Today, Legislative Secretary Responsible for Saskatchewan-Ukraine Relations Jamie Martens and representatives from Saskatchewan’s Ukrainian community, the Saskatchewan-Ukraine Relations Advisory Committee, and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Saskatchewan Provincial Council (UCC-SPC) gathered at the Legislative Building in Regina to commemorate the third anniversary of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine.
“This war has caused untold suffering to the people of Ukraine, some of whom have resettled here in Saskatchewan,” Martens said. “As a province with a rich Ukrainian heritage, Saskatchewan is proud to support those displaced by this terrible conflict. With open arms we will continue to make these newcomers feel welcome and at home in our communities.”
On Sunday, February 23, a car rally was organized to demonstrate support for Ukrainians by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), Regina Branch, that started at the Northgate Mall in Regina and concluded with a brief ceremony at the Holodomor Monument in Wascana Centre.
Since the conflict began, nearly 8,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Saskatchewan, many of which have been supported by programs offered through UCC-SPC and the Government of Saskatchewan.
“The UCC-SPC is grateful to Premier Scott Moe and the Government of Saskatchewan for their steadfast and reliable support for the Ukrainian people,” President of UCC-SPC Elena Krueger said. “From the early days of the conflict and the five charter flights that assisted hundreds to safely arrive in Saskatchewan, to the on-going financial support to UCC Saskatchewan, to various language and employment services, our provincial government truly does stand with Ukraine.”
Through a funding agreement with the UCC-SPC, the province continues to provide displaced Ukrainians with access to language training, settlement and community supports, as well as connections to employers in their local labour market.
In another show of solidarity with the people of Ukraine, the Provincial Capital Commission announced funding for necessary restoration work on the Holodomor Monument in Regina’s Wascana Centre, 10 years after its installation in the park. The monument memorializes the man-made famine endured by the Ukrainian people at the hands of the Soviet Union from 1932 to 1933.
“The Holodomor Monument in Wascana Centre is an important monument to remember the victims of the man-made famine, as well as reiterate our support for the people of Ukraine through the ongoing conflict,” Minister Responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission Eric Schmalz said. “This funding will help ensure that this important monument remains in Wascana Centre for years to come.”
The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published a Report assessing the availability and accessibility of data related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks as well as the feasibility of introducing a standardised methodology for identifying and qualifying credit exposures to such risks. The Report finds that while there have been significant improvements over the recent years on availability and accessibility of data, the ESG data landscape remains incomplete at this stage. Key policy initiatives such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the supporting European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), as well as further transparency in the methodologies of ESG scores and External Credit Assessment Institutions’ (ECAI) credit risk ratings, are expected to further improve this landscape and mitigate challenges.
Credit institutions are increasingly assessing ESG risks, although progress differs across exposure classes. Data availability, quality and granularity remain among the most significant challenges in developing more advanced approaches.
Methodologies are most mature in the assessment of transition risk in corporate portfolios, where the EBA has observed certain elements of standardisation, such as the use of sectoral classification, greenhouse gas emissions and transition plans of counterparties as the key sources of information.
Similarly, the EBA has observed some degree of standardisation in methodologies for mortgage exposures, which are typically based on the geographical location and energy efficiency of the immovable property collateral.
The methodologies are less mature for other exposure classes where the process of developing relevant methodologies to identify and assess ESG risks is still ongoing. The practices regarding the assessment of environmental risk other than climate, social and governance risks are still at an early stage and mostly qualitative.
While there are emerging practices regarding the assessment of ESG risks, the progress to date on the assessment of how these risks affect the level of credit risk is limited. At this stage, only few institutions apply specific methods for measuring credit risk related to ESG factors, focusing mostly on climate risk. While governance aspects have traditionally been part of the assessment of credit risk, both by institutions and by ECAIs, there is little standardisation and the approaches are mainly qualitative, often based on expert judgement.
Based on the market practices and the current data landscape, the EBA concludes that the feasibility of designing a standardised methodology differs greatly depending on the type of exposures and risks considered. While there have been developments in the identification and assessment of ESG risks, there is still insufficient understanding and evidence of their effective impact on credit risk parameters. Should regulatory efforts towards standardisation be pursued, a sequenced approach would most likely be necessary.
Legal basis
The EBA is mandated under letters (a) and (b) of Article 501c(1) of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013, i.e. the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR), to assess:
a) the availability and accessibility of reliable and consistent ESG data for credit risk exposure classes;
b) the feasibility of introducing a standardised methodology to identify and qualify these exposures, based on a common set of principles to ESG risk classification, and using the information available from sustainability disclosure frameworks, the guidance and conclusions coming from supervisory stress-testing or scenario analysis of climate-related financial risks, and the relevant ESG score of the credit risk rating by a nominated ECAI.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ed Turner, Reader in Politics, Co-Director, Aston Centre for Europe, Aston University
Friedrich Merz, the presumptive chancellor of Germany, has confirmed he will seek a coalition with the social democratic SPD after the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) won the February 23 election, topping the poll with 28.5%. Although the SPD has gone from winning the last election to a record low result of 16.4% of the vote, it remains the only credible coalition partner for presumptive chancellor and CDU leader Friedrich Merz.
Among Merz’s first acts was a bold statement that his first priority is “to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the USA”.
Things might have looked different for Merz. Had a small party, (the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, or BSW) won just 0.03% less of the vote, Merz would have needed to find a third coalition partner. That would have most likely meant trying to work with the Greens. This would have been a much more difficult circle to square for the centre right and an option that would have come with a far greater risk of early government collapse, if a deal could even have been reached in the first place.
The far right Alternative for Germany (AfD) had a record result, coming second with a 20.8% share of the vote. Mainstream parties including the CDU/CSU have ruled out any sort of deal with the far right, which the AfD will now be viewing as an opportunity. A further period of CDU/CSU-SPD government at a time of economic challenges will leave the party feeling it has a good opportunity to capitalise on discontent and grow further.
The 2025 election saw a record low vote share for the CDU/CSU and SPD. It’s notable that none of the leaders of the one-time Volksparteien (“people’s parties” – with a cross-class, cross-society appeal) were popular. Merz fared best among them but on a scale of -5 to +5 for popularity, he achieved an average of precisely 0.
Worse still was the situation of the centre-right FDP, which crashed out of the parliament on a grand scale, getting just 4.3%, down 7.1 points. Its leader, Christian Lindner, who had brought about the downfall of the previous “traffic light” coalition between his own party, the SPD and the Greens, announced his retirement from politics. The Greens, with a respectable result (11.6%, down 3.1 points), will prepare for a spell in opposition.
The election shows a country disunited, a long way from being at ease with itself. Observers are immediately struck by the difference between eastern and western Germany. In the east, the far right Alternative for Germany (AfD) came first in all five states (excluding Berlin, which is a mix of east and west). In the west, with some exceptions, the CDU/CSU was dominant.
It has been evident for some time that concerns about migration as well as a feeling of being treated as second class citizens is driving up support for the far right in the east. Now, opposition to military support for Ukraine and general pessimism are also playing into the trend.
Age proved another very significant divide. Among those aged 18 to 24, the Left party got 25%, ahead of the AfD (21%). The CDU/CSU took just 13% and the SPD 12% . Among the over 60s, the picture is reversed. The CDU/CSU took 37% and the SPD 23%, while the AfD took 15% and the Left just 5%.
The Left’s success, at least among the young, was the one big surprise of the election. After a torrid period which saw the departure of leading figure Sahra Wagenknecht and her followers to form a separate party, the Left looked unlikely to meet the 5% vote share threshold needed to enter parliament until very recently. An internal split over Israel and Gaza was also causing difficulties.
However, the Left profited from the polarisation caused by Friedrich Merz’s decision to press ahead with a vote on hardline policies towards asylum seekers, including more border checks and turning away irregular migrants without processing an asylum claim. A savvy social media campaign spearheaded by the party’s youthful joint parliamentary leader Heidi Reichinnek also helped.
Meanwhile, the BSW took just 4.97% of the national vote and will therefore not have any seats in parliament. It is however worth noting that the BSW’s popularity was also extremely uneven across the country and another example of geographical division. While it tanked nationally, its anti-migration, “anti-woke” and pro-welfare policies, mixed with its criticism of support for Ukraine, was a more popular offering in the east with results around the 10% mark, double the national average.
What now for Europe?
The SPD has claimed it will not enter government at any price. It has hinted it will put any coalition proposals to a vote among party members as a way of trying to exercise leverage over Merz. But, in truth, the party has nowhere else to go. There is no alternative to a CDU/CSU-SPD coalition apart from early elections or a fundamental rethink of the former’s approach to the AfD. Neither is an attractive prospect.
All parties are also acutely aware of the tremendous pressure from other European countries for Germany to get its act together in the context of US president Trump’s assertiveness and the need to support Ukraine. But there are huge challenges to address on the domestic front. Merz has pledged tax cuts and higher defence expenditure, but there is no clarity at all how these will be paid for. Drastic reductions in welfare and other social expenditure would likely be a “no go” area for the SPD. An option might be to loosen Germany’s “debt brake” – constitutional restrictions on government borrowing. This is something Merz has been reluctant to do, but he has hinted he might consider it in the aftermath of the vote. This fundamental reform would need a two-thirds majority in both chambers of parliament, and if extra funds were only for defence, it is possible the Left and the AfD would combine to defeat it.
So Germany’s election gives us a paradox: in some ways the outcome is rather familiar, with an old-school Christian democrat leading a coalition with the SPD, another party with a long track record in government – and indeed with some prospect of German leadership in Europe. But it is also a deeply uncertain result. Germany is a country facing huge challenges: sluggish growth, war in Europe and a US president questioning key tenets of the post-war transatlantic relationship. It’s not clear how to put together a governing coalition that can agree on how to face these challenges, and which can satisfy a starkly divided electorate. Turbulent times, in the country and across the continent, may well be ahead.
Ed Turner receives funding from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Statement by TUV deputy leader Court Councillor Ron McDowell:
“Struggling for relevance and seemingly desperate to find a niche for themselves in republican circles the SDLP this week launched anothetlr public attack on the funding of unionist bands through an article published by the Anderstown News group. The three bands in question received Arts Council funding for new instruments.
“Ignoring for a moment the inaccuracies within the report regarding the playing style of the bands in question, the SDLP have written to the Arts Council to request that funding be returned by the bands after they attended a parade on the Shankill. Laying aside the already stated SDLP ignorance of the band fraternity in the article there is undoubtedly selective criticism from them on this issue.
“For the record the TUV are quite happy to have this conversation, if the SDLP want to raise the issue of a band parading in a local parade for local people then let’s be consistent. The SDLP failed to mention the same awards pot being used to fund Sons of Ireland Flute band who have eulogised republicans such as Hunger Striker Kieran Lynch, IRA volunteer Kieran Doherty, republicans Henry Hogan and Declan Martin from the North Antrim Brigade on public social media forums.
“Why stop there though? If we are to have a moral conscience on such funding as the SDLP have now developed we should be consistent and defund all terror fests. As the SDLP advocate lets now strip funding from any event that is used to glorify terror. Feile an Phobail for example received £114k from the Arts Council and £244k from Belfast City Council respectively. That’s £358k for a festival shrouded in controversy every year with the annual ‘up the Ra’ chanting with the festival engaging bands such as the Wolfetones and Shebeen.
“The sad truth for Northern Ireland society in the 21st century is that ever since the SDLP leader John Hume held aloft Gerry Adams arms the sanitising of terrorism was enshrined as acceptable, when the DUP entered power sharing with Sinn Fein terror was sanitized more recently and for that reason the TUV have been consistent whilst the SDLP have been hypocrites. According to the latest security advice the IRA still control Sinn Fein, where are the SDLP on this? There has been millions of pounds of public money spent funding republican terror museums and the country is dotted with road side memorials to their heinous acts. Let’s be consistent, let’s claw back all terror related public funding and let’s then see the SDLP being ran out of West Belfast.
“The definition of a bigot is to be prejudiced against or antagonistic towards a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular group. Let’s see this attack for what it is.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Joint Statement on the resumption of India-UK trade negotiations
Today the Republic of India and the United Kingdom have resumed negotiations towards a trade deal between our two countries.
The Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in November 2024 to underline the importance of resuming trade negotiations at an early date.
Today the Republic of India and the United Kingdom have resumed negotiations towards a trade deal between our two countries. This announcement has been made by Minister for Commerce and Industry of India Shri Piyush Goyal and Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds in Delhi. This announcement is an outcome of the above stated discussions held at the level of Prime Ministers of the two countries.
India and the United Kingdom have a close partnership, built through collaboration on security and defence, new and emerging technologies, climate, health, education, research and innovation, green finance and people-to-people contacts. At the centre of this relationship is the collective aspiration to deliver economic growth and sustainable development.
Both sides have agreed to resume negotiations towards a balanced, mutually beneficial and a forward-looking deal that delivers mutual growth and builds on the strengths of the two complementary economies. The strengthening of the trading relationship between our two countries has the potential to unlock opportunities for business and consumers across both our nations and build further on our already deep ties.
The two leaders directed the negotiators to work together to resolve the outstanding issues in the agreement to ensure a fair and equitable trade deal for shared success.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
Tens of thousands of investors deposited bitcoin expecting an investment strategy – Instead, new investor bitcoin used to pay off other investors in a Ponzi scheme
SEATTLE – A citizen of Brazil appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle today, after being extradited from Switzerland to face a 13-count indictment for wire fraud and conspiracy regarding his bitcoin investment scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Douver T. Braga, 48, lived in Florida between approximately 2016 and 2021 during the bulk of the alleged fraud. The indictment alleges Braga operated a bitcoin investment scheme that was really a Ponzi scheme, as well as an illegal multilevel marketing scheme.
The grand jury returned the indictment in October 2022. It was unsealed last week following Braga’s arrest in Switzerland. Today Braga pleaded “Not Guilty,” and trial was scheduled in front of U.S. District Judge Tana Lin on April 28, 2025.
“Mr. Braga allegedly ran a fraud scheme that harkens back more than a century, but he updated his ‘Ponzi’ scheme with the hot new thing: bitcoin,” said U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. “The victim investors have waited years to see justice. I commend our federal partners at the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation for their diligent work on this case.”
According to the indictment, Braga conspired with others to create a cryptocurrency trading platform called Trade Coin Club (TCC) with an office in Belize. As early as 2016, Braga worked with others to promote TCC, claiming that investors would make money because the TCC had a sophisticated software program that allowed investors to profit on the fluctuating price of bitcoin. Braga also promised that investors could make money by referring other investors to the platform. In reality, there was no investment platform and no sophisticated software. Those who invested early were paid off by later investors as in a Ponzi scheme.
Braga traveled the world promoting TCC: In Thailand in March 2017, in Nigeria and Macau in May 2017. TCC was promoted on social media and in videos. At various events Braga claimed TCC had as many as 126,000 members in 231 different countries.
Through his false promises of sophisticated investments and high returns, Braga induced tens of thousands of people to entrust over 82,000 bitcoin, valued at over $290 million at the time of investment, and to deposit it with TCC. Braga continued the false representations, creating an “online portal” where investors could track the supposed activity of their investment accounts. The site was a fiction as there was no trading activity.
Braga withdrew and misappropriated investor funds. Between December 2016 and July 2019, at least $50 million in bitcoin was transferred to accounts Braga controlled.
However, by late 2017 and early 2018, investors had trouble accessing their funds. In January 2018, TCC announced to investors that it was ceasing to operate in the United States and was cancelling their accounts. Many investors were located in the Western District of Washington.
Braga allegedly profited handsomely, while failing to report the earnings to the IRS. In 2017, he received bitcoin worth $30.5 million, but only reported income of $152, 298. In 2018, he reported $73,473 in income but got $13.1 million in bitcoin and in 2019, reported $72,870 in income while he received $10 million in bitcoin.
“The type of scheme Mr. Braga is charged with operating is not new, he just used the allure of a flashy new technology to obscure the well-worn scam.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “While the victims in this case waited and wondered about the fate of their investments, he siphoned off millions of dollars for his personal use. This case demonstrates the determination of the FBI and our partners in IRS Criminal Investigation to hold fraudsters accountable, no matter where in the world they may be.”
“The charges against Mr. Braga and his co-conspirators reflect a well-designed scheme to solicit investment in a fake cryptocurrency trading platform from victims around the globe,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of IRS-Criminal Investigation (CI), Los Angeles Field Office. “Furthermore, Mr. Braga is alleged to have knowingly ignored and circumvented laws regulating multi-level marketing programs in the U.S.- laws that exist to protect investors from becoming victims in pyramid schemes. Despite the complexity of this scheme, IRS Criminal Investigation and our partners at the FBI successfully uncovered the evidence necessary to bring forth these charges.”
Braga is charged with 12 counts of wire fraud reflecting 12 wires investors sent to TCC for deposits in their “accounts.” Braga is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The charges are punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the IRS-CI and the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mike Dion and Phillip Kopczynski. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance with securing the extradition.
There are dangers when you employ doorstep callers who offer to do improvement works to your property. You are advised not to use tradespeople who just turn up on the doorstep.
Older and vulnerable people
Some doorstep traders deliberately target older and vulnerable people who live alone.
They call at their homes uninvited and offer to carry out home improvement works or repairs to a property.
You could lose large sums of money for work that could prove to be of little value.
Also, people can sometimes feel intimidated and pressurised into agreeing to pay for additional work that they didn’t want or need.
That work can then often result in people having to pay out large sums of money to legitimate traders to have the work fixed or finished.
Local neighbourhood websites
You should also be alert when using local neighbourhood websites where people post about the jobs they need doing, in the belief that they’ll avoid the sort of rogue traders who turn up on their doorstep.
The doorstep criminals have adapted their methods and now have a presence on these websites and often respond to such requests.
The traders often use fake profiles and vastly under-quote for jobs to get a response.
In reality, many of these traders are criminals who will charge vastly-inflated prices for shoddy work or for work that is not needed.
In many cases, the trader will start work on the property immediately and then will leave it unfinished or in a very poor state of repair.
What you can do
To put off approaches from rogue traders in the first place you can place a sign in your door or window telling any doorstep callers looking for business that they are not welcome.
You can point out the sign to any unwelcome callers and tell them that if they persist in trying to sell their services they may be committing a criminal offence.
You can get ‘No Cold Calling’ signs and more help and advice from Trading Standards Service’s Consumerline.
The advice is:
don’t buy at the door – no matter who is calling or what they seem to be offering
consider fitting doorstep cameras and video doorbells
don’t open the door to anyone who turns up uninvited, no matter what their story is – keep the chain on
always take your time – legitimate traders will not rush you to make a decision
if possible, choose a trader who has been recommended by family or friends
get written quotes from at least three traders to compare prices
don’t pay until the job is finished to your satisfaction
watch out for vulnerable or older neighbours or family members
use the ‘Nominated Neighbour’ scheme
As well as the huge financial losses from using doorstep tradespeople, many people also suffer emotional trauma, the onset of health problems, and have a long fear of crime.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
UK steps up life-saving medical support for Ukraine’s Armed Forces
The Ministry of Defence will double its funding for medical and rehabilitation services for Ukraine’s troops
Britain is stepping up support for Ukrainian troops wounded on the frontline, who will receive life-saving medical support and rehabilitation services through the UK’s Project Renovator. The programme, which will see its funding doubled, also includes training for surgeons and rebuilding of a military hospital targeted by Russian bombs.
Project Renovator draws on the UK’s leading defence medical expertise to expand Ukraine’s military rehabilitation and medical services and help troops who suffered life-changing injuries to return to the frontline or help them readjust to civilian life after the conflict ends.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP has today announced a new £20m funding package to step up the programme further – doubling the Government’s funding for the scheme – as the UK’s cast-iron commitment to Ukraine continues three years into the conflict.
The project, which started in October 2023 demonstrates the UK’s international leadership role, taking responsibility for repairing and upgrading a military rehabilitation hospital which was targeted and bombed by Putin’s forces earlier in the conflict. The UK is also encouraging allies to support and grow this work as part of the broader NATO Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine scheme.
From providing life-saving surgery, to issuing advanced prosthetics, physiotherapy, and aftercare, the rehabilitation hospital will be a significant upgrade for Ukraine’s current services, with Ukrainian surgeons, doctors, and nurses being trained by the UK.
The announcement comes on the third anniversary of Putin launching his illegal full-scale invasion, as the Home Office announced new measures to block Russian elites entering the UK. It forms part of this Government’s record support for Ukraine this year – building on £12.8 billion worth of military, humanitarian, and economic support since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:
As we mark three years of this brutal conflict, Putin is still waging a war he thought he would win in three days, because of fierce resistance to the Russian invasion from ordinary Ukrainians – military and civilian alike.
In this critical period, Ukrainians need our support to keep them in the fight and to put their nation in the strongest possible position ahead of any talks. That’s why we are stepping up further our UK leadership and life-saving medical support for brave Ukrainian fighters. Our commitment to them is unshakeable.
I’m proud of the UK’s leadership in supporting Ukraine, both now and in the long-term, and this new investment in Ukraine’s military medical services will harness the UK’s leading expertise to ensure wounded troops are given the best treatment possible.
The work will help address a major challenge posed by the conflict, with the largest casualty figures seen in Europe since the Second World War. The support stands in stark contrast to Russia’s widely-reported poor treatment of Russian casualties and veterans, leading to instances of crime and violence when they return from the frontline.
While a small number of British personnel have been working to deliver the project in Ukraine, nearly 100 Ukrainian surgeons, doctors, and nurses are due to travel to the UK this year to receive further medical training using the latest techniques and equipment.
Around £20m of money from a NATO common fund has been invested in the rehabilitation hospital so far, much of which was provided by the UK. In addition to major structural repairs, improvements have included more than £300k worth of new gym equipment, and £400k worth of prosthetics and associated equipment.
Norway has also announced it is carrying out similar work to repair and improve a similar facility under the same NATO scheme, working closely with the UK. It comes as both nations have committed to deepen military ties, with a new agreement being drawn up following a visit from the Defence Secretary last week.
Defence Medical Services personnel from Project Renovator have been working with the team at the UK’s world-leading equivalent, the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall, to produce around 50 rehabilitation training videos to support the training of Ukrainian medical staff.
Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO, OBE, MC, said:
The UK Armed Forces are experts in the area of defence medical services and rehabilitation, pioneering the field during the Second World War.
These services are absolutely essential to ensuring veterans get the support they need to go back to their daily lives after being on the frontline, especially if wounded.
The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall in particular is a world-leading facility, and I am proud that the equipment and the skills of our personnel are being put to good use in supporting Ukraine.
This year, the UK will spend £4.5 billion on military assistance for Ukraine – more than ever before. Supporting Ukraine in the conflict and to secure a peace deal is critical for the security of Europe and the UK, a foundation for the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. Earlier this month, the Defence Secretary announced a new £150 million firepower package including drones, tanks and air defence systems.
Since July 2024, the Government has provided over £5.26 billion in military aid and financial support to Ukraine, including a £3 billion annual military aid and a £2.26 billion loan for military spending. This includes £300 million for artillery ammunition and £68 million for air defence systems, as well as the new £150 million firepower package for thousands of drones, dozens of battle tanks and armoured vehicles.
The UK Government has supplied over 90,000 rounds of 155mm artillery, 150 artillery barrels, and 10 AS90 self-propelled howitzers. Air defence support includes 17 Gravehawk systems, 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems, and £68 million for radars and counter-drone tech.
The UK has also invested £7.5 million in drone technology and continues training, surpassing 50,000 Ukrainian troops under Operation Interflex. Naval support totals £92 million, providing drones, uncrewed vessels, loitering munitions, and mine countermeasure drones.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Kremlin-linked elites face exclusion from UK
Elites with known links to the Kremlin may be subject to exclusion from the UK in show of steadfast support for Ukraine on 3 year anniversary of invasion.
Elites linked to the Russian state can be excluded from entering the UK under new measures announced by the Home Secretary today.
Under the new measures, the government will expand the criteria for exclusion to cover Kremlin-linked elites. This will ensure that, while Russia remains an acute national security threat, elites linked to the Russian state can be prevented from entering the UK.
Those who could be barred from the UK include anyone who:
provides significant support to the Russian state
owes their significant status or wealth to the Russian state
enjoy access to the highest levels of the Russian state
Kremlin-linked elites can pose a real and present danger to our way of life. They denounce our values in public while enjoying the benefits of the UK in private – benefits which they look to deprive Ukraine of through their support of Russia’s war. They can act as tools for the Russian state, enabling the continuation and expansion of Russia’s aggression.
The move will bolster both UK national interest and national security, one of the key priorities underpinning the government’s Plan for Change, by blocking the physical access of those who undermine UK national security. These new measures will complement the UK’s existing sanctions regime against Russian elites who are supporting Putin’s war effort, which will remain in place as long as Russia threatens Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The move follows continued action from the UK to respond to Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine including through imposing extensive sanctions on elites linked to the Russian state, strengthening law enforcement capabilities through the National Crime Agency’s (NCA’s) Combatting Kleptocracy Cell and closing the legislative loopholes open to money laundering by criminal actors.
These measures also follow ramped up efforts to tackle Russian illicit finance through the NCA’s Operation Destabilise, successfully disrupting 2 Russian money laundering networks which provided services to Russian oligarchs and helped fund Russian state espionage operations. The NCA-led action led to 84 arrests and over £20 million in illicit funds seized. This work continues and since the disruption, a further £1 million of cash has been seized and a further 6 arrests made.
This change builds on the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership signed in January, which commits both countries to work together to tackle the malign influence of elites linked to the Russian state.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:
Border security is national security, and we will use all the tools at our disposal to protect our country against the threat from Russia.
The measures announced today slam the door shut to the oligarchs who have enriched themselves at the expense of the Russian people whilst bankrolling this illegal and unjustifiable war.
My message to Putin’s friends in Moscow is simple: you are not welcome in the UK.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the UK’s total military, economic and humanitarian support for Ukraine amounts to £12.8 billion. We remain committed to the provision of £3 billion of military support a year to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible.
Earlier this month, the Defence Secretary led the 50-nation strong Ukraine Defence Contact Group for the first time and announced a further £150 million firepower package for Ukraine, including drones, tanks and air defence systems.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:
As we mark the third anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion, Putin is still waging a war he thought he would win in three days, because of fierce resistance from the Ukrainians. Our support for them is unshakeable.
I am proud of the UK’s leadership and unity on Ukraine. Keeping the Ukrainians in their fight and as strong as possible at any negotiating table is critical not only for them, but for the security of the UK. These new measures send a powerful message that we will do what it takes to turn the tables on Putin’s aggression.
Four men have been sentenced to a total of 67 years in prison following a Met Police investigation into the death of 22-year-old Lavaun Witter in Croydon.
On 5 February 2021, officers were called to Wisbeach Road at around 20:08hrs, after a member of the public found Lavaun collapsed and seriously injured.
He sadly died at the scene after sustaining a stab wound to the leg.
An investigation was launched by the Met’s Specialist Crime South Unit. Enquiries revealed that prior to his death, Lavaun’s flat had been broken into by four men. The men, who were armed with long knives and swords, demanded drugs and slashed through an internal door.
Lavaun and a 16-year-old boy were stabbed before running from the scene but Lavaun collapsed a short distance away.
CCTV enquiries quickly identified the suspects as Tyreece Riggon, Julian Russell, Tyreece Wolfries-Parkin and Alex Pasley.
On 18 February 2021, officers raided an address linked to Riggon and he and Russell were arrested. A subsequent search of an address linked to Russell recovered a Louis Vuitton bag belonging to Lavaun.
Wolfries-Parkin and Pasley were also arrested in the following weeks.
All were charged with Lavaun’s murder as well as attempted murder and attempted grievous bodily harm of the 16-year-old.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Nolan, Senior Investigating Officer in the case said:
“These men were prepared to use extreme levels of violence and take Lavaun’s life to gain possession of drugs they believed were inside the property.
“Lavaun was defenceless against the four men who were each armed with large knives, including a Samurai sword.
“Levaun’s death devastated his family and his community. I commend the bravery and strength they have shown throughout this lengthy investigation.”
A trial at the Old Bailey began on 17 July 2023 and Julian Russell (18.09.1998) of Sanfield Road, CR7 and Tyreece Wolfries- Parkins, (06.10.2002) were found guilty of murder. Alex Pasley (01.10.1995) of Paxton Grove, Coulsdon was found guilty of manslaughter.
A re-trial began on 4 November 2024 and on Thursday, 12 December, Tyreece Riggon, 24 (29.09.2000) of Armistice Gardens, SE25 was found guilty of attempted GBH. Pasley was also found guilty of attempted GBH in relation to the attack on the 16-year-old boy.
The group appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 19 February for sentencing.
Julian Russell was sentenced to life in prison, to serve a minimum of 24 years in prison minus the four years spent on remand.
Tyreece Wolfries- Parkins was sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum term of 20 years minus the time spent on remand.
Alex Pasley was sentenced to 17 years in prison and Tyreece Riggon was sentenced to six years, both minus four years spent on remand.
Three men have been charged with murder as part of an investigation into the death of 20-year-old Jason Romeo in Hackney this week.
Jason sustained stab wounds outside an address in Bodney Road, E5 at 17:59hrs on Tuesday, 18 February.
A murder investigation was launched within the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command and three men have since been charged.
Raynolph Asante, 22 (13.03.2002) of Pembury Road, Hackney, Travis Mitchell, 21 (23.07.2002) of Bodney Road, Hackney and Rhamyah Bailey-Edwards, 21 (21.08.2003) of Williams Avenue, Walthamstow have been charged with murder.
The three men will appear at Thames Magistrates on Monday, 24 February.
The investigation into Jason’s death remains ongoing and on Saturday, 23 February, officers arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody.
SINGAPORE, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin’s price fluctuating below $100,000, many analysts predict a prolonged period of high volatility in the crypto market. Holding spot positions may struggle to generate short-term profits in such conditions. As a result, 100x leverage futures trading has become the preferred tool for seasoned investors looking to maximize potential gains in this volatile market. BexBack Exchange is ramping up its efforts to offer traders unmatched promotional packages. The platform now features a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading, providing exceptional opportunities for investors.
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About BexBack?
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Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack.The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
Munsch’s lecture focused on the evolving nature of warfare, particularly in the era of great power competition. He outlined ways to gain an advantage over adversaries by utilizing greater proficiency and competency to outthink and outfight the adversary.
One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the role of NPS in developing this intellectual advantage, by highlighting NPS’s unique ability to bring together students, faculty, alumni, and the broader Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem to drive learning and military advancements.
“It’s the people. That’s our real inherent advantage,” remarked Munsch. “The joint warfighting concept is built around that concept. The people are our one and inalienable advantage we have over adversaries.”
During his visit, he also met with NPS students and faculty to hear updates on classified research and innovative projects supporting U.S. and allied naval forces in the European and African areas of operations.
Munsch commented in his remarks on how NPS fosters asymmetry in warfare by enabling its U.S. and international military students to explore innovative solutions together in ways unmatched by other institutions. He stressed the importance of a synergistic approach, combining the efforts of operators, engineers, financiers, and all-domain warriors to focus and accelerate solutions, rapid adaptation, and effective decision-making.
Following the lecture, the floor was opened for attendees to ask questions where Munsch addressed pressing issues such as lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, the growing strategic importance of Africa, and the evolving role of non-commissioned officers (NCO) in modern conflicts.
Munsch highlighted the critical role of leaders and specifically NCOs in the U.S. military, stressing how they dynamically adapt – often the key difference in battle – and their potential beyond their rank.
“When you look at collar devices, see that as an indicator not of a person’s maximum ability, but of their minimum ability,” he explained. He emphasized the responsibility of leaders to nurture and develop that untapped potential, saying, “It’s all our jobs to mature that and foster that for the subsequent pay grade.”
Munsch also reflected on the challenges and strengths of operating with allies and partners, particularly when balancing various national interests. Quoting Winston Churchill, he remarked, “there is only one thing worse than fighting with allies, and that is fighting without them.”
In his closing remarks, Adm. Munsch left NPS students with a powerful message.
“All of us here have at least one thing in common – we were called,” Munsch stated. “We were called to sacrifice, to dedicate, to serve. In your years [of service], may you be the shield of freedom and the sword of justice. May you be of sharp of mind and skilled in battle. May your foes fear you, may your friends trust you, and may your fellow countrymen respect you. And may you always celebrate others who’ve made the same commitment. To sacrifice, dedicate and serve.”
Munsch’s visit underscored the importance of NPS in developing future military leaders and fostering cutting-edge research to maintain our competitive edge and decisive maritime advantage.
NPS, located in Monterey, California, provides defense-focused graduate education, including classified studies and interdisciplinary research, to advance the operational effectiveness, technological leadership, and warfighting advantage of the naval service. Established in 1909, NPS offers master’s and doctorate programs to Department of Defense military and civilians, along with international partners, to deliver transformative solutions and innovative leaders through advanced education and research.
Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir today delivered her address to the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. In her speech, Foreign Minister Gunnarsdóttir emphasized the need to safeguard the United Nations and the international system established after World War II. That the values that the world’s nations agreed to respect were being severely undermined, and she particularly criticized Russia’s illegal, all-out invasion of Ukraine, on the day when leaders have gathered in Kiev to express support for Ukraine exactly three years after the invasion began.
The Foreign Minister also addressed gender equality, women´s rights and the rights of LGBTQIA+ people in her address to the Human Rights Council, but a strong undercurrent is now working to undermine the achievements that have been made in recent years.
“For me, the starting point is a simple truth: no person should have to live in fear of persecution and violence. This continues to apply if the persecution is based on a person´s sexual orientation or gender identity. And we will not hesitate to stand up on their behalf here in this venue, amplifying the voices of those who fight for their rights. Because we are all born free and equal,” said Þorgerður Katrín.
The 58th session of the Human Rights Council is the first since Iceland became a member of the Council, following elections at the United Nations General Assembly in October. The Foreign Minister noted that eighty years have passed this year since the founding of the United Nations and that it is important to recall the important values that were laid down at the beginning. Of course, the United Nations had not always been able to live up to hopes and expectations. “The Israeli warfare in Gaza for fifteen months following the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October 2023 is only the latest testament of the failure of our system to address urgent crises. And yet that complex problem now seems more divisive than ever, the talk of removal of people from Gaza being only the latest example of the crossroads we now find ourselves at,” she said, noting further: “There is only one way to meet these challenges. We must redouble our efforts, recommit ourselves to principles laid out in the UN Charter. It may prove difficult. It may require sacrifices – for sure it will require sacrifices since, after all, the world is a different place than it was in 1945, and the United Nations must reflect those changes through reform and renewal.”
During her visit to Geneva, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will also deliver an address on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8) at an event commemorating the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine today, and will also deliver an address on behalf of the same countries at an event commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Beijing World Conference on Women. She will also meet with Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and will hold several bilateral ministerial meetings.
An overview of Iceland’s key priorities can be found here and on this website dedicated to Iceland’s membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Iceland joined the UN Human Rights Council on 1 January 2025 along with seventeen other states from all regions of the world. Iceland previously served on the Council for half a term in 2018-2019, filling the seat vacated by the United States in June 2018.
NEW YORK – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Mark Adrian Vicars, a 58-year-old citizen of the United Kingdom illegally present in the United States, on Feb 21 who was previously convicted for impersonating a U.S. Federal Air Marshal, among other offenses, upon his release from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York.
“Vicars not only dishonored our federal law enforcement community and violated our nation’s immigration laws, but he posed a clear and present threat to the community’s safety being heavily armed with illegal weapons,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations New York City acting Field Office Director William P. Joyce. “Anyone who illegally arrives in our U.S. cities to cause havoc on our streets is a prime target for removal from our nation.”
Vicars is now detained without bond at the Batavia Federal Detention Facility, pending his removal from the U.S.
The Nassau County Court sentenced Vicars on Sept. 8, 2017, to concurrent sentences on multiple crimes in relation to possession of firearms. He was sentenced six years imprisonment and five years post-release supervision for criminal possession of a weapon and loaded firearm; six years imprisonment and five years post-release supervision for criminal possession of a weapon and possession of five or more firearms; and, one year imprisonment for the crime of possession of a forged instrument.
Vicars was subsequently sentenced on Oct. 23, 2024, to four months imprisonment with supervised release for two years on a charge of false statement on a passport application.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing ICE’s online tip form.
Learn more about ICE’s mission to preserve public safety on X at @ERONewYork.
24thFebruary 2024 | SAINT HELIER, Jersey | CoinShares International Limited (“CoinShares” or “the Group”) (Nasdaq Stockholm: CS; US OTCQX: CNSRF), a leading global investment company specialising in digital assets, today confirms that it has no exposure to the Bybit exchange.
ABOUT COINSHARES
CoinShares is a leading global investment company specialising in digital assets, that delivers a broad range of financial services across investment management, trading and securities to a wide array of clients that includes corporations, financial institutions and individuals. Focusing on crypto since 2013, the firm is headquartered in Jersey, with offices in France, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the US. CoinShares is regulated in Jersey by the Jersey Financial Services Commission, in France by the Autorité des marchés financiers, and in the US by the Securities and Exchange Commission, National Futures Association and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. CoinShares is publicly listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker CS and the OTCQX under the ticker CNSRF.
For more information on CoinShares, please visit:https://coinshares.com Company | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com Investor Relations | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Award-winning cryptocurrency derivatives trading platform Toobit is further expanding its presence into the Netherlands, attending and sponsoring Web3 Amsterdam 2025 on March 13-14 as a Platinum Sponsor.
The event is a leading annual conference in the titular city, serving as a hub for Web3 enthusiasts, innovators, and industry leaders to explore the latest trends, foster collaboration, and drive mass adoption of decentralized technologies.
“In-person Web3 events provide a valuable space for industry players to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and explore partnerships,” said Mike Williams, Chief Communication Officer of Toobit, “Seeing eye to eye is the basis for building long-term trust. We look forward to contributing to these conversations while further exploring opportunities for collaboration within the European crypto ecosystem.”
The conference will feature discussions on Web3 applications, and regulatory developments, offering a platform for dialogue between companies, affiliates, developers, and investors. Toobit’s team will be present throughout the event, participating in discussions and networking with local professionals.
Web3 companies are increasingly turning to offline engagement to establish trust and strengthen their presence in key regions. By taking part in Web3 Amsterdam, Toobit joins a wider industry effort to foster transparency, innovation, and collaboration in the digital asset space.
For more information about Web3 Amsterdam, visit https://web3amsterdam.com/.
About Toobit
Toobit is where the future of crypto trading unfolds—an award-winning cryptocurrency derivatives exchange built for those who thrive exploring new frontiers. With deep liquidity and cutting-edge technology, Toobit empowers traders worldwide to navigate the digital asset markets with confidence. We offer a fair, secure, seamless, and transparent trading experience, ensuring every trade is an opportunity to discover what’s next.
Disclaimer: This content is provided by Toobit.The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining and related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Francisca Mutapi, Professor in Global Health Infection and Immunity. and co-Director of the Global Health Academy, University of Edinburgh
There’s been a global trend in the reduction of aid to Africa since 2018. Donors are shifting their funding priorities in response to domestic and international agendas. Germany, France and Norway, for instance, have all reduced their aid to Africa in the past five years. And, in 2020, the UK government reduced its Overseas Development Aid from 0.7% of gross national income to 0.5%.
Many health services across the African continent rely heavily on overseas aid to provide essential care. International funding supports everything from vaccines and HIV treatment to maternal health programmes.
Cuts to aid, particularly unilateral ones, can have widespread implications. For instance, about 72 million people missed out on treatment for neglected tropical diseases between 2021 and 2022 due to UK aid cuts.
President Donald Trump’s actions have highlighted Africa’s reliance on foreign aid for health funding. I’m a global health expert who sits on various funding and advisory boards, including those of the World Health Organization (WHO), the UK government and boards of global resource mobilisation organisations. I am well aware of the competing funding priorities for international funders and have long advocated for local, sustainable health funding mechanisms.
Long-term strategies to reduce aid dependency are critical. Breaking away from this current funding status requires concerted efforts building on proven best practice.
African countries currently face the unique challenge of simultaneously dealing with high rates of communicable diseases, such as malaria and HIV/Aids, and rising levels of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
But Africa’s health systems are not sufficiently resourced. They’re not able to provide appropriate, accessible and affordable healthcare to address these challenges.
African governments spend less than 10% of their GDP on health, amounting to capital expenditure of US$4.5 billion. This falls short of the estimated US$26 billion annual investment needed to meet evolving health needs.
Aid goes towards filling this funding gap. For example, in 2021, half of sub-Saharan African countries relied on external financing, such as grants and loans, for more than one-third of their health expenditures.
Foreign aid has helped. But it clearly leaves African countries vulnerable to the political mood swings among funders.
It also leads to loss of self-determination in terms of health priorities as, ultimately, the funder determines the health priorities. This is one reason why many programmes in Africa focus on a single disease, such as HIV. This leads to poorly integrated health services. For instance health workers or services are channelled into managing a single disease.
The continent cannot continue on the same path while hoping for different outcomes. Africa needs to grow a range of immediately available domestic financing options. Many of these are underutilised and include:
Zimbabwe offers a successful example. It has bridged donor resource gaps through its 3% Aids levy (started in 1999). Imposed on both individual and corporate incomes, it funds domestic HIV/Aids prevention, care and treatment programmes.
Nigeria’s another country that’s taken initiative, prioritising domestic budget allocation to health. It recently absorbed the 28,000 healthworkers formerly paid by USAid. This demonstrates that domestic health financing in Africa is possible.
2.) More private-public partnerships. Formed between local and international philanthropies or institutions, these can bridge financing gaps.
One successful example is the 2015 health service provision partnership between the Kenyan government and GE Healthcare. GE Healthcare provides radiography equipment and services which the government pays for over time. This allows the government to budget and plan healthcare expenditure over several years.
3.) Promotion of regional integration to boost local production. This will reduce the need for aid-funded imported medical products.
For instance, the African Union’s harmonised Africa Medicines Authority registration facility creates a single continental market for medicines. This supports local producers and exporters, by allowing them to operate on a larger scale. It also makes production and distribution more cost-effective. Finally, it reduces the reliance on imported medicines, strengthening Africa’s pharmaceutical industry.
4.) Leveragedevelopment finance institutions. These are specialised financial organisations – such as the Africa Development Bank, African Export-Import Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa. They can provide capital and expertise to projects deemed too risky for traditional investors. This includes support for health financing for infrastructure development, private sector development for small and medium-sized enterprises and the regional integration.
One transformative initiative is the AfricInvest investment platform. With support from development finance institutions in the US and Europe, AfricInvest has raised over US$100 million for health investment in Africa. It has funded at least 45 dialysis facilities in Africa, delivering over 130,000 dialysis sessions annually, primarily to remote and underserved communities all at affordable costs.
A combination of these approaches at national, regional and continental level will accelerate Africa’s withdrawal from aid dependency.
Francisca Mutapi receives funding from the Aspen Global Innovation Programme, Scottish Funding Council funding to the University of Edinburgh, Academy of Medical Sciences, British Academy and the Royal Society. Francisca Mutapi is the Deputy Director of the Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA) Partnership and Deputy Board Chair of Uniting to Combat NTDS. She sits on the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and WHO Africa Regional Director’s Scientific Advisory Groups.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Francisca Mutapi, Professor in Global Health Infection and Immunity. and co-Director of the Global Health Academy, University of Edinburgh
There’s been a global trend in the reduction of aid to Africa since 2018. Donors are shifting their funding priorities in response to domestic and international agendas. Germany, France and Norway, for instance, have all reduced their aid to Africa in the past five years. And, in 2020, the UK government reduced its Overseas Development Aid from 0.7% of gross national income to 0.5%.
Many health services across the African continent rely heavily on overseas aid to provide essential care. International funding supports everything from vaccines and HIV treatment to maternal health programmes.
Cuts to aid, particularly unilateral ones, can have widespread implications. For instance, about 72 million people missed out on treatment for neglected tropical diseases between 2021 and 2022 due to UK aid cuts.
President Donald Trump’s actions have highlighted Africa’s reliance on foreign aid for health funding. I’m a global health expert who sits on various funding and advisory boards, including those of the World Health Organization (WHO), the UK government and boards of global resource mobilisation organisations. I am well aware of the competing funding priorities for international funders and have long advocated for local, sustainable health funding mechanisms.
Long-term strategies to reduce aid dependency are critical. Breaking away from this current funding status requires concerted efforts building on proven best practice.
African countries currently face the unique challenge of simultaneously dealing with high rates of communicable diseases, such as malaria and HIV/Aids, and rising levels of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
But Africa’s health systems are not sufficiently resourced. They’re not able to provide appropriate, accessible and affordable healthcare to address these challenges.
African governments spend less than 10% of their GDP on health, amounting to capital expenditure of US$4.5 billion. This falls short of the estimated US$26 billion annual investment needed to meet evolving health needs.
Aid goes towards filling this funding gap. For example, in 2021, half of sub-Saharan African countries relied on external financing, such as grants and loans, for more than one-third of their health expenditures.
Foreign aid has helped. But it clearly leaves African countries vulnerable to the political mood swings among funders.
It also leads to loss of self-determination in terms of health priorities as, ultimately, the funder determines the health priorities. This is one reason why many programmes in Africa focus on a single disease, such as HIV. This leads to poorly integrated health services. For instance health workers or services are channelled into managing a single disease.
The continent cannot continue on the same path while hoping for different outcomes. Africa needs to grow a range of immediately available domestic financing options. Many of these are underutilised and include:
Zimbabwe offers a successful example. It has bridged donor resource gaps through its 3% Aids levy (started in 1999). Imposed on both individual and corporate incomes, it funds domestic HIV/Aids prevention, care and treatment programmes.
Nigeria’s another country that’s taken initiative, prioritising domestic budget allocation to health. It recently absorbed the 28,000 healthworkers formerly paid by USAid. This demonstrates that domestic health financing in Africa is possible.
2.) More private-public partnerships. Formed between local and international philanthropies or institutions, these can bridge financing gaps.
One successful example is the 2015 health service provision partnership between the Kenyan government and GE Healthcare. GE Healthcare provides radiography equipment and services which the government pays for over time. This allows the government to budget and plan healthcare expenditure over several years.
3.) Promotion of regional integration to boost local production. This will reduce the need for aid-funded imported medical products.
For instance, the African Union’s harmonised Africa Medicines Authority registration facility creates a single continental market for medicines. This supports local producers and exporters, by allowing them to operate on a larger scale. It also makes production and distribution more cost-effective. Finally, it reduces the reliance on imported medicines, strengthening Africa’s pharmaceutical industry.
4.) Leveragedevelopment finance institutions. These are specialised financial organisations – such as the Africa Development Bank, African Export-Import Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa. They can provide capital and expertise to projects deemed too risky for traditional investors. This includes support for health financing for infrastructure development, private sector development for small and medium-sized enterprises and the regional integration.
One transformative initiative is the AfricInvest investment platform. With support from development finance institutions in the US and Europe, AfricInvest has raised over US$100 million for health investment in Africa. It has funded at least 45 dialysis facilities in Africa, delivering over 130,000 dialysis sessions annually, primarily to remote and underserved communities all at affordable costs.
A combination of these approaches at national, regional and continental level will accelerate Africa’s withdrawal from aid dependency.
– Africa relies too heavily on foreign aid for health – 4 ways to fix this – https://theconversation.com/africa-relies-too-heavily-on-foreign-aid-for-health-4-ways-to-fix-this-249886
accountability (taking personal responsibility for actions/consequences)
fairness (treating people equitably)
responsible business (ESG)
Why have we adopted the Code?
The voluntary adoption of the Code underpins our existing approach to ethical governance and responsible business, with the values guiding our Directors’ professional behaviour and decision-making, and it consolidates public trust in GFSL. The principles outlined in the Code complement our GFSL values of Pride in People, One Team and Do the Right Thing.
How will the Code impact on GFSL employees?
Employees can be confident that business decisions will be made with the highest ethical standards at their core, based on the key principles of the Code. In accordance with the way in which we operate, particular emphasis will be placed on delivering honest, open communications about decisions and actions that stem from them.
How will the Code support our Directors?
The Code supports our existing approach to leadership and governance, helping Directors to fulfil their responsibilities by outlining what good practice looks like. It lays out guiding principles for Directors to refer to when asking themselves ‘What would a responsible Director do in this situation?’. Designed as a practical tool, the Code helps Directors think clearly, make good decisions and promote high levels of integrity across GFSL.
How will the Code support GFSL more widely?
The intended outcomes of adopting the Code of Conduct will reinforce our commitments to being a responsible and respected organisation, building increased trust, confidence and respect among stakeholders, thus growing GFSL’s reputation. In turn, this will enhance relationships with stakeholders and help bolster our legitimacy and resilience.
The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 has today received Royal Assent, boosting the powers of water sector regulators to tackle pollution.
Major legislation to crack down on water bosses polluting Britain’s rivers, lakes and seas has today been signed into law in the most significant increase to enforcement powers in a decade.
The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 will give regulators new powers to take tougher and faster action to crack down on water companies damaging the environment and failing their customers.
The Act delivers on the manifesto pledges to clean up the water sector, including increasing the ability of the Environment Agency to bring forward criminal charges against water executives who break the law. It will create new tougher penalties, including possible imprisonment, for water executives who obstruct investigations.
The new legislation will provide powers for Ofwat to ban the payment of bonuses to water bosses if they fail to meet high standards to protect the environment, their consumers, and their company’s finances.
Other measures in the Act include automatic penalties to allow regulators to issue penalties more quickly, without having to direct resources to lengthy investigations. It will also introduce independent monitoring of every sewage outlet, with water companies required to publish real-time data for all emergency overflows. Discharges will have to be reported within an hour of the initial spill.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:
“We promised to put water companies under tough special measures to clean up our waterways. Today, the Government has delivered on that promise as we continue to deliver on our Plan for Change.
“Polluting water bosses will no longer be paid undeserved bonuses. And if they break the law over water pollution, they could end up in the dock and face prison time.
“This is just the beginning. The Independent Water Commission will report back later this year to shape new laws that will transform our water system so we can clean up our rivers, lakes, and seas for good.”
The Act introduces bold new measures to clean up the industry, including:
Enhanced enforcement powers: The Environment Agency will have increased ability to bring criminal charges against water bosses who break the law, who could face tougher penalties such as imprisonment of executives when companies fail to cooperate or obstruct investigations. The cost recovery powers of regulators will be expanded to ensure that water companies bear the cost of enforcement action taken in response to their failings.
Ban on bonuses: Ofwat will have the power to set rules prohibiting the payment of executive bonuses if companies fail to meet high standards in protecting the environment, their consumers, and financial resilience.
Automatic penalties: Automatic penalties will be introduced for a range of offences, allowing regulators to issue penalties more quickly without redirecting resources to lengthy investigations.
Independent monitoring: Every emergency sewage outlet will be monitored, with data independently scrutinised and made publicly available within an hour of sewage spills occurring. This will ensure transparency and direct further investment to improving sewage infrastructure.
Pollution Incident Reduction Plans (PIRPs): Water companies in England will be required to publish annual Pollution Incident Reduction Plans and report regularly on their progress, enabling the public and regulators to hold companies accountable for reducing pollution incidents.
The Act marks a major milestone in the government’s long-term approach to tackling the systemic issues in the water sector – helping to meet the challenges of the future, such as climate change, and driving economic growth.
Further legislation aimed at fundamentally transforming how our entire water system operates will be guided by the findings of the Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, which is currently conducting the largest review of the industry since privatisation.
Action taken so far
Immediate steps:
In his first week, the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed announced a series of initial steps towards ending the crisis in the water sector:
After writing to Ofwat, the Secretary of State secured agreement that funding for vital infrastructure investment is ringfenced and can only be spent on upgrades benefiting customers and the environment not diverted for bonuses, dividends or salary increases.
Water companies will place customers and the environment at the heart of their objectives. Companies have agreed to change their ‘Articles of Association’ – the rules governing each company – to make the interests of customers and the environment a primary objective.
Consumers will gain new powers to hold water company bosses to account through powerful new customer panels. For the first time in history, customers will have the power to summon board members and hold water executives to account.
Strengthen protection and compensation for households and businesses when their basic water services are affected. We have now doubled the compensation customers are legally entitled to when key standards are not met. The payments will also be triggered by a wider set of circumstances including Boil Water Notices.
Independent Commission:
We have launched an Independent Commission into the water sector and its regulation, in what is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation.
Former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, Jon Cunliffe, has been appointed as the chair of the Commission. With several decades of economic and regulatory experience, his appointment demonstrates the Government’s serious ambitions. The Commission will draw upon a panel of experts from across the regulatory, environment, health, engineering, customer, investor, and economic sectors.
A set of recommendations will be delivered to the Defra Secretary of State, and Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.
These recommendations will form the basis of further legislation to attract long-term investment and clean up our waters for good – injecting billions of pounds into the economy, speeding up delivery on infrastructure to support house building and addressing water scarcity, given the country needs to source an additional 5 billion litres of water a day by 2050.
Further information:
Please see further details on the Water (Special Measures) Act here.
Stakeholder quotes:
Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said:
“The passing into law of the Water (Special Measures) Act is a crucial step in making sure water companies take full responsibility for their impact on the environment.
“The increased regulatory powers introduced by this legislation will allow us to close the justice gap, deliver swifter enforcement action and ultimately deter illegal activity.
“Alongside these reforms, we are undertaking the biggest ever transformation to the way we regulate. By investing in additional resources, training and updated digital assets, we are ensuring the water system better meets the needs of both people and the environment, now and in the future.”
Huw Irranca-Davies, Wales’s Deputy First Minister for Wales with responsibility for Climate Change, said:
“Restoring our rivers and improving water quality is a key priority for us.
“We’ve been working in partnership with the UK Government to tackle pollution in our rivers, lakes, and seas, and to make sure the water industry is properly regulated.
“Today’s Royal Assent of the Special Measures Bill is another step forward and shows what we can achieve working together.”
Helen Campbell, Ofwat’s Senior Director for Sector Performance, said:
‘’We welcome today’s Royal Assent of the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, which provides a clear signal to create a water sector that delivers for all customers and the environment.
“The Act gives Ofwat new powers to set requirements for companies on remuneration and governance, including prohibiting performance-related executive pay. These rules are an important step towards rebuilding public trust within the water sector, while also prompting water companies to focus on delivering a change in their culture that better meets the expectations of their customers.
“We are working at pace to implement these new rules and intend to launch consultations on the final proposals later this year.”
Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), said:
“Repairing people’s fractured trust in the water sector requires not only a vast improvement in environmental performance, but also a sea change in water company culture so customers’ priorities are put before profit.
“It will take time to transform the water sector, but these new legal powers mark an important step in tackling two issues which make people’s blood boil – water company executives being rewarded for failure and pollution in our rivers, lakes, and seas.
“Water companies will be placing much bigger demands on billpayers’ finances over the next five years, so people have a right to expect far more for their money.”
Mark Lloyd, Rivers Trust CEO, said:
“The Water Special Measures Bill is a welcome first step from the government towards building a water system which restores nature, builds resilience to drought and flooding, and tackles the widespread issues of pollution.
“We welcome the improvements made to the bill in its passage through the Lords and the Government’s acceptance of amendments strengthening the environment duty of Ofwat and a greater emphasis on Nature Based Solutions.
“We are engaging closely with the current Independent Water Commission which we see as a once in a generation opportunity to take several more, and bolder steps towards a more integrated and catchment-based approach to managing water.”
Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, said:
“We welcome Royal Assent of the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, an important step toward cleaning up the freshwater environment. Regulators must make decisive use of new enforcement powers wherever companies continue to pollute, and Ofwat should make the most of new financial disclosure rules to ensure that funds that ought to be spent cleaning up rivers are never again siphoned off for profit.
“As the Government has recognised, the Act is just a first step. It must be followed promptly by further legislation and action to clamp down on pollution and ramp up environmental investment across whole catchments and across all the sectors responsible for polluting our rivers.”
Ali Morse, Water Policy Manager at the Wildlife Trusts, said:
“It’s encouraging to see The Water (Special Measures) Act bringing welcome powers and resourcing for regulators, as well as protections for the environment, with additional sewage spill monitoring and a focus on reducing pollution. These are topics that customers really care about. It lays important groundwork for the future legislative changes which are vital to ensure that the water sector can achieve what it needs to in the interests of its customers, and the rivers, lakes, and seas which people cherish.
“The work of the Independent Water Commission offers a once in a generation opportunity to reshape the way that we secure the improvements our waters desperately need, across catchment and sectors, and we’ll continue to work with the Commission and Government to ensure that these vital changes are driven forward.”
Jamie Cook, Angling Trust CEO, said:
“We welcome the government’s early action on water pollution with this bill. The behaviour of water companies is a national scandal, and illegal sewage pollution must result in prosecutions.
“The Angling Trust’s network of water-testing volunteers regularly exposes horrendous pollution in waterways and damage done to fisheries. The Environment Agency must use its powers to prosecute any law-breaking water bosses and address any illegal sewage spills uncovered in its long-standing investigation into potential permit breaches.
“This bill is a first step toward cleaning up waterways and fixing the regulatory system. The Independent Water Commission must now drive systemic reform, leading to a stronger water bill later in this Parliament—one that transforms water management and safeguards rivers, lakes, seas, and the fish that depend on them.”
Ben Seal, Head of Access and Environment at Paddle UK, said:
“Paddle UK and The Clean Water Sports Alliance welcomes the Water (Special Measures) Act receiving Royal Assent today. This legislation is a shot across the bows of polluting companies. Banning bonuses for failures and issuing tougher penalties is a very welcome first step by the Government – a down payment on the promised future reform that our broken system so desperately needs”
“Enjoying time in, on, or alongside water is vitally important in supporting the health and wellbeing of millions of people. Our community has campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the impact pollution is having on both people and nature. We will be watching closely to ensure that these new powers are used to their fullest, to hold polluters to account and begin to restore our precious blue spaces”.
A few weeks into his second term, President Donald Trump signed two executive orders restricting the rights of trans workers in the federal government. The first was a renewal of the ban on transgender people joining the U.S. military – initially signed in 2017 and later repealed by President Joe Biden in 2021. The second was a more sweeping memo that recognizes only two sexes in federal records and policies.
In the ancient Roman world, which I study, biological sex and gender expression did not always line up as neatly as the president is demanding to see in today’s government.
In antiquity, there were masculine women, feminine men and people who altered their bodies to match their gender expression more closely. In particular, two figures – the cinaedus and the gallus – provide examples of men whose effeminate behavior and modified anatomies were striking yet still integrated into Roman society.
The cinaedus and the commander in chief
In ancient Rome, some men who did not fit neatly within gender categories were called “cinaedi.” They were usually adult males singled out for their extreme effeminacy and nonnormative sexual desires.
The cinaedus was already a recognizable figure in ancient Greece and was first mentioned in the fourth century B.C. by Plato. He says little more than that a cinaedus’ life was terrible, base and miserable. Later Roman authors provide more detail.
Martial, a Roman poet writing in the first century A.D., for instance, describes a cinaedus’ dysfunctional penis as like a “soggy leather strap” in one epigram. In the same century, the Roman novelist Petronius has a cinaedus suggest that both he and his fellows have had their genitals removed.
In a fable by Phaedrus, also written in the first century A.D., a barbarian is threatening the troops of the military leader, Pompey the Great. All are afraid to challenge this fierce opponent until a “cinaedus” volunteers to fight.
The cinaedus is described as a soldier of great size but with a cracked voice and mincing walk. After pleading permission in a stereotypically lisping manner from Pompey the Great, his commander in chief, the cinaedus steps into battle. He quickly severs the barbarian’s head and, with army agog, is summarily rewarded by Pompey.
In Phaedrus’ fable, the cinaedus is untrustworthy. He is described as having stolen valuables from Pompey early on in the tale and then later swears on oath that he hasn’t.
Yet the moral of Phaedrus’ fable of the soldier-cinaedus is that such deceptive appearances and actions might actually be strategically successful in military matters. The cinaedus has an edge over Pompey’s other soldiers precisely due to his disarming effeminacy. In the tale, this doesn’t at all diminish his skills as a lethal fighter. Rather, the cinaedus’ effeminacy combined with his martial valor ultimately lead to the barbarian’s defeat.
Trans priests and the safety of the Roman state
The galli, another group that lived in the heart of the city of Rome, also blurred gender roles. They were males who had castrated their genitalia in dedication to the Great Mother goddess Cybele, who was their protector.
As reported by several ancient sources, including Cicero and Livy, in 204 B.C. the Roman state consulted a set of prophetic scrolls called the Sibylline Oracles on how best to respond to the pressures it faced as a result of the Second Punic War – Rome’s prolonged conflict with Carthage and its fierce military general, Hannibal.
The oracles’ answer – and Rome’s subsequent action – was to import a strange and foreign religious order from Asia Minor into the heart of Rome, where it would remain for the next several hundred years.
The temple of Cybele was located on the Palatine Hill, next to several important shrines, monuments and later even the residence of the Emperor Augustus. As the poet Ovid tells us, each year during Cybele’s festival the galli would proceed through the streets of Rome carrying a statue of the goddess, while ululating wildly in time with the sound of wailing pipes, banging drums and crashing cymbals.
More so than the figure of the cinaedus, ancient literary sources present the galli’s gender difference similarly to modern-day trans women, often using feminine pronouns when describing them.
For instance, the poet Catullus details the origin story of the galli’s founder figure, Attis, who was Cybele’s mythical consort and chief priest. Notably, Catullus switches from using masculine adjectives to feminine ones at the very moment of Attis’ self-castration.
Attis.
Similarly, in his novel, “The Golden Ass,” the second century A.D. writer Apuleius has one gallus address his fellow devotees as “girls.”
While several ancient sources mock these figures for their gender-nonconforming appearance and behaviors, it is nevertheless evident that the galli held a sacred place within the Roman state. They were viewed as being important to Rome’s continued safety and prominence.
For example, Plutarch in his “Life of Marius” relates that a priest of the Great Mother came to Rome in 103 B.C. to convey an oracle that the Romans would be triumphant in war. Though believed by the Senate, this priest, Bataces, was mocked mercilessly in the plebian assembly. However, when the individual who had insulted Bataces swiftly died of a terrible fever, the plebians too gave this oracle and the goddess’s prophetic powers their backing.
Today’s trans issues
Behind Trump’s executive orders are two assertions: first, that transgender identity is a form of ideology: a modern invention created to justify deviance from one’s sex as assigned at birth; second, that transgender identity is both a form of disease and of dishonesty.
The reissued military ban doubles down on the perceived dishonesty of trans folk, contrasting it with the ideals and principles needed for combat. The order states that the “adoption of a gender identity inconsistent with an individual’s sex conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle.”
Taking a long view of gender diversity across millennia has shown me that many individuals in antiquity certainly lived lives outside of the clear-cut formula that the Trump administration has stated, namely that “women are biologically female and men are biologically male.”
Gender diversity is not simply a late 20th- or early 21st-century phenomenon. However, the fear that gender-diverse people are diseased and devious likewise arises in several ancient sources. In the classical world, these fears seem limited to the realms of satire and fantasy; in our current time, we are seeing these fears being harnessed for government policy.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Delivery driver who spent Covid funds on drugs and gambling also withdrew cash for home renovations just before he went bankrupt
Bounce Back Loan fraudster handed suspended sentence and curfew
Amraiz Mahmood secured more than £20,000 in Covid support funds by falsely declaring he had a turnover of £81,000 as a self-employed delivery driver and courier
Mahmood spent the money on drugs and gambling and also used a separate non-Covid related loan for almost £40,000 worth of renovations to his home just before he filed for his own bankruptcy
Insolvency Service investigations have resulted in Mahmood being given a suspended prison sentence and 12-month curfew
A delivery driver who spent Covid support funds he was not entitled to on drugs and gambling has been sentenced.
Amraiz Mahmood fraudulently secured a £20,250 Bounce Back Loan from his bank in 2020 by overstating his 2019 turnover by more than £65,000.
The 31-year-old then claimed to have assets of only £100 despite withdrawing almost £40,000 in cash for home improvements in the weeks before he filed for his own bankruptcy.
Mahmood, of Booker Lane, High Wycombe, was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, when he appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on Friday 21 February.
He is also now subject to a 12-month daily curfew between 9pm and 7.45am which will be monitored with an electronic tag.
Mark Stephens, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:
Amraiz Mahmood hugely inflated his turnover to secure taxpayers’ money he did not deserve. He then clearly failed to use the loan as it was intended.
Bounce Back Loans were designed to support small businesses through the pandemic. They were not intended to be used for personal gain and the Insolvency Service will not hesitate to take action when we identify such blatant abuse of the scheme.
Mahmood also concealed tens of thousands of pounds in assets from the Official Receiver when he was declared bankrupt.
Mahmood fraudulently applied for his Bounce Back Loan in May 2020, claiming his turnover as a self-employed courier and delivery driver was £81,000.
His self-assessment return for 2018-19 however showed an income of only £15,018.
Mahmood said that he spent the majority of the money he claimed on recreational drugs and gambling.
In May 2021, one year on from fraudulently securing the Bounce Back Loan, Mahmood applied for bankruptcy, stating he had assets of just £100 and liabilities of more than £200,000.
However, just one month before his bankruptcy, Mahmood had secured a non-Covid related loan from his bank worth £25,000 having also withdrawn £2,000 from his account in the days and weeks before.
He then withdrew a further £37,950 in cash across several transactions before being declared bankrupt.
Mahmood said he withdrew the money as he needed to make repairs to his home and he knew the assets would be frozen once the bankruptcy order was made.
Invoices for the house renovations were dated after Mahmood’s bankruptcy however, meaning he was in possession of the funds when he told the Official Receiver he only had £100 in assets.
Mahmood signed an eight-year Bankruptcy Restrictions Undertaking in March 2022, restricting him from being able to borrow more than £500 without disclosing his bankrupt status.
Efforts are now being made to recover the funds from Mahmood.
Further information
Amraiz Mahmood is of Booker Lane, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. His date of birth is 10 April 1983
Sentenced for: Fraud by false representation, contrary to sections 1 and 2 of the Fraud Act 2006; and concealment of assets within the 12 months preceding his bankruptcy application, contrary to section 354(1)(c) of the Insolvency Act 1986
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Scientists comment on Apple removing their advanced data protection tool for UK users.
Dr Rameez Asif, Associate Professor of Cyber and Blockchain, University of East Anglia, said:
“iCloud users are the most affected by this news, as the removal of Advanced Data Protection (ADP) weakens the encryption for their cloud-stored data.”
“Apple has announced that it will remove its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature in the UK due to new regulations that would require tech companies to provide government access to encrypted data. This move comes in response to the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) 2016, which the UK government is seeking to amend, further tightening rules on end-to-end encryption and requiring companies to notify authorities of any security feature changes before rolling them out.
“Apple’s ADP is its highest level of iCloud encryption, offering end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups, photos, and more, meaning that not even application layer Apple can access the data. The UK government’s demand for access to such encrypted user data has led Apple to pre-emptively withdraw the feature from UK users rather than compromise its security policies.”
How significant is the removal of this data protection tool?
“The removal of Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) in the UK is highly significant, as it weakens the strongest level of encryption available to iCloud users, making their backups, photos, and sensitive data more vulnerable to government access and potential cyber threats. This move highlights the growing tension between user privacy and government surveillance, setting a precedent that could influence other countries to demand similar access. It also raises concerns about digital sovereignty, as companies may choose to limit security features in regions with restrictive laws rather than compromise global encryption standards.”
Are there other data protection in place that protects UK populations data on apple devices?
“Yes, despite the removal of Advanced Data Protection (ADP) in the UK, Apple still implements several robust security and privacy measures on its devices. End-to-end encryption remains in place for sensitive data such as iMessage, FaceTime, Health data, passwords stored in iCloud Keychain, and Apple Pay transactions. Additionally, on-device encryption ensures that data stored locally on iPhones, iPads, and Macs is protected by user passcodes and biometric authentication (Face ID/Touch ID). Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) and Privacy Labels provide users with greater control over app data collection.”
What does this mean for security of our data on apple devices in the UK / how much less secure is our data now?
“The removal of Advanced Data Protection (ADP) in the UK reduces the overall security of data stored in iCloud, as it removes end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups, photos, and other cloud-based data. Without this protection, Apple can be compelled to comply with government demands for access to user data, potentially making it more vulnerable to surveillance or unauthorized access. However, local data stored on devices (such as messages, contacts, and health information) is still protected by on-device encryption and remains secure, as long as the user has strong passcodes and biometric authentication enabled. While this change affects cloud-stored data, device-level security and other privacy measures like App Tracking Transparency still offer significant protections, but overall, users in the UK face slightly diminished data privacy compared to other regions with ADP still active.”
Does the idea the UK Government suggests of a “backdoor” in encryption really work because surely it undermines the whole idea behind end-to-end encryption?
“The concept of a “backdoor” in encryption, as suggested by some governments, undermines the very foundation of end-to-end encryption by intentionally introducing a method for third parties, such as law enforcement, to access encrypted data. While the idea is that a backdoor would allow authorized access to encrypted content when necessary, it inherently creates vulnerabilities, as any method that can be used by one party can potentially be exploited by malicious actors. This weakens the security of the system and increases the risk of unauthorised access, either through hacking or misuse.”
Dr Junade Ali, Fellow at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and cyber security expert, said:
“It’s important to remember that the most useful built-in cybersecurity tools remain available to Apple users. This development largely affects UK Apple device users who require the most significant levels of protection for data stored in Apple’s iCloud service.
“However, users should be aware that other features like ‘Stolen Device Protection’ mode (protection where someone steals your device and knows your password) and ‘Lockdown’ mode (an extreme protection mode for those under the most sophisticated threats) still appear to be available. These are the built-in tools which are most useful to Apple device users who need higher levels of protection.
“At the Institution of Engineering and Technology, we recommend basic steps for most users which can radically reduce the risk of most cyberattacks. This includes using a password manager to generate long, unique passwords for each website, using Two-Factor Authentication to generate login codes, installing the latest updates and backing up key data.
“Cybersecurity tools, like almost any form of engineering, can be used for good as well as bad. Addressing the challenges posed by technological development requires policy makers, engineers and society to work together. In isolation, policy solutions or technical solutions will never suffice.”
Professor Oli Buckley, a Professor in Cyber Security at Loughborough University, said:
“Apple removing their Advanced Data Protection (ADP) in the UK is a significant move because it takes away the strongest form of security on iCloud, which offered true end-to-end encryption. This meant that not even Apple had any means of viewing your files and photos.
“There is still encryption on Apple devices, things like iMessage and other on-device data encryption still exist, but now data specifically stored in iCloud (which has a huge number of users) will be accessible to Apple and potentially government agencies through legal requests.
“Whenever a ‘backdoor’ exists for one purpose, like law enforcement, there’s always a risk it will be exploited for more malicious purposes. A key factor of end-to-end encryption is that only the communicating parties have the ability to decrypt the content and introducing any special access not only weakens trust in the system, it can also provide an attack vector for cybercriminals.
“Ultimately, once a door exists, it’s only a matter of time before it’s found and used maliciously. Removing ADP is not just a symbolic concession but a practical weakening of iCloud security for UK users.”
Prof Alan Woodward, Visiting Professor of Computing, University of Surrey, said:
What is the protection tool being removed and what is its function?
“The extra protection that Apple have added is rather like End to End Encryption where only the participants in a dialogue have the ability to decrypt messages. In the case of iCloud only the user had the keys: Apple did not. Previously, and for those who have not opted in to the feature, Apple could also read whatever you placed or backed up to the iCloud. Apple have now said that they are removing the option to use this extra security for UK users only.”
How significant is the removal of this data protection tool?
“It is very significant for anyone interested in security and privacy. By trying to mandate to Apple that they withdraw this security option globally the UK government have succeeded in weakening security in one corner of the Internet for UK based users. It was naive of the UK government to think telling Apple what to do globally would work: the UK users now have the worst of all worlds.”
Are there other data protection in place that protects UK populations data on apple devices?
“All the other security features previously on Apple devices remain. All that is being removed is the ability to secure data in the iCloud so that only the user can access it.”
What does this mean for security of our data on apple devices in the UK / how much less secure is our data now?
“Users data is no less secure on the devices. This applies only to the iCloud. However, anyone who wants to ensure the long term security an privacy of their data will not be using the iCloud. What users do need to be aware of is that some data on your mobile device can be backed up to the iCloud, including iMessages. Users will need to ensure this is not enabled if they do not want their data in the iCloud.”
Does the idea the UK Government suggests of a “backdoor” in encryption really work because surely it undermines the whole idea behind end-to-end encryption?
“Ever since the Encryption Debate began security professionals have said that if you weaken encryption (or security in general) for your enemies you also do so for your friends. What the UK government is weakened the security of the corner of the Internet, in spectacular fashion, for the UK users alone. What has been done is not so much a back door as it is removing the door altogether. Apple had put this feature in place precisely because they knew that users did not like the idea that if compelled to do so Apple could read their iCloud data. Hence, ADP meant that only the user could access their won data. The UK government has caused UL users to take a step backward so that Apple could once again be required to read the iCloud data.”
Declared interests
For all experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.
February 24 marks three years since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Thousands of civilians have been kicked and injured, the economy has been shattered and energy infrastructure destroyed. As the General Assembly and Security Council meet today to mark and debate how peace and security can be restored in eastern Europe, we will be providing rolling coverage of the proceedings. Competing resolutions from Ukraine and the US point to a day of consequential diplomacy. UN News app users can follow live here.
On Sunday 9 March, The Guild Lounge is delighted to present The Littlest Yak, a musical adaptation of the award-winning children’s book by Lu Fraser.
This special family-friendly event will feature two performances at 11am and 2pm.
Audiences of all ages can enjoy a lively and touching performance filled with beautiful puppets, engaging songs, and an uplifting message of self-acceptance.
The show follows Gertie, the smallest of the yaks, as she embarks on an adventure to prove that being little doesn’t mean being any less important.
Plymouth is paying tribute to the enduring courage of the Ukrainian people as it marks three years since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began.
The blue and yellow flag of Ukraine is flying from a flagpole in the Civic Square and the Lord Mayor of Plymouth has reflected on the grim anniversary at Full Council.
Councillor Tina Tuohy, The Lord Mayor of Plymouth said: “Three years – three years of a devastating conflict that we are still watching play out on our screens night after night.
“With the world leaders currently embroiled in a war of words, it is important to reflect on the war on the ground and the unimaginable suffering the population of Ukraine has endured.
“I am proud that our city has been able to do its bit for those who have been forced to flee their homeland and seek sanctuary here.
“We are proud of our quick response to the Homes For Ukraine scheme, which was launched in March 2022 and that we were able to welcome over 200 Ukrainians that year. We have since welcomed over 70 more guests to Plymouth.
“Many of our residents opened up their homes to host those fleeing from Ukraine and we continue to see new sponsors registering to offer their support.
“Organisations across the city continue to offer support and a warm welcome to make sure they can access vital services such as health care, education, social care and English language lessons.
“To the Ukrainians here in Plymouth who will be thinking of their family and friends back home, we stand with you.”
A Met officer has been dismissed without notice for football hooliganism, and handed a three-year banning order.
A misconduct hearing was held last week for Arsenal supporter Detective Constable Gordon Irikefe, attached to Central South Command Unit, following his behaviour at a Bayern Munich v Arsenal match.
The officer also attended Westminster Magistrates’ Court today, Monday 24 February, in relation to his actions at Arsenal matches between October 2022 and April 2024.
Detective Superintendent Emma Bond, in charge of policing for the Central South area, said: “DC Irikefe has shown an unacceptable pattern of behaviour at football matches, for anyone, let alone a police officer who should uphold the highest of standards whether on or off duty.
“His actions have not only seen him now subject to a football banning order, but have also cost him his job.
”I am grateful to professional standards and football unit colleagues for pulling together the evidence in this case to ensure we have been able to take decisive action.”
A misconduct hearing was held on Thursday, 20 February following allegations DC Irikefe lit and threw a pyrotechnic into the crowd at a football match in Munich while off duty on Wednesday, 17 April last year.
DC Irikefe was also arrested that day by German police for wearing a full balaclava and sunglasses inside the stadium. He was fined 100 Euros for the ‘masking’ offence.
The hearing found he had breached the standards of professional behaviour for discreditable conduct at the level of gross misconduct.
DC Irikefe resigned on Wednesday, 12 February but his notice period meant he was still a serving officer when his misconduct hearing was held, therefore he was dismissed without notice.
He appeared at court today after investigating officers from the Met’s Central Football Unit made an application for a football banning order to prevent violence and disorder. DC Irikefe had been served with a summons on Thursday, 10 October.
The court heard that since October 2022 DC Irikefe had come to police notice on numerous occasions for disorderly and anti-social behaviour at football matches, including the matters in Germany for which he had also been disciplined, receiving management action.
In February 2023 he was heard ‘tragedy chanting’ at a Leicester City march, shouting ‘helicopter’. Other allegations included making lewd gestures and shouting abuse at a substitute player, ‘masking up’ to conceal his identify and intimating other fans including using pyrotechnics.
The order was granted and will be in place for the next three years. DC Irikefe is banned from attending any regulated football matches in the UK and must surrender his passport when asked to do so in relation to football matches played outside the UK.
He cannot go within one mile of the Emirates stadium if Arsenal are playing four hours before and after the match, nor visit any town, city or London borough four hours before and after an away match.
He must not go without two miles of any stadium where the England national team are playing four hours before and after the match.
Following his dismissal, DC Irikefe will also be placed on the barred list held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.
ATLANTA, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBank Atlanta) announced today that it is making $60 million in grant funding available through two enhanced programs to help families and individuals purchase or rehabilitate a home. Financial institutions that are members of FHLBank Atlanta can apply for funding to distribute to eligible customers beginning today, Feb. 24, 2025.
“We are pleased to expand our support for homebuyers and homeowners this year, especially in light of challenges including high home prices and recent natural disasters,” said FHLBank Atlanta President and CEO Kirk Malmberg. “These programs have been designed to assist both first-time and repeat homebuyers, low- and moderate-income families, members of public service occupations, and those in declared emergency areas. We anticipate this funding will significantly impact the lives of thousands of people.”
First-time Homebuyer: Provides up to $17,500 in downpayment, closing cost, or rehabilitation assistance to first-time homebuyers in connection with the purchase of an existing home. This is an increase from $12,500 offered in 2024.
Community Partners: Provides up to $20,000 in downpayment, closing cost, counseling, or rehabilitation assistance in connection with the purchase or purchase and rehabilitation of an existing home by employed or retired law enforcement officers, educators, firefighters, health care workers, veterans and surviving spouses, and other first responders. This is an increase from $15,000 offered in 2024.
Community Rebuild and Restore: Provides up to $25,000 in funding for the rehabilitation of an existing owner-occupied home in Major Disaster Declaration areas as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or by a local, state, or other federal government agency. This funding per unit is up from $10,000 in 2024.
FHLBank Atlanta is contributing $20 million to promote affordable housing through its Workforce Housing Plus+ Program, developed for borrowers with incomes between 80.01% and 120% of the area median income (AMI).
Member financial institutions can access up to $500,000 each and disburse grants up to $15,000 per eligible borrower for downpayment and closing costs.
Homes must be the primary residence of each grant recipient and located in FHLBank Atlanta’s district, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
“As a member of FHLBank Atlanta, we have access to a range of affordable housing programs, including downpayment assistance, which reduces barriers to homeownership for many people,” said Paul Phillips, President and CEO of Freedom First Federal Credit Union. “By applying for FHLBank Atlanta funding to distribute, we are creating a ripple effect of positive change – empowering local individuals and families to invest in their futures and build generational wealth while strengthening communities. As a community development financial institution (CDFI), these programs are a powerful way that we fulfill our mission to help people prosper and help communities thrive.”
Visit the FHLBank Atlanta website for full detail and eligibility requirements for the 2025 Homeownership Set-aside Program and Workforce Housing Plus+ Program. Funds to member institutions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Borrower contribution and credit counseling are required for most products.
If you need assistance connecting with a member financial institution, or for more information, call the Bank’s Community Investment Services department at 1.800.536.9650, option 3.
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Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Second shipment of high level waste from the UK to Germany
Sellafield Ltd and Nuclear Transport Solutions are making preparations for the second return of high level waste, in the form of vitrified residue, to Germany.
Seven flasks will be transported from Sellafield via a German port to the Isar Federal storage facility in the first half of 2025.
This will be the second of three shipments from the UK to Germany. The first shipment of 6 flasks, to Biblis, was successfully completed in 2020.
The waste results from the reprocessing and recycling of spent nuclear fuel at the Sellafield site in West Cumbria, which had previously been used to produce electricity by utilities in Germany.
Vitrified residue returns are a key component of the UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) strategy to repatriate high level waste from the UK, fulfil overseas contracts and deliver UK Government policy.
These returns involve Sellafield Ltd working in partnership with Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) to return the waste to German customers.
The waste will be transported by sea on a specialist vessel to a German port, then onwards by rail to its final destination.
The shipments will be carried out in full compliance with all applicable national and international regulations, and subject to issue of all relevant permits and licenses.
Sellafield Ltd and NTS will provide further information on the shipments in due course.
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