Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli – P10_TA(2025)0132 – Thursday, 19 June 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,

    –  having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas Mzia Amaglobeli, a journalist and co-founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti outlets, was arrested during pro-European protests on 12 January 2025 and faces four to seven years in prison for a provoked incident involving a police officer;

    B.  whereas the adoption of draconian legislation – such as the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and amendments to the Law on Broadcasting, Code of Administrative Offences and Law on Grants – constitutes a dangerous acceleration of democratic backsliding and deliberate authoritarian strategy by Georgian Dream to silence critical voices in civil society and independent media and persecute the political opposition;

    C.  whereas the authorities have virtually annihilated remaining independent media outlets in the country; whereas the public information space is fully dominated by pro-government media, spreading Russian-style propaganda and anti-European disinformation;

    D.  whereas in Mzia Amaglobeli’s case, the authorities ignored procedural safeguards, imposed pre-trial detention without a clear legal basis, contested by the Public Defender, and assigned a presiding judge lacking qualifications in criminal law; whereas she is being punished for exposing corruption and reporting on election fraud during the 2024 elections;

    E.  whereas she reportedly suffered inhumane treatment and undertook a 38-day hunger strike;

    F.  whereas Estonia and Lithuania have imposed personal sanctions on Georgian judges and police officers linked to Mzia Amaglobeli’s case;

    1.  Demands Mzia Amaglobeli’s immediate and unconditional release and the withdrawal of all charges against her, and denounces her politically motivated arrest and prosecution;

    2.  Strongly condemns the Georgian Dream regime’s systemic assault on democratic institutions, political opposition, independent media, civil society and judicial independence;

    3.  Expresses deep concern over arbitrary detentions and the harassment of, and violence against, journalists in Georgia, including smear campaigns, legal persecution, abuse and gender-based violence in detention; calls for independent investigations and urges the authorities to immediately end intimidation and ensure journalists’ safety and freedom;

    4.  Urges the Georgian authorities to release all political prisoners and other illegally detained persons without delay, including activist Mate Devidze, opposition leaders Zurab Japaridze, Nika Melia and Nika Gvaramia, and former President Mikheil Saakashvili, and denounces the violent abduction of UNM Chair Tina Bokuchava’s husband and the reported threats to her children’s safety;

    5.  Calls for the immediate repeal of all repressive legislation, the restoration of democracy, and full protection of media freedom and civil liberties;

    6.  Calls for the EU to step up support for Georgia’s independent media and civil society following the entry into force of the FARA, and monitor ongoing trials;

    7.  Regrets the persistent inaction of the Council, Member States and Commission and reiterates its repeated call on Member States to impose bilateral sanctions against Georgian Dream leaders and officials responsible for democratic backsliding;

    8.  Expresses concern about the latest wave of assaults on NGOs, through the demand by some state institutions, such as the Anti-Corruption Bureau, to provide detailed financial, legal and operational information for the last one and a half years within three working days; underscores that this demand is unfeasible by design and as such risks paralysing the work of targeted organisations and suspending their activities;

    9.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, President Zourabichvili, and the self-appointed authorities of Georgia.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Somerset pig farmer counts the cost of slurry pollution

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Somerset pig farmer counts the cost of slurry pollution

    Pig slurry overflowed from the store, got into surface water drains and then the stream.

    Slurry escaped from the store and polluted a nearby stream.

    • James Mitchell built an illegal slurry lagoon which overtopped causing pollution
    • The avoidable incident occurred as pig slurry escaped into the Oake Stream nearby
    • The experienced farmer pleaded guilty to the offences and was fined a total of £5,065, including costs

    A Taunton pig farmer has been prosecuted by the Environment Agency for allowing slurry to escape from an illegally constructed slurry lagoon causing pollution of the Oake Stream in Somerset.

    James Mitchell, of Hillcommon in Taunton, Somerset appeared before Taunton Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 18 June 2025. Mr Mitchell pleaded guilty to two offences and was fined £500 with a £200 surcharge and was ordered to pay £4,365 in investigation costs after the District Judge gave him full credit for his guilty pleas. The fine was based on his means as disclosed to the court and he was given 12 months to pay.

    The court heard that the agency visited Orchard farm in 2021, at James Mitchell’s request. The agency identified a slurry lagoon that had been constructed without prior notification and with no details on how it had been correctly sized or engineered.

    The visit had been arranged to discuss proposed grant funding for roofing work which it was hoped would reduce the pollution risk. The agency had no objections to roofing work being completed on the condition that the slurry store was made compliant.

    Pollution in stream traced to Orchard Farm

    On 9 November 2023, the Environment Agency received a report of pollution in the Oake Stream. Officers traced the source of the pollution to Orchard Farm where pig slurry was found overflowing from the slurry store and entering a soakaway which is connected to the surface water drainage network.

    Mitchell cooperated with the investigating officers and prevented further slurry entering the drains by initially building an earth bank which was later reinforced with additional clay.  

    At a follow-up visit in December 2023, Environment Agency officers noted that the construction of the roof, originally discussed in 2021 was underway. These works were completed by January 2024.

    David Womack, of the Environment Agency, said:

    James Mitchell is an experienced farmer and was made fully aware of his responsibilities and the laws regarding slurry storage, having contacted us before this needless incident occurred.

    Regulations on how to properly construct slurry stores and the need to notify the agency prior to constructing any new slurry store have been in place for more than 30 years. All farmers need to be aware of their legal responsibilities to prevent pollution events like this from happening.

    We won’t hesitate to take action against those who cause pollution having failed to take on board our advice and guidance. I’d strongly advise those who need advice or who think that their slurry storage facilities are too small or a pollution risk to contact us as we would prefer to prevent this type of incident from occurring in the first place.

    The Environment Agency provides specialist advice to help farmers assess their existing slurry storage facilities to reduce pollution risk and to ensure the environment is properly protected.

    Guidance for farmers on appropriate slurry storage is available: Storing silage, slurry and agricultural fuel oil – GOV.UK

    Background

    James Mitchell was charged with the following offences:

    • On or before 9 November 2023, James Mitchell caused or permitted a water discharge activity, namely a discharge of pig slurry, into Oake Stream, except under and to the extent authorised by an environmental permit. Contrary to Regulation 38(1)(a) and Regulation 12(1)(b) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

    • James Mitchell, on or before 9 November 2023 at Orchard Farm, Hillcommon, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 1DW failed to store slurry in a slurry storage system which satisfied the requirements of Schedule 2 (6) (3) (c) of the Water Resources (Control of Pollution) (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) (England) Regulations 2010 in that there is the need to provide at least 750 millimetres of freeboard in the case of a tank with walls made of earth and 300 millimetres of freeboard in all other cases. Contrary to Regulation 10 (1) and 4 (1) of the Water Resources (Control of Pollution) (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) (England) Regulations 2010.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKEF unveils new strategic financing for industrial growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UKEF unveils new strategic financing for industrial growth

    Up to £13 billion of direct lending will be used to help boost British exports across key industrial sectors as part of new growth measures spearheaded by UK Export Finance (UKEF).

    • Multi-billion-pound direct lending by UK Export Finance will help boost orders for British exporters across key industrial sectors, including defence

    • Export credit agency to introduce new product to secure critical minerals supply and plans to legislate to increase its statutory commitment limit to support even more businesses

    • New measures announced as part of Industrial Strategy published yesterday

    Through its Direct Lending Facility, UKEF – the government’s export credit agency – provides loans to overseas buyers, allowing them to finance the purchase of capital goods and services from UK suppliers.

    Outlined in the Industrial Strategy, UKEF now has greater flexibility of direct lending powers to support all eight Industrial Strategy sectors, from clean industries and life sciences to advanced manufacturing and defence.

    The £13 billion marks a £3 billion uplift in UKEF’s facility. Of this £13 billion, at least £3 billion will be used to stimulate defence exports, demonstrating the growing importance of this sector to economic and national security.

    Recent direct lending deals include a £18.8 million equivalent loan for an Angolan clean water project delivering up to approximately £6.8 million of supply contracts for British exporters, and a £23 million equivalent loan to Iraq’s Ministry of Interior to purchase 62 UK-made fire-fighting vehicles.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    UKEF plays an instrumental role in delivering our Industrial Strategy – providing the essential support that British businesses need to compete internationally.  

    By unlocking export opportunities and supporting innovation across key sectors through mechanisms like direct lending, UKEF is helping to drive sustainable economic growth, create highly skilled jobs and strengthen Britain’s place as a go-to trading partner.  

    Our commitment to backing British exporters forms a vital part of this government’s Plan for Change which will raise living standards in every part of UK.

    Following on from the announcement of UKEF’s Critical Minerals Supply Finance product in the Autumn Statement, the department is going further to secure industry access to critical minerals by launching a new loan guarantee scheme for UK-based suppliers that sell critical minerals, or products that contain critical minerals, to UK exporters.  

    UKEF also plans to legislate to have its statutory commitment limit – the entire amount of support that the department can have on its books at any one time – increased which will enable it to support more businesses of all sizes across the UK. The department will review its operating mandate to consider taking on a broader trade and investment finance remit.

    To encourage growth at a local level, the department plans to expand its network of 24 local export finance managers to give focus on city regions and clusters where key sectors have a presence. Export finance managers provide free and impartial guidance to businesses on their export finance needs.

    UK Export Finance CEO Tim Reid added:

    UKEF is well positioned to drive exports across high-impact industry sectors and create economic growth. We look forward to playing a key role in driving delivery of the Industrial Strategy, using our increased capacity and flexible product range.

    Backed by our comprehensive five-year business plan that will reach businesses of all sizes across every region and nation of the UK, we’re laying the extra foundations to enable thousands more British businesses to take their products and services to global markets.

    The measures are announced ahead of UKEF’s 2024/25 annual report & accounts which will be published shortly. The results are expected to show it was a record-breaking year for the department.

    It will build on the results of the 2023/24 financial year in which UKEF provided over £8.8 billion of support to 650 businesses of all sizes and types, supported up to 41,000 jobs in communities around the whole UK and the contribution of up to £3.3 billion to the overall economy.

    Contact 

    Media enquiries:

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Landscape improvements for Perry Park completed

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Published: Monday, 23rd June 2025

    As part of the Legacy Project for the Alexander Stadium and Perry Park the council’s in-house landscape architects have worked with local residents on the design of new facilities for the park.

    Construction of the play area was completed and opened to the public in early March and now the remaining landscape improvement works around the stadium and Perry Park have finished.

    These include boundary treatments to secure the park, planting of 151 trees to improve the biodiversity for the local area, creation of new swales and drainage connection to improve the drainage for the whole park, activation of transport mall as a sports and recreation area when not in use for spectators, the creation of a new footpath crossing on Church Road for vehicular entrance during events and improving the path network around the park for better access for all.

    Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “The whole park looks amazing, I’m really proud of the hard work by our landscape team and the input from local residents. It is important that the park addresses the needs of the community whilst also reflecting the Commonwealth Games theme and legacy.

    “It is great to see new trees planted, improving the biodiversity of the area, along with a great play area and other facilities, which has become a really popular focal point for the community.”

    The improvements are set to provide the local community and visitors alike with access to green spaces and high-quality facilities for sport and recreation all year round.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Film Archive to premiere documentary “Crossing Years” on renowned artist Huang Yongyu (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Film Archive to premiere documentary “Crossing Years” on renowned artist Huang Yongyu  
         Huang was a renowned Chinese painter and writer, who had set foot across the country. His works are not only infused with elements from the West, but also the rhythmic vitality of Chinese ink art, making Huang a highly esteemed name in contemporary art.
     
         Director Yonfan and Huang had known each other since the 1970s. Three days before Chinese New Year’s Eve in 2012, Huang, at his studio, candidly shared his life stories with Yonfan, from day-to-day life, the changing of the times, human nature, creative inspiration, the warmth of friendship to matters of life and death. Twelve years later, Yonfan produced “Crossing Years” with the valuable historical footage.
     
         All screenings will be accompanied by post-screening talks, hosted by Yonfan or the executive director of the film, Lee Yat-fung.
     
         Tickets priced at $60 will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk 
         The CCF, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office under the LCSD, aims to promote Chinese culture and enhance the public’s national identity and cultural confidence. For more information about programmes and activities of the CCF 2025, please visit 
    www.ccf.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Video: 2025 NATO Summit: President von der Leyen’s Opening Statement

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    On 24 June 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen makes her opening statement at the 2025 NATO Summit.

    NATO Allies will take decisions in The Hague, the Netherlands to make NATO a stronger, fairer and more lethal Alliance. We live in a more dangerous world, and this is a critical moment for our security. Allies are coming together to reinforce their cooperation and their commitment to NATO.

    Follow live events and access media content here:
    https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/

    Stay updated — follow us on X: https://x.com/EC_AVService

    Follow us on:
    -X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
    -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeancommission/
    -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
    -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/
    -Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission

    Check our website: http://ec.europa.eu/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBSmVhGQKs0

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Asteroids and planetary defence – Science, Innovation and Technology Committee

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee will hold a one-off evidence session, on Asteroids and planetary defence at 9.45am, on Tuesday 24 June following a 15 minute innovation showcase.

    The session will highlight the current climate, science and research on asteroids. The session will focus on what they are, technological advancement of detection, composition benefits.

    The Committee will hear from experts in each of these fields and explore progress.  Additionally, the session will look at the scientific advancements, examine the national and international policy response in a global emergency and future focus areas.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTiniEvSzic

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.119 [2025]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.119 [2025]

    (Open Market Operations Office, June 24, 2025)

    The People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB406.5 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on June 24, 2025.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Rate

    Bidding Volume

    Winning Bid Volume

    7 days

    1.40%

    RMB406.5 billion

    RMB406.5 billion

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2025年06月24日

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: PLA Support Base in Djibouti to participate in military parade in Madagascar 2025-06-24 16:00:24 The Chinese PLA Support Base in Djibouti will send a detachment on June 26 to participate in the military parade marking the 65th anniversary of Madagascar’s independence and the founding of the Armed Forces of Madagascar.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, June 24 — At the invitation of the Ministry of Armed Forces of Madagascar, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Support Base in Djibouti will send a detachment on June 26 to participate in the military parade marking the 65th anniversary of Madagascar’s independence and the founding of the Armed Forces of Madagascar, according to a written statement released by China’s Ministry of National Defense on Tuesday.

    loading…

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier to attend opening ceremony of AIIB annual meeting

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

    BEIJING, June 24 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend and address the opening ceremony of the 10th Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Board of Governors in Beijing on June 26, a foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Tuesday.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: David Mitchell convicted for covering road with potatoes and silt

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    David Mitchell convicted for covering road with potatoes and silt

    Huge loss of soil from potato field costs farmer over £40,000 for polluting river, with potatoes and silt escaping into the road.

    The run-off soil was ankle deep and caused severe issues on the road.

    • Potato and silt mudslide polluted nearby watercourse and shut local roads.
    • David Mitchell, an experienced farmer, was fully aware of his obligations to reduce risk to the local environment.
    • Fines, costs and compensation for this incident totalled over £40,000.

    A Taunton potato farmer has been prosecuted by the Environment Agency for causing silt, soil and potatoes to escape from a field and seriously pollute a tributary of the River Tone in Somerset.

    The judge found that the pollution was so significant in that it would take a winter of normal water flow to wash the sediment away. 

    David Mitchell, of Hillcommon in Taunton, Somerset appeared before Taunton Magistrates Court on 18 June 2025. Mr Mitchell pleaded guilty to an offence of causing silt laden water from a field under his control at Combe Florey to enter a stream on two occasions in August and again on September 2022.

    He was given full credit for his guilty plea by the District Judge and fines and compensation were ordered to be paid within 12 months. He was ordered to pay a total of £9,078 in fines and costs based on his means as disclosed to the court. The court heard that other clean up, equipment purchases and compensation to the landowner, already paid by Mr Mitchell, have totalled over £35,000.

    River hit hard by run-off sediment

    On 7 September 2022, an Environment Agency officer identified a sediment pollution to the Back Stream watercourse in Combe Florey. A considerable length of the bed of the watercourse was found to be covered, bank to bank, in a thick layer of sediment. The investigating officer traced the pollution to a large field close to the railway bridge in Combe Florey where soil had run off the field down onto the A358 and into the Back Stream.

    The field had been rented that year by Mitchell to grow potatoes, which had not yet been harvested when the pollution occurred. Thunderstorms and wet weather conditions resulted in the loss of an estimated 50-100 tonnes of soil from the field.

    Large numbers of potatoes could be seen in the watercourse and along the edge of the roadside, along with the significant quantities of silt and mud. The busy A358 had to be closed on two occasions for the Highways Agency to clear drains and remove tonnes of soil from the road. 

    The soil deposited under the railway bridge was so deep it prevented vehicles from being able to use the A358. Mr Mitchell agreed to pay compensation of £1,128.10 to a motorist for their losses as a result of this incident.

    A considerable length of the Back Stream watercourse’s river bed in Combe Florey was covered, bank to bank, in a thick layer of sediment.

    Road closed by similar incident month earlier

    The Environment Agency investigations revealed that there had also been an earlier incident in August 2022 which had also closed the A358. Following the initial incident in August, Mitchell, an experienced potato grower, was provided with silt fencing along with guidance and advice paid for by the Somerset Rivers Authority. Only a small section of fencing was used and this was not installed according to the guidance given by advisors.

    A small number of hay bales and a soil bund had also been installed at the bottom of the field in an attempt to prevent further soil from leaving the field. It was also established that the potatoes had mainly been planted up and down the sloping field which significantly increased the risk of soil erosion and run off.

    David Womack, of the Environment Agency, said:

    David Mitchell had control and custody of the land he rented up until the point of harvest and was therefore responsible for the land management practices.

    He chose to grow a high-risk crop on a sloping field with light soils. As an experienced potato farmer he should have identified the risks of using this field and taken reasonable steps to prevent large scale soil loss.

    No formal risk assessment and no adequate precautions to prevent soil loss had been taken. This made it highly likely that soil erosion and environmental damage would occur in even moderate rainfall conditions.

    The Environment Agency expects that all farmers need to be aware of their legal responsibilities to prevent pollution events like this from happening. Farmers renting their fields for the growing of high risk vegetables should ask prospective tenants what they intend to grow and ask to see their risk assessments and soil management plans to ensure they don’t also potentially become liable for such incidents.

    Guidance for farmers is available: The Reduction and Prevention of Agricultural Diffuse Pollution (England) Regulations 2018

    Background

    David Mitchell was charged with the following offences:

    • On or before 7 September 2022 David Mitchell did knowingly cause or permit an unpermitted water discharge activity, namely the discharge of poisonous, noxious or polluting matter, namely silt laden water from a field under his control at Combe Florey, Somerset into inland fresh waters, namely Back Stream.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local Government 2024-25 Provisional Outturn and 2025-26 Budget Estimates

    Source: Scottish Government

    An Official Statistics Publication.

    The Chief Statistician has released figures on 2024-25 provisional outturn and 2025-26 budget estimates for revenue and capital expenditure on services provided by local authorities.

    In 2024-25, net revenue expenditure on local authority services was provisionally reported as £15,760 million in 2024-25 and budgeted as £16,239 million for 2025-26.

    This is an increase of 6.8% (£1,002 million) in 2024-25, compared to the net revenue expenditure figure of £14,758 million seen in 2023-24. However, much of this increase can be attributed to the baselining of £950.9 million into the General Revenue Grant, which switched this funding away from the category of specific grants. As Net Revenue Expenditure measures general funding and the use of Council’s own reserves, funding more money via the General Revenue Grant leads to a corresponding rise in Net Revenue Expenditure.

    General fund net revenue expenditure is estimated to increase by a further 3.0% (£479 million) in 2025-26.

    Education and Social Work continue to be the services with highest net revenue expenditure in both 2024-25 and 2025-26. These services account for around 81% of general fund net revenue expenditure.

    Local authorities reported provisional general funding of £16,394 million in 2024-25, and budgeted for £17,358 million of general funding in 2025-26.

    General Fund reserves (including Harbour Accounts) at 31 March 2025 were provisionally reported as £2,771 million, and budgeted to be £2,625 million at 31 March 2026. For context, General Fund reserve balances (including Harbour Accounts) were £1,584 million on 31 March 2020. Therefore, whilst reserve balances remain above pre-pandemic levels for Scotland, these are being brought down.

    Capital expenditure across local authorities was provisionally reported as £4,479 million in 2024-25, and budgeted as £5,035 million in 2025-26. An increase of 1.6% in capital expenditure for Education is expected from 2024-25 to 2025-26, reflecting the roll out of the Learning Estate Investment Programme.

    The main sources of capital financing are grants & contributions and borrowing. Borrowing is expected to increase to £2,395 million in 2024-25, and then to £3,021 million in 2025-26. In 2024-25 and 2025-26, in-year borrowing is anticipated to remain as the primary source of capital financing.

    Total external debt was provisionally reported as £22,916 million in 2024-25, and budgeted as £25,696 million in 2025-26, with local authorities continuing to remain under-borrowed.

    Background

    The Local Government 2024-25 Provisional Outturn and 2025-26 Budget Estimates publication summarises the 2024-25 provisional outturn and 2025-26 budget estimates for revenue and capital services provided by local authorities. This data is collected from local authorities annually via the Provisional Outturn and Budget Estimates (POBE) statistical return.

    Further information on Local Government Finance statistics publications and data collections can be found on the Scottish Government website.

    These statistics have been produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Quarterly Housing Statistics in the year to end of March 2025

    Source: Scottish Government

    An Accredited Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.

    There was an 11% decrease in all sector housebuilding starts and a 4% decrease in completions between 2023-24 and 2024-25 (financial year ending March)

    In the 12 months ending March 2025, there were 19,288 all sector homes built and 15,053 all sector new builds started. All sector completions (-4%) and starts (-11%) were lower than the previous 12 months.

    The private sector built 14,798 homes and the social sector built 4,490 homes. In terms of starts, building work on 11,902 was started by the private sector and 3,151 homes by the social sector.

    Excluding 2020-21 (where Covid-19 impacted housebuilding) private sector led completions were similar to the previous financial year and starts the lowest since the 2012-13 financial year. In the social sector, completions were the lowest since 2016-17 and starts the lowest since 2012-13.

    In terms of the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, in 2024-25, there were 4,775 approvals, 5,424 starts, and 7,444 completions of affordable homes. The number of completions were down by 22% (-2,070 homes) compared to 2023-24. Approvals and starts also decreased by 31% (-2,167 homes) and 21% (-1,471 homes) between 2023-24 and 2024-25 (year ending March).

    These statistics are used to inform progress against Scottish Government affordable housing delivery target to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, of which at least 70% will be for social rent and 10% will be in rural and island communities. By 2024-25, 28,537 affordable homes have been completed towards the target. These completions consist of 21,937 (77%) homes for social rent, 4,087 (14%) for affordable rent, and 2,513 (9%) for affordable home ownership.

    Background

    Housing statistics quarterly update: new housebuilding and affordable housing supply – gov.scot

    Background information including Excel tables and explanatory information on data sources and quality can be found in the Housing Statistics webpages.

    Official statistics are produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2024-25

    Source: Scottish Government

    An Accredited Official Statistics Publication for Scotland

    Scotland’s Chief Statistician today released Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2024-25.

    Between 2023-24 and 2024-25:

    There was little change in crimes recorded by the police in Scotland, decreasing by less than 1%, from 299,790 to 299,111. The recording of crime remains below the position immediately prior to the pandemic (2019-20) and down 51% from its peak in 1991.

    There was little change in Non-sexual crimes of violence, decreasing by less than 1%, from 71,473 to 71,170. Common assault (down less than 1%) makes up the clear majority (83%) of all non-sexual crimes of violence recorded in 2024-25.

    Sexual crimes increased by 3%, from 14,484 to 14,892. These crimes are now at the second highest level seen since 1971, the first year for which comparable groups are available.

    There was little change in Crimes of dishonesty, decreasing by less than 1%, from 111,054 to 110,913. The recording of these crimes is back to the level seen immediately prior to the pandemic (in 2019-20) and down 74% from the peak in 1991.

    Damage and reckless behaviour crimes decreased by 6%, from 41,129 to 38,738. The recording of these crimes is now at the lowest level seen since 1976.

    Crimes against society increased by 3% from 61,650 to 63,398. Most of these crimes relate to crimes against public justice (42%) or drug possession (32%).

    Offences recorded by the police in Scotland collectively increased by 1%, from 174,073 to 175,919. This included increases in Miscellaneous offences (up 1%) and Road traffic offences (up 1%), whilst Antisocial offences changed very little, increasing by less than 1%.

    Police recorded cyber-crime in Scotland

    This bulletin also includes an estimate of how many cyber-crimes (i.e. crimes committed using the internet) were recorded in Scotland during 2024-25.

    In 2024-25, an estimated 14,120 cyber-crimes were recorded by the police in Scotland. This was a decrease of 2,770 crimes (or 16%)  when compared to the estimated volume for 2023-24 (16,890). Levels also remain significantly above the pre-pandemic year of 2019-20 (with 7,710 cyber-crimes).

    We estimate that cyber-crimes accounted for at least 5% of total recorded crime in 2024-25, including 27% of Sexual crimes, 7% of Crimes of dishonesty and 3% of Non-sexual crimes of violence.

    Official Statistics on Clear up rates

    In addition to the Accredited Official Statistics on police recorded crimes and offences, this bulletin also presents Official Statistics on crimes and offences cleared up by the police in 2024-25.

    In 2024-25 the clear up rate was 56.0%, up from 54.1% in 2023-24. Crimes against society (93.8%), Non-sexual crimes of violence (68.4%) and Sexual crime (56.9%) continued to have higher clear up rates in 2024-25 than Crimes of dishonesty (35.1%) and Damage and reckless behaviour (31.0%).

     

    Background

    1. The full statistical publication can be accessed at: Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2024-25 – gov.scot
    1. Contraventions of Scottish criminal law are divided for statistical purposes into crimes and offences. ‘Crime’ is generally used for the more serious criminal acts. The less serious termed ‘offences’, although the term ‘offence’ may also be used in relation to serious breaches of criminal law. The distinction is made only for statistical reporting purposes and the ‘seriousness’ of the offence is generally related to the maximum sentence that can be imposed.
    1. Further information on Crime and Justice statistics within Scotland can be accessed at: Crime and justice statistics – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
    1. Accredited Official and Official Statistics are produced by professionally independent statistical staff – more information on the standards of Official Statistics in Scotland can be accessed at: Statistics and research – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scotland ‘remains a safe place to live’

    Source: Scottish Government

    Constance responds as serious assault and attempted murder fall to lowest level since 1977.

    Recorded crime has more than halved since 1991, according to newly-published official statistics.

    The Recorded Crime in Scotland 2024-25 bulletin shows that total crime remains at similar levels to 2023-24, with a small reduction in the headline figure.

    Levels of non-sexual crimes of violence have also dipped slightly over the year and continue to be 23% lower than in 2006-07 – with serious assault and attempted murder now at their lowest level since 1977.

    There was a 6% decrease in 2024-25 in recorded incidents of damage and reckless behaviour – now at its lowest level since 1976, with vandalism down 73% from 2006-07.

    The detection of overall crime by police has increased, with clear-up rates rising to 56%.

    The recording of crimes of dishonesty are now at pre-pandemic levels and down 74% from the peak in 1991, however there was has been a 16% rise in shoplifting.

    There was a rise in recorded sexual crimes (up 3%), with rape and attempted rape up by 15%. A quarter of these crimes were reported at least one year after they had occurred.

    Justice Secretary Angela Constance said:

    “These figures show that Scotland continues to be safe place to live with reported crime falling by more than half since 1991. This comes on the back of the flagship Scottish Crime and Justice Survey which also showed people feel safer in their communities.

    “Violent crime is down significantly in the past 20 years, with serious assaults and homicide levels at record lows. However, we cannot afford to be complacent and I have been consistently clear that any instance of violence is one too many. That is why we are taking a wide range of actions to prevent, reduce and tackle violence, with more than £6 million funding invested over the past three years.

    “I am concerned these figures also show a rise in reported sexual crimes. Multiple factors will lie behind this and our action to tackle sexual offending includes increasing confidence in the justice system so more victims come forward, improving support for victims and modernising the law on sexual offences.

    “I also recognise the significant harm and disruption caused by retail crime, which is why we have made £3 million available in this year’s Budget for Police Scotland to work with the retail sector to help tackle this issue.

    “This year we will invest £4.2 billion across the justice system including a record £1.64 billion for policing – an increase of £70 million on 2024-25.

    “As part of the Scottish Government’s broader package to tackle violence, we have increased funding to the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit from £1.17 million last year to over £1.2 million this year. Projects supporting young people at risk of being drawn into criminal activities, under the Cashback for Communities programme, will receive up to £26 million over the next three financial years.”

    Background

    Full statistical publication Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2024-25

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Shaanxi Normal University Press to Open Branch in Kazakhstan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — The Shaanxi Normal University Press will open an editorial office in Kazakhstan to publish books on Chinese topics, according to the official website of the publishing house, based in Xi’an, the capital of Northwest China’s Shaanxi Province.

    The agreement to establish the editorial board was concluded last week within the framework of the 31st Beijing International Book Fair between the said publishing house, the publishing house of the Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi /KazNU/ and the Nomad Culture Foundation.

    Director of the SPU Publishing House Liu Dongfeng stated that against the backdrop of the development of the “China-Central Asia Spirit,” the establishment of an editorial office for books on Chinese topics in Kazakhstan is of particular importance.

    The said editorial board is reportedly planning to publish a series of books aimed at Central Asian readers. They will include academic works on China’s high-quality development in politics, economics, science and technology, popular readings reflecting the beautiful traditional Chinese culture and the historical background of the Great Silk Road, as well as modern literary classics.

    In 2023, the SHPU Publishing House published the scientific work “The Great Silk Road and Civilized Contacts”. This book in Kazakh will soon be published by the KazNU Publishing House. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China to mark 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s liberation from Japanese occupation in October

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — A grand gathering to mark the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s liberation from Japanese occupation will be held in China around Oct. 25, Hu Heping, vice director of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, adding that overseas Chinese will also be supported in holding related commemorative events.

    The upcoming meeting in October will be one of the events planned to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Hu Heping said. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese People’s Militia to Take Part in Military Parade Commemorating Victory in Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression for the First Time

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — People’s militias will take part in a grand military parade scheduled for Sept. 3 in Tiananmen Square in central Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Wu Zeke, an official with the Joint Staff of the Central Military Commission, told a press conference on Tuesday.

    The Chinese People’s Militia will take part in a major military parade to commemorate the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression for the first time, he added. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The President of the Republic of Korea stressed the need to build peace on the Korean Peninsula

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    SEOUL, June 24 (Xinhua) — President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae-myung stressed the need to build peace on the Korean Peninsula on Tuesday, a day ahead of the 75th anniversary of the Korean War.

    The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan stated at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers that security issues cannot be overestimated.

    “The creation of a world for which no one needs to fight is the most reliable security. Ensuring peace is the task of politics,” he noted.

    Lee Zhe-myung said security is directly related to economic issues, stressing that the slogan “The world will build the economy, the world will create food” has now become a reality. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Senior CCP Official Visits UK

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    LONDON, June 24 (Xinhua) — Yuan Jiajun, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, led a party delegation to the United Kingdom from June 22 to 23 at the invitation of the British government.

    Yuan Jiajun met with UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, attended a roundtable meeting between leading Chinese (Chongqing) and British enterprises, and held talks with Nicholas Lyons, Lord Mayor of the City of London, and Sherard Cowper-Coles, Chairman of the China-UK Business Council, among others.

    Yuan Jiajun said that China is willing to work with the UK to maintain the positioning of the two countries as strategic partners, further strengthen dialogue and cooperation, consolidate strategic ties, deepen political mutual trust, jointly respond to challenges, and continuously expand practical cooperation in economy and trade, science and technology, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, local affairs and other fields, so as to jointly promote stable and mutually beneficial China-UK relations.

    Chongqing is willing to leverage its strengths of industrial base, comprehensive hub role and megacity status to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the UK in areas such as smart manufacturing, trade and logistics, financial services and urban governance, making contributions to the further development of China-UK relations, he said.

    The British side said that UK-China relations are of strategic significance, and cooperation between the two sides is conducive to world peace and development. The UK is willing to expand exchanges with China, deepen cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, science and technology, investment, education, and jointly safeguard multilateralism and the free trade system. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Zealand’s ties with Netherlands reaffirmed

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has met with the Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, to mark 60 years of diplomatic representation between New Zealand and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

    “The Netherlands is one of New Zealand’s oldest and closest friends. Our people share strong bonds, enriched by the 150,000 New Zealanders who have Dutch heritage,” Mr Luxon says.

    “In our discussions, Prime Minister Schoof and I reaffirmed our commitment to global peace and security, pledged to increase bilateral trade and investment, and promote further innovation between our researchers.”

    The Netherlands is one of New Zealand’s top export destinations within the EU.

    “The Netherlands is crucial to New Zealand’s economic growth. Our exports have grown by 24 percent since last year,” Mr Luxon says.

    “It is New Zealand’s greatest source of foreign direct investment from the EU, and it is also a base for many Kiwi businesses in Europe.”

    Mr Luxon will now attend the NATO Summit in the Hague. 

    A joint statement from Mr Luxon and Mr Schoof is attached.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Iran and Israel agree to a fragile ceasefire. One factor could be crucial to it sticking

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    Amir Levy/Getty Images

    After 12 days of war, US President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran that would bring to an end the most dramatic, direct conflict between the two nations in decades.

    Israel and Iran both agreed to adhere to the ceasefire, though they said they would respond with force to any breach.

    If the ceasefire holds – a big if – the key question will be whether this signals the start of lasting peace, or merely a brief pause before renewed conflict.

    As contemporary war studies show, peace tends to endure under one of two conditions: either the total defeat of one side, or the establishment of mutual deterrence. This means both parties refrain from aggression because the expected costs of retaliation far outweigh any potential gains.

    What did each side gain?

    The war marked a turning point for Israel in its decades-long confrontation with Iran. For the first time, Israel successfully brought a prolonged battle to Iranian soil, shifting the conflict from confrontations with Iranian-backed proxy militant groups to direct strikes on Iran itself.

    This was made possible largely due to Israel’s success over the past two years in weakening Iran’s regional proxy network, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon and Shiite militias in Syria.

    Over the past two weeks, Israel has inflicted significant damage on Iran’s military and scientific elite, killing several high-ranking commanders and nuclear scientists. The civilian toll was also high.

    Additionally, Israel achieved a major strategic objective by pulling the United States directly into the conflict. In coordination with Israel, the US launched strikes on three of Iran’s primary nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

    Despite these gains, Israel did not accomplish all of its stated goals. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had voiced support for regime change, urging Iranians to rise up against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s government, but the senior leadership in Iran remains intact.

    Additionally, Israel did not fully eliminate Iran’s missile program, as Iran continued striking to the last minute before the ceasefire. And Tehran did not acquiesce to Trump’s pre-war demand to end uranium enrichment.

    Although Iran was caught off-guard by Israel’s attacks — particularly as it was engaged in nuclear negotiations with the US — it responded by launching hundreds of missiles towards Israel.

    While many were intercepted, a significant number penetrated Israeli air defences, causing widespread destruction in major cities, dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries.

    Iran demonstrated its capacity to strike back, though Israel succeeded in destroying many of its air defence systems, some ballistic missile assets (including missile launchers) and multiple energy facilities.

    Since the beginning of the assault, Iranian officials have repeatedly called for a halt to resume negotiations. Under intense pressure, Iran realised it would not benefit from a prolonged war of attrition with Israel — especially as both nations faced mounting costs and the risk of depleting their military stockpiles if the war continued.

    As theories of victory suggest, success in war is defined not only by the damage inflicted, but by achieving core strategic goals and weakening the enemy’s will and capacity to resist.

    While Israel claims to have achieved the bulk of its objectives, the extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear program is not fully known, nor is its capacity to continue enriching uranium.

    Both sides could remain locked in a volatile standoff over Iran’s nuclear program, with the conflict potentially reigniting whenever either side perceives a strategic opportunity.

    Sticking point over Iran’s nuclear program

    Iran faces even greater challenges as it emerges from the war. With a heavy toll on its leadership and nuclear infrastructure, Tehran will likely prioritise rebuilding its deterrence capability.

    That includes acquiring new advanced air defence systems — potentially from China — and restoring key components of its missile and nuclear programs. (Some experts say Iran did not use some of its most powerful missiles to maintain this deterrence.)

    Iranian officials have claimed they safeguarded more than 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium before the attacks. This stockpile could theoretically be converted into nine to ten nuclear warheads if further enriched to 90%.

    Trump declared Iran’s nuclear capacity had been “totally obliterated”, whereas Rafael Grossi, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog chief, said damage to Iran’s facilities was “very significant”.

    However, analysts have argued Iran will still have a depth of technical knowledge accumulated over decades. Depending on the extent of the damage to its underground facilities, Iran could be capable of restoring and even accelerating its program in a relatively short time frame.

    And the chances of reviving negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program appear slimmer than ever.

    What might future deterrence look like?

    The war has fundamentally reshaped how both Iran and Israel perceive deterrence — and how they plan to secure it going forward.

    For Iran, the conflict reinforced the belief that its survival is at stake. With regime change openly discussed during the war, Iran’s leaders appear more convinced than ever that true deterrence requires two key pillars: nuclear weapons capability, and deeper strategic alignment with China and Russia.

    As a result, Iran is expected to move rapidly to restore and advance its nuclear program, potentially moving towards actual weaponisation — a step it had long avoided, officially.

    At the same time, Tehran is likely to accelerate military and economic cooperation with Beijing and Moscow to hedge against isolation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasised this close engagement with Russia during a visit to Moscow this week, particularly on nuclear matters.

    Israel, meanwhile, sees deterrence as requiring constant vigilance and a credible threat of overwhelming retaliation. In the absence of diplomatic breakthroughs, Israel may adopt a policy of immediate preemptive strikes on Iranian facilities or leadership figures if it detects any new escalation — particularly related to Iran’s nuclear program.

    In this context, the current ceasefire appears fragile. Without comprehensive negotiations that address the core issues — namely, Iran’s nuclear capabilities — the pause in hostilities may prove temporary.

    Mutual deterrence may prevent a more protracted war for now, but the balance remains precarious and could collapse with little warning.

    Ali Mamouri 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. Iran and Israel agree to a fragile ceasefire. One factor could be crucial to it sticking – https://theconversation.com/iran-and-israel-agree-to-a-fragile-ceasefire-one-factor-could-be-crucial-to-it-sticking-259669

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Pakistan: Recurrent drone strikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa signal alarming disregard for civilian life – Amnesty International

    Source: Amnesty International

    Responding to recurrent drone strikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan that have killed at least 17 people, including five children, this year with the latest deadly strike on Friday, 20 June, Isabelle Lassée, Deputy Regional Director for South Asia at Amnesty International said:

    “Pakistani authorities have failed to take action to protect the lives and property of civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who continue to pay the price of an escalating number of drone strikes in the province. Last Friday’s drone strike, killing one child, is part of an alarming series of attacks which have escalated since March of this year.

    “Use of drones and quadcopters to conduct attacks resulting in unlawful killing of civilians violates international law. Reports that the strikes have hit homes and volleyball games indicate a reckless disregard for civilian life.

    “While Pakistani authorities have often denied responsibility for these attacks, they are obligated to conduct prompt, independent, transparent and effective investigations into these attacks and bring all those responsible to justice through fair trials. In cases where the Pakistani authorities are found to be directly responsible or where authorities failed to protect civilians from foreseeable threats, victims and families impacted in the strike must be provided with effective remedies, including compensation and other appropriate reparation.”

    BACKGROUND:

    Multiple drone strikes have taken place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan, at least four of which have killed or injured civilians since March 2025.

    The latest drone strike on 20 June resulted in the death of one child and left five others injured in Dashka, Makeen Tehsil, South Waziristan district. Earlier this year, on 29 March, a strike in Katlang, Mardan district killed at least 11 people. The provincial government, in a press note, acknowledged civilian casualties. On 19 May a strike in Hurmuz, Mir Ali, North Waziristan district killed four children and injured five others. The Pakistani authorities deniedresponsibility, accusing the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of carrying out the attack. On 28 May, a drone struck a volleyball match injuring 22 people, including seven children, in Wana, South Waziristan district. In September last year, a drone strike in Sararogha Tehsil, South Waziristan district killed one person and injured three others.

    Drone strikes have been long part of “counterterrorism” efforts in Pakistan.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI Video: Trade: Trends and Endgames

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    Trade: Trends and Endgames

    With heightened uncertainty on increased tariffs, the risk of geoeconomic fragmentation is growing.

    How has the trade landscape shifted compared to recent years and how can leaders look beyond the current volatility?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjHSLOzY1eE

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: Where Is Belt and Road Heading?

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    Where Is Belt and Road Heading?

    Since the Belt and Road Initiative was launched over 10 years ago, China has established collaboration with over 150 countries and 30 international organizations and facilitated over $380 billion in cumulative two-way investment with countries along the road.

    Amid geoeconomic shifts, how have these projects measured up to their objectives and what new directions might this initiative take?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PebcIWu4NYw

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Cyril Ramaphosa conducts oversight visit to Steve Biko Hospital

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    President Cyril Ramaphosa conducts oversight visit to Steve Biko Hospital

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5Zk6xaJOI0

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: Public Service Commission releases the pulse bulletin covering the period 01 April to 30 June 2025

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Public Service Commission releases the pulse bulletin covering the period 01 April to 30 June 2025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em7ntFXWS70

    MIL OSI Video

  • What is NATO’s new 5% defence spending target?

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    NATO leaders are expected to endorse a big new defence spending target at an alliance summit in The Hague on Wednesday, as demanded by U.S. President Donald Trump.

    Here are some key questions and answers about the new target.

    WHAT ARE NATO LEADERS EXPECTED TO APPROVE?

    They are expected to agree that NATO members should spend 5% of their economic output – or Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – on core defence and broader defence and security-related investments.

    That’s a hefty increase on the current goal of 2%, which was approved at an alliance summit in Wales in 2014. But the new target will be measured differently.

    NATO members will be expected to spend 3.5% of their GDP on core defence such as troops and weapons – the items currently covered by the old 2% target.

    They will also be expected to spend a further 1.5% of GDP on broader defence and security-related investments – such as adapting roads, bridges and ports for use by military vehicles, and on cyber-security and protecting energy pipelines.

    HOW BIG A LEAP WILL THIS BE FOR NATO COUNTRIES?

    Very big for a lot of them.

    Twenty-two of NATO’s 32 member countries spent 2% of GDP or more on defence last year.

    As a whole, alliance members spent 2.61% of NATO GDP on defence last year, according to a NATO estimate. But that number masks big differences in spending among members.

    Poland, for example, spent more than 4% of its GDP on defence, making it the biggest spender. At the other end of the spectrum, Spain spent less than 1.3%.

    WHEN ARE NATO COUNTRIES EXPECTED TO HIT THE TARGET?

    They will be expected to meet the target by 2035. The targets could also be adjusted when they are reviewed in 2029.

    HOW MUCH MORE CASH ARE WE ACTUALLY TALKING ABOUT?

    It’s hard to say exactly how much extra cash NATO members would have to spend, not least because it will depend on the size of their economies for years to come.

    Also, NATO does not currently measure spending on the new broader category of defence and security-related investments – so there is no baseline measurement to go by.

    But NATO countries spent over $1.3 trillion on core defence in 2024, up from about a trillion a decade earlier in constant 2021 prices. If NATO states had all spent 3.5% of GDP on defence last year, that would have amounted to some $1.75 trillion.

    So, hitting the new targets could eventually mean spending hundreds of billions of dollars more per year, compared with current spending.

    WHY ARE NATO COUNTRIES INCREASING SPENDING NOW?

    Russia’s continued war in Ukraine, concerns about a possible future threat from Russia, and U.S. pressure have led many European capitals to boost investment in defence and plan to increase it even further over the coming years.

    “Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said earlier this month.

    Europe is also preparing for the possibility that the U.S. under President Donald Trump will decide to withdraw some of its troops and capabilities from Europe.

    “America can’t be everywhere all the time, nor should we be,” U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said earlier this month.

    WHAT WILL THE NEW MONEY BE SPENT ON?

    NATO this month agreed on new capability targets for its members – the types of troops, military units, weapons and equipment that NATO says they should possess to defend themselves and the alliance.

    Those targets are classified but Rutte said after they were approved that the alliance needed to invest more in areas including “air defence, fighter jets, tanks, drones, personnel, logistics and so much more”.

    IS EVERYONE ON BOARD?

    Not quite. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says his country can meet its military capability targets by spending just 2.1% of GDP.

    His government approved the draft summit statement with the new spending target but made clear it does not intend to spend that much. NATO officials say Sanchez does not have an opt-out – Spain’s spending will be tracked and if it’s not investing enough to meet the military targets, it will need to improve.

    Some countries that have signed up to the targets may also not meet them, diplomats and analysts expect. But publicly, they have insisted they are committed.

    WHERE WILL THE MONEY COME FROM?

    Every NATO country will decide on its own where to find the cash to invest more in defence and how to allocate it.

    The European Union has moved to try to make it easier for capitals to spend on defence.

    The EU is allowing members to raise defence spending by 1.5% of GDP each year for four years without any disciplinary steps that would normally kick in once a national deficit is above 3% of GDP.

    EU ministers last month also approved the creation of a 150-billion-euro arms fund using joint EU borrowing to give loans to European countries for joint defence projects.

    Some European countries are pushing for EU joint borrowing to fund grants – rather than loans – for defence spending. But they have met resistance from fiscally conservative countries including Germany and The Netherlands.

    HOW DOES THE NATO TARGET COMPARE TO OTHER COUNTRIES’ DEFENCE SPENDING?

    NATO allies dedicate a much smaller share of their economic output to defence than Russia but, taken together, they spend significantly more cash than Moscow.

    Russia’s military spending rose by 38% in 2024, reaching an estimated $149 billion and 7.1% of GDP, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

    China, the world’s second-largest military spender, dedicated an estimated 1.7% of GDP to military expenditure last year, according to SIPRI.

    HOW DOES DEFENCE SPENDING COMPARE TO GOVERNMENT SPENDING IN OTHER AREAS?

    In NATO countries, defence tends to make up a small portion of national budgets.

    Military spending accounted for 3.2% of government spending in Italy, 3.6% in France and 8.5% in Poland in 2023, according to SIPRI data. In Russia that year, military expenditure made up nearly 19% of government spending.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Home testing kits for lifesaving checks against cervical cancer

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Home testing kits for lifesaving checks against cervical cancer

    Government to offer home-testing kits as part of the cervical screening programme under its upcoming 10 Year Health Plan.

    • Under screened women to be offered convenient HPV self-sampling kits under new 10 Year Health Plan 
    • Home kits offered to those who have missed their invite, making care more convenient and supporting our shift from treatment to prevention
    • New initiative builds on NHS’ personalised approach to cervical screening

    Women and people with a cervix* across England who haven’t come forward for vital health checks will be offered home-testing kits as part of the cervical screening programme under the upcoming 10 Year Health Plan.

    The ground-breaking initiative aims to revolutionise cervical cancer prevention rates by tackling deeply entrenched barriers that keep some women away from potentially life-saving screenings, including a fear of discomfort, embarrassment, cultural sensitivities and the struggle to find time for medical appointments.  

    Women who have rarely or have never attended their cervical screening will be offered a self-sample kit to complete at home. They are then sent out in discreet packaging and returned via pre-paid mail in the local post box.  

    Participation in cervical cancer screening currently sits at just 68.8% – well below the NHS England target of 80%. This means over 5 million women in England are not up to date with their routine check-up**. But experts believe this targeted approach could increase participation in the screening programme that saves approximately 5000 lives a year across England.   

    The initiative is part of the government’s upcoming 10 Year Health Plan – due to be published in the coming weeks – which sets out how government plans to tackle the challenges facing the health service and build an NHS that is fit for the future by doing more to prevent ill health in the first place.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:   

    These self-sampling kits represent healthcare that works around people’s lives, not the other way around. They put women firmly in control of their own health, ensuring we catch more cancers at their earliest, most treatable stages.

    Our 10 Year Health Plan will fundamentally reform the NHS, shifting focus from treating illness to preventing it before it starts.

    We know the earlier cancer is diagnosed the better the chances are of survival. By making screening more convenient, we’re tackling the barriers that keep millions of women from potentially life-saving tests.

    The self-testing kits, which detect human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses that can lead to cervical cancer, allow women to carry out this testing in the privacy and convenience of their own homes.  

    Michelle Kane, NHS Director of Screening, said:

    There are a number of reasons that stop some women taking up the offer of screening and we hope the introduction of self-testing will encourage more women to take up this life-saving test in a way that works for them.

    I’d encourage anyone who gets an invite for a cervical screening, either from their local GP practice or the NHS App, to attend and if you have any worrying symptoms, please contact your GP. It could save your life.

    The programme specifically targets those groups consistently missing vital appointments, with younger women, ethnic minority communities facing cultural hurdles, people with a disability and LGBT+ people all set to benefit. 

    Anyone testing positive for HPV through self-sampling will be encouraged to attend a clinician-taken follow-up cervical screening test to check for cervical cell changes. 

    Athena Lamnisos, Chief Executive, Eve Appeal, said:

    There are so many different reasons why those who are eligible aren’t responding to their cervical screening invitation letter.

    HPV self-testing will be a step change for some. Being able to do the test in their own time and following simple instructions is what many people want and need. Ensuring that the under-screened and never screened know about this new test is vital for Eve.

    As the leading gynae cancer prevention charity, we know how vital it is to address health inequalities and make sure that everyone knows that this test is available to them and why it’s important.

    Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, said: 

    Screening is a powerful tool to prevent cervical cancer and save lives, but we know it isn’t always easy for everyone to take part. For some, the test may seem uncomfortable, embarrassing, or simply hard to fit into their lives. That’s why we welcome the UK government’s decision to roll out cervical cancer home screening kits in England – to help remove barriers and make cervical screening more accessible.

    The gold standard way to test for HPV is still a sample taken by a clinician and this will be suitable for most people. But beating cervical cancer means beating it for everyone, and this move helps to bring us closer to that goal.  It’s important to remember that cervical screening is for people without symptoms so, if you notice any unusual changes for you, do not wait for a screening invitation – speak to your doctor.

    This approach builds on the NHS’ recent announcement to make cervical cancer screening more personalised. From July, women aged 25-49 who test negative for HPV in a clinician-taken test will be invited for their next test in five years, rather than three, following a recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee. The programme is in line with major clinical evidence that shows if a person tests negative for HPV they are extremely unlikely to go on to develop cervical cancer within the next decade. Anyone whose sample indicates the presence of HPV will continue to be invited to more frequent screenings.  

    Digital invitations and reminders for cervical screening were also recently rolled out as part of the NHS App’s ‘ping and book’ service to make screenings even more convenient, boost uptake and save lives.  

    Through our Plan for Change, the government is cutting waiting times for cancer patients with 99,000 extra patients having had cancer diagnosed or ruled out since July than in the previous year. In February, the highest ever proportion of patients had a diagnosis or an all clear within four weeks.

    Dr Anita Lim, Chief Investigator of the YouScreen trial and Visiting Senior Research Fellow, King’s College London:

    This is a significant step forward for cervical cancer prevention and brings us closer to the NHS goal of eliminating the disease by 2040. The YouScreen trial, which provided self-sampling HPV kits to under-screen women in London, demonstrated that self-sampling could reach people who find it difficult to attend traditional screening – including those from diverse and underserved populations.

    It’s hugely positive to see this now reflected in national policy, helping more people get protected from this highly preventable cancer.

    Gem, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2015, said:

    My cervical cancer was picked up during a routine screening by my GP. I was referred for surgery to remove the cancer cells, as well as lymph nodes from my abdomen and pelvis.

    It took me about six weeks to recover, and because it was caught early and hadn’t spread, I was told at my follow-up appointment that I was cancer-free and didn’t require further treatment.

    I’ve been cancer-free for years now, but I still live with the aftermath of my diagnosis. I hope that one day we live in a world where cervical cancer is eliminated. With advances in vaccines and screening, I believe that day is getting ever closer.

    For many, though, there are barriers to attending screening. Our everyday lives are busy juggling jobs, family life, and more, which can make attending appointments difficult. But feelings of embarrassment, fear, or unease can also prevent people from going.

    Making it easier for people to access screening they can do at home removes some of those barriers and will, I’m sure, save lives.

    If I hadn’t attended screening when I did, I’m certain I would have been facing a very different outcome. I will always be thankful that I went when I did and now try to use my experience to help others.

    ENDS  

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: What awaits children and their parents at the Summer in Moscow venues this week

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    From June 24 to 29 for children and their parents at the project sites “Summer in Moscow” There will be many interesting and useful events. Checkers and chess fans will be able to compete in friendly tournaments and themed quizzes, circus fans will be able to see performances by the best Russian artists, and movie buffs will be able to visit the Gorky Film Studio. We tell you how to have an exciting time with family and friends this week.

    Compete in reaction speed and play in a summer club

    The championship continues “Rock, Paper, Scissors”This week the competition is taking place atTverskoy Boulevard. All comers are welcome from 12:00 to 21:00 until June 27, and on the 28th and 29th – from 11:00.

    You can also try your hand at this game at district sites, this time in the South-West Administrative District of the capital:

    — June 24 — at the sports ground near the Pioneer stadium (Fotieva Street (buildings 14–18);

    — June 25 — at the site in the 70th Anniversary of Victory Park (13 Tsyurupy Street);

    — June 26 — in Vorontsov Park (house 3);

    — June 27 — on Admiral Rudnev Street (property 8);

    — June 28 — at the district site near Konkovsky ponds (Vvedenskogo street, building 28).

    Those wishing to play Rock, Paper, Scissors are welcome from 15:00 to 20:00. And the final of the competition in the South-West Administrative District will be held on June 29 at the address: Dmitry Donskoy Boulevard, Building 11. Participation is free, registration is not required.

    Young city residents are also invited to Summer Club “Moscow” on Tverskoy Boulevard. Admission is free. From June 24 to 29, guests can expect realistic racing on car simulatorsHowever, only those whose height is above 150 and below 210 centimeters can participate.

    The summer club also has a large retro games area with iconic consoles that were popular in the past. In addition, you can play pickleball, gorodki, petanque, croquet, ping-pong and even try your hand at a large and bright climbing wall. Professionals will tell you about the rules and safety precautions.

    Learn painting and immerse yourself in the world of literature

    On Strastnoy Boulevard, children from six years old will be helped to master the basics of painting. During the classes, participants will draw landscapes, sketches and still lifes in various artistic techniques. Master classes will be held from 12:00 to 19:00. Admission is free.

    On June 25, guests will be treated to master classes “Summer colors of nature” And“Colorful Shells” (drawing with wax crayons), June 26 – “Field of Sunflowers” And “Streets of Moscow» (drawing with pencils), June 27 – “Watermelon wedges” And“Street art” (watercolor painting), and on June 28 – “Solar Stained Glass” And“Balloons” (Pastel painting). On June 29, participants will paint with liners. Master classes will be held for them “Bright Bouquet” And“Rainbow”.

    In addition, on Strastnoy Boulevard from 12:00 to 20:00 children will be able to play basketball, have fun in the art house with stickers and with busy board coloring.

    In the art studio onPassionate Boulevard will create sketches and floral still lifes in various artistic techniques. Master classes are held in a comfortable room and are intended for guests over five years old. Admission is free.

    From June 25 to 28, city residents will be painting a bouquet for graduation using dry pastel technique (15:00–15:45), a watercolor sketch “The Last Bell” (16:00–16:45), wild flowers in gouache using the alla prima technique (17:00–17:45), and a flower still life “A Bouquet for a Teacher” (18:00–18:45).

    Sretensky Boulevard has become a space for literature. Every day at noon, the “Book in the City” platform opens here — free library in the open air. And on June 25 at 13:00, children and adults will be immersed in the world of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. In honor of the writer’s birthday, the site will host theatrical readings of the fairy tale story “The Little Prince”.

    On June 25 from 19:00 to 20:00 on the boulevard there will be a master class “Puppet Theater” based on the book series by Anya Dobrochas “Vovka with a Tail”. Participants will create their own puppet show, choose the characters and the plot, become scriptwriters and actors. The evening will end with a drawing of books autographed by the writer. Admission is free.

    And on June 27, the site’s guests are invited to a meeting dedicated to Nikolay Nosov. They will learn about the author’s biography, his work in film and animation, and read the story “Cucumbers” based on a true story. Young guests will recall cartoons based on the writer’s works and will create bookmarks with characters from his books at a master class. The event starts at 19:00, admission is free.

    Learn more about cinema and visit the circus

    Gorky Film Studio invites you toexcursion June 26 at 15:00. Its participants will immerse themselves in the atmosphere of cinematography and get acquainted with the history of the film studio – from its foundation to the present day. They will learn how the films that became part of the golden fund of Russian cinema were created. Guests will learn interesting facts about the life and work of outstanding directors and actors of the Gorky Film Studio, as well as about film professions that sometimes remain behind the scenes, but are very important for this sphere.

    On sunny summer days, visitors can visit the film studio square with the “Walk of Stars” with the names of great creators, costumes and props from films that have entered the golden fund of Russian cinema. These include, for example, “Guest from the Future”, “The Kingdom of Crooked Mirrors”, “Morozko”, “Seventeen Moments of Spring”, “Officers” and many others.

    The tour is designed for adults and children from six years old. Participation is paid, tickets can be purchased aton the film studio website.

    June 27, 28 and 29 will be held circus divertissements. Guests of all ages will enjoy exciting shows with the best circus artists of Russia. Thus, the artists of the Great Moscow Circus will perform their program in the landscape park “Yuzhnoye Butovo”, in Izmailovsky Park you can watch the show “Striped Flight”, and in the cinema park “Moskino” – the show “Algerian Lions”. Attendance at the shows is paid. You can buy tickets atMos.ru.

    Become a champion in chess, checkers and more

    On the site “Chess Square” (Teatralnaya Square, park next to the Metropol Hotel) anyone can play chess. On the weekend, June 28 and 29, there will be family, open and children’s tournaments. Prizes await the winners. All tournaments require pre-registration.

    Visitors to the site can also take a photo with an animator in the branded frame “Summer in Moscow”, decorate themselves with face painting and take a chess quiz, and in the creative workshop area – make origami and bookmarks, paint calendars and magnets.

    The Summer in Moscow project includes family sports games. June 28th inM.P. Sudakov square and June 29 in the recreation area “Troparevo” Young Muscovites will be able to take part in master classes and tournaments in board games. Guests are especially interested in giant tavrels — the predecessors of modern chess. A chess tournament is planned for fans of the classic game. Experienced players will test their strength in the competition. Beginners will be able to get valuable advice from masters and get acquainted with the basics of tactics. Participation is free, no registration required.

    Checkers and chess can be played on the playgrounds on weekends festival of urban sports. Everyone is welcome, regardless of their level of training. Eight city parks have opened areas that will be appreciated by fans of the intellectual game of chess. These are the Northern River Terminal Park (Leningradskoye Shosse, Building 51), Sosenki Park (Nakhimovsky Prospekt, Building 10), Pechatniki Park (Guryanova Street, Building 31, Building 2), the 850th Anniversary of Moscow Park (Lugovoy Proezd, Building 13), the 40th Anniversary of Victory Park (Zelenograd, Central Prospekt, Ozernaya Alley), Fili Park (Bolshaya Filevskaya Street, Building 22, Building 1), Troparevo recreation area (Akademika Vinogradova Street, Building 12), and a public space on Akademika Yangelya Street (near Building 4 on Akademika Yangelya Street).

    Uncover the secrets of puzzles and make useful crafts

    In the art pavilion “Raketa” of the project “Made in Moscow” on Rozhdestvenka street, master classes have been prepared for guests. For example, you can learn the secrets of assembling puzzles and mosaics (24 AndJune 27, 18:00–19:00) or create a craft from a craft kit using a ready-made template or on your own (June 24 at 19:30–20:30). And also assemble a developmental construction set (June 25, 18:00–19:00) and with the help of original coloring books in a playful way learn more about the importance of family traditions (25 AndJune 27, 19:30–20:30). All master classes are free, no registration required.

    Forest libraries in the parks of 50th Anniversary of October, Khodynskoye Pole and Vorontsovo estate invite you to thematic master classes on June 28. Children will be able to develop fine motor skills and broaden their horizons. Admission is free, starts at 15:00.

    In the Severnoye Tushino Park, the Kuzminki-Lyublino and Vorontsovo estates, children are expected on this day at 16:00 for an entertainment program with animation and performances by artists. Admission is free.

    At the Moscow Seasons festival site at: Startovaya street, building 12 A series of master classes will be held on June 28 and 29. Participants will create useful crafts that will come in handy both for summer walks in the city and for traveling. For example, you can sew a travel pillow (June 28, starting at 13:00 and 16:00), decorate a headphone case (June 28 at 15:00 and 18:00), paint a container for summer drinks (June 29 at 13:00), make a travel diary (June 29 at 16:00 and 18:00), clog jibbits (June 28 at 14:00 and 17:00, and also June 29 at 17:00). Admission is free.

    Project “Summer in Moscow”— the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and the new season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155729073/

    MIL OSI Russia News