called Vitamin Sea. The idea of how the coast can heal is explored in the bestselling memoir The Saltpath, which has been adapted for the screen, and stars Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs.
Anderson plays Raynor Winn who documented the whirlwind period that began with her husband Moth being given a terminal diagnosis. In the same week, they also lost their home. In the face of this, the couple made a wild decision: to take a 630-mile year-long coastal walk from Somerset to Dorset, through Devon and Cornwall.
The South West Coast Path has over 115,000 feet of ascent and descent, which is equivalent to scaling Mount Everest four times. In this piece, lecturer in the history of science and the environment, Lena Ferriday explores how this decision might not have been as mad as it might seem.
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The Winns’ decision to walk the path is part of a long history of people seeking wellness and recovery on England’s south-west coast. From taking in the clean air on long gentle walks to bathing in cold waters, it was common for the sickly to be prescribed a trip to the sea. And, as the Winns discover in this beautiful film, they find respite and connection in that history.
Reply to this email to let us know if you have any thoughts on the healing qualities of the coast. We would also love you to answer our poll letting us what you think is the best nature memoir of our of favourite five. If your favourite isn’t there, email us its name.
The Saltpath is in select cinemas now
Read more:
The Salt Path taps into a long history of searching for healing on England’s south-west coast
The first season of The Handmaid’s Tale aired in 2017 in the early months of the first Trump presidency. Now in its sixth season, the drama is ending in the early months of the second Trump presidency. In that time, the show and its iconography have become synonymous with feminist resistance.
When the Canadian writer Margaret Atwood first wrote The Handmaid’s Tale in 1985, Donald Trump was a mere real estate mogul. Some say it is eerie how she foresaw rising authoritarianism in the United States as well as the erosion of women’s rights. However, Atwood didn’t see the tale as science fiction, everything she wrote, she stressed, had already happened or was happening somewhere.
In this piece, Canadian literature expert Sharon Engbrecht writes about Atwood has made many similar educated predictions about where the roots laid in history will come up in the future. While the last series does deviate somewhat from Atwood’s follow-up The Testaments, it is very much in-line with her view of the world. Hopefully, this last season ends in a much more hopeful place.
The Handmaid’s Tale is airing on channel 4
Read more:
_The Handmaid’s Tale_ reflects Margaret Atwood’s eerie talent for reading the palm of power
If you’re looking for something a bit more low stakes and whimsical then can we recommend checking out the film The Phoenician Scheme. Wes Anderson is a director with a very distinct vision, you can spot a work by him a mile away. This is what makes a director an auteur.
Fans of his work have come to expect a few things from his films. The first is a star-studded ensemble. The second, a distinct colour palette. The third, boundless whimsy. The Phoenician Scheme has all of this, which as our expert in film Daniel O’Brien notes, will make some of you love it and others hate it.
I like Wes Anderson films. They are incredibly charming and visually delicious. The Phoenician Scheme has more solid narrative than some of his recent films, which I, for one, welcome. It follows wealthy businessman, Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro) after he makes his only daughter (Mia Threapleton), a nun, the sole heir to his estate before embarking on a new money-making scheme. Andersonian hijinks and shenanigans ensue as the pair dodge danger in the form of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists and determined assassins.
The Phoenician Scheme is in cinemas now
The Coin by Yasmin Zaher is a bold debut novel about a young Palestinian woman who is struggling to keep it together. On the surface of things she has it all: she is a teacher at a New York city middle school, she is rich, stylish and meticulously clean. However, buried within her sits history that won’t leave her alone. To be precise, inside her sits an Israeli shekel that she accidentally swallowed on a family road trip during which her parents were killed.
The knowledge of the coin and all it represents tears at the narrator, not letting her know peace. She is pushed to desperate acts in order to gain some sort of control over mind and body. But the coin does not relent. It won’t let her be. She is neither here nor there, in the US or Palestine. In this piece, literature expert Daniel G. Williams explains why he and his fellow judges awarded this debut the 2025 Dylan Thomas Prize.
I love Pulp. One of my formative festival memories is watching a lanky Jarvis Cocker hump a giant neon Pulp sign while singing Disco 2000 at Reading festival. I was at a liberal arts uni at the time and the lyrics of Common People had never made more sense to me.
As expert in popular music Mark Higgins writes, it’s a common misconception that Pulp were Brit Pop. In fact, they were founded in 1978 and their sound and whole shtick were quite a part from the 60’s mania of Britpop boy bands. Listening to the first single of this album Higgins notes, however, that the nostalgia for a better time seems to have hit Pulp belatedly as they wax lyrical about 90s.
Next week, the band release their first album since 2001’s We Love Life. In the lead up to the release of their album More, I have been rediscovering their back catalogue and I would highly recommend you all do the same this sunny weekend.
More by Pulp is out June 6
Read more:
Pulp are back and more wistfully Britpop than before
– ref. A film about long healing walk by the sea, the end of a dystopian series and a whimsical comfort watch – what to see, watch, read and listen to this week – https://theconversation.com/a-film-about-long-healing-walk-by-the-sea-the-end-of-a-dystopian-series-and-a-whimsical-comfort-watch-what-to-see-watch-read-and-listen-to-this-week-257849
Source: European Parliament
On 26 March, the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) jointly launched the new EU Preparedness Union Strategy, which will be presented in a joint meeting of the SEDE, ENVI, and LIBE committees, on 3 June. The strategy outlines how the EU aims to better anticipate, prevent and respond to risks such as cyberattacks, disinformation, and climate impacts.
The EU Preparedness Union Strategy is a direct follow-up to the Niinistö Report’s recommendations on strengthening the EU’s preparedness. It proposes 30 key actions and an Action Plan to improve Europe’s ability to manage risks ranging from cyber threats and disinformation to climate change. The strategy calls for a shared European approach, recognising preparedness as not just a national but a Union-wide responsibility. It promotes a “preparedness by design” culture across all EU policies. The initiative is led by Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, responsible for equality, preparedness, and crisis management, including civil preparedness and international cooperation on disaster risk management. The strategy highlights the need for stronger coordination and resilience mechanisms across the EU in response to growing and complex threats.
Source: European Investment Bank
The EIB Group Complaints Mechanism co-organised a workshop for 14 mediators based in the Middle East and North Africa. The workshop offered a deep dive into the specificities of mediating disputes arising in the context of development projects. As part of the workshop, participants conducted role plays, during which they had to navigate complex situations involving power imbalances, high emotions, and negotiation deadlock. The five-day workshop was held in Tunisia from 12 to 17 May 2025. It was organised together with the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) for IFC and MIGA and the Independent Recourse Mechanism (IRM) of the African Development Bank.
Through this workshop, the Complaints Mechanism was able to strengthen its network of mediators in the region. Local facilitators and mediators play a crucial role in understanding local context and dynamics, which is paramount to designing impactful dispute resolution processes. Read more about our work with local facilitators here.
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-002107/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christine Anderson (ESN)
Following the Commission’s announcement (President von der Leyen’s doorstep statement at the European Political Community Summit) of 16 May 2025, another package of sanctions is under preparation, which will include sanctions against Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2. However, no information has been provided on the extent and precise purpose of these sanctions.
Yet, depending on their design, the announced measures may lead to immediate existential consequences for both operators of the Nord Stream gas pipelines (Swiss joint stock companies) and thus potentially irreversible changes in future international cooperation in the field of energy supply. The impact of these potentially serious decisions should be taken into account ahead of implementation.
Is it true that the announced sanctions are currently being prepared and what scope and form will they take?
Submitted: 26.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002077/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Gerald Hauser (PfE)
The Kostaive vaccine (ARCT-154) was approved on 14 February 2025. It is based on a new form of mRNA technology in which the mRNA replicates itself in the body’s cells after vaccination. In contrast to conventional mRNA vaccines, Kostaive contains additional genetic information.
This so-called self-amplifying mRNA technology is not without controversy, particularly due to potential long-term risks such as possible damage to the genome (genotoxicity).
According to the safety plan of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), Kostaive has not undergone any studies of its own that have specifically investigated possible damage to the genome. Instead, data from similar products were used, for example from the active substance ARCT-810, from a fat-based transport envelope (lipid nanoparticles, LNP for short) and from a computer evaluation of another active substance (ATX-126). According to the EMA’s assessment, these results do not indicate any risk of genotoxicity.
Submitted: 22.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, and political group leaders will visit Copenhagen on Tuesday to prepare the upcoming Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
EP leaders will meet with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. They will also have an audience with Their Majesties King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark and meet with Folketinget.
War in Ukraine, the climate crisis, and global trade tensions are putting significant strain on the EU’s capacity to act. On 1 July, Denmark assumes the Presidency of the Council of the EU, taking on a central role in shaping the direction of the Union.
In preparation for assuming the Presidency of the Council, Copenhagen will welcome the European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (President Roberta Metsola and political group leaders) on Tuesday 3 June. The conference will discuss priorities of the forthcoming Danish Presidency with government officials and members of the Danish parliament (Folketinget).
“Denmark takes the EU steering wheel at a time of war on our continent, global trade tensions and economic pressure. Security, sustainability and competitiveness are the right focus. From strengthening our defence to cutting red tape for business, from energy security to digital leadership – Europe must act. I look forward to working with the Danish Presidency to deliver,” says Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, ahead of the visit.
Following their meeting, President Roberta Metsola and PM Mette Frederiksen will speak to the press at 11:25. It will be live on the EP multimedia centre and on EbS. Journalists can register their attendance via this link, where you can also find more information about the visit.
Denmark will hold the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU from July to December 2025, after which Cyprus will assume the presidency.
What is the Conference of Presidents?
The Conference of Presidents in the European Parliament is the political body responsible for organising and coordinating the Parliament’s work. The Conference is composed of the President of the European Parliament, the leaders of the political groups in the European Parliament, and a non-voting representative of the non-attached Members.
Traditionally, the Conference of Presidents travels to the country preparing to take over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU, in order to engage in preparatory discussions and ensure a shared understanding of, as well as joint action on the upcoming priorities.