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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Global: Congo’s stylish sapeur movement goes beyond fashion – 5 deeper insights

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Sylvie Ayimpam, Chercheur à l’IMAf et Chargée de cours, Aix-Marseille Université (AMU)

    In the two Congos, there’s a cultural movement by the Society of Ambience-Makers and Elegant People (Sape), known as “sapeurs”, who blend fashion, culture and social resistance. Though it was rooted primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo, the movement is now spreading worldwide, through Congolese migration.

    As a researcher, I have studied Sape in its cultural, social and symbolic dimensions.

    Sape is far more than a fashion trend. Here are five key things to know about this movement.

    1. The history of Sape

    Sape emerged during the colonial era, first in Brazzaville and later in Leopoldville (now Kinshasa), when young Congolese began adopting and reinterpreting the clothing style of colonisers. This movement was not merely about fashion. It served as a way for people to express their self-worth and respectability in a context where it had been denied or diminished. Over time, it also became a subtle, yet powerful, form of resistance against colonial domination.

    This process continued after independence. It became a symbol of resistance to dictatorship, particularly under the regime of President Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire (now DR Congo). He advocated for the rejection of western clothing in favour of traditional attire, but Sape persisted as a counter-cultural statement.

    The movement expanded to Europe with Congolese migration, in the 1970s and 1980s, where sapeurs reinterpreted European fashion — often incorporating vibrant colours and eccentric details — turning style into a tool of subversion. From the outset, it drew on diverse influences, including European culture, but transformed them to create a distinctly Congolese style.

    By adopting the clothes of the colonialists, young Congolese appropriated symbols of power and social status, while hijacking them to assert their own identity. Sape thus became a means of uplifting the value of Congolese culture under imposed cultural domination.

    2. The rules of Sape

    Sape is often compared to 19th-century European dandyism – a 19th-century fashion trend that emerged in England for men who aspired to refinement and elegance. Sapeurs, with their designer clothes, bold colours and preoccupation with sartorial elegance, embody a modern, African version of this tradition.

    For them, Sape is more than just a way of dressing. It is a philosophy based on several fundamental principles: an expression of identity, the quest for excellence or refinement and cultural and social resistance.

    “Sapology” imposes strict rules. These include respecting the colour trilogy – which stipulates that no outfit should feature more than three different colors (to ensure harmony and avoid discordant colour combinations), maintain rigorous clothing hygiene, and commit to constant elegance. For sapeurs, appearance is a powerful way to make an impression and stand out in an environment often defined by hardship.

    Elegance in dress isn’t just about wearing expensive clothes, it also extends to behaviour. Sapeurs have a particular attitude – they use sophisticated language and refined gestures, and maintain an attitude of courtesy and respect. Some of their public posturing echoes that of European dandies, like a specific gait, often slightly stooped with crisscrossing steps, used to highlight the details of their attire, such as clothing seams, shoes and socks. Their way of moving and speaking is just as important as the clothes they wear.

    This performative aspect makes Sape a true living spectacle. At gatherings of sapeurs, participants compete in elegance and creativity, strutting as if on a runway. This transforms the streets where they gather into an open stage where everyone can express themselves and showcase their style.

    3. Expansion via the diaspora

    The Sape movement isn’t confined to the streets of Brazzaville and Kinshasa. It has evolved into a global phenomenon, spreading first within the Congolese diaspora in Paris. It then expanded to other European cities where these migrants reside, such as Brussels. The movement has even reached American cities, like New York and Montreal.

    For Congolese living in western countries, Sape is a way of reconnecting with their roots and asserting their identity, in often challenging circumstances. It enables these members of the diaspora to create a positive identity at a time when discrimination and social precariousness are commonplace.

    In Europe’s major cities, Sape serves as a way to resist social invisibility. Congolese migrants, often pushed to the margins of society, use Sape to make themselves visible, drawing attention to their presence and asserting their place by wearing flamboyant costumes.

    Sape is therefore a form of social protest, a way of defying the expectations of the host society.

    4. The role of music

    A key factor in the success and global recognition of the Sape movement is its strong connection to Congolese popular music.

    Artists like Papa Wemba and Aurlus Mabélé have played crucial roles in promoting “the Sape”. They incorporated its aesthetic into their public personas and performances. In France and Belgium, Papa Wemba’s concerts became major events for the Congolese community. These concerts provided an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the Sape movement.

    Congolese popular music has served as a vehicle for spreading the Sape ideals, popularising this lifestyle as a symbol of success.

    Within the world of Congolese popular music, Sape has risen to the status of a religion – Kitendi, the “religion of fabric”. This religion has its pope, high priests, priests, priestesses, and countless devoted followers.

    Papa Wemba, often referred to as the “King of Sape”, was a charismatic figure who masterfully combined music and fashion to craft a powerful cultural identity. Every outfit he wore was meticulously selected to embody the elegance and prestige of Sape.



    Read more:
    Papa Wemba: musical king of the Society of Ambianceurs and Elegant People

    By wearing clothes from prestigious brands, Papa Wemba made Sape a symbol of success for many young Congolese. He also contributed to the export of Sape beyond African borders.

    5. Preserving the dignity of the poor

    Sape is marked by an interesting paradox: it combines luxury clothing and a flamboyant lifestyle with often precarious living conditions. For many sapeurs, elegance is a goal that takes precedence over material comfort. Sapeurs invest a large part of their income in designer clothes, sometimes to the detriment of their daily quality of life. This sacrifice is seen as necessary to maintain their status within the sapeur community.

    For sapeurs, visibility and recognition are paramount. An invisible “sapeur”, they say, ceases to be a “sapeur”. This highlights the movement’s complexity.

    Sapeurs view themselves as kings without crowns, street aristocrats who use their appearance to challenge conventional ideas of wealth and status. Through Sape, they subvert traditional social hierarchies, emphasising that elegance and personal worth are not solely tied to economic means. Instead, these qualities are defined by one’s ability to stand out through style, creativity and charisma.

    Sylvie Ayimpam does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Congo’s stylish sapeur movement goes beyond fashion – 5 deeper insights – https://theconversation.com/congos-stylish-sapeur-movement-goes-beyond-fashion-5-deeper-insights-246919

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s offshore wind energy freeze: What states lose if the executive order remains in place

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Barbara Kates-Garnick, Professor of Practice in Energy Policy, Tufts University

    The offshore wind industry brings jobs and economic development. AP Photo/Seth Wenig

    A single wind turbine spinning off the U.S. Northeast coast today can power thousands of homes – without the pollution that comes from fossil fuel power plants. A dozen of those turbines together can produce enough electricity for an entire community.

    The opportunity to tap into such a powerful source of locally produced clean energy – and the jobs and economic growth that come with it – is why states from Maine to Virginia have invested in building a U.S. offshore wind industry.

    But much of that progress may now be at a standstill.

    One of Donald Trump’s first acts as president in January 2025 was to order a freeze on both leasing federal areas for new offshore wind projects and issuing federal permits for projects that are in progress.

    The U.S. Northeast and Northern California have the nation’s strongest offshore winds.
    NREL

    The order and Trump’s long-held antipathy toward wind power are creating massive uncertainty for a renewable energy industry at its nascent stage of development in the U.S., and ceding leadership and offshore wind technology to Europe and China.

    As a professor of energy policy and former undersecretary of energy for Massachusetts, I’ve seen the potential for offshore wind power, and what the Northeast, New York and New Jersey, as well as the U.S. wind industry, stand to lose if that growth is shut down for the next four years.

    Expectations fall from 30 gigawatts by 2030

    The Northeast’s coastal states are at the end of the fossil fuel energy pipeline. But they have an abundant local resource that, when built to scale, could provide significant clean energy, jobs and supply chain manufacturing. It could also help the states achieve their ambitious goals to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on climate change.

    The Biden administration set a national offshore wind goal of 30 gigawatts of capacity in 2030 and 110 gigawatts by 2050. It envisioned an industry supporting 77,000 jobs and powering 10 million homes while cutting emissions. As recently as 2021, at least 28 gigawatts of offshore wind power projects were in the development or planning pipeline.

    With the Trump order, I believe the U.S. will have, optimistically, less than 5 gigawatts in operation by 2030.

    That level of offshore wind is certainly not enough to create a viable manufacturing supply chain, provide lasting jobs or deliver the clean energy that the grid requires. In comparison, Europe’s offshore wind capacity in 2023 was 34 gigawatts, up from 5 gigawatts in 2012, and China’s is now at 34 gigawatts.

    What the states stand to lose

    Offshore wind is already a proven and operating renewable power source, not an untested technology. Denmark has been receiving power from offshore wind farms since the 1990s.

    The lost opportunity to the coastal U.S. states is significant in multiple areas.

    Trump’s order adds deep uncertainty in a developing market. Delays are likely to raise project costs for both future and existing projects, which face an environment of volatile interest rates and tariffs that can raise turbine component costs. It is energy consumers who ultimately pay through their utility bills when resource costs rise.

    The potential losses to states can run deeper. The energy company Ørsted had estimated in early 2024 that its proposed Starboard Offshore Wind project would bring Connecticut nearly US$420 million in direct investment and spending, along with employment equivalent to 800 full-time positions and improved energy system reliability.

    Massachusetts created an Offshore Wind Energy Investment Trust Fund to support redevelopment projects, including corporate tax credits up to $35 million. A company planning to build a high-voltage cable manufacturing facility there pulled out in January 2025 over the shift in support for offshore wind power. On top of that, power grid upgrades to bring offshore wind energy inland – critical to reliability for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from electricity – will be deferred.

    Atlantic Coast wind-energy leases as of July 2024. Others wind energy lease areas are in the Gulf of Mexico, off the Pacific coast and off Hawaii.
    U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement

    Technology innovation in offshore wind will also likely move abroad, as Maine experienced in 2013 after the state’s Republican governor tried to void a contract with Statoil. The Norwegian company, now known as Equinor, shifted its plans for the world’s first commercial-scale floating wind farm from Maine to Scotland and Scandinavia.

    Sand in the gears of a complex process

    Development of energy projects, whether fossil or renewable, is extremely complex, involving multiple actors in the public and private spheres. Uncertainty anywhere along the regulatory chain raises costs.

    In the U.S., jurisdiction over energy projects often involves both state and federal decision-makers that interact in a complex dance of permitting, studies, legal regulations, community engagement and finance. At each stage in this process, a critical set of decisions determines whether projects will move forward.

    The federal government, through the Department of Interior’s Bureau of Offshore Energy Management, plays an initial role in identifying, auctioning and permitting the offshore wind areas located in federal waters. States then issue requests for proposals from companies wishing to sell wind power to the grid. Developers who win bureau auctions are eligible to respond. But these agreements are only the beginning. Developers need approval for site, design and construction plans, and several state and federal environmental and regulatory permits are required before the project can begin construction.

    Trump targeted these critical points in the chain with his indefinite but “temporary” withdrawal of any offshore wind tracts for new leases and a review of any permits still required from federal agencies.

    Jobs and opportunity delayed

    A thriving offshore wind industry has the potential to bring jobs, as well as energy and economic growth. In addition to short-term construction, estimates for supply chain jobs range from 12,300 to 49,000 workers annually for subassemblies, parts and materials. The industry needs cables and steel, as well as the turbine parts and blades. It requires jobs in shipping and the movement of cargo.

    To deliver offshore wind power to the onshore grid will also require grid upgrades, which in turn would improve reliability and promote the growth of other technologies, including batteries.

    The U.S. has offshore wind farms operating off Virginia, Rhode Island and New York. Three more are under construction.
    AP Photo/Steve Helber

    Taken all together, an offshore wind energy transition would build over time. Costs would come down as domestic manufacturing took hold, and clean power would grow.

    While environmental goals drove initial investments in clean energy, the positive benefits of jobs, technology and infrastructure all became important drivers of offshore wind for the states. Tax incentives, including from the Inflation Reduction Act, now in doubt, have supported the initial financing for projects and helped to lower costs.

    It’s a long-term investment, but once clear of the regulatory processes, with infrastructure built out and manufacturing in place, the U.S. offshore wind industry would be able to grow more price competitive over time, and states would be able to meet their long-term goals.

    The Trump order creates uncertainty, delays and likely higher costs in the future.

    Barbara Kates-Garnick receives funding as an Outside Director for Anbaric Transmission, which has no operating projects related to offshore wind. She has received funding for a research project through Tufts University jointly funded by NOWRDC and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. She serves on the board of several nonprofits that are not politically active organizations.

    – ref. Trump’s offshore wind energy freeze: What states lose if the executive order remains in place – https://theconversation.com/trumps-offshore-wind-energy-freeze-what-states-lose-if-the-executive-order-remains-in-place-249125

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Reviewed supervisors overall applied the EBA’s recommendations on tax integrity and dividend arbitrage trading schemes, the EBA Report finds.

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published a Peer Review assessing the effectiveness and degree of supervisory convergence of issues relating to tax integrity and dividend arbitrage trading schemes following the implementation of its 2020 Action plan on dividend arbitrage trading schemes. The action plan aimed to clarify that supervisors, while not responsible for investigating tax crimes, have responsibility for ensuring that financial institutions have systems and controls in place to manage tax crime risks.

    The Peer Review found that most of the reviewed supervisors largely or fully applied the benchmarks assessed and, overall, supervised these areas adequately.  This indicates that the EBA’s action plan has been effective in strengthening supervision in this area.

    The Peer Review sampled six national prudential authorities and supervisors on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) to see how they integrated tax integrity into their risk-based supervisory work. It considered tax integrity issues broadly, not just dividend arbitrage trading schemes (such as cum-cum or cum-ex schemes), as these vary across jurisdictions.

    The Peer Review focuses on the responsibilities assigned to AML/CFT and prudential supervisors, mainly to ensure that financial institutions have systems and controls in place to manage tax crime risks.  The Report does not look at or comment on the effectiveness of the national frameworks in place to identify or investigate tax crimes which are beyond the responsibility of AML/CFT and prudential supervisors.

    The Report sets out its findings based on four benchmarks:

    •            the effectiveness of integration of tax integrity into risk-based AML/CFT supervisory work on credit and financial institutions;

    •            the effectiveness of integration of tax integrity into sectoral and institution-specific ML/TF risk assessments;

    •            the effectiveness of arrangements for reviewing the due consideration of tax integrity in institutions’ internal governance arrangements;

    •            the effectiveness of consideration of tax integrity in the assessment of the reputation, honesty and integrity of members of the management body and key function holders.

    The EBA identified general and individual follow-up measures, which will help further build consistency and effectiveness in supervisory outcomes across the EU and to limit the financial system’s exposure to illegal tax schemes and other tax evasion.

    Legal basis and background

    Article 30 of the EBA Founding Regulation requires the EBA to periodically conduct peer reviews of some or all of the activities of competent authorities within its remit, to further strengthen consistency and effectiveness in supervisory outcomes. Peer reviews identify follow-up measures to achieve this, together with best practices seen in competent authorities. After two years, the EBA is required to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of actions taken by competent authorities in response to the follow-up measures.

    The Peer Review has been performed by an ad hoc Peer Review Committee made up of EBA and competent authorities’ staff in accordance with the EBA peer review work plan for 2023-2024 and following the process in Article 30 of the EBA Regulation and EBA peer review methodology.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Don’t miss your chance to win up to £1,000 off your Council Tax bill

    Source: City of Derby

    Time is running out for Derby residents to be in with a chance to win up to £1000 off next year’s Council Tax bill.

    Electronic billing is another way to receive your Council Tax bill. Instead of getting a paper bill in the post, you can view your bill online. Those who make the switch by 14 February 2025 will be entered in to a prize draw.

    The first prize is up to £1000 off your Council Tax bill for the 2025/26 year. There are four runner-up prizes of up to £500 off your next full year’s Council Tax bill.

    Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the secure online system means you can check your Council Tax bill 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also set up or change a Direct Debit, make a payment arrangement or update your contact details.

    Council Tax payers first to register for myAccount. As soon as this account is activated, you can select the electronic billing option. If you’re already registered for e-billing, you’re automatically entered.

    How to enter

    • Sign in or Register to myAccount
    • Select the option to “Manage Council Tax and Benefits”
    • Then select “Manage Your Services”
    • If you’re already subscribed to the Council Tax online service, choose “Show Account Details” then select the “Paperless e-billing Sign Up” option.
    • If you haven’t subscribed to the Council Tax online service before, choose “Add Service” and then “Council Tax”. You will need to enter your 9-digit Council Tax reference number (you can find this on your previous Council Tax bill) and answer a few questions about your bill to confirm your identity.
    • Once you’ve linked your Council Tax account you’ll be asked “Would you like to go Paperless?” Follow the link to complete your e-billing sign up.

    Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa, Cabinet Member for Digital and Organisational Transformation, said:

    E-billing is a great way to manage your Council Tax account. It’s quick and secure, giving you 24/7 access to your information.

    By not receiving paper bills, you’ll also help to reduce paper waste and keep costs down. Every time someone switches to e-billing, the Council saves money on print and postage, and those savings go directly to maintaining essential services.

    With the deadline fast approaching, I encourage all residents to sign up for e-billing today for a chance to win a significant discount on their Council Tax.

    Terms and Conditions apply.  See the prize draw details

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NFU Scotland conference 2025 – UK Government keynote address

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Today (Thursday, 6 February) UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill spoke at the NFU Scotland conference in Glasgow.

    Good morning everyone, thank you for inviting me to be here with you today. I’d like to thank Martin Kennedy for that kind introduction and congratulate him for his work in leading the NFUS as he finishes his term as your President.

    I’d also like to start with a huge thanks for your dedicated work in continuing to produce, gather and distribute top quality food across the whole of the UK. But more than that, thank you to all farmers and crofters for the central role you play in our national life and heritage in Scotland.

    Despite countless challenges – not least the famous Scottish climate – farmers continue to work tirelessly, day after day, to feed the United Kingdom, and further afield.

    And be in no doubt, the UK Government will continue to do our part in supporting Scottish farmers and crofters, who form such a central part of our rural and island communities.

    Of course, the majority of environmental policy is devolved, with agriculture policy fully devolved. We will continue to respect the devolution settlement and strengthen relations with the Scottish Government as part of our ongoing resetting of relations.

    But there is much we can and are doing for farming and rural communities more broadly through our Plan for Change to turbo-charge economic growth and deliver a decade of national renewal and opportunity for all.

    Now, let’s be real. I know what you want to ask me about today. And I know that you’re angry. So I’m not going to shy away from a conversation about APR. But I do want to contextualise it. It’s the job of the NFU to make the case for your members. And it’s the job of the UK Government to listen, yes, but to also take a broad and long term view, balancing competing perspectives.

    And the facts are these. The UK Government’s Autumn Budget last year delivered the largest settlement for the Scottish Government in the history of devolution.

    The Chancellor announced on 30 October an additional £1.5 billion for the Scottish Government to spend in this financial year, and an additional £3.4 billion in the next.

    The Scottish Government will be able to allocate this record funding to devolved areas, including agriculture and rural communities. And that does mean your interests will be weighed alongside other devolved policy areas – that’s devolution in action. But I hope you will also see the benefit to your members of this record investment we’ve made available for Scotland’s public services. Because you know better than anyone that our farming communities are too often the ones with the worst access to NHS services. Public transport is sparse or non-existent. Cuts to schools and local services often hit your families harder than those in our big cities. I’m proud of this investment into the Scottish Government and I hope you will come to be too.

    And where policy is reserved, such as in relation to immigration or international trade, we will help support the industry through continuous engagement and development of policy. This is how devolution should work, and we are determined that it does.

    Our new Food Strategy will deliver clear long-term outcomes that create a healthier, fairer, and more resilient food system. We will work together with the Scottish government to complement the progress that they have already made in this area.

    Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine sent shock waves across the global supply chain, and the price of fertilisers and energy bills skyrocketed. That is one reason why we have launched our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. By sprinting towards clean, homegrown energy, we will protect our energy security from international shocks, create thousands of good quality jobs, tackle climate change and drive down bills for good.

    We are taking some bold steps, including by setting up Great British Energy. This new, homegrown energy company – headquartered here in Scotland – will provide a catalyst for new, clean energy projects across the UK.

    Unpredictable weather has been causing floods and droughts as the climate continues to change, directly impacting crop production and, consequently, your profits. This hits particularly hard in areas that are less favourable for farming, and there are many of these in Scotland.

    This industry is resilient. I am in awe of everyone in this room who contributes to our food security, our rural and island communities and the growth of the UK economy. But let me make one thing clear – this Government does not take your resilience and adaptability for granted.

    My own constituency of Midlothian is dotted with farms and farmers, many of whom I have had the pleasure of meeting both as I campaigned, and in my first proud months as their representative in Parliament.

    I know that there is no substitute for meeting people in the places they live and work, on their terms. I have carried this principle into my first months as a Minister in the Scotland Office. On one of my very first ministerial visits last year I met with Lucy and Pete Grewar, who own Sheriffton Farm in Perthshire.

    I was there to discuss their challenges in finding staff to help pick their broccoli, and made a promise to come back with a Home Office ministerial colleague to visit Scotland to hear about these issues directly. I was thrilled that we were able to do that earlier this week when alongside NFUS representatives, Seema Malhotra, the Minister for Migration and Citizenship, and I visited a soft fruit farm in Aberdeenshire.

    Whilst on the farm, Seema and I had further discussion with the owners and NFUS about the Seasonal Workers; Visa scheme and how labour shortages impact their work, but also the need to drive economic growth and encourage domestic workers to take up these vital jobs.

    I also had similarly frank and productive conversations with crofters on the Isle of Lewis. We will continue to engage with you, and I will continue to invite my UK Government colleagues to come up to Scotland and hear directly from rural communities what they need.

    I value every single one of these visits as it gives me the opportunity to really hear from the people who are directly impacted by Government policy, and who also help us achieve our goals of food security, sustainability, Net Zero, economic growth, and countless others.

    And I just want to reassure you that I really listen in these conversations and I do, personally, read everything that I am sent in follow up. So if you have evidence you want me to read, stories you want me to hear or places you want me to visit I give you my word: you will always get a hearing from me. Just be in touch.

    Now there are four areas of UK Government policy that I want to focus on in the time I have left.

    Firstly, inheritance tax.

    This Government was forced to make many difficult decisions when it came into power due to our own challenging inheritance of the £22 billion financial black hole in public finances left by the previous Conservative administration.

    We could have just ignored it. We could have kicked the problem down the road. But when we stood for election we promised to take the hard choices head on. We needed to act.

    I know many of you in this room don’t agree with how we responded and feel let down. So I want you to hear in my own words, as someone who represents farmers right across my own constituency, why the Government made this decision.

    Under the current system, APR and BPR have granted 100% relief since 1992 on business and agricultural assets. However, this is heavily skewed towards the very wealthiest landowners and business owners.

    According to the latest data from HMRC, 40% of agricultural property relief is claimed by just 7% of UK estates making claims. That means that just 117 estates across the UK were claiming over £200 million of relief in 2021-22.

    Unfortunately, we also know that the reality today is that buying agricultural land is one of the most well-known ways to avoid inheritance tax.

    This has artificially inflated the price of farmland, locking younger farmers out of the market.

    None of this is either fair or sustainable. That is why we are reforming how agricultural and business property relief work. From April 2026, relief will be targeted in a way that still maintains significant tax relief while supporting the public finances, and protecting working people.

    I would like to thank Martin and his colleagues at NFUS for their helpful engagement with myself and the Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, on this issue. I am grateful for the dialogue we have had and will continue to have.

    We have had a disagreement, not a falling out – a difference of opinion on one question should not – must not – prevent us from talking about all the others. And talking is what we will continue to do. We will continue to engage with stakeholders in meetings like this and on farms, and we will continue to strengthen relations with the Scottish Government, respecting the fact that agriculture policy is devolved. 

    That’s why in the coming months the Scotland Office will host a food and farming roundtable where we will invite the industry and the Scottish Government to sit together and discuss these important issues. This will allow us to keep these conversations going.

    Now I would like to further address the devolved agriculture budget.

    I appreciate the vital role Scottish agriculture plays in rural communities and the economy in Scotland. The Secretary of State for Scotland wrote to the Defra Minister for Rural Affairs and Food Security outlining this prior to the Autumn Budget.

    And at the Budget, Defra announced the biggest budget for sustainable food production and nature recovery in history. This included £620m for Scotland for 2025-2026, baselined from last year. This is an above-population share, and the ringfence was removed to respect the devolution settlement – meaning it is for the Scottish Government to determine how they support farmers and rural communities with the public services they rely on.

    But we did not stop there. We wanted to address the issues rural communities face holistically – and the Autumn Budget delivered on that.

    The fuel duty freeze extension means that rural communities who depend on cars, vans and tractors will be able to save more of their income.

    The Budget also gave the go ahead for rural growth deals in Scotland, such as for Argyll and Bute, creating hundreds of jobs and countless opportunities for rural and island communities there.

    We recognise how important it is for rural areas, especially in Scotland, to have the same broadband connectivity and opportunities as the rest of the UK, so we announced in the Budget last year an additional £500 million for Project Gigabit and the Shared Rural Network.

    Next I would like to touch on seasonal workers, referred to earlier.

    While we are not currently considering a Scotland-only visa, this Government knows how important securing the right workforce is to the agri-food chain. This includes skilled jobs such as butchers and vets and temporary roles, such as seasonal horticulture harvesting and poultry processing jobs.

    Underlining the government’s commitment to the horticultural and poultry industry, the Seasonal Worker visa route has been confirmed for 2025, with a total of 43,000 Seasonal Worker visas available for horticulture and 2,000 for poultry next year.

    This will help the sector secure the labour and skills needed to bring high quality British produce, including strawberries, rhubarb, turkey and daffodils to market.

    In addition, Defra published the 2023 Seasonal Workers Survey report on 21 October 2024. 

    The survey showed that the vast majority of respondents reported a positive experience from their time in the UK and 95% expressed a desire to return. This excellent feedback reflects so well on farmers and the vibrancy of rural communities.

    When I visited a Perthshire farm weeks into office, the clearest thing I heard was that Scotland’s farmers wanted a hearing at the Home Office – I promised then that I’d try to bring a Home Office minister to Scotland to hear from farmers directly and that’s a promise kept. Just two days ago I was in a farm in Aberdeenshire with Seema Malhotra, the immigration minister, hearing about how seasonal worker rules could be made to work better for you. The door is always open and so are our minds – we want an ongoing relationship with a practical focus on getting things done.

    -And finally, just let me say something on future trade deals.

    Supporting farmers will always be a priority for this Government. We have been clear we will protect farmers from being undercut by low welfare and low standards in trade deals.

    We will continue to maintain our existing high standards for animal Health and food hygiene, ensuring that imported products comply with our domestic standards and import requirements.

    We are committed to developing a trade strategy that will support economic growth and promote the highest standards of food production.

    The UK has a network of sixteen agrifood and drink attachés around the world who break down market access barriers, create new export opportunities and protect existing trade. Our attachés work closely with Scottish Development International’s global network on delivering market access / export opportunities for Scotland.

    Promoting Scotland internationally through initiatives such as Brand Scotland – a new initiative led by my department backed by three quarters of a million pounds of funding – is a priority for this Government, and these export opportunities are an excellent way to do that.

    In addition, we will seek to negotiate a Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement with the EU to reduce trade frictions, boost trade and deliver significant benefits on both sides.

    I want to reiterate my commitment to you that this Government will do everything it can to support you, listen to you and advocate for you, to ensure we not only protect but also maximise the potential of this incredible industry.

    Let me end by saying that it has been the honour of my life to serve as MP of Midlothian since July of last year, so I am here today telling you that I will fight for you as a Minister, but I also understand the views of my constituents. Many of them have the same concerns as you.

    Many of them are either farmers themselves, or live in a rural community where farming is a crucial backbone.

    And I want to assure you I understand your importance is more than the material benefits you bring – important though that is. Alongside farming, tourism and heritage are also in my portfolio. I treasure Scotland’s vibrant national museums, and the National Museum of Rural Life is no different – it’s a beautiful, living tribute to Scottish farming and rural life.

    Every time I visit, I can feel the importance of farming to the Scottish identity. I know that all you want is to be able to do what you are good at, what you love.

    It is my duty and that of this Government to ensure you have everything you need to do that, to protect your place in this extremely important endeavour. I promise you we will not let you down. It’s just too important.

    I am going to take a few questions now. Thank you to NFUS for inviting me here today, and to all of you for coming along. I wish you the very best for the rest of your conference.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Drone Operations Industry Substantially Expanding Usages, Transforming into A Billion Dollar Revenue Opportunity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Drones play many roles in every region of the globe… and they seem to be utilized in more situations every day! A report from MarketsAndMarkets said that the Commercial Drone market alone is projected to grow from USD 5.32 billion in 2024 to USD 9.34 Billion by 2030. The report added: “Drones are particularly important for inspecting difficult-to-reach locations at certain altitudes or in contaminated surroundings. The use of drones has modernized the telecommunication tower scrutiny as they can be used to carry out supervision of these towers cost-effectively and in less time. Drones can also be employed for aerial evaluation of buildings and other infrastructures, such as pipelines, electric grids, offshore plants, and solar plates. They can use thermal imaging cameras to detect hotspots on solar plates; spots where energy is not spreading evenly. This can enhance the productivity of solar power plants by the instant identification of potentially problematic areas… Drones can be used to deliver medical supplies in difficult terrains. Drones are considered the future of the last-mile delivery for consumer supplies since they will reduce cost per delivery, along with delivery time. As the wages of delivery persons persist to rise, autonomous delivery or human-less services will become gradually advantageous, especially in developed countries… Emerging economies lack access to roads, and this hampers speedy delivery of basic medical supplies such as blood, medicines, vaccines, drugs, etc. Air transportation of these supplies is costly.” Active Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI).

    MarketsAndMarkets continued: “The success of drones in the fields of ecology and environment creates a trust factor that they can also be utilized in public health, especially to deliver medical couriers. The crucial aspect of using drones is that they reduce the travel time for diagnosis and treatment. Drones are a cost-effective replacement for road transportation in challenging terrains. Drones can be used in disaster relief processes for saving victims and delivering food, water, etc., to survivors and rescue teams. As drone technology advances, regulatory bodies globally are proactively shaping clearer and more supportive regulations to facilitate drone operations. This strategic initiative aims to lower operational barriers and enhance safety, thereby accelerating the adoption of drones across various sectors. Enhanced regulatory frameworks are anticipated to unlock significant business opportunities and drive innovation in drone applications.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Starts Testing its High-Density Batteries to Extend Flight Time for ZenaDrone 1000 Drone for US Defense Applications – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that ZenaDrone will commence testing work this quarter on a high density battery for the ZenaDrone 1000 multifunction AI drone designed for defense and commercial applications. High density batteries are lightweight and enable longer drone flight times, more reliability and endurance for longer defense missions, heavier payloads, and greater operational success of a wide range of military applications. ZenaDrone will use the batteries from ZenaTech’s affiliated company Galaxy Batteries Inc.

    “High density batteries are key to longer flight times and reliability in the harsh conditions of military defense operations such as cargo and resupply, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. We will test to ensure these batteries will provide the customization, cost savings, supply chain control and superior performance we require. This is important to our goal to become a Blue UAS-certified supplier to sell to US defense branches and other military organizations,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    ZenaDrone 1000 is an autonomous multifunction drone offering stable flight, maneuverability, heavy lift capabilities, innovative software technology, sensors, AI, and purpose-built attachments, along with compact and rugged hardware engineered for military and industrial use. The company previously completed two paid trials with the US Air Force and the US Navy Reserve for logistics and transportation applications carrying critical cargo, such as blood, in the field.

    The company previously announced that its supply chain is fully NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) compliant and that it plans to apply for Green UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) followed by Blue UAS certification, an approved supplier list for drone companies.

    NDAA compliance refers to adhering to the provisions outlined in the National Defense Authorization Act, which is a set of US federal laws passed every year that specify the budget and expenditures for the Department of Defense (DoD) and address growing cybersecurity concerns. For a product to be NDAA compliant, it must not be produced by a set list of Chinese manufacturers, which extends to the chipsets, cameras, displays and other technology used.

    The Blue UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) program is a stringent government approved supplier list of drone companies that wish to do business with the US DoD; suppliers including ZenaDrone must meet strict NDAA cybersecurity and supply chain sourcing requirements. The Green UAS program is essentially the same as the Blue UAS program but has a more streamlined and faster certification process without the specifications on country of origin.   Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Other recent developments in the drone industry include:

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), an award‑winning leader in drone solutions and systems development, recently confirmed through recent sales activities its positioning and preparedness to support the enhancement of border security amid evolving global trade and security uncertainties and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Highlighting recent sales activities with policing agencies, Draganfly continues to strengthen its position to support border security with advanced drone technology solutions.

    “Recent global trade challenges, tariff uncertainties, and security concerns underscore the critical importance of secure borders and resilient supply chains,” said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly Inc. “Our recent sales activities with policing agencies are a testament to our ability and readiness to provide drone technology and services in support of border security solutions.”

    Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, recently announced that it will host an Investor and Analyst Day on Thursday, February 27 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. eastern time at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City.

    The event will feature presentations by Jeff Thompson, Red Cat’s CEO; Geoffrey Hitchcock, Red Cat’s chief revenue officer and other members of the executive leadership team. Robert Imig, Head of USG Research and Development at Palantir Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLTR) will also present a roadmap for its recently announced strategic partnership with RedCat.

    Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a technology company in the defense, national security and global markets, recently announced that Kratos Unmanned Systems Division successfully executed a multi-week demonstration of its self-driving truck platooning system technology with FPInnovations, a Canadian research and technology organization that assesses, adapts and delivers solutions to Canada’s forest industry’s total value chain.

    The Kratos developed self-driving system “kit”, which enables vehicles to be capable of autonomous driving, was deployed for evaluation in forestry operations in northern Québec, Canada. Deployment of this technology is intended to mitigate driver shortages, improve safety protocols, boost rural economic vitality, and contribute to the development of a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles. The automated platooning technology performed exceptionally well in the challenging forestry environment and hauled both unloaded and loaded timber trailers. The Kratos system demonstrated precision navigation in automated platooning mode along complex off-pavement roadways with degraded access to GPS, steep grades, severe visibility-limiting dust, sub-freezing temperatures, rain, and under variable day/night/twilight lighting conditions.

    Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions specializing in drone imagery processing, recently announced that it has entered into a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NIBULON Ltd. (NIBULON) to cooperate on addressing Ukraine’s agriculture crisis which has sustained billions in damages and losses due to the ongoing war.

    Safe Pro will provide NIBULON with services and access to SpotlightAI™, its patented hyper-scalable AI-powered drone demining ecosystem running on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud. The collaboration will focus on utilizing AI technology to drastically reduce the time and costs of manually surveying Ukrainian farmland potentially contaminated by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers.  Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty four hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:

    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Agillic A/S publishes preliminary results for 2024 and guidance for 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Announcement no. 01 2025
    Inside information

    Copenhagen – 5 February 2025 – Agillic A/S

    Preliminary results for 2024
    ARR from subscriptions is expected to be DKK 54.3m in 2024, which is 3% below the guidance of DKK 56-60m.
    ARR from transactions is expected to be DKK 11.2m in 2024, which is in line with the guidance of DKK 10-14m.
    Total ARR is therefore expected to be DKK 65.5m in 2024 compared to the guidance of DKK 66-74m.
    As a result of the development in revenue from subscriptions, total revenue is expected to be DKK 60.2m in 2024, which is 3% below the guidance of DKK 62–66m.
    EBITDA is expected to be DKK 1.0m, which is in line with the guidance of DKK 0-2m.

    2024 was a challenging year that led to a reorganisation, reductions in costs and staff, and a redefinition of company focus. In 2025, a new management team is in place focusing on improved sales in core markets, new product offerings and features, and a robust organization.

    Annual Report release
    Please note that figures referenced above are unaudited. The Annual Report 2024 is scheduled to be released on 25th February 2025 followed by a management presentation

    Guidance for 2025
    In 2025, revenue is expected to amount to DKK 60-63m (2024 prelim: DKK 60.2m) with an EBITDA of DKK 5-8m (2024 prelim: DKK 1.0m). ARR from subscriptions is expected to grow to DKK 56-60m (2024 prelim: DKK 54.3m). 

    Financial guidance 2025

    Revenue DKK 60-63m
    EBITDA DKK 5-8m
    ARR Subscriptions DKK 56-60m

    For further information, please contact:
    Christian Samsø, CEO
    +45 24 88 24 24
    Christian.samsoe@agillic.com

    Claus Boysen, CFO
    +45 28 49 18 46
    claus.boysen@agillic.com

    Certified Adviser
    HC Andersen Capital
    Pernille Friis Andersen

    Disclaimer
    The forward-looking statements regarding Agillic’s future financial situation involve factors of uncertainty and risk. which could cause actual developments to deviate from the expectations indicated. Statements regarding the future are subject to risks and uncertainties that may result in considerable deviations from the presented outlook. Furthermore. some of these expectations are based on assumptions regarding future events. which may prove incorrect. Please also refer to the overview of risk factors in the ‘risk management’ section of the annual report.

    About Agillic A/S
    Agillic A/S (Nasdaq First North Growth Market Denmark: AGILC) is a Danish software company offering brands a platform through which they can work with data-driven insights and content to create, automate, and send personalised communication to millions. Agillic is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. For further information, please visit agillic.com.  
      

    Published on 5 February 2025

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Experimental Parking Zone to be introduced around Everton FC’s new stadium

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool City Council is to introduce a ‘Football Match Parking Zone’ around Everton FC’s new stadium, at Bramley-Moore Dock.

    A raft of new parking measures are to be implemented surrounding the 52,888 seater stadium, similar to what is already in place around Goodison Park and Anfield.

    More than 4,000 residents and 3,000 businesses are now being invited to apply for the relevant parking permits ahead of the zone going live under an Experimental Traffic Road Order (ETRO) to coincide with the historic first test game at the £500m venue later this month.

    The ETRO will run for up to 18 months and during that period will then be reviewed by the Council’s Transport and Highways team.

    Residents will be able to apply for a permit for each vehicle registered at their address, plus one visitor permit, for which there will be no fee. Businesses will be charged an annual fee of £50 per vehicle, up to a maximum of 10.

    The focus of the proposed parking zone covers the area within a 30-minute walk of Everton Stadium, which is serviced by the city’s historic “Dock Road”, and will encompass the surrounding Ten Streets district, into the city centre and up to Great Homer Street in Everton.

    The new parking zone requirements, which were subject to a public consultation in late 2022, includes:

    • New resident parking areas
    • New taxi ranks
    • New match day bus stands
    • New parking restrictions
    • New hours of operation for existing parking zones for the Great Homer Street area
    • New hours of operation for existing parking zones for the Ten Streets and Love Lane areas
    • New industrial parking zone south of Boundary Street
    • New industrial parking zone north of Boundary Street

    The overall aim of the new Parking Zone is to reduce congestion, improve air quality and safety to and from the stadium. The proposals have also been designed to complement the planned modernisation of parking across the city centre.

    The Council’s Transport and Highways team has already begun the process of installing new signage ahead of Everton’s first “test match” at the waterfront stadium, situated within Liverpool Waters, which will be held on Monday, 17 February.

    (For more information, Frequently Asked Questions, Have Your Say on the zone
    and to see detailed maps on the various areas with the zone – please go here.)

    Scheduled to open for the 2025/26 season, Everton’s new home has already been picked as a venue for the UEFA European Championships in 2028 and will also be capable of hosting major non-footballing events.

    Liverpool City Council has invested more than £20m in the highways infrastructure around Bramley-Moore Dock, including a permanent segregated cycle lane running from the city centre up to Liverpool’s northern border at Bootle in Sefton, which passes right in front of the new stadium.

    The Council is also working with Sefton Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on a new town bid which which would see for than 10,000 new homes, with community infrastructure, from the city centre, around the new stadium, and north into Bootle and Walton.

    • The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is also working with Merseyrail, Network Rail and Everton FC on the development of a new crowd management zone and an additional entrance at Sandhills station. The aim is to primarily support fans and event goers accessing public transport on their way to and from the new stadium.

    Councillor Dan Barrington, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said: “Everton Stadium is going to be transformational especially for the surrounding Ten Streets district and the wider Kirkdale community.

    “As well as the economic benefit, the vast volume of people the stadium will attract – and how they arrive and depart – needs to be carefully managed.

    “The North Docks area has never had to cope with such large numbers of people in such concentrated time periods, but fortunately the city has the experience and knowledge thanks to Goodison Park and Anfield. By creating this new match day parking zone, we’ll be looking to adopt and incorporate those controls which so effectively move tens of thousands on a weekly basis.

    “Bramley-Moore Dock is also a unique location given its very close proximity to the city centre and the fact the surrounding transport infrastructure is well developed. There’s more to be done but all the partners are talking to make those improvements.

    “We’ll also be looking to encourage as many active travel options as possible for those attending the games or other events there, which is a win-win for everyone in terms of managing congestion and air quality and promoting healthy habits.

    “There’s lots of residents and businesses, as well as Everton fans, who will be affected by this new zone and thanks to their feedback we’ve been able to formulate a plan which accommodates their needs.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Construction boss jailed after fraudulently obtaining two maximum-value Covid loans

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Director jailed for Bounce Back Loan fraud and transferring criminal property

    • Arti Deda overstated the turnover of his Knight Workers Limited company to secure two Bounce Back Loans when companies were only entitled to one 
    • Money from the loans was transferred to associates and third parties, not to benefit his business 
    • Deda was jailed for two-and-a-half years and banned as a company director for 10 years 

    A Berkshire-based director who fraudulently obtained two Covid loans for his construction firm has been jailed. 

    Arti Deda, 31, overstated the turnover of his Knight Workers Limited company to obtain maximum-value Bounce Back Loans worth £50,000 each from the bank in 2020, when companies were only entitled to one. 

    None of the £100,000 was used for the economic benefit of the business as was required under the terms of the scheme. 

    Deda, of Littleport Spur, Slough, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday 5 February. 

    He was also disqualified as a company director for 10 years. 

    David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    This significant jail term and director disqualification reflects the seriousness of Covid-related fraud.  

    Bounce Back Loans were designed to support small and medium-sized businesses through the pandemic. Taxpayers’ money should not have been used for personal purposes by company directors. 

    The Insolvency Service is committed to investigating these crimes, which have a substantial impact on the public purse, and prosecuting those responsible.

    Knight Workers was incorporated in December 2017 with Deda as its sole director. 

    The company claimed to be in the business of construction of domestic buildings. 

    However, Insolvency Service investigators found minimal evidence of any trading in the construction industry. 

    Deda made the fraudulent applications to two separate banks for Bounce Back Loans for the company during the same week in July 2020, falsely declaring its annual turnover was both £390,000 and £495,000 for 2019. 

    He also claimed in securing the second Bounce Back Loan that this was his only application. 

    A total of £44,500 was transferred to an associate just days after Deda received the funds. A further £13,000 was later transferred to a third party and £20,000 was transferred from the account with the reference ‘material’. 

    Deda applied to have Knight Workers liquidated in November 2021 in an attempt to avoid having to repay the loan.  

    The company was eventually dissolved in April 2023, with Deda having made no repayments. 

    Deda also failed in his duties as a company director to provide accounting records to the liquidator on request. 

    The Insolvency Service is seeking to recover the fraudulently obtained funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. 

    Further information 

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Veea Announces Upcoming Industry Conference Schedule

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Veea Inc. (NASDAQ: VEEA), a pioneer in edge computing and AI-driven solutions, today announced the Company’s upcoming conference presentation schedule. The Company will be offering attendees the opportunity to learn more about the Veea Edge Platform™ and its broad range of applications across end markets.

    OATSCON25
    February 6-7, 2025

    An annual gathering of experts to address some of the most promising avenues for sustainable food-ag system improvements, from novel applications of sensing, networking, and computation to big data science, visualization, and analytics. Veea has deployed its hyperconverged Edge Platform in use cases that promote precision agriculture.

    Presenter: Tom Williams, Veea’s Vice President Worldwide Sales & Marketing
    Topic: Connectivity in Rural Spaces
    Title: “Connecting Rural Communities”
    Day: Thursday, February 6, 2025
    Time: 2:00 pm
    Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

    AHR Expo
    February 10-12, 2025
    Orlando, Florida

    The International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo), which started in 1930 as a heating and ventilation show, has grown into the largest event in the world exclusively focused on the HVACR industry. The 2025 Show will host industry professionals from all across the United States and worldwide. Attendees can learn about Veea’s Edge Platform – a highly flexible, cloud-connected platform that ensures seamless integration with third-party hardware and software to enable building owners and operators to easily add new data sets to their platforms allowing for improved control and monitoring while supporting their digital transformation journey. 

    MWC Barcelona 2025
    March 3-6, 2025
    Barcelona, Spain
    Hall 6

    Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona, the world’s largest and most influential connectivity event, is attended by global mobile operators, device manufacturers, technology providers, vendors and content owners. Attendees are encouraged to learn more about how the Veea Edge Platform and Veea’s Trusted Broadband Access (vTBA) can provide a path towards 5G/Wi-Fi Fixed Mobile Convergence.

    About Veea

    Veea Inc. (NASDAQ: VEEA) was formed in 2014 and is headquartered in New York City with a rich history of major innovations in the development of advanced networking, wireless and computing technologies. Veea makes living and working at the edge simpler and more secure. Veea has unified multi-tenant computing, multiaccess multiprotocol communications, edge storage and cybersecurity solutions through fully integrated cloud- and edge-managed products. Veea’s fully integrated turnkey solution offers end-to-end cloud management of devices, applications and services with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), optionally with a highly simplified plug and play 5G-based Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) offering. Veea Edge Platform™ enables direct connections from the wide area optical fiber, cellular and satellite networks to devices on the local area networks created by a VeeaHub® mesh cluster over network-managed Wi-Fi and IoT devices – a unique patented capability called Multiprotocol Private Network Slicing (MPNS) for ISPs to offer subscription-based services for one or a group of endpoints. Veea Developer Portal and development tools provide for rapid development of edge applications including federated learning with pre-trained models for inferencing to cost-effectively enable Edge AI for most enterprise use cases.

    Veea was recognized in 2023 by Gartner as a Leading Smart Edge Platform for the innovativeness and capabilities of our Veea Edge Platform™ and a Cool Vendor in Edge Computing in 2021. Veea was named in Market Reports World’s in its research report published in October 2023 as one of the top 10 Edge AI solution providers alongside IBM, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services among others. For more information about Veea and its product offerings, visit veea.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”) as well as Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe the Company’s future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely” or other comparable terms, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding the Company’s strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties including those regarding: the Company’s business strategies, and the risk and uncertainties described in “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements” and the additional risk described in Veea’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2024 and any subsequent filings which Veea makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The forward-looking statements made in the press release relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in the press release. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by law. You should read this press release with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.

    The Equity Group
    Devin Sullivan
    Managing Director
    dsullivan@equityny.com

    Conor Rodriguez
    Associate
    crodriguez@equityny.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Monarch Private Capital Announces Successful $275 Million Bond Issuance Led by HSBC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monarch Private Capital, a nationally recognized tax-advantaged investment firm, proudly announces a $275 million bond issuance to finance affordable housing projects, reinforcing its commitment to narrowing the affordable housing gap in the United States.

    HSBC served as the Sole Placement Agent for the Monarch Issuer 2024-2, LLC private asset-backed securities (ABS) transaction. On December 11, 2024, HSBC priced the $275 million issuance, with $220 million funded on December 18, 2024. The remaining $55 million will be funded through a Delay Draw mechanism over the next 12 months, supporting additional projects currently under construction.

    The bond proceeds will finance 58 low-income housing projects across Georgia, South Carolina, and Oklahoma, generating quality affordable housing units while stimulating local economies. Monarch will repay principal and interest on the Notes through its syndication of Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) to institutional investors, including insurance companies, corporate clients, and high-net-worth individuals.

    A Collaborative Effort for Positive Impact

    HSBC’s collaboration extended beyond placement services, contributing structuring, ratings advisory, and trustee services to ensure seamless execution.

    “This bond issuance reflects our unwavering commitment to addressing the nation’s urgent housing needs,” said Ian Chomat, Partner and Chief Financial Officer at Monarch Private Capital. “By leveraging our extensive experience in affordable housing, we aim to deliver more high-quality homes and create opportunities that strengthen communities and local economies.”

    Monarch’s Continued Leadership in Impact Investing

    Since its inception, Monarch has paired tax equity investing with a focus on community impact, while mitigating federal and state tax liabilities for investors. Monarch has managed tax equity impact investments in 945 projects generating $7.2 billion of tax credits, including more than $2.2 billion in LIHTCs, as of December 2024. Those projects have enabled nearly $18 billion in project capital, and over $37 billion in economic impact in 42 states, plus Washington D.C.

    For more information about Monarch’s programs and services, please contact Ian Chomat at ichomat@monarchprivate.com.

    About Monarch Private Capital

    Monarch Private Capital manages impact investment funds that positively impact communities by creating clean power, jobs and homes. The funds provide predictable returns through the generation of federal and state tax credits. The Company offers innovative tax credit equity investments for affordable housing, historic rehabilitations, renewable energy, film and other qualified projects. Monarch Private Capital has long-term relationships with institutional and individual investors, developers, and lenders participating in these federal and state programs. Headquartered in Atlanta, Monarch has offices and professionals located throughout the United States.

    About HSBC

    HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 60 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,099bn at 30 September 2024, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations.

    CONTACT

    Jane Rafeedie

    Monarch Private Capital

    Jrafeedie@monarchprivate.com

    470-283-8431

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3952c63a-5dd4-4db2-bbf2-221fd808bad1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: sched pub test 2

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    Access Campaign

    We set up the MSF Access Campaign in 1999 to push for access to, and the development of, life-saving and life-prolonging medicines, diagnostic tests and vaccines for people in our programmes and beyond.

    GO TO SITE

    CRASH

    Based in Paris, CRASH conducts and directs studies and analysis of MSF actions. They participate in internal training sessions and assessment missions in the field.

    GO TO SITE

    UREPH

    Based in Geneva, UREPH (or Research Unit) aims to improve the way MSF projects are implemented in the field and to participate in critical thinking on humanitarian and medical action.

    GO TO SITE

    ARHP

    Based in Barcelona, ARHP documents and reflects on the operational challenges and dilemmas faced by the MSF field teams.

    GO TO SITE

    MSF Analysis

    Based in Brussels, MSF Analysis intends to stimulate reflection and debate on humanitarian topics organised around the themes of migration, refugees, aid access, health policy and the environment in which aid operates.

    GO TO SITE

    MSF Supply

    This logistical and supply centre in Brussels provides storage of and delivers medical equipment, logistics and drugs for international purchases for MSF missions.

    GO TO SITE

    MSF Logistique

    This supply and logistics centre in Bordeaux, France, provides warehousing and delivery of medical equipment, logistics and drugs for international purchases for MSF missions.

    GO TO SITE

    Amsterdam Procurement Unit

    This logistical centre in Amsterdam purchases, tests, and stores equipment including vehicles, communications material, power supplies, water-processing facilities and nutritional supplements.

    GO TO SITE

    Brazilian Medical Unit

    BRAMU specialises in neglected tropical diseases, such as dengue and Chagas, and other infectious diseases. This medical unit is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    GO TO SITE

    MSF Medical Guidelines

    Our medical guidelines are based on scientific data collected from MSF’s experiences, the World Health Organization (WHO), other renowned international medical institutions, and medical and scientific journals.

    GO TO SITE

    Epicentre

    Providing epidemiological expertise to underpin our operations, conducting research and training to support our goal of providing medical aid in areas where people are affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or excluded from health care.

    GO TO SITE

    Evaluation Units

    Evaluation Units have been established in Vienna, Stockholm, and Paris, assessing the potential and limitations of medical humanitarian action, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of our medical humanitarian work.

    GO TO SITE

    LGBTQI+ Inclusion in Health Settings

    MSF works with LGBTQI+ populations in many settings over the last 25-30 years. LGBTQI+ people face healthcare disparities with limited access to care and higher disease rates than the general population.

    GO TO SITE

    LUXOR

    The Luxembourg Operational Research (LuxOR) unit coordinates field research projects and operational research training, and provides support for documentation activities and routine data collection.

    GO TO SITE

    Intersectional Benchmarking Unit

    The Intersectional Benchmarking Unit collects and analyses data about local labour markets in all locations where MSF employs people.

    GO TO SITE

    MSF Academy for Healthcare

    To upskill and provide training to locally-hired MSF staff in several countries, MSF has created the MSF Academy for Healthcare.

    GO TO SITE

    Humanitarian Law

    This Guide explains the terms, concepts, and rules of humanitarian law in accessible and reader-friendly alphabetical entries.

    GO TO SITE

    MSF Paediatric Days

    The MSF Paediatric Days is an event for paediatric field staff, policy makers and academia to exchange ideas, align efforts, inspire and share frontline research to advance urgent paediatric issues of direct concern for the humanitarian field.

    GO TO SITE

    MSF Foundation

    The MSF Foundation aims to create a fertile arena for logistics and medical knowledge-sharing to meet the needs of MSF and the humanitarian sector as a whole.

    GO TO SITE

    DNDi

    A collaborative, patients’ needs-driven, non-profit drug research and development organisation that is developing new treatments for neglected diseases, founded in 2003 by seven organisations from around the world.

    GO TO SITE

    MSF Science Portal

    Our digital portal dedicated to sharing the latest medical evidence from our humanitarian activities around the globe.

    GO TO SITE

    Noma

    Noma is a preventable and treatable neglected disease, but 90 per cent of people will die within the first two weeks of infection if they do not receive treatment.

    GO TO SITE

    TIC

    The TIC is aiming to change how MSF works to better meet the evolving needs of our patients.

    GO TO SITE

    Telemedicine

    MSF’s telemedicine hub aims to overcome geographic barriers for equitable, accessible, and quality patient care.

    GO TO SITE

    Sweden Innovation Unit

    Launched in 2012, the MSF Sweden Innovation Unit deploys a human-centered approach for promoting a culture of innovation within MSF.

    GO TO SITE

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Reports of Russia’s treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war are deeply concerning: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Deputy Ambassador Brown condemns the Russian state’s reported systematic torture, abuse, and execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

    Thank you, Madam Chair and good afternoon colleagues.  On behalf of the UK Delegation I would like to offer a warm welcome to the new Ukraine ambassador.  Please be assured of our continued support to you, Viktoria and to your exceptional team.

    Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, overwhelming evidence from international bodies, human rights organisations, and independent investigations demonstrates that Russia continues to disregard international law. The UK unequivocally condemns the Russian state’s reported systematic torture, abuse, and execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

    The UN Commission of Inquiry has concluded that Russia’s use of torture against POWs and civilian detainees amounts to crimes against humanity. Their reports outline how Russian forces have subjected Ukrainian POWs to brutal beatings, burns and electric shocks amplified by water. Additionally, they detail how Ukrainian POWs are forced to endure sexual violence, including rape, attacks on genitals, and threats of mutilation, castration, and sterilisation. In ODIHR’s latest report on Ukraine, all the Ukrainian former POWs interviewed reported severe and routine torture during their internment, supporting ODIHR’s analysis that the torture of both POWs and civilians by the Russian state is widespread and systematic.

    Furthermore, ODIHR documented that Ukrainian POWs are held in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions, and deprived of adequate food, water, and medical care. Such neglect, aimed at breaking the spirit of those already disarmed and vulnerable, is a direct affront to human dignity.

    Additionally, the Ukrainian Prosecutor-General’s Office reports that 147 Ukrainian POWs have been executed by Russian forces since the start of the full-scale invasion.

    And this week the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine raised serious concerns over a sharp increase in executions of captured Ukrainian soldiers by Russian forces. Since August 2024, the Mission documented 79 executions across 24 incidents, with many cases involving soldiers who had surrendered or were otherwise in Russian custody, including instances where unarmed and injured personnel were shot dead on the spot.

    Madam Chair, these are not isolated incidents. The testimonies gathered by the UN Commission of Inquiry highlight deliberate and systematic practices; and find a coordinated state policy of cruelty and impunity that underscores the Russian state’s complete disregard for international norms. The Geneva Conventions are clear: POWs must be treated humanely. Reporting from the UN and ODIHR outlines how Russia has not only failed in this obligation—it has systematically violated it.

    The UK demands an immediate end to all atrocities and calls for independent investigations to hold all perpetrators accountable; from those carrying out abuses to those ordering them. Alongside our international partners, we will ensure that those responsible—at all levels of the Russian state—face justice.

    The protection of prisoners of war is not optional; it is an absolute and binding requirement of international law.  The UK demands that the Russian state ensures the humane treatment of all those in detention and grants the ICRC unimpeded access to places of detention, in line with the Geneva Conventions.

    The UK welcomes the latest prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia facilitated by the United Arab Emirates. We continue to call on Russia to comply with International Humanitarian Law and not exploit prisoners of war and civilian detainees for political purposes. All those arbitrarily detained must be released, including our colleagues: the three Special Monitoring Mission members. We continue to call for their release.

    The UK stands in full solidarity with Ukraine and reaffirms our commitment to ensuring justice for victims and survivors. The evidence is overwhelming. The time for accountability is now. Thank you, Madam Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 February 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘It Starts in Wolverhampton’ event showcases city’s innovation and green credentials

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Aligned with the West Midlands Growth Company’s ‘It Starts Here’ campaign, the ‘It Starts in Wolverhampton: Innovating for Sustainable Growth’ event demonstrated why there has never been a better time to invest, grow and succeed in the city.

    More than 200 delegates attended the showcase supported by headline sponsors University of Wolverhampton and WLV Business Link, and reception sponsor Turner & Townsend.

    They heard how City of Wolverhampton Council in partnership with University of Wolverhampton is developing the Green Innovation Corridor (GIC) in the city, to create a world class eco, green innovation district delivering in excess of 20,000sqm of new R&D, laboratory and commercial floorspace and 1,200 new jobs.

    The early phases of the GIC programme focusing on bringing forward demand led business space on 4 underutilised land parcels of land at Wolverhampton Science Park will be supported by £7million of Investment Zone funding and £20million of funding secured by the council from the Government.

    As well as this capital funding, GIC and the wider city will benefit from the IZ Regional Business Support, Skills and R&D programmes and Delivery Capacity Funding programmes, being developed with local and regional partners.

    This builds on pioneering facilities and businesses already in place in the city such as the National Brownfield Institute, School of Architecture and Built Environment, Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills, University of Wolverhampton Science Park, including the SPARK Incubator, Composite & Additive Layer Materials Engineering Research & Innovation Centre, Centre for Green Electricals Materials Manufacturing and global companies like JLR, Collins, Moog, and leaders in 3D printing, EOS UK.

    Industry leaders and visionaries shaping the future of clean and green industries also highlighted why Wolverhampton is the place to be for innovation and sustainable growth.

    This included Craig Osman, Operations Director for EPMC i54, JLR, who focused on vehicle electrification, investment and cutting edge innovation at the Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre at i54, jobs, supply chain, the wider overview of the footprint in the West Midlands and the JLR Reimagine strategy.

    Olivia Simpson, Chief Operations Officer, FlexSea, also explained why her business relocated from London to Wolverhampton and is redefining bioplastics with a revolutionary product made from seaweed – certified plastic free and home compostable.

    Davide lacovelli, Regional Director EMEA, EOS UK highlighted his company’s work in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton at the new UK Centre of Excellence for Additive Manufacturing based in the Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills at the university’s Springfield Campus. It specialises in the development of advanced materials and processes for demanding applications within industries such as space, automotive, aerospace, electronics, and quantum computing.

    Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “The event showed the level of innovation, the groundbreaking designs, partnerships and research and development happening right here in our city.

    “It is truly remarkable and testament to the skilled people that have been attracted here and been nurtured by our businesses and organisations.

    “Building on some of our local strengths, and particularly those of the university and businesses, we will make the Green Innovation Corridor a success.

    “Our ambition for the Green Innovation Corridor is for it to be a world leading research led cluster in green technologies with a focus on green construction, green computing and green engineering. The GIC will support businesses and the wider economy in its transition to net zero and aim to create more productive, sustainable, highly skilled and innovative industry.

    “It is also about taking the economy of Wolverhampton forward, building on the expertise, research and development and skills that Wolverhampton has to offer and deliver jobs growth, a higher wage economy, a more inclusive economy, a more sustainable economy and place, the development of brownfield sites – some that have been vacant for years- and a vibrant corridor that is well connected and renowned for its research led clusters in engineering, computing and construction.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 06.02.2025, 10-08 (Moscow time) the values of the lower boundary of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A107BR1 (BoretsK1P02) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    06.02.2025

    10:08

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 06.02.2025, 10-08 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to 62.15) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 374.87 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 62.5%) of the RU000A107BR1 (BoretsK1P02) security were changed.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is account to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect the Position of Mil-Sosi or Its Clients.

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 06.02.2025, 10-09 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for security RU000A105898 (IADOM 1P21) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    06.02.2025

    10:09

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 06.02.2025, 10-09 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 78.6) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 600.14 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 21.25%) of the security RU000A105898 (IADOM 1P21) were changed.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is account to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect the Position of Mil-Sosi or Its Clients.

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 06.02.2025, 10-10 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A105NP4 (IADOM 1P30) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    06.02.2025

    10:10

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 06.02.2025, 10-10 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 84.13) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 623.6 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 22.5%) of the RU000A105NP4 security (IADOM 1P30) were changed.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is account to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect the Position of Mil-Sosi or Its Clients.

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: The Bank of Russia has excluded information about the Microcredit Company “Entertaining Finances” from the state register (06.02.2025)

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    The Bank of Russia has excluded information about the Limited Liability Company Microcredit Company “Entertaining Finances” (hereinafter referred to as LLC MCC “Entertaining Finances”, MCC, microcredit company) from the state register of microfinance organizations (register entry number No. 2203045009908).

    The Bank of Russia adopted this solution in accordance with paragraph 1 of part 1.1 of article 7 and paragraph 8 of part 4 of article 14 of Federal Law No. 151-FZ1, based on the fact that the microcredit company violated federal laws, including in the field of consumer lending, as well as regulatory acts of the Bank of Russia, in connection with which the regulator has repeatedly applied supervisory measures to the MCC over the past 12 months.

    During 2024, LLC MCC “Entertaining Finances” submitted false reporting data to the Bank of Russia, in particular, it understated the calculated value of the maximum debt burden (MDB) for borrowers. In addition, the MCC provided consumer loans to borrowers at rates exceeding the maximum permissible amount, charged increased penalties (fines, penalties) on overdue loans, and also imposed additional services when issuing loans.

    The understatement of the DTI allowed the microcredit company to issue loans to over-indebted citizens. The share of such loans issued was one of the highest in OOO MCC “Entertaining Finances” among the participants of the microfinance market.

     

    1 Federal Law of 02.07.2010 No. 151-FZ “On microfinance activities and microfinance organizations”.

    When using the material, a link to the Press Service of the Bank of Russia is required.

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV.KBR.ru/Press/PR/? File = 638744311296666060MICROFINANCE. CHTM

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 06.02.2025, 11-24 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A1009L8 (RZhD 1P-15R) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    06.02.2025

    11:24

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 06.02.2025, 11-24 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 97.32) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1033.95 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 15.0%) of the security RU000A1009L8 (RZhD 1P-15R) were changed.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is account to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect the Position of Mil-Sosi or Its Clients.

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 06.02.2025, 13-24 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JXSS1 (Akron B1P2) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    06.02.2025

    13:24

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 06.02.2025, 13-24 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 79.19) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 842.61 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 13.75%) of the RU000A0JXSS1 (Akron B1P2) security were changed.

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 06.02.2025, 13-54 (Moscow time) the values of the lower boundary of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the RU000A105ZX2 (BoretsK1P01) security were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    06.02.2025

    13:54

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 06.02.2025, 13-54 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to 54.88) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 335.33 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 62.5%) of the RU000A105ZX2 (BoretsK1P01) security were changed.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is account to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect the Position of Mil-Sosi or Its Clients.

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 06.02.2025, 13-59 (Moscow time) the values of the lower limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A105GN3 (BoretsKZO26) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    06.02.2025

    13:59

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 06.02.2025, 13-59 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to 57.27) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 34556.15 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 62.5%) of the RU000A105GN3 security (BoretsKZO26) were changed.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is account to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect the Position of Mil-Sosi or Its Clients.

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 273 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and assessed damage to energy infrastructure vital for nuclear safety during his 11th visit to Ukraine since the military conflict began almost three years ago, as part of the ongoing efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to help prevent a nuclear accident.

    Before his meetings with President Zelensky and senior government officials in Kyiv on Tuesday, the Director General travelled to one of the substations on which Ukraine’s nuclear power plants (NPPs) depend to receive the off-site power needed to cool their reactors and for other essential nuclear safety and security functions and also to transmit the electricity they generate.

    In recent months, Ukraine’s operating NPPs – Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine – have several times been forced to reduce power output because of widespread military activities affecting the electricity grid, in which the substations form a key part. Most recently, Ukraine informed the IAEA that the NPPs temporarily lowered their production on 1 February before returning to nominal power again.

    “The reason that this is so important, from the perspective of the IAEA, is because of the influence of this situation on the safety of the nuclear power plants’ operation,” Director General Grossi told journalists at the substation, which is among several such facilities that were further damaged and degraded in recent months.

    “This compromises the nuclear safety of a power plant, and it could eventually lead to an accident,” he said, noting the importance of a stable electricity grid for the nuclear safety and security of NPPs. “Having an external power supply is essential”.

    IAEA expert teams have travelled to nine different electrical substations across the country seen as critical for nuclear safety and security, including the one visited by Director General Grossi on 4 February. Five of these substations have been visited twice during IAEA missions in September, October and December 2024, with the teams observing a continued degradation at several facilities.

    During their visits to the substations, the IAEA teams collect information, assess the situation and provide technical advice.

    “The situation is quite dire. We should not, I think, hide the fact. And as you can see behind us, this infrastructure has been degraded,” Director General Grossi said, standing next to a visibly damaged autotransformer.

    Director General Grossi also noted the work conducted at this and other Ukrainian substations to help “preserve the stability of the grid”, for example by replacing damaged transformers.

    In his meetings with President Zelensky, Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha and Minister of Energy German Galushchenko, Director General Grossi also discussed progress in Ukraine’s plans to purchase equipment from the interrupted Bulgarian NPP project in Belene for new reactor units being constructed at the Khmelnytskyy NPP. The IAEA is providing technical support and nuclear safety advice for this plan, Director General Grossi said.

    At Ukraine’s NPPs over the past week, the IAEA teams based there have continued to report on indications of military activities near the sites, constant reminders of the potential risks to nuclear safety and security.

    At Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya NPP, the team heard multiple instances of explosions on most days, some very close to the plant. There were no reports of damage to the site.

    Following the disconnection of the ZNPP’s only available 750 kilovolt (kV) power line on 29 January, it was reconnected on 1 February. As a result, the site once again has two external power lines available – including one 330 kV – compared with a total of ten before the conflict.

    The IAEA teams at the Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs and the Chornobyl site continued to report daily air raid alarms. The teams at Khmelnytskyy, South Ukraine and Chornobyl were also informed of drones being detected in locations near the sites.

    At the South Ukraine NPP, a 750 kV power line that was disconnected on 29 January due to military activities remains unavailable.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: NB Private Equity: Holding(s) in Company

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TR-1: Standard form for notification of major holdings

    1. Issuer Details
    ISIN
    GG00B1ZBD492
    Issuer Name
    NB PRIVATE EQUITY PARTNERS LIMITED
    UK or Non-UK Issuer
    Non-UK
    2. Reason for Notification
    An acquisition or disposal of voting rights
    3. Details of person subject to the notification obligation
    Name
    Quilter Plc
    City of registered office (if applicable)
    London
    Country of registered office (if applicable)
    United Kingdom
    4. Details of the shareholder
    Full name of shareholder(s) if different from the person(s) subject to the notification obligation, above

    City of registered office (if applicable)

    Country of registered office (if applicable)

    5. Date on which the threshold was crossed or reached
    31-Jan-2025
    6. Date on which Issuer notified
    06-Feb-2025
    7. Total positions of person(s) subject to the notification obligation

    . % of voting rights attached to shares (total of 8.A) % of voting rights through financial instruments (total of 8.B 1 + 8.B 2) Total of both in % (8.A + 8.B) Total number of voting rights held in issuer
    Resulting situation on the date on which threshold was crossed or reached 10.298234 0.000000 10.298234 4759831
    Position of previous notification (if applicable) 14.987802 0.000000 14.987802  

    8. Notified details of the resulting situation on the date on which the threshold was crossed or reached
    8A. Voting rights attached to shares

    Class/Type of shares ISIN code(if possible) Number of direct voting rights (DTR5.1) Number of indirect voting rights (DTR5.2.1) % of direct voting rights (DTR5.1) % of indirect voting rights (DTR5.2.1)
    GG00B1ZBD492   4759831   10.298234
    Sub Total 8.A 4759831 10.298234%

    8B1. Financial Instruments according to (DTR5.3.1R.(1) (a))

    Type of financial instrument Expiration date Exercise/conversion period Number of voting rights that may be acquired if the instrument is exercised/converted % of voting rights
             
    Sub Total 8.B1      

    8B2. Financial Instruments with similar economic effect according to (DTR5.3.1R.(1) (b))

    Type of financial instrument Expiration date Exercise/conversion period Physical or cash settlement Number of voting rights % of voting rights
               
    Sub Total 8.B2      

    9. Information in relation to the person subject to the notification obligation
    2. Full chain of controlled undertakings through which the voting rights and/or the financial instruments are effectively held starting with the ultimate controlling natural person or legal entities (please add additional rows as necessary)

    Ultimate controlling person Name of controlled undertaking % of voting rights if it equals or is higher than the notifiable threshold % of voting rights through financial instruments if it equals or is higher than the notifiable threshold Total of both if it equals or is higher than the notifiable threshold
    Quilter Plc Quilter Investors Limited 0.305208   0.305208%
    Quilter Plc Quilter Cheviot Europe Limited 0.324496   0.324496%
    Quilter Plc Quilter Cheviot Limited 8.241279   8.241279%
    Quilter Plc Quilter Cheviot International Limited 1.427249   1.427249%

    10. In case of proxy voting
    Name of the proxy holder

    The number and % of voting rights held

    The date until which the voting rights will be held

    11. Additional Information

    12. Date of Completion
    06-Feb-2025
    13. Place Of Completion
    London,UK

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/SUDAN – Turning point in the Sudanese conflict? The Sudanese Armed Forces advance in Khartoum

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 6 February 2025 wars  

    Khartoum (Agenzia Fides) – The advance of the SAF (Sudan Armed Forces) soldiers continues to regain control of Khartoum, the Sudanese capital disputed with the RSF (Rapid Support Forces) militiamen.The offensive of General Abdel-Fattah Burhan’s men began in early January in the State of Jazira, whose capital Wad Madani was conquered on January 11. A conquest marked by violence against civilians, also of South Sudanese nationality (see Fides, 17/1/2025). This city, although located 200 km from Khartoum, is an important crossroads of roads leading to the federal capital from different directions. In recent weeks, the SAF has advanced from Wad Madani along the banks of the Blue Nile, capturing towns and villages in the north of the state and in the south of Khartoum State, and then attacking RSF positions in Khartoum from several sides. A spokesman for the Sudanese Armed Forces said yesterday, 5 February, that the troops had captured Al-Rumaila district, a medical depot, an industrial area and the State mint in southern Khartoum. The capture of Al-Rumaila brings General Burhan’s military closer to the centre of Khartoum, the stronghold and command centre of the SAF led by Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo.On the eastern axis of the Nile, the army has managed to control the Green Valley and the Sheikh Al-Fadani area, located about 7 kilometres from the Soba Bridge, which connects the Eastern Nile to the city of Khartoum. If the RSF militiamen were to retreat, they could fall back on Giad, a vast complex of factories and warehouses located 45 km southeast of the center of Khartoum, where they seem to be preparing their resistance. Unless they decide to fight house to house in the center of the Sudanese capital, thus exacerbating the already serious humanitarian crisis, with civilians subjected to bombing from both sides in the fight. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 6/2/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: VATICAN – Pope’s Message for World Mission Day 2025: The Church prolongs the mission of Christ by offering life for all

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 6 February 2025

    Vatican Media

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “The Church, a community of Christ’s missionary disciples”, is today “sent to revive hope in a world over which dark shadows”. “Despite facing persecutions, tribulations and difficulties, as well as her own imperfections and failures due to the weakness of her members, the Church is constantly impelled by the love of Christ to persevere, “prolongs” the mission of Jesus” offering her life for all in the midst of the nations”.This is the essence of Pope Francis’ message for World Mission Sunday 2025, which will be celebrated on October 19.The Document is dated January 25, the Feast of the Conversion of the Apostle Paul, and is published today, February 6, the liturgical memorial of Saints Paul Miki and his companions, a group of 25 Japanese martyrs, eight of whom were priests and religious of the Society of Jesus and the Order of Friars Minor, European missionaries or those born in Japan, and seventeen lay people. All of them were arrested and, as the Roman Martyrology reports, “seriously mistreated and sentenced to death. All of them, including the young ones, were crucified because they were Christians.”These dates are not accidental, considering the themes addressed in the message entitled “Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples”At the heart of the message, divided into three paragraphs, is the theme of hope, the theological virtue that is also at the heart of the Ordinary Jubilee that the Catholic Church is currently celebrating. The theme – explains the Pope – was chosen because it “reminds individual Christians and the entire Church, the community of the baptized, of our fundamental vocation to be, in the footsteps of Christ, messengers and builders of hope”.Hence “the desire” of the Bishop of Rome to “recall some relevant aspects of our Christian missionary identity, so that we can let ourselves be guided by the Spirit of God and burn with holy zeal for a new evangelizing season in the Church”. And first of all to “keep our gaze fixed on Christ, the centre of history”, “the fullness of salvation for all”, as well as “the supreme model of all those down the centuries who carry out their own God-given mission, even amid extreme trials”.“Through his disciples, sent to all peoples and mystically accompanied by him, the Lord Jesus continues his ministry of hope for humanity”, bending over “all those who are poor, afflicted, despairing and oppressed, and pours «upon their wounds the balm of consolation and the wine of hope»”, writes the Pope, quoting the Preface “Jesus the Good Samaritan”.The Pope’s thoughts also go to the missionaries ad gentes who “following the Lord’s call”, “have gone forth to other nations to make known the love of God in Christ. For this, I thank you most heartily! Your lives are a clear response to the command of the risen Christ, who sent his disciples to evangelize all peoples. In this way, you are signs of the universal vocation of the baptized to become, by the power of the Spirit and daily effort, missionaries among the nations and witnesses to the great hope given us by the Lord Jesus”.The horizon of this hope, the Pope points out, “transcends the passing things of this world and opens up to those divine realities in which we share even now.” The Bishop of Rome then cites Paul VI, who fifty years ago, in the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Nuntandi (n. 27), wrote that the salvation offered by Christ is not only “immanent, meeting material or even spiritual needs… completely caught up in temporal desires, hopes, affairs, and struggles. Rather, it exceeds all such limits in order to reach fulfilment in a communion with the one Absolute, which is God. It is a salvation both transcendent and eschatological, which indeed has its beginning in this life, but is fulfilled in eternity.”Hence the invitation to put into practice the actions suggested in the Bull Spes Non Confundit, living above all in “personal contact” with brothers and sisters, “with particular attention to the poorest and weakest, the sick, the elderly and those excluded from materialistic and consumerist society. They are the ones who teach us how to live in hope. Through personal contact, we will also convey the love of the compassionate heart of the Lord”. In fact, all the baptized, continues the Pontiff, quoting the speech he himself gave in June two years ago to the General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies, are “have been sent to continue this mission: to be signs of the heart of Christ and the love of the Father, embracing the whole world”.To this end, Pope Francis stresses, “we need to be renewed in the Easter spirituality experienced at every Eucharistic celebration and especially during the Easter Triduum, the centre and culmination of the liturgical year”. Moreover, “missionaries of hope are men and women of prayer, for “the person who hopes is a person who prays”, in the words of Venerable Cardinal François-Xavier Van Thuan, who was himself sustained in hope throughout his lengthy imprisonment thanks to the strength he received from faithful prayer and the Eucharist (cf. The Road of Hope, Boston, 2001, 963). Let us not forget that prayer is the primary missionary activity and at the same time the first strength of hope”.“So,” urges the Pope, “let us renew the mission of hope, starting from prayer, especially prayer based on the word of God and particularly the Psalms, that great symphony of prayer whose composer is the Holy Spirit. The Psalms train us to hope amid adversity, to discern the signs of hope around us, and to have the constant “missionary” desire that God be praised by all peoples”.In the third and final paragraph, the Bishop of Rome describes evangelization as a “communitarian process,” which “does not end with the initial preaching of the Gospel and with Baptism, but continues with the building up of Christian communities through the accompaniment of each of the baptized along the path of the Gospel. In modern society, membership in the Church is never something achieved once for all. Therefore, the missionary activity of handing down and shaping a mature faith in Christ is “paradigmatic for all the Church’s activity,” he adds (Evangelii Gaudium, 15).“I would emphasize once more the importance of this missionary synodality of the Church, as well as the service rendered by the Pontifical Mission Societies in promoting the missionary responsibility of the baptized and supporting new Particular Churches. And I urge all of you, children, young people, adults and the elderly, to participate actively in the common evangelizing mission of the Church by your witness of life and prayer, by your sacrifices and by your generosity,” concludes Pope Francis. (F.B.) (6/2/2025)

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: OSCE Co-operation with the Council of Europe: UK statement to the OSCE, February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Ambassador Holland thanks Minister Bettel for outlining Luxembourg’s priorities at the Council of Europe, and for the close collaboration with the OSCE.

    Thank you Chair. And may I express my condolences – and those of my delegation and country – to our Swedish colleagues for the tragic school attack this week. Our thoughts are with you and the families and friends of the victims.

    Minister Bettel welcome to the Permanent Council. Thank you for your presentation and for your commitment to the work of the Council of Europe as Chair of the Committee of Ministers. The Council of Europe has been, and will continue to be, hugely important to the UK’s human rights and foreign policy agenda.

    The longstanding relationship between the OSCE and the Council of Europe is rooted in the promotion of human rights, democracy and rule of law – values that the UK is firmly committed to uphold. Respect for these common principles defines our shared endeavours in Vienna and in Strasbourg. Values such as the rule of law not only provide the freedoms which allow people to interact with each other in their day-to-day lives but also matter for growth, jobs and people’s livelihoods.

    We meet today at a particularly challenging time for European Security, with Russia‘s unprovoked and unjustified war in Ukraine about to enter a fourth year. We call on all OSCE participating States to uphold our common commitments to shared security on our continent.  We must strengthen Ukraine’s position to keep fighting through 2025 and beyond – for the sake of Ukraine itself, and Euro-Atlantic security.

    The UK is proud to be Chair of the Conference of Participants for the Register of Damage for Ukraine. The Register, now with over 14,000 claims, serves as a significant step towards securing justice for the Ukrainian people.

    The Council of Europe and the OSCE share much common ground – tackling serious organised crime and human trafficking, counter-terrorism, as well as promoting free and fair elections, media freedom, and gender rights. As both the OSCE and the Council of Europe face up to a series of common challenges this year, including a difficult security environment and – as you rightly say – the challenges of democratic backsliding, it is important that we continue to recognise each organisation’s individual merits and distinctiveness. We need to work in a coordinated way to employ the unique set of instruments and tools which each organisation offers to its States.

    Minister Bettel – like your country, the UK is, and will remain, a steadfast supporter of the work of both the Council of Europe and the OSCE. We offer you, and your team, our best wishes for your work throughout your Presidency.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 February 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Immingham Green Energy Terminal development consent decision announced

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The Immingham Green Energy Terminal application has today been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport.

    Immingham Green Energy Terminal

    The project comprises a new liquid bulk import terminal and associated processing facility, the purpose of which is to deliver a green hydrogen production facility. Imported ammonia will be stored and processed at the site to create green hydrogen, for onward transport to filling stations throughout the UK. Key project infrastructure comprises; a new approach trestle, jetty superstructure and topside infrastructure; and land side processing infrastructure. 

    The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by Associated British Ports on 21 September 2023 and accepted for examination on 19 October 2023.  

    Following an examination during which the public, statutory consultees and interested parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 6 November 2024.   

    This is the 54th transport application out of 148 applications examined to date and was again completed by the Planning Inspectorate within the statutory timescale laid down in the Planning Act 2008.   

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

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

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

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

    Press.office@planninginspectorate.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met officers make 14 arrests in crackdown on car crime in Bexley

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Met officers have made 14 arrests and recovered 14 stolen cars as part of a crackdown on car crime in Bexley.

    Officers have carried out increased patrols following concerns from residents about keyless car theft.

    It’s a growing crime type where offenders are able to access keyless vehicles using various techniques and devices depending on the make or model of the vehicle.

    Fast reporting led to officers making 14 arrests during the week of 20 January, including three men who were tracked down within minutes of unsuccessfully attempting to break into a car.

    Another four men were arrested following a pursuit by officers, which involved a car which had driven the wrong way down the A2.

    Sergeant Dave Catlow, one of the Met’s neighbourhood officers in south-east London, said:

    “We heard from people in Bexley that car crime was a significant concern and we’ve acted on that. We know it’s an issue and recognise the impact on the community.

    “We will continue to focus our resources on tackling the offences that matter most to Londoners by investing time in proactive operations. We’ve seen how this targeted approach is making a real difference.

    “We hold regular engagement with residents to prevent theft of vehicles, including reactive pop-ups in emerging target areas, hosting public meetings to display physical prevention measures and knocking on doors.”

    Of the 14 arrests, eight were linked to motor vehicle crime, two for driving under the influence of alcohol, and two for possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.

    Alongside recovering 14 lost or stolen vehicles, officers were also able to seize another six vehicles which had been reported as stolen.

    “Across London, we’ve put an extra 500 officers and staff into neighbourhood policing and our relentless focus on tackling crime will continue.”

    When reporting car thefts, victims should report the crime as soon as possible to give officers the best chance of locating the vehicle. We urge the public to call 999 to report a crime in progress, or 101 to make a non-urgent report.

    Bexley Police’s X channel shares regular messaging which can help to keep people informed of emerging crime trends and stay safe from crime.

    The Metropolitan Police website has guidance on how to protect your vehicle, including keyless cars.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement: Foreign Office summons Russian Ambassador

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The Russian Ambassador was summoned for a meeting to revoke the accreditation of a Russian diplomat

    A Foreign Office spokesperson said: 

    We have summoned the Russian Ambassador for a meeting with a senior British official to revoke the accreditation of a Russian diplomat. 

    This is in response to Russia’s unprovoked and baseless decision to strip the accreditation of a British diplomat in Moscow in November.

    The UK will not stand for intimidation of our staff in this way, and so we are taking reciprocal action. 

    Any further action taken by Russia will be considered an escalation and responded to accordingly.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –