NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: East West Rail services planned to begin this year as Chiltern Railways named operator

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    East West Rail services planned to begin this year as Chiltern Railways named operator

    This milestone will unlock the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and provide greater connectivity across the region.

    • Chiltern Railways named as operator for first East West Rail services later this year   
    • passengers will benefit from better and faster connections between Oxford and Milton Keynes, unlocking job, education and business opportunities
    • forms a critical part of the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth by unleashing the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor

    In a significant step towards boosting connectivity and growth between Oxford and Cambridge, the Rail Minister has today (25 March 2025) named Chiltern Railways as the operator for the first stage of East West Rail. 

    This comes ahead of its planned launch later this year, which will support almost 100 new jobs at Chiltern, boost local economies along the route and see passengers benefit from slashed journey times and better access to jobs, education and business opportunities. 

    When delivered in full, East West Rail is set to generate £6.7 billion of growth per year in Oxford-Cambridge by 2050, bolstering the thriving life science cluster and supporting up to 28,000 jobs in Cambridge alone. 

    Serving 6 stations, the new line will initially link Oxford and Milton Keynes for the first time in nearly 60 years, accelerating the regeneration of town centres and helping build new homes across the full line as part of our Plan for Change. 

    Rail Minister Peter, Lord Hendy, said: 

    Appointing Chiltern Railways to run the first East West Rail services is one of the crucial last steps in getting the line up and running later this year and means local people in the area are closer to experiencing the benefits of this transformative project. 

    This milestone demonstrates that we are serious about unlocking the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, providing greater connectivity across the region and delivering on our Plan for Change mission to drive economic growth.

    A brand-new station at Winslow will reconnect the town to the rail network for the first time since the 1960s, with trains also stopping at Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village and a revamped Bletchley station along the new line. 

    Chiltern will manage the newly constructed station in Winslow, opening up better employment opportunities, easier access to public services and reduced reliance on road travel. 

    Richard Allan, Managing Director of Chiltern Railways, said:

    The first stage of East West Rail will provide fast, direct train services between Oxford and Milton Keynes and we are delighted that Chiltern has been announced as operator.  

    Chiltern has a proud track record of delivering new services and infrastructure, including our London to Oxford connections and introduction of new stations at Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village.  

    We are looking forward to carrying customers on this exciting new route which is set to make a critical contribution to the UK’s economic growth.

    David Hughes, CEO of East West Railway Co, said: 

    This is a huge milestone which will allow Chiltern Railways to deliver a much-needed rail service linking the dynamic cities of Oxford and Milton Keynes, providing new opportunities for commuters and leisure travellers alike. 

    This is the first part of East West Rail’s vision to extend services to Bedford and Cambridge, which will transform connectivity across the region and unlock new opportunities for economic growth.

    The announcement comes following a 10-week consultation period giving local people the chance to shape the second and third stages of East West Rail, which will see the line reaching Bedford from 2030 and Cambridge from the mid-2030s. 

    This outlined the government’s aim for trains to be powered on the route with greener traction and hybrid battery-electric trains, which would result in cleaner and faster journeys for passengers. 

    Gary Walsh, Route Director for West Coast South at Network Rail said: 

    We’re delighted by today’s announcement, which is fantastic news for passengers who will soon benefit from the new journey opportunities that East West Rail provides between Milton Keynes and Oxford.

    Following completion of major construction, which included installing 70km of new track, 17 brand new bridges and a modern signalling system, we’re working closely with our partners at Chiltern Railways and the DfT ahead of passenger services starting later this year.

    Rail media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland youngsters creating opportunity for play in Dalneigh

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Young people from Dalneigh Youth Club have designed an extension to Hawthorn Drive play park as part of a community-driven project in Dalneigh. Funded by The Highland Council and Dalneigh and Columba Community Council, the project has brought local community groups together with youth club members to create a new play area for teenagers.

    Chair of the Communities and Place Committee, Cllr Graham MacKenzie, said: “Play is fundamental to the wellbeing and development of children of all ages in communities across the Highlands and this project is a fantastic example of a community-led collaboration. The views of children and young people should be valued when developing play parks in their local areas and by investing in these community assets we can support young people with their physical health, mental wellbeing and future development.”

    The projected was supported by local ward members from Ward 14 Inverness Central who congratulated the youth club members and community organisations for their commitment to the project and creating an opportunity to encourage young people to spend more time outdoors.

    Led by Dalneigh Youth Leader, Shannon Kelly and Highland Council staff, Dalneigh Youth Club members took part in workshops to design an additional play area and select new equipment including a climbing frame with monkey bars and nets, a hammock and a zipline, which is due to be installed in summer 2025. Dalneigh Playpark Association also supported the project.

    Barry Kane, Chair of Dalneigh and Columba Community Council, said: “We’re delighted to have supported the consultations and planning for the second phase of the Hawthorn Drive play park. We are sure this will be an excellent and well-used facility and we’re extremely grateful for the support of local ward members and Highland Council staff who have provided invaluable support, and for the enthusiasm, creative ideas and input of the Dalneigh Youth Club members.”

    Dalneigh Youth Club Leader, Shannon Kelly, said: “This extension will be a welcome addition to the park which is often used by the young people who attend the youth club and have been very enthusiastic during the process of choosing which equipment should be installed. Teenagers are often excluded from good old-fashioned play with many play areas catering to younger children, so this has been a great opportunity for young voices to be heard on a decision that will directly impact them in their local community.”

    A member of Dalneigh Youth Club said: “It felt very good to be asked about what we want to see at the park, and I am excited about the climbing frame. I liked that we had options, and I felt like my voice mattered.”

    Dalneigh Youth Club is a free club for young people living in the Inverness High School catchment area. The club runs on Wednesday nights in James Cameron Community Centre from 6-7pm for P6-S2 and 7.15-8.45pm for S3+.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report on Statutory Performance Indicators to be scrutinised by Highland councillors

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Members of The Highland Council are to be presented with the Annual Report of Statutory Performance Indicators, Benchmarking and Best Value for financial year 2034/24 when they meet on Thursday, 27 March 2025. 

    Leader of the Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner thanked staff for their continued efforts to support service improvements. He said: “I am pleased to see improvement across a number of areas of the Council including those that support the vulnerable in our communities, especially for children and young people, and in Housing Benefit and Council Tax services.” 

    Convener of the Council, Cllr Bill Lobban said: “It is encouraging to see the overall evidence of improvement in the Council’s key performance indicators when compared to what was reported at the same time last year. These results are evidence of the positive impact that our services can have on our communities such as the increase of community payback order supervision and the reduction in the time taken to process homelessness applications.” 

    The report explains that data is currently available for analysis of 70 indicators out of a total 81. Fifty five (79%) of the 70 indicators analysed are on target or within agreed performance threshold. This compares to a 2% increase on target or within threshold as reported at the same time last year. 

    Statutory Performance Indicators (SPIs) are locally determined and are drawn from local performance indicators (LPI) and the Local Government Benchmarking Framework (LGBF) indicators used in the Council’s Performance Plan. 

    There are 34 SPIs which the Council considers to be Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).  KPIs provide a high-level overview of the Council’s performance overall and are selected considering their weighting in terms of evidencing effective service delivery of key Council functions. 

    The performance analysis available for 27 of the Council’s KPIs in 2023/24 shows that 85% are on target or within the performance threshold. 

    Some of the key areas of improvement to be highlighted to councillors are: 

    Children’s Services:  

    Adult Services: 

    Corporate Services: 

    Business Development Services: 

    Housing Services: 

    Cultural and Leisure Services:

    The Council’s Performance Plan sets out its strategic and operational priorities along with relevant Local Government Benchmarking Framework indicators and targets to monitor progress, with the Council’s Delivery Plan being a key mechanism through which the priorities are delivered. These LGBF indicators along with locally determined indicators are now the focus of the Council’s SPI reporting.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Call for targeted energy bill support

    Source: Scottish Government

    Working group proposals put to UK Government

    The Scottish Government has called on UK Government ministers to urgently deliver a targeted energy bill discount to protect customers in greatest need and drive down high fuel poverty rates.

    The final report of the Social Tariff Working Group – comprising energy suppliers, consumer and fuel poverty groups and disabled people’s organisations – published today, recommends targeted energy bill support to address the issue of unaffordable bills, plus a move beyond determining eligibility based on receipt of benefits.

    The group concluded that support applied automatically to eligible households, using metrics based on a combination of household income, medical need and rurality would have a positive impact. 

    Acting Climate Action Minister Alasdair Allan said:

    “High energy prices remain the single greatest driver of fuel poverty in Scotland, and we have taken various steps – within the limits of our devolved powers – aimed at raising household incomes and improving energy efficiency. We have reinstated the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners; we have increased funding for Warmer Homes Scotland by £20 million, helping around 1,500 more households save on energy bills; and we have committed a further £20 million for the Scottish Welfare Fund to support the most vulnerable people.

    “However, this is not enough to drive down stubbornly high fuel poverty rates and energy prices continue to rise. Targeted bill support is urgently needed to ensure that consumers are protected against high costs at source and can afford all their energy needs.

    “We have worked very productively with energy providers and advice groups to come up with a deliverable scheme, and the final report demonstrates clear consensus on the way forward. However, the fundamental levers to make a difference are with the UK Government.

    “Existing one-off flat rate rebates are insufficient and are not a long-term solution, and the UK Government must urgently deliver a unit rate discount, with the level of discount proportionate to need. The outputs from our group must act as a foundation and mainstay of a revised strategy, providing a signal of intent and leadership by the UK Government in tackling fuel poverty at source.”

    The group considered fuel eligibility, consumer eligibility and data, level and form of support, and funding, as well as feedback from frontline advisers and campaigners.

    Its conclusions differ from previous models which would have meant moving customers on to a different tariff, thereby removing them from the competitive market and from other means of saving money.

    Background

    Energy: Social Tariff Working Group – gov.scot

    Letter to UK Government Energy Consumers Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City’s Youth Justice Service praised for ‘strong performance’

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    It has been moved into Quadrant 1 – the top group – of the Youth Justice Oversight Framework and has been commended for the way it continually focuses on the needs of the children, families and the communities it serves.

    The multi agency Youth Justice Service, formerly known as the Youth Offending Team, works with children aged 10 to 18 who are involved in the criminal justice system, from early stages of intervention in pre-court disposals to intensive orders and custodial sentences.

    It also prepares reports that are used by the courts to help them sentence young people, and works with the victims of crime to, where possible, facilitate the process of mediation and to repair the harm caused.

    In a letter to the City of Wolverhampton Council, Louise Wood, Director of Operations North, Youth Justice Board for England and Wales, said: “This change is in recognition of the strong performance your service has demonstrated, including decreasing first time entrants and custody rates, your proactive and committed Management Board and your inclusive approach and contributions to regional initiatives.

    “The Youth Justice Board commends you on the way in which you continually focus on the needs of the children, families and the communities you serve.”

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “This is a really important endorsement by the Youth Justice Board of the excellent work which is being undertaken by our Youth Justice Service.

    “It works hard to balance the wellbeing of young people who have offended with managing risk to the community. Central to its approach and intervention is the understanding of what the young people may have experienced in their lives, and a focus on trauma informed practice which balances the need to create boundaries for their behaviour with the need to prevent reoffending and the need to protect people from harm.”

    The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales has a statutory responsibility to oversee the operation of the youth justice system and a specific function to monitor its operation and the provision of youth justice services.

    The Youth Justice Oversight Framework explains how this monitoring function is fulfilled and reinforces putting children at the heart of the system and achieving better outcomes for them.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Northern Ireland Open Judo Open is back at the Foyle Arena

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Northern Ireland Open Judo Open is back at the Foyle Arena

    25 March 2025

    An international field of judoka from across the UK and Europe will join the cream of local players when the Northern Ireland Judo Open returns to the Foyle Arena next month on Saturday 12th and Sunday April 13th.  
    The tournament, which has a new sponsor for 2025 in the form of SmartPayNI, will see hundreds of judoka descend on the Waterside venue.
    SmartPayNI deliver payment solutions to businesses and have added the capability to pay by card for those attending this year’s tournament.
    Excitement is building for the Open already and Steve Setterfield, Area Leisure Manager for Derry City and Strabane District Council said they were delighted to again host the prestigious event.
    “The team at the Foyle Arena are delighted to welcome the SmartPayNI Northern Ireland Open back in April 2025,” he said.
    “The event has been a resounding success since the centre opened back in 2015 and it now forms an important part of our events calendar.
    “We would like to wish all the competitors the very best of luck.
    “We’ll see you next month!”
    Russell Brown, Chairman for Northern Ireland Judo added: “There’s always a buzz around the Open, the fact that competitors are looking to qualify for further events, the homegrown talent testing their mettle against those across the water and the high level of competition always draws excitement.
    “It’s fantastic to welcome SmartPayNI to the team this year, and we’d like to thank them for their input and support for the event.”
    Marc McLaughlin, Sales Director from SmartPayNI said:
    “SmartPayNI are proud to be sponsoring partners of the Northern Ireland Judo Open we are always keen on supporting the growth of local sport.”
    The SmartPayNI Open is ready for entries, and you can find out more about the event here – https://www.nijudo.com/events/calendar
    To learn more out more about services at the Foyle Arena visit derrystrabaneleisure.com/foyle-arena email [email protected] or call 028 71 376555 and to find your nearest Judo club, log on to www.nijudo.com.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Repair & Share Foyle awarded £188,094 to tackle waste

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Repair & Share Foyle awarded £188,094 to tackle waste

    25 March 2025

    Repair & Share Foyle has successfully secured £188,094 to tackle waste through three key repairing and sharing initiatives, Tech Connect, Fixing Factory & RePaint.

    Repair & Share Foyle is supported by The National Lottery Communities Fund through the ‘People and Communities’ grant to launch more ‘repairing & sharing’ initiatives.

    These projects will actively engage local residents across the Derry City & Strabane District Council area to tackle the growing problem of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and waste paint. Through community engagement programmes, skills-based workshops and wider business development, the community interest company (C.I.C) plans to collaborate with a broad range of participants, community organisations and businesses to develop circular economy solutions.

    Welcoming the news, Managing Director, Caroline McGuinness-Brooks, said: “Working towards an authentic circular economy at the local level requires forward thinking, collaboration and innovation. Our volunteer led team has demonstrated that we are leaders in grassroots sustainability solutions. This funding award is our first significant leap forward as a young non profit and we’re confident that we’ll make a positive impact, tackling waste streams collectively with our community.”

    For the first time since starting their repair cafes back in 2022, the team will now employ three permanent members of staff to take the C.I.C to the next level. They will scale up their existing laptop campaign, via ‘Tech Connect’, training volunteers and residents with new repair skills and understandings of supply chains and material recovery. Their ‘Fixing Factory’ model will enable the group to expand their current repair cafe capacities, beyond monthly pop ups.

    Ever wanted to learn how to fix household electricals yourself? This is where the fixing factory comes in, with workshops for schools, residents, and businesses interested in repair culture. Additionally, these projects will continue to advocate for the ‘Right to Repair’ movement where legislation and policy change is required to make repair more accessible and affordable for everyone. A ‘Waste Electrical & Electronic Coordinator’ will spearhead these projects.

    Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Congratulations to Repair and Share Foyle on their £188,094 National Lottery grant. We look forward to seeing the difference this project will make to support local people to repair and re-use, creating a more sustainable community, and reducing the effect of the cost-of-living crisis.

    “Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we are continuing to deliver on our strategy, ‘It starts with community’, with several programmes open for applications to support those in need.”

    Derry City & Strabane Council and Council works closely with Repair & Share Foyle on a number of waste reduction initiatives, and Council’s Climate Programme Manager, Cathy Burns, said: “E-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world and processing of waste paint costs the taxpayer significantly as local authorities have a statutory obligation to manage waste. Social enterprises like Repair & Share Foyle are vital in developing the circular economy, keeping valuable resources in circulation.”

    After securing £4000 capital costs from the SSE energy fund in 2024 to remanufacture waste paint, Repair & Share Foyle are delighted to now have funding in place from the National Lottery to create a ‘Paint & Innovation Technician’ role, which will be advertised in the coming weeks.

    Caroline McGuinness-Brooks said she was looking forward to expanding their team. “As an accredited real living wage employer, we expect to receive plenty of applications for the job postings, and will be ensuring that our first team of staff will set precedent for the future of jobs within Repair & Share Foyle. This is a really exciting time to join our team.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bruised Orange: A Tribute to John Prine Live at The Alley Theatre

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Bruised Orange: A Tribute to John Prine Live at The Alley Theatre

    25 March 2025

    The music of John Prine will be brought to life at the Alley Theatre in Strabane this Saturday night (29th March).

    Bruised Orange, named after one of Prine’s iconic songs, is set to deliver an unforgettable evening celebrating the music of one of folk and Americana’s most beloved singer-songwriters.

    John Prine, known for his unique blend of wit, wisdom, and storytelling, has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Bruised Orange captures the essence of Prine’s work, bringing his songs to life with the same raw emotion and craftsmanship that defined his career. From ‘Angel from Montgomery’ to ‘Sam Stone’, Bruised Orange will perform a collection of Prine’s most cherished songs,

    Bruised Orange brings together a talented group of musicians from Co Meath who share a deep admiration for Prine’s music, and their live performances are known for their warmth, sincerity, and sense of community. Whether you’re a long-time fan of John Prine or discovering his music for the first time, Saturday night at the Alley promises to be full of unforgettable moments.

    Tickets are £20 available from the Alley Theatre website: www.alley-theatre.com or call the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council wants public to have their say on Improvement Objectives

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Council wants public to have their say on Improvement Objectives

    25 March 2025

    Derry City and Strabane District Council is seeking the views of the public to its recently published draft Performance Improvement Objectives for 2025/26.

    Part 12 of the Local Government Act (NI) 2014 legally requires Council to produce a Performance Improvement Plan, (setting out Improvement Objectives), that strives towards continuous improvement in the quality of life of its citizens.

    The Council is keen to get the views of the public on the proposed Improvement Objectives and to find out what alternatives they would like considered.

    The draft objectives include promoting healthy lifestyles by achieving greater participation in leisure, sport and physical activities, as well as a commitment to create a greener, cleaner and more attractive district and improved customer support services and are set out on our website at https://derrystrabane.uk.engagementhq.com/consultation-on-draft-performance-objectives-2025-2026.

    Encouraging the public to take part in the consultation, Derry City and Strabane District Council Chief Executive John Kelpie said public feedback on the draft objectives is essential in helping the Council improve its services and identifying issues that are important to the people across the entire City and District.

    “Derry City and Strabane District Council is firmly committed to delivering on continuous improvement,” he stressed. “This consultation process is important in gauging opinion that in turn helps us bring about improvements across all areas of our work. We look forward to hearing the views and opinions of the public and would encourage everyone to view the plan and provide their feedback.”

    Feedback can be submitted by via the survey link-  https://derrystrabane.uk.engagementhq.com/consultation-on-draft-performance-objectives-2025-2026

    Alternatively you can email [email protected]  with your comments or contact the Council by phone at 028 71 253253 ext 4266.

    The deadline for submissions is 12 noon on Wednesday 22nd May 2025.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool residents invited to a day of wellbeing and community support

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Residents in a Liverpool community are coming together for an inspiring event designed to promote well-being, reduce social isolation and connect people with local services.

    The event will take place at Wavertree Aquatics Centre on Wednesday, 26th March 2025, from 10 – 3pm.

    With more than 16 organisations participating, including Age Concern, LCC Adult Services, Primary Care Network, House of Memories Bus, Love Wavertree, Riverside Housing, and many more, people who come along will have access to:

    • free blood pressure checks
    • housing advice
    • benefits support

    The meeting will also provide residents with connections to local services that tackle issues such as social isolation, dementia, and mental health challenges.

    These services aim to improve wellbeing, and ensure that everyone in the community has access to the support they need.

    Residents can also take part in interactive activities that will bring people closer, including shared reading sessions with The Reader, pickleball, and cardio tennis at Wavertree Tennis Centre.

    The event is a collaboration between the City Council and local organisations, all working together to strengthen community support networks and ensure residents have access to vital services.

    Cllr Laura Robertson-Collins, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene, said: “This event is more than just services. It’s about people, connection, and belonging.

    “We want to ensure that everyone in Wavertree feels supported and empowered, and we invite all residents to come along, meet new people, and find out what’s available to them.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The role of competition in promoting growth and innovation in the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    The role of competition in promoting growth and innovation in the UK

    A speech by Jessica Lennard, CMA Chief Strategy & External Affairs Officer

    Good morning

    I’m Jessica Lennard and I’m the Chief Strategy Officer at the UK Competition and Markets Authority.

    Normally, I’d start with who we are… And I’ll come to that.

    But let me reframe things for a moment and start with who you are… And thanks to HSBC and Atomico for many of the insights I’m about to draw on.

    You are part of a European tech industry which contributes over 1.5 trillion Euros – or more than 8% – to European economic output.

    With a tenfold increase in venture capital… and a 24% compound annual growth rate in tech talent since 2015 – you are… quite simply… the growth champions of European industry.

    And for those of you based in the UK… You’re part of a tech sector that’s grown by 20% since 2023… and is now worth $1.2 trillion in enterprise value.

    You are the driving force behind the largest innovation economy in Europe… and the third globally… behind only the US and China.

    Maybe you’re even one of the 181 unicorns valued at over a billion dollars[1]…

    And if you’re in AI… you’re driving a wave of innovation worth up to 47 billion pounds in potential productivity gains for the UK, each year, over a decade. [2]

    You are of critical national importance to our future prosperity. And I know you’re nowhere near done yet…

    But… I can see some of you waiting for the ‘but’…

    Of course, I know there are major challenges ahead if this sector is going to become truly, globally competitive… in the way we aspire for it to be.

    I know success depends on multiple factors…. I’ve heard these many times, from start-ups, investors, industry bodies – including those on the CMA’s own Growth and Investment Council.  

    To name just a few, and these will all be familiar…

    We need to attract and retain world-leading talent… We need to tackle the growth stage funding gap with the US… We need critical infrastructure and utilities that can keep up with demand.

    And we need a regulatory environment that inspires business and investor confidence.

    Which brings me back to who we are… and more importantly… how we can help you fulfil your extraordinary potential.

    It brings me to the role of competition… and the CMA, as the UK’s primary competition and consumer protection authority.

    My own background is largely private sector… I’ve worked for, and advised… start-ups, scale-ups and some of the world’s largest firms across a range of sectors… from clean tech and telecoms… to digital payments, data and AI.

    And I can tell you honestly that what drew me to the CMA was the knowledge of what really brought out the best in these diverse businesses… what really made them hustle, innovate, stretch every sinew to succeed… was the power of competition.

    So… we can’t solve all of the problems I’ve just listed… And I know there are more besides.

    But there are a number of things we can do:

    We can make markets work better… through studies or investigations which lead to greater opportunities for innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors… as well as improved price, choice and quality for consumers.

    We can keep markets open and competitive for all players… by investigating the small number of mergers each year that have the potential to lead to a substantial lessening of competition.

    We can protect the level-playing field and bring down barriers to entry through competition enforcement… giving you the confidence that your competitors can’t gain an unfair advantage by breaking the law.

    We can boost consumer confidence, spurring spending and adoption of new products and services across the economy… through robust enforcement of consumer protection.

    And, as of January this year, we can promote competition in digital markets… under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act… I’ll come on to this in more detail in a moment.

    Now, we talk about these powers… these ‘tools’ we have. But it’s the outcomes that matter… Lower prices… more choice, quality… diversity and security of supply… innovation, productivity… investment, economic dynamism.

    These are the foundations of growth.

    Not only that… but healthy competition also helps ensure the benefits of that growth are diffused across the whole UK economy, over both the short and long-term….

    That’s fundamental to achieving long-term prosperity for everyone in the UK… That’s our job.

    And, over the last decade… it’s delivered more than £20 billion of direct financial benefits for UK consumers.

    Which brings me something of a live debate here in the UK… Is driving economic growth really the job of regulators…? Shouldn’t a competition and consumer protection authority be focused on… well… competition and consumers?

    Our view is that of course it’s part of our role… The CMA can absolutely support an environment that’s strongly conducive to growth and investment… while upholding our fundamental responsibilities to promote competition and protect consumers.

     In fact… the link between competition and growth is well-established… and consumer confidence is, of course, the fuel that powers a thriving economy.   

    This’s not just a dry economic argument… As I say, we’re in the business of outcomes… So let me give you just a few examples particularly relevant to your sector.

    Our retail banking market investigation… paved the way for the UK’s Open Banking revolution, with startups and challenger fintechs… some of you, probably… powering a host of new services now used by over 70% of UK consumers… and worth over £4 billion to the UK economy annually.

    We recently investigated the conduct of a software company… supplying a critical management information system to schools…. We saw evidence of those schools being locked into longer-term contracts… when other cloud-based services offered by challengers and competitors were becoming particularly attractive. 

    As a result of our intervention… the company legally committed to give certain schools the choice to switch… And a considerable number of them now have. Many such cases, by the way… rely on us receiving intelligence from parties who see that the market’s not working as it should… and our door is always open.

    Some of you may remember the proposed merger of Experian and Clearscore which the CMA found could stifle product development and negatively impact consumers… The merger was abandoned and Clearscore returned to plan A… to grow as an independent, UK-based business.

    Since then, it hasn’t just grown… it’s doubled-down on innovation and new offerings… and now serves over 21 million users on four continents… Oh, and their CEO has joined the CMA Board.

    I don’t need to tell this audience… how critical… access to online platforms is for your businesses… In 2023, the CMA secured commitments from Amazon… to help third-party Marketplace sellers compete on a level-playing field… and from Meta… to prevent the misuse of data… through Facebook Marketplace, that could create unfair advantages.

    Millions of UK businesses now have a fair chance of being featured in the ‘Buy Box’… are subject to fewer tie-ins around logistics… and enjoy greater protections for their valuable user data.

    Lastly and most recently… for those of you in e-commerce… or on platforms relying on user-generated content…. Earlier this year, following a CMA investigation… Google committed to enhanced processes to tackle fake reviews… and to properly sanction reviewers and businesses who take part in this activity.

    With as much as £23 billion of UK consumer spending potentially influenced by online reviews each year… we simply can’t afford as a country for consumers and fair-dealing businesses… especially startups trying to build trustworthy brands…. to lose out to these unfair practices.

    And new powers under the DMCCA… mean we can also now take more direct action in this area.

    Before I move on… it’s worth noting for those of you less familiar with the CMA that although we’re part of government, our decisions are made independently.

    The fundamentals of what we do… promoting competition, protecting consumers… are core to our mandate from Parliament… And we also have a helpful frame from government, called a ‘strategic steer’… which guides our prioritisation as well as how we work.

    And… very much as I’ve just illustrated with these cases… the new draft steer from the incoming government…. highlights the importance of the CMA independently enforcing strong competition and consumer protection… whilst rooting our work squarely in the context of the contribution it can make to the government’s number one priority of economic growth.

    So, I’ve talked about you… I’ve talked about us… and some of the ways we can help…

    I want to spend some time in a moment talking about two areas I think will be of particular interest to this audience – mergers and digital markets.

    But before I do… I want to give you some important context about where we are as an organisation… and where we’re going.

    So far, I’ve talked about the ‘what’… What the CMA does, what value can we bring… But we know the ‘how’ is equally important.

    I think it’s fair to say that over the years the CMA gained a reputation for being something of an ivory tower… Not always easy to engage with… perhaps even somewhat daunting to deal with…. Some of you here may have direct experience of this.  

    But in this challenging economic environment, with companies experiencing this degree of uncertainty and volatility…

    … and with such a clear need to drive investment into our economy…

    … so we can rebuild critical services and infrastructure, so we can achieve that prosperity I talked about…

    … well, in that environment, it’s not just what we do that matters.

    How we go about things, even just perceptions of how we operate… that matters too. It matters to business and investor confidence… and to the attractiveness of the UK as a destination for capital… and a great place to start or grow a business.  

    That’s why we’ve spent a lot of time over the last 6 months talking directly to businesses and investors (…domestic and international), as well as leading trade bodies.

    We heard that four aspects of how we carry out our work really matter…

    Pace (so, streamlining our approach to reach sound outcomes as fast as possible);

    Predictability (so, being as clear as we can, to minimise uncertainty);

    Proportionality (meaning what we prioritise… how we address any concerns we find… and minimising burden on businesses throughout);

    And Process (which really means direct engagement with businesses)

    We’ve been working concertedly this year… to deliver carefully considered, meaningful changes based on these 4Ps.

    We started with merger control… where we had the most direct feedback from stakeholders… and we know this is particularly important to business and investor confidence.

    We’ve now launched a package of substantial reforms including:

    New KPIs for considerably shorter end-to-end merger reviews…

    A consultation on our approach to merger remedies… looking both at the efficiency and pace of our process… and how we strike the right balance between different types of remedies…

    New guidance… to clarify how we’ll apply the tests we use to decide whether we have jurisdiction to investigate a deal or not…

    UK law is actually unusually broad in this respect… and the government has now announced a consultation on refining those tests to give legislative backing to our evolving approach…

    A targeted outreach series to break down barriers to direct engagement… both in and outside of investigations… including more senior meetings early in the process… and deeper relationships with startups and investors…

    And finally… a Mergers Charter, which brings all of this together… and lays out really clearly what businesses should expect from a CMA merger review… and what we expect from them and their advisors in return ….

    Now, I mentioned the importance of perceptions.

    In reality, the vast majority of mergers raise no competition concerns… many can enhance investment, innovation and business dynamism…. That’s why… out of the 50,000 or so deals announced each year… the CMA usually prohibits 1 or 2.

    That number hasn’t changed much over recent years… even after Brexit… when we took on new powers for UK merger control from the European Commission…. We also recently raised de minimis thresholds from £15m to £30m… focusing on deals that truly require our attention.

    Our 2024 stats show that we formally investigated 38 mergers… 6 went to Phase 2… 1 was abandoned… 1 was prohibited.

    But that’s almost beside the point… if perceptions of our approach… and the real-life experiences of companies going through these processes… are undermining confidence.

    So, I want to be absolutely clear about three things:

    Firstly, that the CMA fully appreciates the importance of viable exit routes for startups, as well as routes to scaling organically…. And with half the enterprise value of the UK tech sector concentrated in pre-exit companies… we know how important this is for growth.

    Secondly, every deal that is capable of being cleared either unconditionally, or with effective remedies, should be… Only a truly problematic merger… where the harm to UK businesses and consumers can’t be effectively addressed through remedies… should not proceed.

    Thirdly, every business in a CMA merger process deserves to feel listened to by us… to understand what we are doing and why… and to recognise a sense of fairness and consistent treatment.

    I’m going to say this again… we will always uphold our duty to promote competition and protect UK consumers. That’s not going to change…. And if any of your advisors suggest now’s a good time to push through a bad merger, with weak remedies… I’m afraid you probably want to seek advice elsewhere.

    That said… I am confident that… implementing the changes I’ve outlined, we can uphold those responsibilities whilst also fostering a business environment that maximises growth, investment and business confidence.

    Beyond mergers… we’re making real progress on applying the 4Ps… pace, proportionality, predictability and process… to other areas of CMA work….

    Before I explain how we’re doing this in digital markets… some background may be helpful on the new digital markets competition regime… that came into force in January this year… and why we believe it’s going to unlock a new era of innovation and investment across the UK tech ecosystem.

    Procedurally, the regime enables the CMA to assess… over a 9-month investigation… whether a particular firm has strategic market status (‘SMS’) in respect of a particular digital activity…. It’s carefully designed to apply only to the very largest firms… with clear conditions related to turnover, market power, and strategic significance.

    And, rather than imposing blanket rules across all companies… if a firm is designated with SMS… the CMA can take a very tailored, very bespoke approach to identifying and addressing specific harms.

    In practice, this could mean… for UK businesses, more interoperability… greater access to data and functionality… and fair terms of access to platforms or marketplaces… so UK businesses aren’t overpaying, having to share valuable data… or restricted from making certain improvements to their offering.

    And for UK consumers… it could mean lower prices, more choice, easier switching… and protection from exploitation or misleading practices.  

    Far from tying up the sector in red tape, this is all designed to open up opportunities across the ecosystem… Opportunities for continued investment and innovation by the very largest firms…

    Opportunities to unlock a new wave of growth… by creating a level playing field for start-ups and scale-ups to succeed (many UK-based) …

    And opportunities to strengthen consumer confidence in these fast-evolving products and services.  

    So in January… we launched our first SMS investigations in relation to Google’s position in search… and search advertising services… and Apple’s and Google’s positions in their respective ‘mobile ecosystems’. Both of those conclude in October 2025.

    Coming back to the 4Ps… the potential for heavy-handed regulation to hamper innovation and growth is particularly high in fast-moving, technology-led sectors…. So once again, it’s not just the ‘what’ but also the ‘how’ which matters.

    And the design of the digital markets regime already reflects many aspects of the 4Ps.

    Tight statutory time limits… and a broad duty of expedition… bake in pace… and now we’re going further, by committing to streamline our approach to investigations… Still rigorous… but drilling down on potential concerns as fast as possible.

    Interventions are designed in an iterative, open way… providing all-important predictability… and now we’re going further, by committing to publish roadmaps of potential future interventions when we consult on a proposed designation decision.

    And the process itself is uniquely participative… based on deep, ongoing, constructive engagement with SMS firms and other stakeholders… We’re going further here too, with a pro-active ‘go to you’ approach to business engagement… including with startups and scaleups… and a commitment to taking this outside the tech sector to the UK businesses which rely on these markets.  

    Finally, proportionality… Unlike some other jurisdictions, there’s no automatic designation or regulatory requirements…. It’s highly tailored, highly flexible… We’re building on those foundations now… by laying out explicitly the prioritisation approach underpinning our choices about where and how to intervene.

    We’ve applied our own CMA prioritisation principles… impact… strategic significance… whether we’re best placed to act… as well as consideration of risk levels and resources… And we’ve reflected key parts of the government’s draft strategic steer… for example, taking into account the interplay with other regulators (domestically and internationally) when considering whether to act ourselves.

    I’ll close… by giving you a flavour of what’s to come from the CMA in the year ahead beyond everything I’ve talked about so far…. We’ll be publishing our Annual Plan very shortly… and I hope much of what we propose will be of interest and value to this audience.

    As you’d expect, the plan reflects our strong commitment to competition and consumer protection… along with a sharp focus on how we can use our powers – and evolve the way we work – to drive growth and investment, as well as business and consumer confidence.

    More specifically…

    We’ll look for opportunities through our markets work… to unlock investment in critical infrastructure… and to identify areas where key horizontal enablers (like access to data or technology adoption) can have a multiplier effect on growth.

    We’ll support the government’s industrial strategy… looking across the priority sectors to where effective competition could spur innovation or investment… or address anti-competitive practices which hold them back….

    Part of that… by the way… may be facilitating companies collaborating to advance nationally important goals (skills, for example)… as we’ve done previously around environmental sustainability and cutting-edge cancer therapies.

    We’ll deploy our deep anti-bid rigging expertise and AI capabilities… to help government identify and tackle bid rigging in public procurement, potentially opening up enormous opportunities for challengers… and saving taxpayers billions of pounds.

    We’ll support delivery of the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan… looking for ways competition can spur the progress of a thriving UK AI ecosystem.

    We’ll continue working with the FCA, ICO, and Ofcom… as member of the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum… to enhance the clarity and coherence of digital regulation… as well as providing streamlined access to regulatory advice and support… through initiatives like our AI and Digital Hub.

    And we’ll work closely with our new CMA Growth and Investment Council… That includes CEOs and Chairs of twelve leading representative bodies across the UK economy… including the likes of Tech UK… the Scale-Up Institute… and the Start-Up Coalition.

    If there’s one message I want to leave you with today – to take to your boardrooms and pipeline meetings… into your risk committees and advisor discussions… it’s this:

    Our north star is a regulatory environment which maximises growth and investment to the greatest extent possible… while staying true to our mandate to promote competition and protect consumers…. So the confidence you have in the UK competition regime and in the CMA matters.

    That’s why we’re listening and engaging more than ever before… and we’ll keep doing that… We’ll keep going with our 4Ps… And we’ll keep delivering those fundamentals… which underpin growth and long-term prosperity for the benefit of all UK businesses and consumers.

    [1] All stats from HSBC Innovation Banking and Dealroom

    [2] Uk Government AI Opportunities Action Plan: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-sets-out-blueprint-to-turbocharge-ai

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Policing questions at City Hall

    Source: Mayor of London

    ‘There are systematic and fundamental problems in how the Met is run.’1

    Baroness Casey of Blackstock – Review of the standards of behaviour and internal culture of the Metropolitan Police Service.

    Tomorrow, the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee will meet with the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime to explore the level and pace of progress made by the Met since the Casey review was published in March 2023 and any updates regarding an independent review of progress.

    The Committee will also look into other topics including volume crime, neighbourhood policing, 999 and 101 response times, and the Met’s Stop and Search Charter.

    The guests are:

    • Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime
    • Kenny Bowie, Director of Strategy and MPS Oversight, Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC)

    The meeting will take place on Wednesday 26 March 2025 from 10am in Committee Rooms 2&3 at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: EMPARK – PRE STAB Notice

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    25/03/2025

    Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

    Arena Luxembourg Finance S.à r.l.

    Pre-stabilisation Period Announcement

    BNP Paribas (contact: Stanford Hartman telephone: 0207 595 8222 hereby gives notice, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilisation Manager(s) named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation EU/2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU/596/2014).

    The securities:1  
    Issuer:  Arena Luxembourg Finance S.à r.l. 
    Guarantor (if any): [insert name]
      eur 300m
    Description:  Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes 5YR
    Offer price: TBC
    Other offer terms: [complete or delete as applicable]
    Stabilisation:  
    Stabilisation Manager(s) BNP PARIBAS/ GOLDMAN SACHS
    Stabilisation period expected to start on: 25TH MARCH 2025
    Stabilisation period expected to end no later than: 4TH MAY 2025
    Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over‑allotment facility: The Stabilisation Manager(s) may over‑allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law.
    Stabilisation trading venue: OTC

    In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilisation Manager(s) may over‑allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities during the stabilisation period at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, stabilisation may not necessarily occur and any stabilisation action, if begun, may cease at any time. Any stabilisation action or over‑allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.

    This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

    This announcement and the offer of the securities to which it relates are only addressed to and directed at persons outside the United Kingdom and persons in the United Kingdom who have professional experience in matters related to investments or who are high net worth persons within Article 12(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 and must not be acted on or relied on by other persons in the United Kingdom.

    In addition, if and to the extent that this announcement is communicated in, or the offer of the securities to which it relates is made in, the UK or any EEA Member State before the publication of a prospectus in relation to the securities which has been approved by the competent authority in the UK or that Member State in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the “Prospectus  Regulation”) (or which has been approved by a competent authority in another Member State and notified to the competent authority in the UK or that Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation), this announcement and the offer are only addressed to and directed at persons in the UK or that Member State who are qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (or who are other persons to whom the offer may lawfully be addressed) and must not be acted on or relied on by other persons in the UK or that Member State.

    This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. The securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. There will be no public offer of securities in the United States. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Beam Global Enters Middle Eastern Market Through Partnership with Solvana

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM), a leading provider of innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions for the electrification of transportation and energy security, today announced its strategic partnership with Solvana, a subsidiary of Greentech LLC, to expand Beam Global’s presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This partnership supports the region’s growing need for specialized renewable energy, storage, and water treatment solutions, with a focus on electrifying transportation and enhancing energy security.

    Solvana and Beam Global are currently working together to deliver the first BeamWell™ products into Jordan where they are intended to provide lifesaving assistance in Gaza. The BeamWell™ product generates solar-powered electricity for cooking and refrigeration; provides clean drinking water through an integrated desalination plant; and comes equipped with four highly ruggedized Benzina Zero Duo electric mopeds which will provide e-mobility for the delivery of food, water and medical supplies to people in need in the region.

    Solvana was established to meet the urgent regional demand for sustainable solutions, especially in response to crisis situations. Solvana’s vision is to become a leader in the MENA region for specialized solar-powered systems, including EV charging, water treatment, and other critical infrastructure. In addition to providing crisis response solutions, Solvana targets growth markets such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Algeria with specialized solar-powered and EV charging products.

    Dr. Wissam Rabadi, former Minister of Jordan’s Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, and Dr. Basim Saleh, CEO of Greentech LLC, lead Solvana. Their expertise and deep regional connections position Solvana as a pivotal partner for Beam Global’s entry into MENA markets.

    “We are honored to partner with Solvana and work alongside leaders like Dr. Wissam Rabadi and Dr. Basim Saleh,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “The MENA region is experiencing significant growth in electrification, and we see a profound opportunity to grow Beam Global’s business in this region both through our lifesaving product, BeamWell™, and through the deployment of our portfolio of renewably energized products and smart cities solutions.”

    The MENA region is set to attract one trillion dollars of renewable energy investments by 2030 according to ZAWYA by the London Stock Exchange Group. The electric vehicle market in the Middle East and Africa is set for substantial growth. The region’s EV sector is projected to reach approximately $52.24 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39.7% from 2025 to 2030, driven by increasing government initiatives, sustainability goals, and rising consumer demand for clean transportation options.

    “Beam Global has a portfolio of products which are ideally suited to solve infrastructure challenges in our region,” said Dr. Basim Saleh, CEO of Solvana. “After almost 20 years of involvement in government and energy projects, our relationships span leadership across the region. We look forward to bringing Beam Global’s value to our existing and new relationships, and to providing robust and scalable solutions for the electrification of transportation, energy security, and smart cities solutions. Our first combined engagement, bringing BeamWell™ to the civilian population of Gaza, provides an excellent example of the profound change that these new technologies can deliver. We believe our timing is excellent, and we are delighted to sign this agreement with Beam Global.”

    Through this partnership, Beam Global and Solvana aim to take advantage of investment in off-grid infrastructure and the EV market across the MENA region. Beam Global’s solutions, proven successful in the U.S. and internationally, can be rapidly deployed to enhance energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and meet the unique needs of communities throughout the region.

    This strategic collaboration marks a significant step in Beam Global’s mission to grow its global presence in markets that constitute significant opportunities for growth.

    About Beam Global
    Beam Global is a clean technology innovator which develops and manufactures sustainable infrastructure products and technologies. We operate at the nexus of clean energy and transportation with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure, rapidly deployed and scalable EV charging solutions, safe energy storage and vital energy security. With operations in the U.S. and Europe, Beam Global develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced clean technology solutions that power transportation, provide secure sources of electricity, save time and money and protect the environment. Beam Global is headquartered in San Diego, CA with facilities in Chicago, IL and Belgrade and Kraljevo, Serbia. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol BEEM. For more information visit BeamForAll.com, LinkedIn, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter).

    About Solvana
    Solvana is a subsidiary of Greentech LLC, which was established to focus on providing specialized energy and water solutions for the MENA region, with a focus on humanitarian and innovative solutions for emerging industries. Established in 2008, Greentech LLC is a leading water-energy-food-environment nexus project developer and service provider. Greentech focuses on identifying synergies between renewable energy solutions, efficient water use, smart agriculture, and the importance of mitigation and adaptation to the survival of our species.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This Beam Global Press Release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements in this Press Release other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may,” or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or results. These statements relate to future events or future results of operations. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause Beam Global’s actual results to be materially different from these forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by law, Beam Global expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    Media Contact
    Andy Lovsted
    +1-858-335-8465
    Press@BeamForAll.com

    Investor Relations
    Luke Higgins
    +1-858-799-4583
    IR@BeamForAll.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lower Thames Crossing development consent decision announced

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Lower Thames Crossing development consent decision announced

    The Lower Thames Crossing application has today been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport.

    Lower Thames Crossing

    The Lower Thames Crossing will be a new road crossing connecting Kent, Thurrock and Essex. Approximately 14.5 miles (23km) in length, it will connect to the existing road network from the A2/M2 to the M25 with two tunnels (one southbound and one northbound) running beneath the River Thames.  

    The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by National Highways on 31 October 2022 and accepted for Examination on 28 November 2022.  

    Following an Examination during which the public, Statutory Consultees and Interested Parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 20 March 2024.   

    This is the 56th transport application out of 151 applications examined to date and was again completed by the Planning Inspectorate within the statutory timescale laid down in the Planning Act 2008.   

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

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

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

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

    Press.office@planninginspectorate.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University and St. Petersburg Tractor Plant Develop Cooperation

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and the Petersburg Tractor Plant signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at developing scientific, educational and scientific and technical areas. The event took place on March 24 at SPbPU.

    The Polytechnic University was represented by Rector Andrey Rudskoy, Vice-Rector for Educational Activities Lyudmila Pankova, Vice-Rector for Additional and Pre-University Education Dmitry Tikhonov, Director of IMMiT Anatoly Popovich, Director of the Center for Scientific and Technological Partnership and Targeted Training Oleg Ipatov, Director of the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education Roman Baibikov. The Petersburg Tractor Plant was represented by Director Sergey Serebryakov, Head of the Engineering Center, Chief Designer Mikhail Dmitriev, Head of the Department for Organizing Work with Universities Natalia Borisova.

    It is of utmost importance for us to develop cooperation with the Petersburg Tractor Plant, especially in the area of achieving technological sovereignty of the country. Our cooperation opens up broad opportunities for mutual exchange of competencies, personnel and intellectual synergy, – Andrey Rudskoy emphasized.

    We are facing serious challenges that involve a lot of work at the intersection of many areas. We are confident that cooperation with the Polytechnic University will facilitate the training of personnel and the possibility of combining technologies, noted Sergey Serebryakov.

    According to the signed agreement, cooperation is aimed at ensuring a high level of training for young specialists, increasing the effectiveness of fundamental and applied scientific research, implementing joint activities in various fields, conducting scientific and educational, scientific research and experimental design work, jointly implementing scientific and technical programs, participating in solving socio-economic problems, and so on.

    The meeting participants discussed areas of further cooperation, as well as the creation of a named auditorium of the plant and a specialized scientific and educational laboratory at the Polytechnic University. The Director of PTZ Sergey Serebryakov was awarded a commemorative medal “For Services to SPbPU”. After the meeting, the plant representatives were given a tour of the institutes’ laboratories and presented with the scientific potential of the university.

    The cooperation between the Polytechnic University and the Petersburg Tractor Plant has been developing since 2019. Students of the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education undergo industrial practice at the enterprise. For several years, cooperation with the Natural Sciences Lyceum has been successfully developing under the agreement “School – University – Enterprise”. The Petersburg Tractor Plant is actively working with the Higher School of Transport and the Higher School of Mechanical Engineering Technology of IMMiT to train specialists with higher education.

    Photo archive

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: With the support of Rosneft, an inclusive sports festival was held in Krasnoyarsk

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The multi-sport inclusive festival for children and teenagers with disabilities “Games on the Yenisei” was organized in Krasnoyarsk by the public organization “Open Hearts” with the financial support of NK Rosneft.

    The tournament program combined traditional and innovative digital disciplines adapted for different levels of training. More than one hundred athletes from seven regions of the country competed in four sports: sledge hockey (the Paralympic version of classic hockey), alpine skiing, eSports and phygital sports. In addition, the festival included a GTO platform, where each participant could try their hand at passing standards for endurance, coordination and agility.

    An important step in the development of adaptive disciplines was the presentation of a new VR application for training and training in sledge hockey. The application interface is adapted to the individual needs of sledge hockey players: with the help of VR glasses and specialized controllers, athletes with disabilities can improve their skills in a virtual environment, improving their preparation for real games.

    RN-Vankor actively supports the development of adaptive sports in the region. With the support of oil workers, the sledge hockey team “Red Lightning” trains, and its members are already demonstrating success.

    Sports development is one of the significant areas of Rosneft’s social policy. The company supports amateur sports and carries out large-scale work to popularize a healthy lifestyle among both its employees and the population in the regions where it operates. Rosneft also finances the construction of ice arenas, sports complexes, and multifunctional sports grounds in the regions where it operates.

    Reference:

    RN-Vankor LLC, a subsidiary of Rosneft Oil Company, is the operator of the Vostok Oil project. It includes the Vankor cluster fields (Vankorskoye, Suzunskoye, Tagulskoye and Lodochnoye), as well as the Payakhsky cluster, located in the north of Krasnoyarsk Krai.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft March 25, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man pleads guilty to stabbing in Croydon

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A 31-year-old man has pleaded guilty to stabbing five people in a commercial warehouse in Marlowe Way, Beddington.

    Babah Sesay, 31 (01.03.1994) of Rodney Estate, Southwark, appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday, 20 March. He admitted 10 charges related to the incident, including wounding with intent and actual bodily harm.

    Shortly before 10:15hrs on Thursday, 23 January, Sesay burst into the distribution centre, where he used to work, and attacked a handful of former colleagues as they tried to stop him.

    Five men were taken to hospital – one in his 50s, two in their 30s and two in their 20s – where thankfully their injuries were confirmed to be non-life-threatening or life-changing.

    Detective Superintendent Dan Rutland, who leads policing in south London, said: “The swift actions of our officers helped to ensure no one was seriously hurt in this incident.

    “I hope this, and the judicial result, brings closure and comfort to those involved and highlights to the community that we will not tolerate violence in any form.”

    Despite Sesay fleeing the scene, he was arrested an hour later at a nearby restaurant. He was taken to hospital with minor injuries following his arrest, before being transferred to custody.

    He was later charged with five counts of wounding with intent, two counts of aggravated burglary, one count of actual bodily harm, one count of assault by beating and one count of possession of an offensive weapon.

    He will be sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday, 5 June.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Subsea 7 S.A. Notice of Annual General Meeting and Extraordinary General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Luxembourg – 25 March 2025 – Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Børs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY) today published and distributed to eligible holders of Common Shares and American Depositary Receipts the Notice of Meeting and supporting materials for the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the AGM) and the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (the EGM).

    The AGM is scheduled to take place at 15:00 (local time) on 8 May 2025 at the Company’s registered office, 412F, route d’Esch, L-1471 Luxembourg and the EGM will take place immediately thereafter.

    The holders of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) on record at the close of business on 26 March 2025 and the holders of common shares on record at the close of business on 24 April 2025 will be entitled to vote. The deadline for submission of votes for holders of ADRs is 24 April 2025 and for holders of common shares is 2 May 2025.

    The Notice of Meeting and supporting materials, including the full text of the proposed changes to the articles of association, the report of the board of directors with respect to the requested authorisation to waive, limit and suppress the preferential subscription rights of existing shareholders, as well as copies of the 2024 statutory and consolidated financial statements of the Company can be found on the Company’s website, subsea7.com.

    Due to the fact that the Company is incorporated in Luxembourg, the Company’s affairs are governed by the provisions of Luxembourg company law. Under these provisions and the provisions of the Company’s articles of association, the AGM and EGM will be restricted to the administrative matters set out in the Notice of Meeting. Please note that the proposed combination of Subsea7 and Saipem, as announced on 23 February 2025, will not form part of the agenda at the EGM. An extraordinary general meeting will be convened at a later date in relation to the proposed combination.

    *******************************************************************************
    Subsea7 is a global leader in the delivery of offshore projects and services for the evolving energy industry, creating sustainable value by being the industry’s partner and employer of choice in delivering the efficient offshore solutions the world needs.

    Subsea7 is listed on the Oslo Børs (SUBC), ISIN LU0075646355, LEI 222100AIF0CBCY80AH62.

    *******************************************************************************

    Contact for investment community enquiries:
    Katherine Tonks
    Investor Relations Director
    Tel +44 20 8210 5568
    ir@subsea7.com

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. 
    This stock exchange release was published by Katherine Tonks, Investor Relations, Subsea7, on 25 March 2025 at 10:30 CET.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Subsea 7 S.A. announces proposed nominations to the Company’s Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Luxembourg – 25 March 2025 – Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Børs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY) today announced that at the AGM on 8 May 2025, the Board of Directors will ask shareholders to approve the following nominations to the Board of Directors:

    • The election as Independent Director of Ms Lucia de Andrade
    • The re-election as Independent Directors of Mr Eldar Sætre and Ms Elisabeth Proust van Heeswijk
    • The re-election as Directors of Ms Louisa Siem and Treveri S.à r.l., a Luxembourg company, with Mr Kristian Siem, its 100% owner, to continue as its permanent representative.

    Biographical details of those standing for election are included in the published AGM materials.

    *******************************************************************************
    Subsea7 is a global leader in the delivery of offshore projects and services for the evolving energy industry, creating sustainable value by being the industry’s partner and employer of choice in delivering the efficient offshore solutions the world needs.

    Subsea7 is listed on the Oslo Børs (SUBC), ISIN LU0075646355, LEI 222100AIF0CBCY80AH62.

    *******************************************************************************

    Contact for investment community enquiries:
    Katherine Tonks
    Investor Relations Director
    Tel +44 20 8210 5568
    ir@subsea7.com

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
    This stock exchange release was published by Katherine Tonks, Investor Relations, Subsea7, on 25 March 2025 at 10:30 CET.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study looking at the number of microplastics found in chewing gum

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A preprint published at the American Chemical Society Spring Meeting looks at microplastics in chewing gum. 

    Prof Oliver Jones, Professor of Chemistry, RMIT University, said:

    “This is an interesting preprint, but it has not undergone peer review, so its content may change before it is published, and I could not access the supplementary information. 
    “The idea that chewing gum might be a source of microplastics is not that new in itself, but this is the first study to attempt to quantify the potential problem.

    “An interesting finding from this study is that they found very similar microplastics of microplastics in both the synthetic and the natural gums, even though there weren’t supposed to be plastics in the natural gums at all. In fact, the data from both groups is almost identical. Logically, this means either

    1. i) There were actually microplastics in the natural gums when there shouldn’t have been.
    2. ii) There was another source of microplastics common to both groups that had nothing to do with the gum (e.g., lab contamination of some form).
      iii) There was some form of measurement error common to both groups.

    “A potential issue is that the authors used a dye called Nile Red to stain the microplastics to make them easier to see. This is a common approach, but the method has potential issues in that Nile Red can stain a wide variety of natural and synthetic particles (1), and some biological materials can autofluorescence, which makes them look like dyed plastic when they aren’t (2).

    “I can’t see from the pre-print how these factors were controlled for, but Nile Red based microplastic data are inconclusive without adequate controls.
    “If we assume the figures are accurate, 637, micrometre-sized pieces of plastic per gram of gum is a very small amount indeed. Since the lining of the intestine is fairly thick and well-regulated, any particles you swallowed would likely pass straight through you with no impact.

    “In short, while microplastics are something we should definitely be keeping an eye on, I don’t think you have to stop chewing gum just yet – although you should certainly dispose of it appropriately in a bin when you are finished with it.”  

    1 – Stanton, T., Johnson, M., Nathanail, P., Gomes, R.L., Needham, T. and Burson, A. (2019) Exploring the efficacy of Nile Red in microplastic quantification: a costaining approach. Environmental Science & Technology Letters 6, 606-611.

     2 – Catarino, A. I.;  Frutos, A.; Henry, T. B., Use of fluorescent-labelled nanoplastics (NPs) to demonstrate NP absorption is inconclusive without adequate controls. Science of The Total Environment 2019, 670, 915-920.”

    ‘Ingestion Risk of Microplastics from Chewing Gums’ by Mohanty et al. was presented at the American Chemical Society meeting at 09:00 UK time on Tuesday 25th March.

    Declared interests

    Prof Oliver Jones “I am a professor of Chemistry at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. I have no direct conflicts of interest to declare. I have previously published research on microplastics in the environment. I have also received funds from the Environment Protection Authority Victoria and various Australian Water utilities for research into environmental pollution.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £3.4 million funding awarded to city council to improve energy efficiency of council homes

    Source: City of Winchester

    Winchester City Council has been awarded £3,458,753 to improve the energy ratings of its council homes following a successful bid for funding to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

    The grant, provisionally allocated to the council as part of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, is the highest individual allocation to be received by a Hampshire local authority although some councils are part of larger consortium bids.

    With support from the newly announced funding, the council aims to bring improvements to 672 homes over the next three years by making use of energy-saving technology such as air source heat pumps, solar panels and solar batteries, as well as building fabric improvements such as cavity wall and loft insulation.

    The new funding will continue work delivered by the city council’s Energy Saving Homes Programme, which has been improving the energy efficiency of council homes, helping to save tenants money on their energy bills and reduce the homes’ carbon footprints.

    Works taking place to upgrade the roof of a Swedish cottage in Shedfield

    So far, the council has already delivered upgrades to 600 properties, raising their energy ratings as part of its Energy Saving Homes programme.

    Speaking about the new funding, Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Chris Westwood said:

    “Our Energy Saving Homes programme is already having a really significant impact, reducing costs for our tenants and bringing down the carbon footprint of our homes. I’m really pleased we’ve been able to successfully bid for further funding that will allow us to carry out even more energy efficiency improvements, meaning more of our tenants will benefit from cheaper bills and warmer homes as part of our efforts to become greener faster.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Italian film director looks forward to innovative narratives from new generation of Chinese filmmakers

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    “I look forward to discovering the new generation of Chinese filmmakers and their ways to narrate a story at the Shanghai International Film Festival,” renowned Italian filmmaker Giuseppe Tornatore has said.

    Italian film director Giuseppe Tornatore has handwritten a congratulatory note to the upcoming 27th Shanghai International Film Festival. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

    In an interview with Xinhua at his office in Rome, Italy, Tornatore showed reporters the Chinese version poster of The Legend of 1900, a film that depicts the story of a piano prodigy who lives his entire life on a ship. The film has been released twice in Chinese theaters and received positive feedback.

    “I’m very happy that Chinese audiences like my films,” he said.

    Tornatore has been appointed jury president for the main competition section of the Golden Goblet Awards at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, which is scheduled to be held from June 13 to 22.

    “It was a big honor for me. I’m sure that in Shanghai I will see good movies,” he said.

    Tornatore noted that Chinese films have achieved notable success in international markets in recent years, and Films such as Ne Zha 2, The Wandering Earth 2 and Caught by the Tides have earned international acclaim.

    Renowned for his masterpieces including Oscar-winning Cinema Paradiso, Tornatore emphasized that the key to making films loved by global audiences is staying true to one’s own heart.

    “Cinema Paradiso is a great example. When I decided to make this film, I wasn’t thinking about how to win the approval of audiences in Europe, the U.S., or China. Instead, I wanted to tell a personal story. I tried to make sure the characters and everything in the film were believable so that the audiences could connect with them,” Tornatore said.

    The film director said he enjoys watching Chinese films. “I love this different point of view that other cinematographers bring, and I can also learn about the story of China and the culture of Chinese people.”

    Speaking of the influence of AI and other emerging technologies on the film industry, Tornatore said he is interested in AI and believes it offers new possibilities for both film production and the restoration of classic films.

    “My dream is to make a film entirely on my own without the help of anybody and to have my grandfather as the main character. AI can give me this opportunity,” Tornatore said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby named best area for bus satisfaction

    Source: City of Derby

    Bus passengers across England have said they are more satisfied with their journeys – with satisfaction up to 83 per cent in the second year of the Your Bus Journey survey, independent watchdog Transport Focus confirms.

    The results from the 2024 survey showed passenger satisfaction improving overall from its first-year level of 80 per cent – but there were still some wide differences across local authorities.

    Passengers in Derby City were the most satisfied with their journey at 92 per cent. Passengers in West Yorkshire were for the second year the least satisfied with 77 per cent. East Sussex and Warrington were two of the most improved areas in the survey, both up eight percentage points after some hard work following passenger feedback, and with East Sussex moving from 26th to 12th place in the survey.

    As the definitive, independent bus passenger satisfaction survey in England, Scotland and Wales, Your Bus Journey gives detailed passenger feedback on 48,000 journeys. It provides a benchmark of passenger satisfaction including on board the bus, punctuality of the service, value for money and journey times.

    Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability at Derby City Council said:

    I’m delighted with the results of the 2024 Your Bus Journey survey, putting Derby on the map as an accessible place to live, work and visit. The results of the survey show what we already know, which is that Derby has a thriving and expanding transport offer which is tailored to the needs of our residents.

    We’re more passionate than ever about transforming Derby into a sustainable city, championing public transport as a way to contribute to decarbonisation, air quality, and health improvements. Recently we have been investing significantly into our public transport and I’m very proud of what we’ve been able to achieve by working in collaboration with partners by putting passenger’s needs at the heart of what we do.

    Louise Collins, director at the independent watchdog Transport Focus said:

    The positive changes seen across bus services in England have boosted overall passenger satisfaction. The changes show how government funding, hard work from local authorities and operators, and listening to what passengers want can improve journeys.

    Buses play a vital role connecting communities across the country to work, education, leisure activities and vital appointments. The wide variation in scores at a local level in the survey shows that some passengers still aren’t getting the bus service they should. Government, bus operators and local authorities must continue to work together to deliver the promised improvement to bus service reliability and frequency.

    The results from areas like Derby City, Derbyshire, East Sussex and Warrington show what can be done when everyone is focussed on delivering for passengers. We’ll be using the results from the survey with local transport authorities and bus operators up and down the country to drive improvements and help make bus the first choice for more people.

    Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said:  

    I’d like to extend a big congratulations to Derby City Council for ranking highest for passenger satisfaction in this survey, which shows that councils are putting bus service funding to good use.

    Our Bus Services Bill will hand control back for local leaders to operate services, and it’s great to see areas like Nottingham where councils operate their own services, scoring higher than average satisfaction rates.

    Alongside nearly £1 billion to enhance service frequencies, improve bus stop infrastructure and boost the comfort and accessibility of services, we’re backing our buses like never before, and I’m excited to see how this will continue to grow customer satisfaction and make our bus services even more attractive. Roll on the 2025 survey.

    Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of Confederation of Passenger Transport said:

    It’s fantastic to see bus passenger satisfaction on the rise – a testament to the excellent partnerships between bus operators and local authorities in many parts of the country and the dedication of everyone working in the industry.

    We want every passenger to be satisfied with their journey and with significant changes ahead for the bus industry, including the Bus Services (No.2) Bill and the impact of government spending decisions, we urge policymakers to prioritise passengers, ensuring even greater satisfaction and better services in the year ahead.

    Key survey results:

    • Passenger satisfaction with value for money has seen significant improvement up six percentage points to 73 per cent. Passengers in Nottinghamshire were the most satisfied at 91 per cent, while 60 per cent of West of England and North Somerset passengers were satisfied with the value for money of their journey.
    • The top-ranked operator was High Peak in Derby City and Derbyshire, which had a passenger satisfaction score of 99 per cent. Arriva in West Yorkshire was the lowest rated bus operator with 69 per cent of passengers satisfied with their journeys.
    • Increased satisfaction with value for money reflects overall improvements to bus services and not just the impacts of the £2 bus fare cap that was in place throughout 2024.
    • Perception of punctuality is up five percentage points to 75 per cent. Passengers in Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole were the most satisfied at 80 per cent and least satisfied in Greater Manchester at 67 per cent.
    • Journey time satisfaction overall is 83 per cent. Derby City is the highest performing area for journey time, with 92 per cent of passengers satisfied. Stoke on Trent is the lowest rated area by passengers at 79 per cent.
    • Across England, passengers with disabilities were satisfied with 82 per cent of bus journeys, up from 79 per cent in 2023 reflecting the overall increase in bus satisfaction nationally. This remains lower than for non-disabled passengers at 85 per cent.
    • Passengers in rural and semi-rural areas reported increased satisfaction with the value for money of their service. Improvements in performance, punctuality and on-board environment and facilities have contributed to passengers’ perceptions of better value for money.
    • Urban areas have seen improvements to punctuality in particular with journey experience upgrades to bus stops and vehicles also being noticed. Metropolitan areas have also seen improved levels of satisfaction, but at a slower pace.

    Significant Government investment as part of Bus Service Improvement Plan funding in many areas and £2 bus fare cap, appears to be having an impact.

    More information can be found on the Transport Focus website, along with the full report from the 2024 survey. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU shooters win bronze medals in interuniversity competitions

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    As part of the 48th Universiade of Higher Education Institutions of the Novosibirsk Region, competitions in target shooting were held, which brought our team third place in the overall standings.

    The tournament program included: shooting from an air rifle (AR) and an air pistol (AP) of 40 and 60 shots separately among men and women and mixed pairs.

    In the individual championship, our students won several medals of various denominations:

    Alina Polyakova (FEN) – 2 gold in the VP-60 and VP-40 exercises and a silver in the air rifle exercise, mixed pairs with Pavel Krylov (IIR)

    Alexandra Shcherbakova (FEN) won gold in the PP-40 exercise and bronze in mixed pairs together with Danila Potapov (FEN)

    Roman Maksimov (GGF) came in third in the VP-60 exercise.

    We congratulate the athletes and their coach Anastasia Trishkina on their accurate shooting and well-deserved medals, and wish them success in their studies and sports!

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Message of the Holy Father to participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors

    Source: The Holy See

    Message of the Holy Father to participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, 25.03.2025
    The following is the Message sent by the Holy Father to the participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (24 to 28 March 2025):

    Message of the Holy Father
    Dear brothers and sisters,
    I warmly send you my greetings and some directions for your valuable service. Indeed, it is like “oxygen” for local Churches and religious communities, because wherever a child or vulnerable person is safe, there you serve and honour Christ. In the daily pattern of your work – especially in the most disadvantaged areas – a prophetic truth becomes reality: abuse prevention is not a blanket to be spread over emergencies, but one of the foundations on which to build communities faithful to the Gospel. For this, I express my gratitude.
    Your work cannot be reduced to protocols to be applied, but promotes safeguards: a formation that educates, checks that prevent, listening that restores dignity. When you establish prevention policies, even in the remotest communities, you are writing a promise: that every child, every vulnerable person, will find a safe environment in the ecclesial community. This is the motor of what should be for us an integral conversion.
    Today, I ask you for three commitments:
    1.   To develop joint work with the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia.
    2.   To offer hospitality and care for the wounds of the soul to victims and survivors, in the style of the good Samaritan. To listen with the ear of the heart, so that every testimony finds not registers to be compiled, but the depths of mercy from which to be reborn.
    3.   To build alliances with entities outside the Church – civil authorities, experts, associations – so that protection may become a universal language.
    In these ten years, you have enabled a safety network to grow within the Church. Keep going! Continue to be sentinels that keep watch while the world sleeps. May the Holy Spirit, teacher of living memory, preserve us from the temptation to file away grief instead of healing it.
    Thank you for your remembrance in prayer. I too accompany you and I ask the Lord and the Blessed Virgin to sustain you, so that you may continue on your journey with dedication and hope.
    Rome, “A. Gemelli” Hospital, 20 March 2025.
    FRANCIS

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 36th Annual International Military Chiefs of Chaplains Conference and First Chaplain Africa Forum held in Brussels

    Source: United States AFRICOM

    The U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and Belgian Ministry of Defence, in partnership with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and U.S. Indo Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Chaplain Directorates, hosted the world’s largest annual meeting of senior military religious leaders at the 36th Annual NATO & Partner International Military Chiefs of Chaplains Conference (IMCCC) in Brussels, Belgium, January 27-31, 2025.

    Over 200 military chaplains, academic experts, and special guests participated, representing 43 nations and more than 30 religious denominations. This year’s gathering included a special Africa Summit hosted by AFRICOM, highlighting the role of chaplains in fostering regional stability through spiritual and ethical leadership. Delegates divided into working groups to share information, identify training needs and areas cooperation, and update their future engagement plans.

    “This conference has not only strengthened our bonds across nations but has also underscored the indispensable role of chaplains in modern military operations, particularly in fostering resilience and ethical leadership in Africa and beyond.” said Major General Kenneth Ekman, DOD West Africa Coordination Lead, AFRICOM.

     AFRICOM’s Command Chaplain, U.S. Army Chaplain Colonel Karen Meeker said, “Our engagement at the IMCCC and the Africa Forum is crucial for developing a comprehensive approach to chaplaincy that resonates with the unique cultural and spiritual landscapes of Africa, ensuring our chaplains are well-prepared to support our service members and their families.”

    Experts from the United Nations, European Union, NATO, Belgium Armed Forces and other organizations briefed attendees on topics such as conflict resolution, interoperability and the importance of interworld view dialogue for achieving peace. Delegates collaborated to identify areas of cooperation and update their future engagement plans.

    EUCOM Command Chaplain, Colonel Christopher LaPack, shared, “First, I want to sincerely thank EUCOM’s co-hosts for this year’s IMCCC. The Belgian Planning Team, led by Chief Chaplain Hans De Cuester, provided a world-class forum for what turned out to be the biggest-ever IMCCC. I have no doubt that the engagements that took place this week will improve future interoperability amongst our chaplaincies. The change in security environment and NATO’s military posture in response to Russian aggression in the region means that our nations’ warfighters are more integrated than ever before. Military chaplains must be properly trained and ready to respond to the religious and spiritual needs of military personnel serving in multinational formations.”

    The Africa Forum agenda also highlighted the role of chaplains in the DoD State Partnership Program (SPP), which partners National Guard forces from the United States with militaries around the world. Chaplain General Henry Matifeyo, Zambian Ministry of Defence said, “The discussions here, especially the tri-lateral meetings, have opened new avenues for cooperation. We are keen on building a network that not only strengthens our chaplaincy but also addresses critical issues like PTSD and moral injury through a multi-disciplinary lens.”

    The IMCCC began in 1990 when the USEUCOM chaplain’s office convened twelve senior NATO military chaplains in order to provide a forum for dialogue to enhance interoperability among NATO chaplaincies, facilitate mutual support, and ensure professional pastoral care is available to all Allied Forces during combat or crisis circumstances. Over time, its scope has expanded to enhance religious affairs interoperability, strengthen international relations, support warfighter and family resilience, improve spiritual advisement for commanders, and promote religious freedom. The IMCCC 2025 has grown into a forum that includes not just European military religious leaders but also leaders from Africa, Asia and North America to share ideas and practices that support the collective security mission on a global scale. This year’s focus on Africa was a step forward in recognizing and addressing the unique needs of this diverse continent.

    List of national chaplaincies that participated in the 2025 conference: Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Botswana, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Eswatini, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Italy, Kenya, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Malawi, , Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Serbia, , Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, , Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, and Zambia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Stabilization Notice – Pre Stab – FNAC DARTY SA

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    [25/03/2025]

    Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

    [FNAC DARTY SA]

    Pre-stabilisation Period Announcement

    BNP Paribas (contact: Stanford Hartman telephone: 0207 595 8222 hereby gives notice, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilisation Manager(s) named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation EU/2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU/596/2014).

    The securities:1  
    Issuer: FNAC DARTY SA
    Guarantor (if any): N/A
    Aggregate nominal amount: TBC
    CDescription: EUR 7YR
    Offer price: TBC
    Other offer terms:  
    Stabilisation:  
    Stabilisation Manager(s) BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole, Natixis, Societe Generale, BBVA,Belfius, Bred Banque Populaire, Caixabank, CIC Market Solutions, La Banque Postale
    Stabilisation period expected to start on: 25/03/2025
    Stabilisation period expected to end no later than: 01/05/2025
    Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over‑allotment facility: The Stabilisation Manager(s) may over‑allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law.
    Stabilisation trading venue: OTC

    In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilisation Manager(s) may over‑allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities during the stabilisation period at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, stabilisation may not necessarily occur and any stabilisation action, if begun, may cease at any time. Any stabilisation action or over‑allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.

    This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

    This announcement and the offer of the securities to which it relates are only addressed to and directed at persons outside the United Kingdom and persons in the United Kingdom who have professional experience in matters related to investments or who are high net worth persons within Article 12(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 and must not be acted on or relied on by other persons in the United Kingdom.

    In addition, if and to the extent that this announcement is communicated in, or the offer of the securities to which it relates is made in, the UK or any EEA Member State before the publication of a prospectus in relation to the securities which has been approved by the competent authority in the UK or that Member State in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the “Prospectus  Regulation”) (or which has been approved by a competent authority in another Member State and notified to the competent authority in the UK or that Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation), this announcement and the offer are only addressed to and directed at persons in the UK or that Member State who are qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (or who are other persons to whom the offer may lawfully be addressed) and must not be acted on or relied on by other persons in the UK or that Member State.

    This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. The securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. There will be no public offer of securities in the United States. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues a USD 50 million tap under its MTN programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Municipality Finance Plc
    Stock exchange release
    25 March 2025 at 11:00 am (EET)

    Municipality Finance issues a USD 50 million tap under its MTN programme

    On 26 March 2025 Municipality Finance Plc issues a new tranche in an amount of USD 50 million to an existing benchmark issued on 22 January 2025. With the new tranche, the aggregate nominal amount of the benchmark is USD 400 million. The maturity date of the benchmark is 2 February 2029. The benchmark bears interest at a floating rate equal to Compounded SOFR plus 100 bps per annum.

    The new tranche is issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular, the supplemental offering circular and the final terms of the benchmark are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.

    MuniFin has applied for the benchmark to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 26 March 2025. The existing notes in the series are admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.

    Daiwa Capital Markets Europe Limited act as the Dealer for the issue of the new tranche.

    MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

    Further information:

    Joakim Holmström
    Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability
    tel. +358 50 444 3638

    MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The owners of the company include Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the State of Finland. The Group’s balance sheet is over EUR 53 billion.

    MuniFin’s customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, joint county authorities, corporate entities under the control of the above-mentioned organisations, and affordable social housing. Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

    MuniFin’s customers are domestic, but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

    Read more: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/

    Important Information

    The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Letter to the Chair of PACAC with the CSPL report, Recognising and Responding to Early Warning Signs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Letter to the Chair of PACAC with the CSPL report, Recognising and Responding to Early Warning Signs

    Doug Chalmers wrote to the Chair of PACAC with a copy of the CSPL report, Recognising and Responding to Early Warning signs in Public Sector Bodies.

    Documents

    Letter from Doug Chalmbers to Chair of PACAC about Early Warning Signs report

    PDF, 209 KB, 1 page

    This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

    Request an accessible format.
    If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email public@public-standards.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

    Details

    Doug Chalmers, Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, wrote to Simon Hoare MP, Chair of PACAC, with an embargoed copy of the Committee’s report, Recognising and Responding to Early Warning signs in Public Sector Bodies, ahead of publication on 25 March 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 March 2025

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