NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Serve up some fun at free Barclays Big Tennis Weekend in Barnes Park

    Source: City of Sunderland

    Residents of all ages are being invited to pick up a racket and join in the fun as Barnes Park hosts a free Barclays Big Tennis Weekend on Sunday 6 July.

    Whether you’re trying tennis for the first time or rediscovering your love for the game, the event promises a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere with sessions designed for all skill levels.

    Hosted as part of the national Barclays Big Tennis Weekends initiative, the event is open to everyone. No previous experience is needed, and all equipment will be provided. Just come dressed comfortably with suitable trainers and get ready for some fun on the court.

    Three free sessions will take place throughout the day:

    ·        1 – 2pm – (under 9s*)

    ·        2:15 – 3:15pm – (10 – 16 year olds*)

    ·        3:30 – 4:30pm – (16+ year olds)

    *all under 11s must be accompanied by an adult

    Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Tourism at Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome the Barclays Big Tennis Weekend to Sunderland. This is a great opportunity for families, friends, and individuals to get active, try something new, and enjoy one of our beautiful city parks.

    “Tennis is a brilliant way to stay fit, have fun, and meet others in the community. I’d encourage anyone who’s curious to come along—whether you’ve never picked up a racket or you’re looking to get back into the game.”

    In 2023, the courts in Barnes Park were part of over £400,000 worth of investment to improve 17 tennis courts across seven of Sunderland parks. There are two tennis courts available in Barnes Park, which is a green flag award winning park.

    The courts in Barnes Park, as well the others across Sunderland are available for everyone to use. There are both paid and free options at each park across the week, so you should always be able to find a free session to book. Find out more information at https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/SunderlandParksTennis

    Please note that in the case of bad weather, sessions will take place at Silksworth Community Pool Tennis & Wellness Centre, SR3 1PD

    Anyone looking to get involved with Barclays Big Tennis Weekend can find out more information and book your space here: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/BarnesPark/EventsV2/Book/3a094ea5-40dc-4c27-bab6-cb0b6f42d291

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Churchill Reports High-Grade Silver Results up to 395 g/t Silver at the Black Raven Property, Central Newfoundland

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Churchill Resources Inc. (“Churchill” or the “Company”) (TSXV: CRI) is pleased to announce that due-diligence sampling on its Black Raven property returned silver assays of up to 395 g/t silver from grab samples, confirming that high-grade Ag, Sb, and Au are present at several prospects. Five grab samples returned silver assays over 150 g/t (4.69 opt), along with high-grade gold, lead and zinc, emphasizing the polymetallic metal assemblage of critical minerals present in the Black Raven vein system, per the summary table and figure below.

    Sample #   300   304   305   315   321
    Silver grade (g/t)   153   329   321   251   395
    Gold grade (g/t)   3.07   7.70   7.79   5.09   2.16
    Lead grade (%)   3.10   6.47   5.80   8.83   7.34
    Zinc grade (%)   2.85   4.97   >5.0   >5.0   >5.0
    Copper grade (%)   nil   0.37   0.50   0.39   0.40
                         

    These samples exceeded the laboratory’s original upper detection limit for silver (100 g/t – see release of May 28th 2025), and the results reported herein are from the overage assay protocols. The Black Raven vein systems have never been drilled.

    “These silver results confirm our belief that the Black Raven system can carry high grade metals in multiple locations,” commented Paul Sobie, CEO of Churchill, “Churchill’s geological team are on site carrying out a summer surface exploration program, with trenching and drilling commencing as soon as permits are received. Work is presently focused on property mapping and extending the sampled strike extent of the high-grade Frost Cove (antimony), Stewart (gold), and Taylor’s Room (silver-gold) prospects as well as defining several other prospects including Moreton’s Harbour 1 (gold-silver) and Moreton’s Harbour Head (antimony-gold-silver). This work is going well and continues to encounter well-mineralized samples in all locales, confirming and expanding upon historical work.”

    The Black Raven Property hosts two past-producing mines dating back to the late 1800’s, the Frost Cove Antimony Mine, and the Stewart Gold Mine which returned antimony grades of 35.1% and gold grades of 14.4 g/t, respectively (see release of 12th June 2025). The silver results reported herein are from different locations on the property (see attached map). Black Raven is located approximately 60km northwest of Gander, and approximately 100km north of the Beaver Brook Antimony Mine, currently on care and maintenance.

    Antimony: A Critical Mineral in High Demand

    Antimony is a critical mineral essential for national security and modern technology, with over 90% of global production controlled by China, Russia, and other non-Western jurisdictions. The metal is a vital component in military applications, while also being crucial for certain flame retardants, strengthening alloys in batteries, and emerging energy storage technologies. Recent Chinese export restrictions have driven prices to record levels exceeding $50,000 per tonne, highlighting antimony’s strategic importance to a “Fortress North America” approach to critical mineral supply chains and making domestic North American sources increasingly important for economic and national security.

    Due-Diligence Sampling Program

    Antimony, gold, silver, lead, zinc, copper and molybdenum samples were selected by Dr. Derek Wilton, independent QP to Churchill, during field visits on April 24th and 25th. All samples were labelled and securely bound and delivered to the prep laboratory of SGS Canada Inc. in Grand Falls-Windsor, for crushing and pulverizing. Splits were couriered to Burnaby, B.C. by SGS for GE_AAS33E50 silver assays and overlimit samples by the GO_FAG37V analytical method. All due-diligence samples described in this news release were grab samples and are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades of the property.

    The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Derek H.C Wilton, P.Geo., FGC, who is a “qualified person” as defined under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”). Dr. Wilton is an honorary research professor of Economic Geology at Memorial University in St. John’s and is independent of the Company for the purposes of NI 43-101.

    Black Raven Antimony-Gold Property

    The Black Raven Property comprises nine map-staked licenses constituting a single contiguous block of 125 claims that in total cover 3,125ha or 31.25km2. Churchill and the vendors have agreed to a 4km wide area of interest around the property boundaries as part of their agreement.

    The past sampling data reported in this News Release is historic in nature and does not meet NI43-101 standards. Churchill has relied on the information supplied in the Government of Newfoundland field assessment reports and from information found in the Mineral Occurrence Database System operated by the Newfoundland Department of Industry, Energy and, Technology. Natural Resources.

    The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Derek H.C Wilton, P.Geo., FGC, who is a “qualified person” as defined under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”). Dr. Wilton is an honorary research professor of Economic Geology at Memorial University in St. John’s and is independent of the Company for the purposes of NI 43-101.

    References:

    Heyl, George R., 1936. Geology and Mineral Deposits of the Bay of Exploits Area. Newfoundland Department of Natural Resources, Geological Section, Bulletin No 3. 65 pages.

    Fogwill, W.D., 1968. Report on a copper prospect at Western Head, Moreton’s Harbour in the Notre Dame Bay Area, Newfoundland. Newfoundland and Labrador Geological Survey, Assessment File 2E/10/0350, 1968, 48 pages

    Kay, E.A. 1981. A geochemical and fluid inclusion study of the arsenopyrite-stibnite-gold mineralization, Moreton’s Harbour, Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland. Master Thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Canada, 1981. Newfoundland and Labrador Geological Survey, Assessment File 002E/10/1075, 1981, 209 pages.

    Quinlan E, 2013. First Year Assessment Report for 019872M, Ninth Year Assessment Report for 015553M, and Third Year Assessment Report for 017787M for Exploration within the Black Raven Property, NTS Map Sheet 2E/10. Newfoundland and Labrador Geological Survey Assessment Report, 69 pages

    Quinlan, E. 2025. 21st, 8th & 4th Year Assessment Report of Diamond Drilling & Prospecting On Black Raven Property, License 023212M (21st Year), License 02840m (8th Year), License 35674m (4th Year) NTS 02E/10, North-Central Newfoundland. Property centered at approximately 49°57’N, 54°87’ W. 34 pages.

    About Churchill Resources

    Churchill Resources Inc. is a Canadian exploration company focused on strategic, critical minerals in Canada, principally at its prospective Black Raven, Taylor Brook and Florence Lake properties in Newfoundland & Labrador. The Churchill management team, board, and advisors have decades of combined experience in mineral exploration and in the establishment of successful publicly listed mining companies, both in Canada and around the world. Churchill’s Newfoundland and Labrador projects have the potential to benefit from the province’s large and diversified minerals industry, which includes world class nickel mines and processing facilities, and a well-developed mineral exploration sector with locally based drilling and geological expertise.

    Churchill’s Taylor Brook Nickel-Copper-Cobalt-Vanadium-Titanium Property, and Florence Lake Nickel Property, are both in good standing for a number of years, such that further exploration and development can await improved market conditions sentiment while the Company focuses on high-grade antimony-gold and other critical minerals.

    Further Information

    For further information regarding Churchill, please contact:

    Churchill Resources Inc.
    Paul Sobie, Chief Executive Officer
    psobie@churchillresources.com
    Tel. 416.365.0930 (o)
          647.988.0930 (m)

    Alec Rowlands, Business Development & IR
    Alec.rowlands1@gmail.com
    Tel. 416.721.4732 (m)

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about Churchill’s objectives, goals and exploration activities proposed to be conducted on its properties; future growth potential of Churchill, including whether any proposed exploration programs at any of its properties will be successful; exploration results; and future exploration plans and costs. Wherever possible, words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the Company’s goals and objectives, and future exploration work to be conducted on the Company’s Black Raven Antimony Property. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.

    Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: exploration results on the Black Raven Antimony Property; the expected benefits to Churchill relating to the exploration proposed to be conducted on its properties; receipt of all regulatory approvals in connection with the transaction contemplated herein; failure to identify any additional mineral resources or significant mineralization; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on the Churchill’s properties, if required; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining and mineral exploration; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); the unlikelihood that properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; soil sampling results being preliminary in nature and are not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit; and title to properties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Churchill cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Churchill assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1f527078-103d-4201-8e35-585d165deaef

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Health and Social Care Secretary speech at RCOG World Congress

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Health and Social Care Secretary speech at RCOG World Congress

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting spoke at RCOG World Congress, announcing a national investigation into maternity and neonatal services.

    Well thank you, Ranee for your welcome, and thanks to the College for giving me this opportunity to address you today, and a warm welcome to those of you who’ve travelled from across the world to be here.

    The National Health Service began with a literal birth, Aneira Thomas, named after my predecessor, and Aneurin Bevan was born at one minute past midnight on the 5th of July, 1948.

    Since then, tens of millions of babies have been delivered by the NHS. Bringing new life into the world is a wonderful thing, and it’s great to be in a room full of the people who spend their professional lives supporting it. You know better than most that this is also a moment of risk and jeopardy for women and their babies, and that that risk is considerably higher than it should be because of the state of the crisis in our maternity and neonatal services here in the UK.

    Within the past 15 years, we’ve seen appalling scandals that blew the lid on issues ranging from care, safety, culture and oversight. Morecambe Bay, Shrewsbury and Telford, East. Kent, Nottingham. The last government responded with initiatives like Better Births in 2016 and the Maternity Transformation Programme. But despite improvements on some metrics, inequalities in maternal and neonatal outcomes have become more visible, not less.

    The rate of maternal deaths has been consistently rising. Babies of black ethnicity are still more than twice as likely to be stillborn than babies of white ethnicity, and black women are still 2 to 3 times more likely to die during pregnancy or shortly after birth than white women. Tragically, that gap is closing slightly, but partly because more white women are dying in childbirth. In September, the Care Quality Commission’s National Review of Maternity Services in England found that almost half of all trusts were rated as requiring improvement on safety. Another 18% were rated as inadequate.

    There is a widespread lack of staff and in some places a lack of potentially life-saving equipment, and some services don’t even record incidents that have resulted in serious harm. Taxpayers who are footing the bill for our failure to get a grip with everything else I’ve just said, it’s no wonder clinical negligence payouts have reached an all-time high £2.8 billion last year, with maternity accounting for 41% of all the money paid out.

    These are the facts. But behind these alarming statistics are people and the lives that have been taken from them. I spent a lot of time with victims of NHS maternity and neonatal scandals and failures during the last year. Listening. Listening to them share with a total stranger the most personal, painful accounts of their experiences and the trauma that occurs when we fail them. When I say we, I don’t just mean the maternity units that failed them. I mean NHS leaders and managers that put protecting their reputations over protecting patients. Or when we put legal advice that says do not admit liability over doing what is right by families. I mean the regulators who failed to hold them to account. And I mean politicians, including me, because the first step in putting this right is being honest about our own mistakes and failures.

    And the truth is, we’re not making progress fast enough on the biggest patient safety challenge facing our country. And I know what that means. Because of the many hours I’ve spent with families left completely traumatised by our failure to get it right every time. When I visit the Nottingham families they arranged themselves around the horseshoe table in date order, with those whose experience goes furthest back, sat to my left and the most recent sat to my right. The most recent was just last year, and I honestly dread the prospect of going to another meeting with another family arriving at that end of the table with another story to tell. This time, one that has happened on my watch.

    Across all of the meetings I’ve had every story is unique, but there are common themes. Some are there because their children died, some because their children suffered injuries that have left them with lifelong complications and disability. Others are women who suffered terrible life changing injuries during childbirth, or fathers left traumatised and unsupported with severe mental health challenges. I’ve seen photographs of their children. I’ve seen the ashes of their children in the tiniest little boxes, and I’ve also seen more courage than I could ever imagine mustering if I had to walk a day in their shoes. Carrying the weight of their trauma. All of them have had to fight for truth and justice. They describe being ignored, gaslit, lied to, manipulated, and damaged further by the inability for a Trust to simply be honest with them that something has gone wrong. They talk to me about the trauma that they experience compounded time and time again. When a hospital Trust or regulator simply turns their back on them, when all they’re searching for is answers.

    It’s their bravery that has brought me to the place that I am today. I want to say publicly how sorry I am sorry for what the NHS has put them through. Sorry for the way they’ve been treated since by the state. And sorry that we haven’t put this right yet. Because these families are owed more than an apology. They’re owed change, they’re owed real accountability, and they’re owed the truth. So today I’m setting out a different approach to the one that’s failed before. We’re going to do it with, rather than to these families. And we’re going to put the voices and experiences of mums, dads and children at the heart of our approach to improving quality, safety and accountability. Maternity safety will become the litmus test for all safety in the NHS. I’m taking personal responsibility for it as Secretary of State and as the staff leading maternity and neonatal services. I need your help because we’re a team and I can’t do this without you. I know the majority of births in England are safe, and I urge all women to engage with their maternity service and raise any concerns they may have about themselves or their baby.

    But for too long, those cases where things do go wrong have been swept under the carpet, and this cannot continue. I know I’m talking to an audience that will embrace this challenge. You will come to work every day to care for people. You are tired, tireless and dedicated in your work. I suspect you’re tired too, with the pressures you’re under. You go to work to do the right thing, and every day there are healthy babies being delivered safely, with moms receiving great care. But we also know that staff are being put in an impossible position far too often. It’s the moral dilemma I’ve heard from midwives, obstetricians and neonatologists across the country. They feel conflicted because they don’t feel their maternity ward or neonatal unit is delivering a safe service every time, and they don’t want to work in an unsafe environment. So they consider leaving. But they also tell me that if they walk away, they’d be letting it down even further.

    This is not a choice any member of staff should have to face. And I’m aware that there’s a risk that we further demoralize a workforce that’s already been on its knees and felt battered working in an NHS in crisis. I also worry about the risk of causing unnecessary fear or anxiety among mums going into labour, and the dads and loved ones holding their hands through the experience is a dilemma I wrestle with all the time. But I won’t do any of us any favours if we’re not honest about the scale of the challenge, so that we can provide a response able to meet it.

    Over the last year, I’ve been wrestling with how we tackle the problems in maternity and neonatal units. And I’ve come to the realization that while there is action we can take now, we have to acknowledge that this has become systemic. It’s not just a few bad units up and down the country. Maternity units are failing. Hospitals are failing. Trusts are failing. Regulators are failing. There’s too much obfuscation, too much passing the buck and giving lip service too much shrugging at a cultural problem that we fail to address. Because of that, we have enormously wide race and class inequalities in maternity care. Women, especially black, Asian, and working class women, are not listened to or given the chance to be advocates for their own health. We have an implicit message from the system that tells women not to have a miscarriage at the weekend. We have women who are classed as having a normal birth, still leaving, traumatised and scarred. And most concerning of all, we have the normalization of deaths of women and babies. We must stop and stop now with the mindset that these things just happen. Our inability to deal with this goes wider than maternity, in fact wider than our health service.

    It goes to the very core of how Britain responds to state failure. I should give a little context for my own outlook. I don’t have a conventional background for someone whose title is Right Honourable. I was born not far from here, actually, at the Mile End Hospital to teenage parents. I experienced poverty growing up and beside a loving family. The reason I’m stood here today is a member of the British Cabinet is because the state got it right, in my case, council housing. A great state education. A welfare state that clothed and fed me.

    [political content removed]

    But I also saw the way the state often treats people from backgrounds like mine. The way the DSS, the social security staff talk to my mum like she was dirt at the bottom of their shoes. The fights my grandmother used to have with Tower Hamlets Council when she ran the local tenants union. So I came into office with a healthy degree of cynicism and skepticism about the state. That doesn’t often come naturally to those of us with left wing politics who fundamentally believe in an active state.

    I’ll be honest with you, as I’ve listened to these family’s experiences of the state and NHS failure, that cynicism has boiled over into hot tears and real anger about what they’ve been put through and what they’re still living with. From the Horizon Post Office scandal to the infected blood scandal, the degradation of responsibility and trust in our institutions is compounding a cynicism and malaise at the ability of British politics, or even democracy, to deliver for people. This is a dangerous place for a country to be. If we do not admit the scale of the failure in maternity services, we’re condemning ourselves to etching that mistrust deeper. If we cannot admit openly that we as institutions and as a state have got this wrong, we will never be able to fix it or rebuild that trust. Too many children have died because of state failure, and I will not allow this to continue under my watch.

    [political content removed].

    So to face up to this, we have to change two fundamental things. First, we must ensure real accountability when things go wrong and give justice to those who’ve been wronged. Second, we must drive real improvements in maternity and neonatal care, which will require clear direction, a change of culture, and for all of us to mobilise as a team to get this right.

    Today I’m announcing a rapid national investigation of maternity and neonatal services, co-produced to include the families who have suffered the worst injustices of maternity care, modelled on the Darzi investigation into the state of the NHS. This will be an evidence-based investigation setting out what’s going wrong and priorities for action. It will look in detail at up to ten maternity units that are giving us greatest cause for concern. And it will report directly to me by Christmas.

    Crucially, the investigation team and terms of reference will be co-produced with the victims of maternity scandals. The investigation will also pull together the recommendations from the other reviews that have taken place to assess progress and provide clarity and direction for the future, so that everyone in the system knows what they’re working to.

    I’m currently discussing with Leeds families the best way to grip the challenges brought to light in that trust by their campaigning reports in the media and the latest CQC report, and I’ll be ordering an investigation into nine specific cases identified by families in Sussex who are owed a thorough account of what happened in those cases.

    I’m also establishing a National Maternity and Neonatal Task Force, which I will chair, bringing together experts, staff, campaigners and representatives of families to help me drive improvement across the NHS.

    We will call on international colleagues so that we understand what works and how to learn from the best and take to the rest, and the Royal College will have a really important role to play in that. I will also continue to meet families throughout the year, to give them a chance to hold me to account and provide them with a direct route to feedback.

    To me, the taskforce will answer some of the most pressing issues the families have put at the top of the list, namely, how can we ensure that women and their partners are always listened to when they raise concerns about their pregnancy or labour? What else should we be doing to save babies and women from dying or being severely harmed? How do we get better at spotting when things go wrong in units, and how do we tackle this before it grows?

    We’ll also bring in a package of measures to start taking action now, increasing accountability across the board and bringing in the cultural change we need to see within the next month. The NHS chief executive, Jim Mackey, and Chief Nursing Officer Duncan Burton will meet the trusts of greatest concern including Leeds, Gloucester, Mid and South Essex and Sussex to hold them to account for improvement working with the NHS leadership. I will set strong and consistent expectations for Trust Chairs, Chief Executives and Boards with overhauled oversight and performance framework and a new performance dashboard. We’ll roll out the new MOSS digital system to flag potential safety concerns and trust much earlier, and support rapid action and roll out a national maternity and neonatal inequalities data dashboard.

    Our ten year plan and upcoming Dash review will look to tackle this safety crisis at its root with an overhaul of the wider patient safety landscape. We will work to declutter this crowded landscape so that the patient experience works for patients again. I brought Mike Richards back to the CQC as chair to turn around that failing organisation, and I will work closely with him to make sure that the Commission is working effectively on behalf of patients and the public.

    Together, these measures will create real accountability, cut through the noise to prevent patterns spiralling and work towards tangible improvements for women and babies. I’m also going to do this with you, as well as the Royal College of Midwives and the other colleges and professional bodies. The Royal College has a reach across the globe and there are maternity professionals from many, many countries here today. These challenges and maternity care are not just in our country. I want to learn from the best systems internationally, and then to showcase how we are taking on the challenge of tackling inequalities across pregnancy and birth head on. Strong clinical leadership really matters. I can’t do this without you. I’m committed to doing this with you, not to you.

    So I know some of what I’ve said today will have been tough to hear, especially for people who give up their time early on a Monday morning to be here because you care about delivering safe and high quality care, and you take pride in your profession. Together, we’ll make sure that women and their partners feel heard and listened to, to make every birth a safe birth, to make high quality the hallmark of maternity services in this country, and to banish avoidable maternity and baby deaths to the history books. So I’m looking forward to working with you in that endeavour.

    Thank you very much.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Digital platforms have become a key form of ensuring economic and cultural sovereignty”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    © Mikhail Varushchev / Roscongress Foundation

    HSE Academic Director Yaroslav Kuzminov spoke at the SPIEF-2025 session “In Search of New Sources of Growth: Is a Different Model of Global Financial and Trade Architecture Possible?” The discussion was built around processes in the global economy related to the strengthening of multipolarity and the increasing role of new centers of global growth — states of the Global South and East. The participants discussed the potential and possibilities of a new model of international interaction.

    The global economy is often viewed as a dual system consisting of two large blocs, currently led by the United States and China. However, the world is much more complex, noted Yaroslav Kuzminov.

    “The collective West is trying to preserve itself as a single market system with single institutions, offering them to the rest of the world, but its foundation – free trade and unconditional protection of private property – is now being subjected to crushing blows from national and bloc protectionism. On the other hand, China, with all its economic and technological power, cannot act as the leader of the second world, it cannot gather around itself, as the United States did in its time or the Soviet Union did, other countries, because it is not free,” he said.

    The HSE academic director explained that American and Soviet leadership was based on two pillars: basic defense spending and economic preferences for allies. Now, countries are creating their own economies that are resilient to external influences. This implies the development of domestic production and the diversification of export markets. But this is not enough for sustainable economic growth, especially in the context of the global technological revolutions that are currently taking place.

    “The future is very uncertain, it is very difficult to make forecasts. If earlier the source of uncertainty was only future technologies, today it is geopolitical ruptures and geopolitical unions,” noted Yaroslav Kuzminov.

    In his opinion, the key argument for future technological power and future economic power is R

    “The problem of the center and the periphery arises, and this problem can only be solved by an extremely politically complex pooling of resources, pooling the efforts of different countries, which requires a degree of trust and a level of awareness of the common interest that, in my opinion, is simply impossible to achieve now. In these conditions, almost all technological innovations are developed within national frameworks, and this is where the problem of the “golden nail” arises. The “golden nail” is the problem of a deficit in the scale of the market. We can offer any breakthrough things, but if our market is limited to hundreds of millions of people and we compete with companies that have a market of billions of people, we will still have a “golden nail”. Therefore, it is necessary to single out those companies, those technological areas that correspond to the scale of the politically accessible market, and in other cases talk about localizing transnational companies in their sales markets, setting requirements for these companies to operate in national markets. I would call this the internal rooting of transnational companies ready to work with national jurisdictions,” says Yaroslav Kuzminov.

    At the same time, he noted that completely new solutions are not in the sphere of technology, the market is growing not only due to them. First of all, this is logistics: logistics chains have changed, two political zones of rupture have formed between the EU and Russia and in the Middle East. In these conditions, opportunities arise for countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam and India, which act as trade hubs.

    The most important elements of global changes are also related to the human capital of the golden billion countries, the HSE scientific director said. If in the countries of the collective West the share of the middle class is decreasing due to the share of families requiring state support, including migrants, then in the countries of Asia and the South it has grown to a third of the population, in Russia it is also about 35%.

    The middle class is people who can and want to choose, and who have the income and education to do so. The growth of the middle class leads to the formation of political and cultural innovations that act as economic drivers to the same extent as technological solutions. Middle class consumption acts as an economic driver along with heavy technological innovations.

    The second engine is the digital economy, which has received a new lease of life thanks to economically significant digital platforms. “Digital platforms have become a key form of ensuring economic and cultural sovereignty, and countries that underestimate their role will lose strategically,” Yaroslav Kuzminov summed up. The US, China, and Russia have their own platforms and digital ecosystems, he emphasized.

    The Global South is more diverse than the Soviet and Western systems of the past, it includes many regions with different levels of development and has not yet formed structurally, believes Andrey Kostin, President and Chairman of the Management Board of VTB Bank. Despite the fact that today the BRICS countries produce no less than the G7 countries, the entire financial infrastructure is controlled by Western countries and has ceased to be effective due to the fact that the balance of power has changed.

    “Due to the fact that the South is complex in itself, the internal relations are very difficult, we are still moving slowly. We need to create our own alternative center of the Global South and use settlements in national currencies. Sooner or later we will have to come to some denominator, we will have to create our own financial market infrastructure, because the current financial system meets exclusively the interests of the West. There are calculations that the BRICS countries lose about 30 billion a year on settlements through the dollar system. Perhaps the countries would survive this, but the political pressure that is exerted with the help of the dollar is, of course, unacceptable,” he said.

    Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexey Overchuk noted the importance of developing integration in the post-Soviet space. “We strive first and foremost to try to create conditions for reducing the costs of our producers of goods and services here, at home, inside. We started with measures to protect our own market and create a single customs circuit in order to control the market inside, develop relevant technical regulations, standards and reduce barriers as much as possible. And we have largely achieved this: trade within the CIS is developing much faster than trade with countries of the outside world,” he emphasized.

    At the same time, work is actively underway to develop international transport corridors to the markets of the Global South and to conclude agreements on free trade zones in order to provide the most comfortable environment for the promotion of Russian goods.

    The founder of En Group, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the P.A. Stolypin Institute for Growth Economics Oleg Deripaska believes that the task of doubling the Russian economy over the next 12 years is quite realistic. To do this, it is necessary, among other things, to create competitive production in aviation and transport power engineering. He called on businesses not to wait for the end of geopolitical tensions, but to actively develop now, in the current conditions.

    Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov noted that BRICS financiers are currently working in three main areas: the creation of cross-border payment, inter-depository, insurance and reinsurance infrastructure.

    The issue of the need to create a BRICS depository infrastructure was raised by Russia during its presidency of the association. However, this issue is not easily resolved. “We see that many countries are wary of investments, of settlements with our country, but I want to say that the question of how profitable it is, how profitable it is, is always at issue here. The desire to earn money solves any problem,” he explained.

    Anton Siluanov also spoke in favor of joint recognition of rating agencies within the BRICS framework. The head of the Ministry of Finance noted that partners from China are already very actively applying their rating assessments to business, including in Russia.

    In addition, the session was attended by the Minister of Foreign Trade of Qatar Ahmad bin Mohammed Al Sayed, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank Benedict Okey Oramah and President of the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank Serhat Koksal.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by CE at Greenway 2025 – Accelerating Changes (English only) (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at Greenway 2025 – Accelerating Changes today (June 23):
     
    Your Excellency Ambassador Harvey Rouse (Ambassador and Head of Office of the European Union to Hong Kong), Mr Iñaki Amate (Chair of the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong), consuls-general, heads of chambers, ladies and gentlemen,
     
         Good afternoon. It is a great pleasure to join you, once again, at the Greenway forum, the fourth edition, this year under the theme of “Accelerating Changes”. And, as before, it’s organised by the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao, and the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.
     
         The European Union (EU) has long been one of Hong Kong’s long-standing business partners. Hong Kong takes pride in being home to 1 640 EU (European Union) companies, which makes the EU the largest foreign business community in Hong Kong. Thank you and welcome indeed.
     
         Alongside business, we come together in so many others areas of mutual interest, from education and cultural exchange to innovation and technology pursuits. And, yes, to the environment – to global warming and all the complexities it entails.
     
         Because climate change affects us all, it must involve us all. Each and every one of us.
     
         The World Meteorological Organization’s latest report, published last month, notes that there is a 70 per cent chance that the five-year average warming, for 2025 to 2029, will exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius. That’s up significantly from the 47 per cent chance forecast in its report last year. So from a 47 per cent chance the forecast jumped to 70 per cent.
     
         Allow me, for the next few minutes, to tell you what Hong Kong is doing to work against the universal threat of climate change, and to achieve climate neutrality.
     
         Since Hong Kong reached its carbon peak, in 2014, our carbon emissions have dropped by about a quarter. In 2023, our per capita carbon emissions were about 4.58 tonnes. To put that in perspective, it is 60 per cent of the EU’s emissions, so we aren’t doing too badly, and only one quarter of that of the United States.
     
         Hong Kong is well on its way to cutting its carbon emissions in half by 2035, achieving carbon neutrality before 2050, which is our stated goal.
     
         Last week, we welcomed the news that Hong Kong is once again one of the world’s top three most-competitive economies. We are dedicated to decarbonising this international financial, shipping and trade centre while keeping up with our competitiveness. And we do that by engineering green transformation through innovation.
     
         Hong Kong’s prowess in financial services places us, favourably, in becoming Asia’s premier hub for green and sustainable finance. With our financing platforms, we could help to mobilise the capital for climate solutions, while ensuring robust integrity within our financial markets.
     
         Last year, the total green and sustainable debts issued in Hong Kong exceeded US$84 billion. And the volume of green and sustainable bonds arranged here amounted to US$43 billion. That places us first in the Asian market for seven years in a row, capturing 45 per cent of the region’s total.
     
         Our regulatory framework is fundamental to creating a sustainable finance ecosystem. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority published the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance last year, aligning our taxonomy with the two mainstream taxonomies of the Mainland and the European Union. Encompassing economic activities in power generation, transportation, construction, and water and waste management, it will facilitate green finance flows and promote sustainable development.
     
         Like our economy, Hong Kong’s resolve to green transformation goes beyond finance. Consider green transport, a transformation moving into the fast lane on our roads. The adoption of electric vehicles has been remarkable.
     
         Just five years ago, Hong Kong was home to about 14 000 electric vehicles. By the end of last year, that number had surged to about 110 000, that’s seven times more.
     
         Today, seven out of every 10 newly registered private cars in our city are electric. That, ladies and gentlemen, is among the highest growth rates in the world.
     
         Vehicles, of course, are only one part of a complex equation. An extensive and convenient charging network is the backbone of any electric vehicle revolution.
     
         Our strategy is people-centric, recognising that the best place to charge is at home or at the workplace. Through our EV-charging at Home Subsidy Scheme, we expect to see charging infrastructure installed in about 140 000 parking spaces in private residential buildings by the 2027-28 financial year. That will enable a smooth and non-disruptive electric vehicle transition for thousands of households.
     
         As for our world-class public transport system, we have unveiled a clear Green Transformation Roadmap for public buses and taxis.
     
         Through targeted subsidy schemes, that will fast-track the introduction of about 600 electric buses and 3 000 electric taxis. We are managing the transition in an orderly manner, using incentives rather than penalties, to ensure that our green ambitions don’t translate into additional costs for passengers.
     
         Our vision for green mobility goes well beyond the road. As one of the world’s premier aviation hubs, we’re looking to the skies, too, to chart the green way to our transport future.
     
         Sustainable Aviation Fuel, or SAF, is critical to the long-term future of air travel. It’s also essential to ensuring Hong Kong’s continuing leadership in aviation.
     
         SAF has the potential to reduce life-cycle carbon emissions by more than 80 per cent compared to conventional jet fuel. The Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government is working closely with the Airport Authority to set a clear target for SAF consumption.
     
         Globally, SAF supply is limited, and the cost remains high. And we see this as an opportunity for Hong Kong to innovate and lead.
     
         We are exploring a range of supply options, including collaborations with enterprises in the Mainland and internationally. Our goal is to establish a stable and competitive regional supply chain for SAF, taking advantage of our unique position within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It will accelerate the decarbonisation of our aviation industry and provide greener travel options.
     
         Our green ambitions also extend to the iconic Victoria Harbour, a vital artery for our city. Our Pilot Scheme for Electric Ferries will shape the future of maritime transport.
     
         With a commitment of HK$350 million, the Government is subsidising the construction of new electric ferries and their charging infrastructure, allowing operators to test the new green technology in local waters with full support.
     
         The first two of these pioneering vessels are already navigating Victoria Harbour, following rigorous testing.
     
         Beyond the local waters, we are greening the vast shipping lanes that connect Hong Kong to the world. Hong Kong is already a top 10 port for vessel refuelling.
     
         To build on this, we launched an Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering late last year, with the goal of transforming Hong Kong into a leading international centre for green maritime fuel bunkering.
     
         Industry response has been overwhelmingly positive, with key partners worldwide expressing strong interest in developing the services here. Hong Kong will spearhead the global effort in decarbonising shipping and, in doing so, create new economic opportunities. Something my good friend has already said: “Green actually means business.”
     
         When it comes to environmental connectivity, I’m pleased to note that EU companies play an important role in Hong Kong’s waste management and recycling facilities.
     
         And I look forward to the expertise and support of EU companies in the Northern Metropolis, our new engine for growth dedicated to green living, and the area’s long-term green development.
     
         Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong has an iconic skyline. It also holds a treasure of having some 40 per cent of its land pulsing as the city’s green lungs, with country parks breathing life into our metropolis, conservation areas cradling biodiversity little seen in other global financial hubs.
     
         This is Hong Kong’s defining paradox: where business and ecology coexist in symphony. For us, economic dynamism and environmental stewardship aren’t just compatible – they’re dual engines propelling our future. We balance development with sustainability. And we will do all we can to work with other places, the EU very much included, on the green way forward.
     
         I look forward to building strong ties with the EU, to finding solutions to climate change, to creating far-reaching opportunities for us all.
     
         My thanks to the organisers, the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao and the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. I’m grateful, too, to today’s supporting organisations – the Business Environment Council, the Consulate General of Sweden and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.
     
         I am certain you will enjoy today’s Greenway forum, and I look forward to our continuing, rewarding, co-operation in the years to come. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £380 million boost for creative industries to help drive innovation, regional growth and investment

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    £380 million boost for creative industries to help drive innovation, regional growth and investment

    Thousands of creative professionals and businesses across the UK are set to benefit from a new £380 million investment package as part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan.

    • £380 million in targeted funding to support innovation, access to finance, R&D, skills and regional growth across the UK as part of Creative Industries Sector Plan

    • Sector Plan set to nearly double business investment in creative industries to £31 billion by 2035 with 2,000 new film and TV apprenticeships to be delivered

    • Comes as part of Industrial Strategy which sets out government’s ten-year plan to make the UK the best place to do business and unlock growth as part of the Plan for Change

    • New Creative Content Exchange will be a marketplace to sell, buy, license and enable permitted access to digitised cultural and creative assets

    From grassroots music venues to world-class film studios, thousands of creative professionals and businesses across the UK are set to benefit from a new £380 million investment package.

    The investment underpins the Creative Industries Sector Plan, which sets out a clear direction on how the Government aims to build a sector that drives regional growth, is financially resilient and is globally competitive.

    Published alongside the Government’s Industrial Strategy today (23 June), the plan outlines a bold vision to nearly double business investment in the sector by 2035 – from £17 billion to £31 billion – cementing the UK’s position as a global creative superpower.

    The £380 million package is part of the wider plan to deliver targeted investment to create thousands of new jobs and opportunities in sub-sectors like film and TV, music, performing and visual arts, video games and advertising, while generating economic growth in six regions outside London over the next three years.

    The wider plan also includes a significant increase in support available from the British Business Bank (BBB), as part of its £4 billion Industrial Strategy Growth Capital, which will help creative businesses grow and create jobs.

    The Sector Plan aims to make the UK the best place globally to invest in creativity and drive innovation and tech adoption by 2035, with targeted support for:

    • A £150 million Creative Places Growth Fund for six regions outside London, empowering local Mayors to support creative businesses in their communities with access to finance, mentoring and networking opportunities to help them connect with investors and skills programmes. 
    • At least £50 million for a new wave of Creative Industries Clusters across the UK to accelerate research and development, doubling investment from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in clusters to £100 million. Clusters bring together universities, businesses, local and regional policymakers, and private funders to drive research, innovation and growth in the creative industries.
    • £25 million for five new innovative UKRI CoSTAR R&D labs and two showcase spaces, which will develop cutting-edge technologies like those used in Abba Voyage and award-winning theatre productions such as last year’s Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray.

    Building on the Government’s commitment to ensure a robust copyright regime and support UK IP, the plan includes the establishment of a Creative Content Exchange. It will act as a trusted marketplace for selling, buying, licensing and enabling permitted access to digitised cultural and creative assets, opening up new revenue streams for content owners.

    The industry plan responds directly to what the sector has said it needs – better access to finance, stronger skills pipelines, and support for innovation – and lays out a roadmap to deliver it.

    This includes upskilling the next generation of creative talent through a £10 million investment in the National Film and Television School (NFTS) which will help to train 2,000 new trainees and apprentices over the next decade – backed by industry giants such as the Walt Disney Company, the Dana and Albert R. Broccoli Foundation, and Sky.

    The investment will also go towards a new £9 million creative careers service, which will help raise awareness of opportunities and provide pathways into the sector for young people. 

    The UK’s leading creative industries, recognised across the world, are a major driver of economic growth as part of the Plan for Change – driving in £124 billion a year to our economy and employing 2.4 million people across the UK. Over the last decade the sector has increased its output more than one and a half times faster than the rest of the economy.                  

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    Our creative industries are powerful economic drivers in this country. By placing them at the heart of our Industrial Strategy this Sector Plan, backed by £380 million of investment, will boost regional growth, stimulate private investment, and create thousands more high-quality jobs.

    This Sector Plan will help nearly double business investment to £31 billion by 2035, supporting our mission to raise living standards everywhere as part of our Plan for Change, ensuring the UK remains the world’s creative powerhouse.

     Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The UK’s creative industries are world-leading and have a huge cultural impact globally, which is why we’re championing them at home and abroad as a key growth sector in our Modern Industrial Strategy.

    We’ve seen the power of investment, with this Government welcoming around £100 billion into the UK since taking office, and our Strategy will not only ensure that the UK is the best country to invest and do business in, but deliver economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets.

    Sir Peter Bazalgette, Co-Chair, Creative Industries Council, said: 

    This ambitious plan for growth represents a coming of age for the creative sector. Crucially the plans for R&D funding and Access to Finance for SMEs are exciting step changes.

    Baroness Shriti Vadera, co-chair of the Creative Industries Council, said: 

    This strategy recognises that the UK Creative Industries are one of the most innovative sectors in the UK economy and have a strong comparative advantage internationally. The work now begins to cement their role as a driver of growth and a global creative super power.

    The investment also includes tailored packages for high-growth sub-sectors through:

    • A £75 million Screen Growth Package supporting UK content development and international investment, and showcasing the best of UK and international film. This includes an enlarged UK Global Screen Fund and scaled-up BFI Film Academy to support 16–25 year olds from underrepresented backgrounds to enter the film industry.
    • A Music Growth Package worth up to £30 million, helping emerging artists break through at home and abroad. Measures will create new touring, performance, mentoring and export opportunities for emerging talent, while also delivering a significant uplift in funding for the grassroots sector to support small venues and help them to platform more high-potential artists.
    • A £30 million Video Games Growth Package, backing the next generation of start-up games studios and developers. This will drive inward investment in the sector through expansion of the UK Games Fund (UKGF) as well as new support for the London Games Festival.

    The Sector Plan also includes support for emerging fashion designers through the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN programme, to help them showcase their work at London Fashion Week and secure business mentoring.

    The Creative Industries Sector Plan maps out in detail how the Government will support the sector to grow even further over the next decade through a focus on boosting regional growth, innovation, access to finance, skills and exports.

    It will also see the Department for Business and Trade ramp up the number of creative trade missions and markets it targets, such as in the Asia-Pacific. Funding will be increased for major creative trade shows such as SXSW and Cannes Lions.

    The Sector Plan was developed in partnership with the Creative Industries Taskforce, Creative Industries Council, businesses, devolved governments, and regional stakeholders. It builds on the recent £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund supporting cultural venues across the nation.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors:

    • The full Creative Industries Sector Plan can be found here.
    • The British Business Bank (BBB) is a state-owned economic development bank established by the UK Government. Its aim is to increase the supply of credit to small and medium-sized businesses and provide business advice services.
    • The BBB has significantly increased its support for the creative industries as part of its £4 billion Industrial Strategy Growth Capital, including through support with debt and equity finance. 
    • The new £150 million Creative Places Growth Fund will be devolved to six Mayoral Strategic Authorities: West Midlands, West of England, West Yorkshire, the North East, Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester. 
    • CoSTAR labs and the Creative Industries Clusters are delivered by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council.
    • The new Music Growth Package worth up to £30 million follows the Government advocating for an industry-led levy on stadium and arena tickets to support grassroots music. 
    • The establishment of a Creative Content Exchange will act as a trusted marketplace for selling, buying, licensing and enabling permitted access to digitised cultural and creative assets. This new marketplace will open up new revenue streams and allow content owners to commercialise and financialise their assets while providing data users with ease of access.
    • The Sector Plan follows the Government’s recent announcement of more than £270 million that will be invested in arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings as part of the Arts Everywhere Fund, to help organisations in need of support to stay up and running, carry out vital infrastructure work and improve their financial resilience.

    Further quotes

    Caroline Norbury, Chief Executive, Creative UK, said:

    The Sector Plan signals that the creative industries are central to the UK’s growth story. From freelancers to scale-ups, this is a step towards the joined-up support our sector needs – and Creative UK stands ready to work with government and industry partners to turn ambition into action. 

    As we move into delivery mode, it’s essential that all parts of the sector – from cultural organisations to creative tech firms – are empowered to grow, invest and contribute fully to the UK’s economic future.

    Ben Roberts, Chief Executive, BFI, said:

    We welcome the Government’s decision to put the creative industries at the centre of its growth strategy. The UK’s screen sector is already a global leader, generating billions for the economy and pioneering new ideas. 

    With a firm focus on developing the sector across the UK, this investment can unlock fresh opportunities – from growing the sector’s talent pool and strengthening creative clusters nationwide, to opening new international markets for UK screen businesses and advancing creative technology innovation, including the CoSTAR work which the BFI is proud to be a partner on.

    UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said:

    UK Music welcomes the Government’s creative industries sector plan and the important status that it gives to music. The plan rightly recognises our world-beating £7.6 billion music sector as an essential high growth driving part of the creative industries.

    It is hugely welcome that funding packages and programmes are being made available to turbocharge the music industry and we are incredibly excited at the opportunity to be working with the Government to deliver on this.

    Barbara Broccoli, EON Productions, said:

    I’m thrilled the Government is joining forces with the National Film and Television School as part of its Industrial Strategy. The NFTS is a world-class institution that has trained some of the most talented members of our industry and I’m especially pleased this investment will focus on much needed support for persons with disabilities.

    Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, Sky Studios and Chief Content Officer, Sky, said:

    Sky is proud to support the National Film and Television School’s expansion plans and growth ambitions, as part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy. As one of the world’s leading institutions for film, television and games, the NFTS plays a vital role in developing the UK’s creative talent. Our investment underscores our commitment to skills development and sector growth, and we’re excited to see future generations benefit from the school’s outstanding work.

    Jon Wardle, Director, National Film and Television School, said:

    The real world impact of the Sector Plan in action will be felt through the NFTS’s expanded ability to train world-class, diverse talent and fuel growth in a sector where the UK is a global leader. In a challenging climate for the creative industries, the support from the government isn’t just welcome, it’s strategic.  This investment in the NFTS reinforces a commitment to skills, innovation, and the long-term future of the creative economy.

    Wayne Garvie, President International Production, Sony Pictures Television, said:

    The NFTS is an unparalleled training ground for British creativity and it’s wonderful that the Government both recognises the importance of the film and television sector in its Industrial Strategy and the role the NFTS plays in developing the next generation of great British creative talent.

    Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said:

    Ambition, excellence and innovation are the golden threads that run through the work of our artists, musicians, dancers, actors, writers, directors and producers. It’s what we’re famous for here at home and on the international stage. This new plan highlights the breadth and brilliance of our nation’s creative professionals and cultural organisations. It provides a roadmap for supercharging the growth of our sector and for nurturing the next generation of British talent, creating jobs across the country and delighting audiences here and around the globe.

    Andrew Georgiou, President & Managing Director for Warner Bros. Discovery UK & Ireland and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, said:

    We welcome this announcement confirming the government’s commitment to invest £375 million to turbocharge the UK’s creative industries. Their mission to drive growth across the country, unlocking new jobs and enabling talent to thrive in every nation and region, strongly resonates with Warner Bros. Discovery. 

    We have a proud UK heritage – present for over 90 years, with a significant employee base which extends North to South across 5 cities. The UK is our biggest base outside of the US and, in our view, one of the best places in the world to do business. We remain committed to the UK and our ambition to grow and strengthen our sector and welcome the government’s announcement to do this. We look forward to a continued and productive relationship between Government and the industry.” 

    Alison Lomax, Managing Director for YouTube UK & Ireland, said: 

    We welcome the Creative Industries Sector Plan’s commitment to a robust framework for creatives across the UK. It’s particularly encouraging to see the government acknowledge the digital creator economy’s vital role in driving growth for our creative industries. By embracing new distribution models that boost our cultural exports, this vision will solidify the UK’s position as a global cultural superpower.

    Nick Poole OBE, Chief Executive, Ukie, said:

    On behalf of the UK’s world-leading video game and interactive entertainment sector, we welcome the measures set out today by the Government to supercharge our Creative Industries as part of the Industrial Strategy. Today’s announcement is both a validation of the huge cultural and economic impact of video games and an opportunity to show the world we are open for business.” 

    Stephen Woodford, CEO, Advertising Association, said:

    Our industry welcomes the recognition of advertising as a priority sector for growth in the Creative Industries Sector Plan – we are a world leader in creativity as proven by our successful performance once again at Cannes Lions this year. 

    This strategy is a platform for growth for the next decade across our regions and nations. We welcome the incentives to attract new talent to join our industry, and we commit to working together to strengthen work that helps businesses innovate, compete in the UK and internationally, and create jobs.

    Professor Christopher Smith, UKRI Creative Industries Champion, and Executive Chair of the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council, said:

    The creative industries are a powerful engine for growth in the UK economy but they are also vital for scientific advance. This Spending Review commits UKRI to a coherent and concerted strategic investment, from the UK’s national capability for the creative industries, CoSTAR, to the Creative Industries Clusters Programme and beyond.

    The deep synergies between creative content and the most cutting-edge science in universities and R&D intensive businesses across the UK place creative industries at the heart of UKRI’s commitment to excellent science for a growing economy.

    Professor Hasan Bakhshi MBE, Director of the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre and Professor of Economics of the Creative Industries at Newcastle University, said:

    Today’s new Sector Plan for the creative industries sets out the Government’s priorities for the next 10 years, and the Creative PEC – thanks to our funder, the AHRC – stands ready to provide policymakers and industry with the data and evidence they need to enact it. 

    The commitment to increase public investment in creative industries R&D is especially important, alongside the prioritisation of the sector by the British Business Bank. Also welcome is HMRC’s clarification that arts activities that directly contribute to scientific advance by resolving scientific or technological uncertainties fall within the definition of R&D for R&D tax reliefs. Together these measures should have a catalytic effect in driving more private finance into the sector.

    Mel Sullivan, Chief Executive, Framestore, said:

    The UK is home to highly skilled and exceptionally creative artists, technologists, and thinkers who push the boundaries of what’s possible. The Creative Industries Sector Plan is a powerful show of support to those working in visual effects, film, TV, advertising, and immersive experiences. It will release unlocked potential and open doors to a new wave of talent across the country, giving them the confidence to build their skills, ideas, and innovations here, cementing the UK’s position as a global leader for years to come.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to the R&D elements of the Industrial Strategy

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on R&D elements of the Industrial Strategy, published by the Department for Business and Trade. 

    Prof Siddharthan Chandran, Director of the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: 

    “Today’s Industrial Strategy is an important milestone in delivering an internationally competitive package that realises the UK’s potential as a global leader in research and innovation. 

    “The plan rightly demonstrates a strong commitment to long-term investment that will make the most of UK innovations, driving growth across the country. It is right that we forge ahead and double down on our backing for R&D by creating the most attractive environment for innovative research. At the UK Dementia Research Institute, we know that a globally competitive system which supports academic-industry partnerships and spinouts is the way to build a culture of translating research into health and wealth impact. This is about building capacity, recruiting and retaining talent, attracting investment, and accelerating delivery for people living with dementia. 

    “We look forward to seeing this built on in the upcoming Life Sciences Sector Plan and 10 Year Health Plan. By harnessing the UK’s scientific excellence and NHS research capability we can deliver growth for the economy and build toward a future of healthy brain ageing for all.”

    Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said:

    “We are delighted to see the announcement of new skills packages for tech, engineering and defence, recognising that the Industrial Strategy’s objectives simply cannot be delivered without a significant boost to investment in our engineering and tech talent base. These packages provide a much-needed opportunity for government to take a holistic view of the rapidly changing skills landscape, and to work with partners across industry and professional bodies to make sure the UK tackles its longstanding skills and diversity deficits in these crucial areas. Today is International Women in Engineering Day – a reminder that we still have much to do to deliver equitable participation in these high-value jobs, and better outcomes for people from all parts of the UK.

    “The Royal Academy of Engineering looks forward to supporting government in taking forward these recommendations, including through our new Skills Centre. We also welcome the publication of the Technology Adoption Review and hope that this will result in meaningful action to increase the capacity of the UK’s industrial base and public sector to deploy existing technologies at the scale and pace demanded in today’s tech-driven world.”

    ‘The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy’ was published by the Department for Business and Trade at 9am UK time on Monday 23rd June 2025.

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/industrial-strategy

     

    Declared interests

    The nature of this story means everyone quoted above could be perceived to have a stake in it. As such, our policy is not to ask for interests to be declared – instead, they are implicit in each person’s affiliation.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China to attend Summer Davos 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 23 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the 16th annual meeting of emerging world leaders of the World Economic Forum (WEF), also known as “Summer Davos”, in north China’s Tianjin from June 24 to 25, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Monday.

    Li Qiang will attend the opening ceremony of the meeting and deliver a special speech there, as well as meet with foreign guests and talk with representatives of foreign business circles, the Chinese diplomat added.

    According to him, the event will be attended by the President of Ecuador Daniel Noboa, the Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev, the Prime Minister of Senegal Ousmane Sonko and the Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Trinh.

    More than 1,700 representatives from political, business, academic and media circles from over 90 countries and regions will also attend the meeting, Guo Jiakun concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: TCM Brings China and Uzbekistan Together in Forming the “Silk Road of Health”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    URUMQI, June 23 (Xinhua) — The treatment room smells of medicinal herbs, its walls are decorated with illustrations explaining the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and a diagram of the acupuncture technique, a model of the human body with indications of the complex meridians and collaterals of “Jing-Luo” stands against the wall, a doctor sits at a table in the middle of the treatment room, intently checking the patient’s pulse – such a picture, typical of a TCM medical institution, was observed not somewhere in China, but in the capital of Uzbekistan.

    The China-Uzbekistan Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmaceutics, located in Tashkent, vividly embodies the efforts of the two countries to implement the initiative envisaged in the Xi’an Declaration of the China-Central Asia Summit of 2023. The initiative states: “The parties are interested in deepening cooperation in the field of healthcare, promoting the construction of traditional Chinese medicine centers, including in the field of growing and processing medicinal plants to form the “Silk Road of Health.”

    In particular, Xinjiang /Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, XUAR/, the region of China closest to the Central Asian countries, actively responded to the initiative. In September 2024, Xinjiang Medical University welcomed the first batch of doctors from Uzbekistan who came here to study for a master’s degree in TCM. With their youth and energy, they injected new impetus into the construction of the “Health Silk Road”.

    Among the arriving listeners was 25-year-old Sirojiddin Umirov, who had shown great enthusiasm for traditional medicine since childhood. In 2024, after graduating from the Tashkent State Medical University, he decided to deepen his qualifications in traditional medicine in China. To prepare for this, he even independently began to study Chinese in advance.

    In his master’s degree at Xinjiang Medical University, the native of the Kashkadarya region of Uzbekistan chose TCM methodology in the field of osteology as his field of study.

    “Here I am simply captivated by the deep wisdom and miraculous effects of ancient Chinese medicine. An experienced scientific director imparts to us knowledge on the treatment of bone diseases using traditional methods of Chinese medicine, and I strive to quickly use the acquired skills in clinical practice,” said S. Umirov.

    “We train Uzbek doctors with a focus on improving their practical clinical skills,” said the scientific director, Professor Fan Rui. “We hope that after studying in China, S. Umirov will be able to make a great contribution to the dissemination of TCM in Uzbekistan and the promotion of the development of local, Uzbek traditional medicine.”

    Kamronbek Gaibullaev, 23, who graduated from the Samarkand State Medical University, was also interested in studying the TCM program at Xinjiang Medical University. Acupuncture has proven to be a difficult subject for him.

    His supervisor, Li Yongkai, noted that Uzbek students still find it difficult to accurately determine the depth, angle and force of needle insertion, and sometimes lack the determination to perform this practice. In his opinion, this is partly due to the fact that, unlike the Chinese, they have had relatively little contact with TCM theory and knowledge in this area in everyday life.

    Despite this, K. Gaibullaev is full of confidence in overcoming the difficulty. He dreams of opening a TCM clinic in his native region, using his medical skills to help local residents fight illnesses.

    At the same time, in Tashkent, at the Chinese-Uzbek Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmaceutics, Zakhro Mirsaidova and her colleagues, based on the constant strengthening of clinical experience, have already begun to think about the localization of TCM.

    “We have decided to promote the localization and modernization of TCM development in Uzbekistan, for which we are considering the possibility of developing a set of principles for the prevention and treatment of diseases using TCM that correspond to the realities of our country, and we also plan to launch research work on the impact of TCM on common diseases in the Central Asian region,” said Z. Mirsaidova.

    The dissemination of TCM training courses in medical universities of Uzbekistan, the joint creation of TCM clinics, the establishment of international cooperation in the field of TCM educational programs, the active organization of relevant trainings and cultural events – all this is aimed at promoting the integrated and innovative development of traditional medicine in China and Uzbekistan, noted Chen Jingbo, Director of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region TCM Hospital at Xinjiang Medical University.

    He places great hope on talented traditional medicine specialists from the two countries to improve their professional skills and make greater contributions to protecting people’s health and play an active role in implementing the Health Silk Road initiative. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The United States has urged its citizens to exercise increased caution abroad.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    WASHINGTON, June 23 (Xinhua) — The U.S. State Department on Sunday issued a global security alert, urging U.S. citizens abroad to exercise increased caution.

    “The conflict between Israel and Iran has led to disruptions in air traffic and periodic closures of airspace in the Middle East,” says a statement posted on the department’s official website.

    “There is a potential for protests against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The State Department advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution,” the warning said.

    The United States struck three key Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday, saying it had destroyed the country’s nuclear program.

    Late on Saturday, US President Donald Trump warned that any retaliatory strike by Iran “will be met with force far beyond what the world saw tonight.”

    Last week, the State Department warned American citizens against traveling to Israel, Gaza and the West Bank due to armed conflict, terrorism and civil unrest. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: North Korea condemns US military attack on Iranian nuclear facilities

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    PYONGYANG, June 23 (Xinhua) — The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Monday strongly condemned the U.S. military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities on Saturday, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

    The attack “grossly violated the UN Charter, which provides for respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs as a fundamental principle, and other international laws, and grossly trampled on the territorial integrity and security interests of a sovereign state,” the statement said.

    Under the pretext of so-called “peacekeeping” and “removing the threat,” Israel and the United States have further escalated tensions in the Middle East and caused serious negative consequences for the global security structure by demonstrating their physical strength, it said.

    The international community must unanimously condemn the confrontational actions of the US and Israel, the report added. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Llyodstern Establishes New Standards in Digital Business Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Llyodstern.com, a tech company based in London, is changing how businesses work online. The company has built a simple platform that helps people make better business decisions without all the usual headaches.

    Making Business Easier

    Llyodstern created the platform that lets businesses access different markets around the world. It doesn’t matter if you’re running a small shop or a big company – their tools are designed to be easy to use for everyone.

    Their system almost never stops working. It’s up and running 99.99% of the time, so you can really rely on it when you’re busy. You won’t have to stress about the website going down when you’re trying to do something important.

    “We just wanted to build something that actually helps people,” says someone from the company. “Most platforms are either too confusing or too basic. We tried to make something right in the middle.”

    Wide Range of Business Opportunities

    Through their platform, users can explore over 3,000 different business opportunities. This includes regular company stocks, things like gold and oil, different currencies, and even newer digital stuff like Bitcoin and Ethereum. They have more than 60 different digital options to choose from.

    You can also keep track of big market indicators like the S&P 500 and NASDAQ. Even smaller businesses can get involved in markets that used to be only for big companies.

    Multiple Ways to Access the Platform

    People like to work in different ways, so Llyodstern gives you options. They have a phone app so you can check things while you’re out and about. Perfect for busy people who can’t always be at their computer.

    If you want more detailed charts and analysis, they give you all the advanced tools. But if you just want something simple, their WebTrader works right in your web browser – no need to download anything.

    Help with Retirement Planning

    Llyodstern teamed up with a company called EBROKING to help people manage their retirement money. This partnership makes it easier for people to handle their own retirement funds and gives them access to special bank accounts that work together smoothly.

    It’s especially helpful because it takes care of a lot of the boring paperwork stuff automatically.

    Safe and Secure

    The company follows strict rules and is watched over by financial authorities in Switzerland and works with Interactive Brokers. This means your money and information are protected by the same rules that banks have to follow.

    They also have security systems running 24/7 to watch for any problems and help you avoid them before they happen.

    Global Reach, Local Support

    Llyodstern gets that businesses today are global. That’s why they’ve made sure their customer support speaks many languages and that their platform works for different regions. They cover big markets in Europe, America, and Asia, so you can really think big, even if you’re operating right where you are.

    Their support team is always ready to help, whether you’re new or have some tough questions. They just want to make sure you’re getting the best out of the platform.

    Smart Ways to Handle Risks

    One thing Llyodstern really shines at is managing risk. Their platform has these great tools that help you spot potential problems and make smarter choices. Instead of leaving you to figure things out on your own, the system actually guides you and gives you early warnings when the market starts shifting.

    This approach means businesses can stay ahead of problems, rather than just reacting once things go wrong.

    Steady Growth, Dependable Service

    While a lot of tech companies try to grow super fast, Llyodstern has taken a different route. They’re all about steady, sustainable growth so they never have to cut corners on the service their current clients get. Plus, they test new features really carefully before putting them out there, making sure everything works perfectly from day one.

    This careful way of doing things has built a lot of trust with their clients. Many have been with the company for years and often tell others about them.

    About Llyodstern

    Llyodstern.com is a digital company from London that makes tools to help businesses manage their operations in today’s world. They work with all sorts of clients, from people just starting their own business to very large companies, giving them easy and reliable ways to find business chances all over the globe.

    Llyodstern cares about security, staying compliant, and supporting their customers. That’s why they’ve become a trusted partner for businesses looking to grow and make smarter decisions in today’s connected world.

    Contact Info:

    Want to know more? Just visit their website or send them a message.

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Llyodstern. The statements, views, and opinions expressed are solely those of the provider and do not necessarily reflect those of this media platform or its publisher. Any names or brands mentioned are used for identification purposes only and remain the property of their respective owners. No endorsement or guarantee is made regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct independent research and consult qualified professionals. The publisher is not liable for any losses, damages, or legal issues arising from the use or publication of this content.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Powering Britain’s Future

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Powering Britain’s Future

    Electricity costs for businesses – including potentially hundreds in Scotland – to be slashed as Industrial Strategy launched to unlock investment and new jobs

    More than 7,000 British businesses are set to see their electricity bills slashed by up to 25% from 2027, as the Government unveils its bold new Industrial Strategy today [Monday 23 June].

    The modern Industrial Strategy sets out a ten-year plan to boost investment, create good skilled jobs and make Britain the best place to do business by tackling two of the biggest barriers facing UK industry – high electricity prices and long waits for grid connections.

    British manufacturers currently pay some of the highest electricity prices in the developed world while businesses looking to expand or modernise have faced delays when it comes to connecting to the grid.

    For too long these challenges have held back growth and made it harder for British firms to compete. Today’s announcement marks a decisive shift — with government stepping in to support industry and unlock the UK’s economic potential.

    From 2027, the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt hour for over 7,000 electricity-intensive businesses in manufacturing sectors like automotive, aerospace and chemicals. Hundreds of Scottish businesses could be in line to benefit.

    These firms, which support over 300,000 skilled jobs, will be exempt from paying levies such as the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and the Capacity Market — helping level the playing field and make them more internationally competitive. Eligibility and further details on the exemptions will be determined following consultation, which will be launched shortly.

    The government is also increasing support for the most energy-intensive firms — like steel, chemicals, and glass — by covering more of the electricity network charges they normally have to pay through the British Industry Supercharger. These businesses currently get a 60% discount on those charges, but from 2026, that will increase to 90%. This means their electricity bills will go down, helping them stay competitive, protect jobs, and invest in the future.

    This will help around 500 eligible businesses in sectors such as steel, ceramics and glass reduce their costs and protect jobs in industries that are the backbone of our economy and will be delivered at no additional cost to the taxpayer. The support for steel manufacturing is crucial as it’s a critical enabling industry for Scotland’s world leading defence and renewable energy sectors.

    These reforms complement the government’s long-term mission for clean power, which is the only way to bring down bills for good by ending the UK’s dependency on volatile fossil fuel markets.

    To ensure businesses can grow and hire without delay, the government will also deliver a new Connections Accelerator Service to streamline grid access for major investment projects — including prioritising those that create high-quality jobs and deliver significant economic benefits.

    We will work closely with the energy sector, local authorities, Scottish and Welsh Governments, trade unions, and industry to design this service, which we expect to begin operating at the end of 2025. New powers in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, currently before parliament, could also allow the Government to reserve grid capacity for strategically important projects, cutting waiting times and unlocking growth in key sectors.

    The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth and make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest and create 1.1 million good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries – delivering on this government’s Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    This Industrial Strategy marks a turning point for Britain’s economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past.

    In an era of global economic instability, it delivers the long term certainty and direction British businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs that put more money in people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change.

    This is how we power Britain’s future – by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear – Britain is back and open for business.

    Scottish Secretary Ian Murray today visited a new industrial development in East Lothian, on the site of a former coal-fired power station. The redevelopment site is partly funded by an £11 million UK Government investment, and includes the construction of a new interconnecter to take power from the Inchcape offshore wind farm to the National Grid. 

    Also joint Department for Business and Trade/HM Treasury Minister for Investment, Baroness Poppy Gustafsson, will meet senior figures from Dundee’s life sciences and tech, gaming, and creative sectors later. 

    Speaking ahead of his visit Mr Murray said:

    Scotland is rightly at the heart of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy with our businesses and expertise integral to further creating jobs and economic growth through the eight sectors identified.

    Advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative Industries, defence, digital and technologies, financial services, life sciences and professional and business services, Scotland excels at them all. But we have the potential to go much further. And by slashing electricity costs for Scottish businesses, increasing business investment and cutting red tape the UK Government is helping turbocharge the economy, create jobs and put more money in the pockets of working Scots as part of our Plan for Change.

    We have a proud industrial heritage and with this new comprehensive 10 year strategy Scotland and the wider UK has an exciting future.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    The UK has some of the most innovative businesses in the world and our Plan for Change has provided them with the stability they need to grow and for more to be created.

    Today’s Industrial Strategy builds on that progress with a ten-year plan to slash barriers to investment. It’ll see billions of pounds for investment and cutting-edge tech, ease energy costs, and upskill the nation. It will ensure the industries that make Britain great can thrive. It will boost our economy and create jobs that put more money in people’s pockets.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    We’ve said from day one Britain is back in business under this government, and the £100 billion of investment we’ve secured in the past year shows our Plan for Change is already delivering for working people.

    Our Modern Industrial Strategy will ensure the UK is the best country to invest and do business, delivering economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets and pays for our NHS, schools and military.

    Not only does this Strategy prioritise investment to attract billions for new business sites, cutting-edge research, and better transport links, it will also make our industrial electricity prices more competitive.

    Tackling energy costs and fixing skills has been the single biggest ask of us from businesses and the greatest challenge they’ve faced – this government has listened, and now we’re taking the bold action needed. Government and business working hand in hand to make working people better off is what this Government promised and what we will deliver.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    For too long high electricity costs have held back British businesses, as a result of our reliance on gas sold on volatile international markets.

    As part of our modern industrial strategy we’re unlocking the potential of British industry by slashing industrial electricity prices in key sectors.

    We’re also doubling down on our clean power strengths with increased investment in growth industries from offshore wind to nuclear. This will deliver on our clean power mission and Plan for Change to bring down bills for households and businesses for good.

    The Supercharger and British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will be funded through reforms to the energy system. The government is reducing costs within the system to free up funding without raising household bills or taxes and intends to also use additional funds from the strengthening of UK carbon pricing, including as a result of linking with the EU carbon market.

    We have set out an intention to link emissions trading systems, as part of our new agreement with the European Union to support British businesses. Without an agreement to do this, British industry would have to pay the EU’s carbon tax.

    We intend to link our carbon pricing system with the EU’s, we will ensure that money stays in the UK—which allows us to support British companies and British jobs through these schemes.

    Building on the Spending Review and the recently announced 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, the Industrial Strategy is the latest step forward in our plans to deliver national renewal. It will include targeted support for the areas of the country and economy that have the greatest potential to grow, while introducing reforms that will make it easier for all businesses to get ahead.

    The Strategy’s bold plan of action includes:

    • Slash electricity costs by up to 25% from 2027 for electricity-intensive manufacturers in our growth sectors and foundational industries in their supply chain, bringing costs more closely in line with other major economies in Europe.

    • Unlocking billions in finance for innovative business, especially for SMEs by increasing British Business Bank financial capacity to £25.6 billion, crowding in tens of billions of pounds more in private capital. This includes an additional £4bn for Industrial Strategy Sectors, crowding in billions more in private capital. By investing largely through venture funds, the BBB will back the UK’s most high-growth potential companies.

    • Reducing regulatory burdens by cutting the administrative costs of regulation for business by 25% and reduce the number of regulators. 

    • Supporting 5,500 more SMEs to adopt new technology through the Made Smarter programme while centralising government support in one place through the Business Growth Service.

    • Boosting R&D spending to £22.6bn per year by 2029-30 to drive innovation across the IS-8, with more than £2bn for AI over the Spending Review, and £2.8bn for advanced manufacturing over the next ten years. This will leverage in billions more from private investors. Regulatory changes will further clear the path for fast-growing industries and innovative products such as biotechnology, AI, and autonomous vehicles.

    • Attracting elite global talent to our key sectors, via visa and migration reforms and the new Global Talent Taskforce.

    • Deepening economic and industrial collaboration with our partners, building on our Industrial Strategy Partnership with Japan and recent deals with the US, India, and the EU.

    • Revolutionising public procurement and reducing barriers for new entrants and SMEs to bolster domestic competitiveness.

    • Supporting the UK’s city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investible sites through a new £600m Strategic Sites Accelerator, at six locations to be chosen across the UK, enhanced regional support from the Office for Investment, National Wealth Fund, and British Business Bank, and more, including  with the Scottish Government to support the Edinburgh-Glasgow Central Belt.

    • Strengthening existing “Industrial Strategy Zones” – in Scotland these are the Forth Green Freeport, Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, Glasgow City Region and the North East Scotland Investment Zones – with an enhanced offer of streamlined planning, better-targeted investment promotion, support for accessing concessionary finance and coordinated support on skills.

    • Delivering AI Growth Zones to attract investment in AI infrastructure in strategic locations across the UK, including Scotland, with support for planning, access to energy, and partnerships with the private sector.

    • Growing high-potential innovation ecosystems through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, with at least £30m for Scotland, building on UK-wide public R&D investment and Innovate UK’s joint action plans with devolved governments.

    • Identifying and securing the right financing for investment projects in Scotland with the National Wealth Fund, working with the Scottish National Investment Bank.  

    • Using a British Business Bank Cluster Champion in Glasgow City Region, with deep expertise and local knowledge, to coordinate investment-readiness programmes, strengthen financial networks, and connect high-potential firms to investors.

    The plan focuses on 8 sectors where the UK is already strong and there’s potential for faster growth: Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Creative Industries, Defence, Digital and Technologies, Financial Services, Life Sciences, and Professional and Business Services. Each growth sector has a bespoke 10-year plan that will attract investment, enable growth and create high-quality, well-paid jobs.

    Dame Clare Barclay DBE, Chair of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council and President of Enterprise & Industry EMEA at Microsoft said:

    I welcome today’s Industrial Strategy, which sets out a clear plan to back the UK’s growth driving sectors. It is particularly positive to see the strong focus on skills in areas such as engineering, technology and defence. Commitments such as £187 million for the TechFirst programme will ensure the UK has the skills it needs to support our growth industries and seize transformative opportunities like AI.

    Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Executive, CBI said:

    Today’s Industrial Strategy announcement is a significant leap forward in the partnership between government and business that sets us on the path to our shared goal of raising living standards across the country.  

    It sends an unambiguous, positive signal about the nation’s global calling card as well as the direction of travel for the wider economy for the next decade and beyond.

    The CBI has long been advocating for a comprehensive industrial strategy, based on the UK’s USP – the sectors and markets where we can compete to win on the global stage.

    More competitive energy prices, fast-tracked planning decisions and backing innovation will provide a bedrock for growth. But the global race to attract investment will require a laser-like and unwavering focus on the UK’s overall competitiveness. 

    Today marks the beginning of delivering this strategy in close partnership, at pace, and with a shared purpose. 

    Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO at Make UK said:

    British industry has been in desperate need for a government who understands our sector and had the strategic vision for a plan for growth. Today’s Industrial Strategy is a giant and much needed step forward taken by the Secretary of State who has seen the potential and provided the keys to help unlock it.

    Make UK has led the campaign for a new industrial strategy for many years, highlighting the three major challenges that were diminishing our competitiveness, hampering growth and frustrating productivity gains: a skills crisis, crippling energy costs and, an inability to access capital for new British innovators.

    The strategy announced today sets out plans to address all three of these structural failings. Clearly there is much to do as we move towards implementation but, this will send a message across the Country and around the world that Britain is back in business.

    Tufan Erginbilgic, Rolls-Royce CEO, said:

    The UK Government’s Industrial Strategy commitment to support our world-leading aerospace and nuclear industries shows long-term strategic foresight. Rolls-Royce’s highly differentiated technologies in gas turbines and nuclear capabilities- including SMRs and AMRs- are uniquely placed to deliver economic growth, skilled jobs and attract investment into the UK.

    Mike Hawes OBE, SMMT Chief Executive said:

    The publication of an Industrial Strategy – one with automotive at its heart – is the policy framework the sector has long-sought and Government has now addressed. Such a strategy – long-term, aligned to a trade strategy and supported by all of Government – is the basis on which the UK automotive sector can regain its global competitiveness. Making the UK the best place to invest now depends on implementation, and implementation at pace, because investment decisions are being made now against a backdrop of fierce competition and geopolitical uncertainty. The number one priority must be addressing the UK’s high cost of energy, enabling the sector to invest in the technologies, the products and the people that will give the UK its competitive edge. 

    Five sector plans have been published today:

    • Advanced Manufacturing – Backing our Advanced Manufacturing sector with up to £4.3 billion in funding, including up to £2.8 billion in R&D over the next five years, with the aim of anchoring supply chains in the UK – from increasing vehicle production to 1.35 million, to leading the next generation of technologies for zero emission flight. Glasgow is a global force in advanced manufacturing –  home to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District and globally competitive universities, the city region has strengths across defence, space and quantum. Edinburgh houses the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University and the Roslin Institute, which is a leading Agri-Tech research centre. 

    • Clean Energy Industries – Doubling investment in Clean Energy Industries by 2035, with Aberdeen-headquartered Great British Energy helping to build the clean power revolution in Britain with a further £700 million in clean energy supply chains, taking the total funding for the Great British Energy Supply Chain fund to £1 billion. We are supporting Scottish clean energy industries with £200 million development funding to advance the Acorn Carbon Capture and Storage project, capitalising on expertise in the oil and gas sector around Aberdeen. Up to £185 million has been allocated to Scotland through the Clean Industry Bonus, unlocking up to £3.5 billion private sector investment in ports and high-tech components needed to build floating and fixed offshore wind farms. Aberdeen is a global energy capital boasting new investment in hydrogen, with its pioneering Energy Transition Zone repositioning the North East as a globally integrated energy cluster.  A new regional skills pilot for Aberdeen will also help ensure a strong local skills base to deliver these opportunities.

    • Creative Industries – Maximizing the value of our Creative Industries through a £380 million boost for film and TV, video games, advertising and marketing, music and visual and performing arts will improve access to finance for scale-ups and increase R&D, skills and exports. It includes a £30 million Games Growth Package to back the next generation of UK video games studios – a sector in which Scotland is world leading. Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee are centres for creative industries. The Edinburgh Festivals incubate creative talent, whilst Edinburgh Futures Institute drives innovation.

    • Digital and Technologies – Making the UK the European leader for creating and scaling Digital and Technology businesses, with more than £2 billion to drive the AI Action Plan, including a new Sovereign AI Programme, £187 million for training one million young people in tech skills and targeting R&D investment at frontier technologies such as quantum technologies in Scotland. Scotland is home to two of the UK’s five new Quantum Hubs, with involvement in all five. Ten of the top 30 global semiconductor companies have operations in Scotland. Scotland is also home to cutting edge AI research network and R&D infrastructure – Edinburgh Genome Biofoundry and Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre. An up to £750m investment in the UK’s largest supercomputer at the University of Edinburgh sets a marker for our ambition for further growth in digital & technologies.

    • Professional and Business Services – Ensuring our Professional and Business Services becomes the world’s most trusted adviser to global industry, revolutionising the sector across the world through adoption of UK-grown AI and working to secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications agreements overseas. Scotland’s financial services sector, second only to London, features a cutting-edge Fintech scene. Over 25% of Glasgow’s top tech firms are in financial & business services, attracting major firms such as Azets and RSM. This is anchored by a highly capable workforce, supported by a world-class skills ecosystem and universities.
       

    The Industrial Strategy will be published on GOV.UK later today.

    The Defence, Financial Services and Life Sciences sector plans will be published shortly.

    The 7,000 businesses are an indicative estimate of how many businesses could be in scope of the scheme. The full scope and eligibility of the scheme will be determined following consultation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City’s heritage under spotlight in series of roadshows

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Monday, 23rd June 2025

    Residents are being invited to share their views about heritage in the city as part an ongoing commitment to protect, preserve and celebrate Stoke-on-Trent’s history.

    Stoke-on-Trent is one of the first nine places set to benefit from a share of £200 million as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Places initiative.

    As part of the project, a series of heritage roadshows are taking place across the city to establish what people value the most. The roadshows will help to develop a shared approach to how the city manages its heritage, and establish a pipeline of heritage regeneration sites and projects over the coming years.

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council is working with Heritage Culture Communities to develop and deliver the events which will take place throughout June, July, September and October.

    The organisation will work in collaboration with key partners in the community to explore the city’s unique heritage and capture what communities and stakeholders say is important to them and what they think needs to be protected, promoted and prioritised.

    Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We’re a city with a rich history and a number of distinctive buildings that need to be preserved, restored and refurbished for the benefit of the local community and visitors to the city.

    “Before we do anything, we need to understand how our residents feel about heritage in the city and what’s most important to them. When we talk about heritage in this context, we’re including the history, traditions and natural features that connect us to our past and shape our identity – whether they’re buildings, places, landscapes or old factory sites.

    “This exercise will also help us to know where to focus our resources and efforts as well as provide us with vital information to plan for future policy and direction.”

    The roadshows are designed to bring people together to uncover and share local stories, places and traditions. They will feature activities such as mapping local heritage assets, heritage-themed walks and talks led by the Potteries Heritage Society and family-friendly creative and cultural activities.

    They will take place:

    • Saturday 28 June – Burslem School of Art, Burslem, Oliver’s Mill, Cobridge – 10am-12pm (workshop) 12pm-1.20pm (heritage walk)
    • Saturday 12 July – Fenton Town Hall, Fenton – 10am-12pm (workshop) 12-1.30pm (heritage walk)
    • Saturday 19 July – Westport Lake Café, Longport, Canal and River Trust sites 10am-12pm (workshop) 12-1.30pm (heritage walk)

    People should arrive by 11.30am if only attending for the walk.

    Roadshows are also being organised in Shelton, Etruria and Stoke town centre throughout September and October. The details of these events will be shared in due course.

    The work to protect the city’s heritage through the Heritage Places initiative is in addition to the ongoing effort Stoke-on-Trent City Council is making to safeguard the long-term future of some of its most iconic heritage buildings.

    This includes the former Burslem Indoor Market building and the Wedgwood Institute, also in Burslem, where the council is looking to carry out emergency repair works to ensure they can be preserved for future generations.

    Plans are also progressing to transform the former Spode pottery works in Stoke after Capital & Centric was appointed as development partner for the site, marking a huge milestone in its regeneration.

    At the same time, the council is supporting Re-form Heritage with its plans to transform Bethesda Chapel in Hanley into a centre for education and events.

    It also follows the launch of the Living Heritage City Trail – an interactive self-guided trail through Stoke and Hanley which was unveiled earlier this year, as part of the city’s Centenary celebrations.

    For more information about the trail visit Stoke-on-Trent Living Heritage City – Visit Stoke

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Box Plymouth announces landmark Beryl Cook exhibition for 2026

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Taking place 100 years after she was born, the exhibition will re-assess and re-present Cook’s work, giving her the acclaim she deserves

    The Box Plymouth has today revealed details of a major exhibition by artist Beryl Cook (1926-2008). Running from Saturday 24 January to Sunday 31 May 2026, it will be the most extensive exhibition of her work to date. With the help of new research and rarely or never seen before paintings and archival material, it will reposition her career and contribution to British art.

    Born Beryl Frances Lansley in Egham, Surrey in 1926, Cook was a self-taught artist who was already in her late thirties when she picked up a paint brush. She moved to Plymouth in 1968, and the city and its people became her muse for the next 40 years. Her first exhibition at the former Plymouth Arts Centre in 1975 led to a major feature in the Sunday Times and launched a career filled with vibrant, warm-hearted paintings that led to an OBE for services to the arts in 1995.

    “A century after she was born a reappraisal of Beryl Cook’s work feels long overdue,” says Victoria Pomery, CEO of The Box. “Although loved by many, she wasn’t given enough serious consideration during her lifetime and we want to change that. This exhibition is a timely opportunity for us to fully explore her impact and highlight how skilled she was at documenting everyday life during a time of social change from the 1970s to the 2000s.”

    Ambitious in scale as well as approach, the exhibition will feature more than 80 works, including paintings from The Box’s significant art collection, loans from both private and public collections, plus rarely seen items from the personal archives of the Cook family.

    “We are thrilled to be celebrating 100 years of Beryl with The Box,” says Beryl Cook’s granddaughter, Sophie Cook. “Plymouth had a special place in Beryl’s heart having spent most of her life living there, so this feels like the rightful home for such a special exhibition.”

    The exhibition will also feature works by figures from history with whom Cook felt an affinity, such as influential Flemish painter Pieter Bruegel the Younger (1564-1638) and acclaimed English artist Stanley Spencer (1891-1959). Her continued impact on artists who are working today will also be explored.

    “This exhibition is a chance for us to really examine Cook’s meticulous practice, process and legacy, as well as present a wider contextualisation of her career,” says Terah Walkup, art curator at The Box who has been working with curatorial consultant Ben Borthwick on its development. “It will foreground her fascination and positive portrayals of a variety of people and communities, including those who were often on the fringes of mainstream society and, through the research we’re doing, share fresh perspectives from those who knew her, were painted by her or were there when some of her most iconic works were created.”

    Stay up to date with the development of the exhibition at theboxplymouth.com.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Right Committee Opens One Hundred and Forty-Fourth Session

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Human Right Committee this morning opened its one hundred and forty-fourth session, during which it will examine the reports of Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Latvia, North Macedonia, Spain and Viet Nam on their implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

    In her opening remarks, Sara Hamood, Chief of the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section within the Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Representative of the Secretary-General, said this session was taking place in extremely challenging times for human rights globally. 

    Quoting the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ opening remarks at the current Human Rights Council session, she expressed concern about “spiralling conflicts”, “social tensions”, “widespread discrimination” and “attacks on the international institutions that underpin our rights, including the International Criminal Court”, as well as about funding cuts affecting the Office of the High Commissioner, the human rights mechanisms, and civil society partners.  The High Commissioner appealed for the strongest possible defence of international law and human rights, emphasising that human rights provided stability and security in troubled times and that they were guardrails on power, especially when it was unleashed in its most brutal forms.

    On 17 June, the High Commissioner presented to the Council his annual report (A/HRC/59/20), in which he stressed that the “global consensus around international norms and institutions continues to face serious threats”.  He stated that “in this troubled and turbulent context, a global coalition is needed to demonstrate an unequivocal commitment, anchored in human rights, to international order and the rule of law.”

    Last week, the Council also held interactive dialogues with Special Procedures.  The Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and association presented her report on the “impact of the 2023-2025 ‘super election’ cycle on the rights of peaceful assembly and association” (A/HRC59/44).  The Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression presented her report on “freedom of expression and elections in the digital age” (A/HRC/59/50). 

    Ms. Hamood said this year marked the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the first international human rights treaty adopted by the General Assembly on 21 December 1965. This year’s commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was dedicated to this important anniversary.  There needed to be a renewed commitment to the Convention, stronger implementation, and inclusive dialogue to advance racial justice.  A series of global events were being held to mark the occasion, including commemorations in New York and Geneva.  As part of this initiative, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination would host a commemorative event on 4 December.

    While recent years had seen growing momentum for racial justice, a rollback on racial justice commitments was now being seen in some contexts, Ms. Hamood said.  Despite significant progress, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination’s promise remained unfulfilled for many.  Racism and white supremacy continued to poison communities, politics, media and online platforms.  Racism was manifested in many ways, including through violations of civil and political rights.  The Human Rights Committee needed to continue its important contribution to the fight against racism; the work of the anti-racism mechanisms would prove helpful in this regard.

    Addressing the financial crisis in the human rights system, Ms. Hamood said that for treaty bodies with three annual sessions, including the Human Rights Committee, the Office of the High Commissioner would not be able to secure the funding to hold their third sessions this year.  The Office received only 73 per cent of its approved regular budget in 2025, a further decrease from the 87 per cent of its approved regular budget received in 2024.  As most of these funds were needed to cover contractual liabilities, particularly staff costs, the amount available for meetings and activities was simply inadequate. Next year also risked seeing a continuation of this trend.

    The liquidity situation was a system-wide crisis.  The United Nations Office at Geneva’s Conference Services had also faced dramatic cuts, leading it to adopt cash conservative measures that would impact the conference support provided to the human rights treaty bodies, particularly in terms of documentation, meeting time and interpretation.  It was called on to reduce official meetings and documentation by 10 per cent.

    Ms. Hamood said reductions of the allotments would impact the treaty bodies’ ability to hold dialogues with States parties and to take decisions on individual communications, resulting in further delays and backlogs.  Another area where cuts were being made was in treaty body capacity building activities, which provided valuable support for States to report to and interact with the treaty bodies.  All this caused real damage to the predictability of the reporting cycle, which was critically important to enable States, civil society organizations and right holders to engage effectively with the treaty bodies.  Ms. Hamood expressed regret that, given the overall reduction in funds and availability of support services, business as usual was no longer possible.

    She reported that the thirty-seventh annual meeting of the Chairs of the human rights treaty bodies took place in Geneva from 2 to 6 June 2025.  An overarching theme addressed in considerable depth was the United Nations liquidity crisis and how it was impacting the effective discharge of the mandates of the treaty bodies.  The Chairs also discussed how to create synergies between human rights mechanisms as well as regional mechanisms, the progress made on the alignment of their working methods and practices, and the implementation of the guidelines on the independence and impartiality of members of the human rights treaty bodies.

    Ms. Hamood said the Committee had a busy agenda ahead of it, including seven State party reviews, the consideration and adoption of 10 lists of issues prior to reporting, as well as several individual communications under the Optional Protocol.  It would also hold briefings with various stakeholders, each of which was a vital opportunity to stem the local but also global assault on human rights and their defenders.  She closed by wishing the Committee a successful and productive session.

    Changrok Soh, Committee Chair, said the Committee was particularly interested in the commemoration of the sixtieth anniversary of the Convention against Racial Discrimination.  Racial discrimination was an issue often dealt with by the Committee, as it often manifested itself in violations of civil and political rights.  The Committee would continue to scrutinise the state of racial discrimination under its mandated activities.  The Committee took inspiration from Ms. Hamood’s statement, as next year would mark the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Covenant, Mr. Soh noted.

    The Committee then adopted its agenda and programme of work for the session.

    Hélène Tigroudja, Committee Vice Chair and Chair of the working group on communications, presented the report on the group’s activities for the one hundred and fortieth session. She said that the format of the group’s work had been adjusted, with three days dedicated to discussions on communications prior to the session.  These were not enough to assess all the communications before the Committee. However, the working group had done tremendous work in a spirit of solidarity.

    Ms. Tigroudja said that, of the 21 documents submitted for consideration, it discussed 18 and adopted 16. The Committee had continued to append in a single document communications submitted against the same State party and concerning the same claims.  This enabled the group to review a total of 26 communications, covering, inter alia, participation in public affairs, the right to self-determination, freedom of expression in political and electoral processes, political representation of indigenous peoples, racial discrimination, arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment in detention, and non-refoulement.  The communications examined were submitted between 2015 and 2023 and concerned 13 States parties covering different continents and regions.

    Following its discussions, and pending the finalisation of its work this week, the working group submitted to the plenary 10 communications with a finding of inadmissibility and six communications with a finding of violation of the rights of the Covenant, Ms. Tigroudja reported.  Five communications were still to be examined this week.  She thanked all those who had worked hard to facilitate the holding of the condensed working group, including the petitions unit, which prepared draft decisions.

    Preparation of draft decisions in advance of plenary meetings was an absolute necessity, and one of the fundamental tasks entrusted to the Committee by States through the Optional Protocol, Ms. Tigroudja said.  Individual communications were an important part of the Committee’s raison d’être. A session without draft decisions previously discussed, reviewed and finalised in working groups and in person would lead to a decrease in the quality and effectiveness of the Committee’s work, and moreover a denial of justice for victims seeking to denounce violations of their rights, she concluded.

    A Committee Expert thanked the working group for its work, and expressed concern about the financial situation, which impeded the holding of pre-sessional working groups, and had caused the cancellation of the third session of the Committee.  She thanked all Committee members for their efforts to maintain the Committee’s work in these difficult circumstances.

    The working group’s report was adopted.

    The Human Rights Committee’s one hundred and forty-fourth session is being held from 23 June to 17 July 2025.  All the documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 24 June, to begin its consideration of the third periodic report of Kazakhstan (CCPR/C/KAZ/3).

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

    CCPR25.009E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Deputy President concludes working visit to Russia

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Deputy President concludes working visit to Russia

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile has returned to South Africa after successfully concluding a working visit to Russia, which included engagements in Moscow and St. Petersburg, said the Presidency on Monday.

    His activities were focused on strengthening the bilateral trade and economic relations between South Africa and Russia.
    Deputy President Mashatile arrived in Moscow on Tuesday, 17 June 2025. 

    He was welcomed by Russia’s Deputy Head of State Protocol Andrei Milyaev, Deputy Director of the African Department Andrei Stotlarov, and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes. 

    The visit began in earnest with the Deputy President laying wreaths at the Mausoleum of Moses Kotane and J.B. Marks, located in the Novodevichy Cemetery, a United Nations Heritage Site in Moscow.

    Kotane and Marks were anti-apartheid activists who played pivotal roles in the South African Communist Party and the African National Congress. 

    Initially buried for years in Moscow, their remains were subsequently returned by the South African Government and reburied in the North West in 2015.

    In Moscow, Deputy President Mashatile met with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin at the Russian House of the Government. 
    They discussed opportunities for enhancing bilateral political and economic cooperation between South Africa and Russia.
    The dialogue focused on various areas for further collaboration, including trade and investment, minerals and energy, agriculture, health, and education.

    Deputy President Mashatile travelled to St. Petersburg State University, where he delivered a public lecture on the theme “South Africa’s G20 Presidency in a Rapidly Changing Geopolitical Environment.” 

    The audience for the lecture included faculty professors, students, members of the academic community, as well as media representatives and members of the diplomatic corps.

    READ | Deputy President calls for solidarity as global landscape changes

    In St. Petersburg, the Deputy President visited President Vladimir Putin at the Constantine Palace, where they held bilateral meetings with the Russian delegation, which included Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

    The Deputy President expressed gratitude, on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the citizens, for Russia’s support in the anti-apartheid struggle and its contributions to socio-economic emancipation beyond the achievement of freedom and democracy.

    “I have been tasked by the President to work tirelessly towards the translation of the strong foundation of our strategic relations into higher trade and economic ties for the mutual benefit of our countries and our people,” said the Deputy President.

    He delivered remarks during the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF’25), following President Putin’s address. 

    READ | SA supports the inclusion of more voices at SPIEF 

    In addition, the Deputy President spoke at the South African Trade and Investment Seminar at SPIEF’25, which was attended by business and government leaders from both Russia and South Africa.

    “We are pleased to note that through regular Parliamentary exchanges and engagements, we have been able to address common challenges, explore new opportunities for collaboration, and deepen our friendship,” he said.

    The Deputy President also met with the Chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin. 

    The Deputy President expressed his appreciation for the ongoing collaboration between the State Duma and South Africa throughout the years. 

    He emphasised the significance of parliamentary diplomacy as a means to enhance government initiatives, promote dialogue, and facilitate progress in trade and other sectors.

    He concluded his trip with a guided tour and site visit to the Port of St. Petersburg, where he met with the port’s leadership and workers.
    This site visit followed discussions by officials from Russia and South Africa during the 18th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). 

    During these talks, the two countries finalised their cooperation in the maritime sector and agreed to collaborate with participants from the logistics industry and port authorities of both nations to ensure the mutually beneficial use of port infrastructure.

    Deputy President Mashatile also had the opportunity to sit down with two major Russian television news networks, Russia Today and Sputnik Africa, where he reflected on some important insights from his working visit. 

    Key takeaways included a strong emphasis on enhancing economic cooperation in various sectors such as agriculture, automotive, energy, mining, and collaboration in science and technology. – SAnews.gov.za

    Gabisile

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK The woolsack: seat of the Lord Speaker

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    Introduced in the 14th century, the woolsack is thought to have been designed to reflect the economic importance of the wool trade in England. Today, it’s filled with wool from Britain and across the Commonwealth. Discover the history and significance of the seat of the Lord Speaker with Curator of the Historic Furniture and Decorative Arts Collection, Eloise.

    Watch the full film on the House of Lords YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7PSkYx-5KM&feature=youtu.be

    Find out more about the role and work of the Lord Speaker https://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/lord-speaker/

    The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It plays a crucial role in examining bills, questioning government action and investigating public policy. Find out more https://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/

    If you’re interested in seeing it for yourself, why not book a tour of the Palace of Westminster? https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

    Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
    Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

    Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

    • X: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/houseoflords.parliament.uk
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords
    • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Z92t9xDcGw0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: LGBTQIA+ Legal Guidebook launched in Philippines for Pride Month

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    LGBTQIA+ Legal Guidebook launched in Philippines for Pride Month

    The British Embassy Manila launched the LGBTQIA+ Legal Guidebook, reaffirming support for equality and human rights for the LGBTQIA+ community.

    Ambassador Laure Beaufils (centre) is presented with a reproduction of Justin Nuyda’s Search Mindscape: Pride during the British Embassy’s Pride Reception. From right: Rhadem Musawah, Mujer LGBT; Emmanuele Parra, TrustLaw; Ambassador Laure Beaufils; Ayni Nuda; and Toni Gee, Mujer LGBT

    British Ambassador to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils, hosted a Pride Reception reaffirming the UK’s commitment to advance human rights and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community.

    The event saw the launch of the Comprehensive LGBTQIA+ Legal Guidebook, which aims to equip LGBTQIA+ organisations, activists and advocates with knowledge and tools against unfair treatment and discrimination. The Guidebook was developed by Mujer LGBTQIA+ Organisation, in collaboration with TrustLaw, Thomson Reuters Foundation and SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan.

    The British Embassy supported the publication of the Guidebook, recognising its value as a practical resource designed to empower members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

    Rhadem Musawah from Mujer LGBT+ Organisation stated:

    This book is a product of almost two years of research, consultation and deep reflection. It includes key laws like the Anti-Terror Law, Safe Spaces Act and Anti-Discrimination Ordinances. More importantly, it provides clear, step-by-step guidance on what to do, where to go and who to call. It is practical, accessible and rooted in the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ groups on the ground. This is not just a legal tool—it is a lifeline. A product of struggle and survival.

    The reception also included a panel discussion with members from the LGBTQIA+ community who shared insights on the challenges they face. They discussed available tools and strategies to protect and support the LGBTQIA+ community and highlighted how the UK and other countries can help maintain progress on equal rights.

    Ambassador Beaufils reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support and commitment to championing LGBTQIA+. She stated:

    In a time when we are witnessing a roll back on rights across the world, it is crucial that we all work together in upholding the human rights, dignity and freedom of the LGBTQIA+ community.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Good Distribution Practice for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Great Britain published

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Good Distribution Practice for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Great Britain published

    The VMD has published the Good Distribution Practice (GDP) for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Great Britain, providing updated guidance for wholesale dealers.

    The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has published the Good Distribution Practice for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Great Britain, providing updated guidance for wholesale dealers to ensure the safe and effective distribution of veterinary medicines.

    This new guidance outlines the minimum standards that wholesale dealers must meet to comply with their legal obligations under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR). It is designed to support the integrity of the supply chain and ensure that veterinary medicinal products are consistently stored, transported, and handled under suitable conditions.

    Key areas covered in the guidance include:

    • Quality management systems to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
    • Personnel responsibilities and training requirements.
    • Premises and equipment standards for storage and distribution.
    • Documentation and record-keeping to ensure traceability.
    • Handling of complaints, returns, and recalls to protect animal and public health.

    The GDP guidance is applicable to all holders of a Wholesale Dealer’s Authorisation (WDA) for veterinary medicinal products in Great Britain. It aligns with international best practices and reflects the VMD’s commitment to maintaining high standards in the veterinary medicines supply chain.

    Wholesale dealers are encouraged to review the guidance in full and ensure their operations are compliant. The VMD will use this guidance as a reference during inspections and compliance assessments.

    Access the Guidance

    The full Good Distribution Practice for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Great Britain document is available to download from Good Distribution Practice for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Great Britain.

    For further information or queries, please contact the VMD Inspections Team at inspections@vmd.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Trendwatching: Radical Innovations in Creative Industries and Creativity

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Rapid technological development, adaptation of business processes to new economic realities and changing audience demands require creative industry specialists to be aware of current trends and be flexible when implementing projects. In April – May 2025 Institute for the Development of Creative Industries (IRKI) Faculty of Creative Industries HSE University conducted a study of trends in the creative industries.

    The study surveyed over 300 leading experts representing various creative industries. The experts were asked to predict key trends, radical innovations and developments that will appear in the creative industries and the creative sphere in the next three years.

    How exactly will the creative economy change under the influence of new technologies and trends? The survey results allow us to clearly define the main directions of this transformation.

    Technological trends in creative industries:

    the active implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in all creative industries – from generating content in advertising to helping composers create music;

    Neurotechnologies and wearable devices that allow reading body metrics and creating new forms of interaction are becoming key to the development of interactive media and music; development of cognitive neuroadapted wearable predictive models;

    Metaverses, mixed and augmented reality (AR/MR) are used as tools for integrating brands into digital spaces; integrating creative projects with IoT (Internet of Things).

    Changes in approaches to creativity:

    transition from template solutions to experimental approaches;

    Personalization and interactivity are becoming the standard, from customized experiences at events to deep personalization of content in advertising;

    automation of routine processes frees up more time for creativity;

    Gamification is becoming the standard for project implementation.

    Financial assessment of creative results:

    data and metrics are used for the financial evaluation of creative results, big data allows for a fair assessment and determination of the cost of a product based on its usefulness to the end consumer, which will allow for setting an equilibrium price for creative products (for example, reading audience reactions in interactive media);

    The marketplace market is transforming creativity by setting new rules for pricing and distributing creative products.

    Education and Science:

    convergence of different sciences and representation of interdisciplinary tools;

    the emergence of new Practice as Research formats;

    further convergence of science, art and education based on the innovative principles of open science;

    digitalization of science and the development of the format of electronic scientific journals create new formats for the dissemination of knowledge: the formation of creative digital platforms and the creation of a repository of high-quality metadata;

    dissemination of scientific knowledge on Open Access platforms;

    the emergence of neural network pedagogical simulacra.

    Social and cultural changes:

    Segmenting audiences into smaller communities requires more targeted creative strategies;

    the elitism of live events (concerts, exhibitions) is combined with the development of community and user-generated content (UGC);

    increasing emphasis on the individual experience of the participant/viewer, developing event interactivity.

    “An important place in our “HSE Journal of Art and Design“is engaged in the study of the latest theories in the field of art and design practices. In the coming years, new formats of Practice as Research, when practicing artists come to science, will determine innovative publishing strategies for art and design magazines,” says Irina Sakhno, professor Design schools HSE University Faculty of Arts and Design, Editor-in-Chief of the HSE University Journal of Art

    “Artificial intelligence will become an assistant in performing routine tasks, which will give more time for creativity. In the fashion industry, AI will be actively used in work on collection campaigns,” comments Elena Ermakovishna, head of the HSE CREATIVE HUB and teacher at the School of Design, producer of cultural events, art critic, designer.

    “In music, there is the elitism of live concerts and a focus on the artist’s work with the development of a community of like-minded people, a model of recursive mythologization of the narratives of the artist’s musical creativity with the construction of additional branches of transmedia based on fan fiction and UGC (user-generated content),” explains Evgenia Evpak, composer, historian of musical innovation, and researcher of the music industry.

    “Storytelling will become the basis of advertising,” comments Alexander Baru, a teacher of design thinking and marketing at the HSE School of Design.

    Experts believe that creative industries are in for a radical transformation under the influence of new technologies. This will require flexibility from professionals and institutions and a revision of traditional business models.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 6.20.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jun 20, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Soon-Sik Lee, of Bellevue, Washington, has been appointed Chief of Planning and Engineering at the California High Speed Rail Authority. Lee has been a Vice President – Senior Program Manager at AECOM since 2021. He was Director of Engineering at Etihad Rail from 2020 to 2021. Lee was a Principal Investment Operations Specialist at Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank from 2016 to 2020. He was the Engineering and Construction Director at Etihad Rail from 2011 to 2016. Lee was an Assistant Vice President – Project Manager at Union Railway 2009 to 2011. He was a Project Manager at Parsons from 2006 to 2008. Lee was a Senior Bridge Engineer URS 2002 to 2006. He held multiple positions at University of Michigan from 1999 to 2002, including Post Doctoral Research Fellow and Research Assistant. Lee was a Structural Engineer at Won-Jong Engineering from 1996 to 1997. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Civil Engineering from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, a Master of Business Administration degree from University of Chicago, a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Kyung Hee University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $280,008. Lee is registered without party preference. 

    Lilian Coral, of San Marino, has been appointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Coral has been Vice President of Technology and Democracy Programs and Head of the Open Technology Institute at New America and an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Southern California since 2022. She was Director of National Strategy and Technology Innovation at the Knight Foundation from 2017 to 2022. Coral was Chief Data Officer at the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti from 2015 to 2017. She was a Nonprofit Consultant and Principal at Adaptive Muse from 2008 to 2015. Coral was Founding Director of 2-1-1 California from 2010 to 2014. She was Policy Manager at the Los Angeles County Children’s Planning Council from 2007 to 2008. Coral was a Research and Policy Associate at Service Employees International Union, Local 721 from 2004 to 2007. She is a Board Member at Next City. She earned a Master of Public Policy degree from University of California, Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from University of California, Irvine. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Coral is a Democrat. 

    Carson Fajardo, of Rancho Cucamonga, has been appointed to the California State University Board of Trustees. Fajardo held several roles at California State University, San Bernardino from 2022 to 2025, including President and Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors at Associated Students, Inc., and Programming Coordinator at the Residence Halls Association. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from California State University, San Bernardino. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Fajardo is a Republican. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Pope Leo celebrates Corpus Christi: “It is wonderful to be in the presence of Jesus”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    VaticanMedia

    Rome (Agenzia Fides) – “Dear brothers and sisters, it is wonderful to be in the presence of Jesus.” With these words, Pope Leo XIV began his homily this afternoon as he celebrated the Eucharistic Liturgy for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi in the forecourt of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome.The Gospel reading from Luke, recounting the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, narrated the multitudes who “spent long hours listening to him speak about the Kingdom of God and seeing him heal the sick.” On Corpus Christi, a similar crowd gathered around the Successor of Peter for Holy Mass and the subsequent procession from the Lateran Basilica to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. That Eucharistic bread, said Pope Leo in his homily, quoting St. Augustine, is “bread that restores and does not run short; bread that can be eaten but not exhausted.”In the deserted place where they had listened to Jesus’ words and wished to remain near Him – the Bishop of Rome emphasized, referring to the Gospel passage – “evening fell and there was nothing to eat. The hunger of the people and the setting of the sun speak to us of a limit that looms over the world and every creature: the day ends, as does the life of every human being. At that hour of need and of gathering shadows, Jesus remains present in our midst.”Jesus multiplies the loaves and fishes for the hungry multitude, even though the disciples had advised him to dismiss the crowds. A suggestion, the Pope noted, “which reveal their lack of faith. For where the Lord is present, we find all that we need to give strength and meaning to our lives.” Jesus responds, “to the appeal of hunger with the sign of sharing: he raises his eyes, recites the blessing, breaks the bread, and feeds all present.”Today, in place of the crowds mentioned in the Gospel – the Pope continued, referring to the present day – “entire peoples are suffering more as a result of the greed of others than from their own hunger.” And faced with the misery of so many, he added, “the amassing of wealth by a few is the sign of an arrogant indifference that produces pain and injustice. Rather than sharing, it squanders the fruits of the earth and human labour. Especially in this Jubilee Year, the Lord’s example is a yardstick that should guide our actions and our service: we are called to share our bread, to multiply hope and to proclaim the coming of God’s Kingdom.”The hunger of the crowd, satisfied by Jesus’ miracle – the Pope continued, linking the Gospel story to the mystery of the Eucharist – is a sign of the hunger for salvation present in every human heart. In saving the crowds from hunger, “Jesus proclaims that he will save everyone from death. That is the mystery of faith, which we celebrate in the sacrament of the Eucharist. For just as hunger is a sign of our radical needs in this life, so breaking bread is a sign of God’s gift of salvation.” And “our hungry nature bears the mark of a need that is satisfied by the grace of the Eucharist.”The Eucharist – the Successor of Peter added, quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church – is “the true, real, and substantial presence of the Savior, who transforms the bread into Himself, so that He may transform us into Himself. Living and life-giving, the Corpus Christi makes us – the Church itself – the Body of the Lord.”Even the Eucharistic procession, “which we are about to undertake,” Pope Leo emphasized at the end of his homily, “is a sign of that journey. Together, as shepherds and flock, we will feed on the Blessed Sacrament, adore him and carry him through the streets. In doing so, we will present him before the eyes, the consciences and the hearts of the people. To the hearts of those who believe, so that they may believe more firmly; to the hearts of those who do not believe, so that they may reflect on the hunger present within them and the bread that alone can satisfy it.” (GV) (Agenzia Fides, 22/6/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – REGI Public Hearing on cohesion policy for the equality of the regions – 25-06-2025 – Committee on Regional Development – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    Abstract_design © Image used under license from Adobe Stock

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    Dr Attila Dabis © European Union (2025) – European Parliament

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    Balázs Izsák © European Union (2025) – European Parliament

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    The Committee on Regional Development will hold a public hearing on the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) “Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures” with the participation of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, the Committee on Culture and Education and the Committee on Petitions on Wednesday 25 June 2025.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – EU–NATO cooperation – 23-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The cooperation between the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has deepened significantly in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has reshaped Europe’s security environment and highlighted the complementary roles of both organisations. NATO remains the cornerstone of collective defence, backed by United States (US) capabilities, while the EU has emerged as a key actor in financial aid, military assistance and sanctions. Both institutions have formalised their partnership through joint declarations and strategic documents, including NATO’s Strategic Concept, the EU’s Strategic Compass and White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030. Practical cooperation now spans a wide range of areas including cyber defence, countering hybrid threats, military mobility, critical infrastructure protection, and joint crisis preparedness. Regular staff-level coordination, shared exercises, and technical arrangements – such as the NATO–EU task force on critical infrastructure – have improved resilience and interoperability. The EU has also significantly ramped up its defence role. It has delivered €50.8 billion in military aid to Ukraine (EU plus Member State contributions). It has introduced industrial policies such as EDIRPA, ASAP, and the ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 plan to reinforce the European defence industrial base. Despite progress, persistent challenges remain. Political tensions – in particular between Cyprus and Türkiye – continue to block intelligence sharing and formal joint planning. The EU still relies heavily on NATO, particularly US assets, for operational capabilities. Growing uncertainty over US commitments under the second Trump Presidency has reinforced the EU’s drive to strengthen strategic autonomy and ensure greater burden-sharing within NATO. The European Parliament supports stronger, complementary EU–NATO ties focused on interoperability, resilience and avoiding duplication, while stressing the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security. At the NATO summit on 24-25 June in The Hague (the Netherlands), key challenges include agreeing on higher defence spending targets, maintaining alliance unity, managing the Russia threat, and rapidly scaling up Europe’s defence capabilities.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – 23 June – 26 June: Work in Parliamentary Committees

    Source: European Parliament

    In the week of 23 June, most Members’ work will be in Parliamentary Committees. DEVE will exchange views with Bill Gates on “ODA and Innovation: Key Drivers for Health and Living Standards in the Global South” and hear the draft report on “Humanitarian aid in a time of polycrisis.” ECON will debate the Solvency II Review Directive and hold a monetary dialogue with ECB President Christine Lagarde. ECON and BUDG will vote on the Commission proposal to enhance InvestEU and simplify EU rules. IMCO will discuss ongoing investigations into Shein’s alleged breaches of EU consumer law. TRAN will vote on draft reports from the Passengers Rights Package. ITRE will exchange views with Commissioner Jorgensen on a RePowerEU legislative proposal. AFCO will present its draft report on the “Institutional consequences of the EU enlargement negotiations.” Follow the links below to discover this week’s highlights.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – 2025 G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada – 23-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    G7 leaders gathered under this year’s Canadian Presidency in Kananaskis, Canada, from 15 to 17 June 2025. The 51st leaders’ summit was overshadowed by the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran (which forced United States (US) President Donald Trump to leave the summit earlier), trade tensions between the US and the G7 nations, Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, and the Israel–Hamas war and the situation in Gaza. While the G7 issued several joint statements, for instance on the Israel–Iran crisis, no final G7 leaders’ communiqué was adopted, contrary to previous summits. The EU and other G7 members did not achieve a breakthrough in the trade talks with the US.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the problematic influence of the European Court of Human Rights in the field of asylum and migration policy – B10-0272/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    B10‑0272/2025

    Motion for a resolution on the problematic influence of the European Court of Human Rights in the field of asylum and migration policy

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Rule 149 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has, through its consistent pro-migration interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), left little leeway for returns and made it impossible to effectively combat mass immigration;

    B. whereas the ECtHR has confirmed[1] that expelled third-country nationals have an unconditional right of return and that this right also applies to expelled drug traffickers;

    C. whereas Denmark and Italy accuse the ECtHR of affording too much importance to the ECHR when interpreting migration issues, going beyond the original intention of the signatory states;

    1. is concerned that the ECtHR is increasingly undermining the sovereign right of European states to decide whether foreigners may reside on their territory and that the ECtHR is placing the individual needs of deportees above public safety and the common good;

    2. Considers that states have the right to refuse foreign drug traffickers entry into their territory in the fight against illegal drug trafficking;

    3. Rejects the EU’s accession to the ECHR;

    4. Calls on the EU institutions to support Denmark and Italy in their criticism and to take it as an opportunity to reinterpret international legal frameworks in the field of asylum and migration in a manner respecting the sovereignty of European states.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Developer appointed for 51 affordable homes in Littlemore

    Source: City of Oxford

    Oxford City Council’s housing company, OX Place, will work with Equans to build 51 sustainable council and shared ownership homes off Sandy Lane West in Littlemore. 

    This includes 27 flats let at social rent for people on the housing register, and 24 flats for shared ownership. 

    Social rent levels mean council tenants will typically pay around 40% of the rent a private landlord would charge for the same home. Shared ownership is a flexible option which helps a range of people onto the housing ladder in one of the UK’s most unaffordable cities.    

    OX Place and Equans working together for sustainable homes 

    The new partnership allows enabling works to begin on the site of the former Northfield Hostel, a SEND school that closed in 2014 and was demolished last year. It is expected that groundbreaking will happen later this summer. 

    In addition to the 51 homes already planned, the Council is exploring planning permission for a further 10 homes on the hostel’s adjacent sports field, which has been boarded up since the school closed. These would be built once the 51 flats are completed.  

    Equans has extensive experience working with local authorities to deliver vibrant, efficient and sustainable communities, using integrated energy and decarbonisation measures that make a real difference to people’s lives. 

    Comment 

    “Oxford needs homes, and this partnership marks the first step towards over 50 new affordable and sustainable ones for the people of Oxford. 

    “It is good that after a decade when it has been underused, we are exploiting this site for a development where the majority of homes will be much needed social housing. 

    “I look forward to work getting underway and new homes being delivered.” 

    Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies

    “OX Place and Equans are both experts at delivering great, sustainable developments and I’m confident this partnership will do just that.” 

    Kevin Lowry, Interim Managing Director at OX Place

    “We are thrilled to be underway with the Northfield project for our valued client, OX Place, on behalf of Oxford City Council.

    “Delivering 53 much-needed, sustainable homes in Littlemore presents a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in one of the UK’s most challenging housing markets. This marks an exciting new chapter in our strong, trusted partnership with OX Place, built over the past three years.

    “We’re proud to play a part in creating high-quality homes that meet both community needs and environmental goals.” 

    Rob Young, Regional Managing Director, Equans

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Beaney in the running for yet another Kids in Museums Award 

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Home  »  Latest News   »   Beaney in the running for yet another Kids in Museums Award 

    The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge is in the running for yet another prestigious national award in recognition of its quality as a family attraction.

    Having won in the best medium museum category in the Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Awards back in 2023, The Beaney, in High Street, Canterbury, has been shortlisted in the ‘best accessible museum’ category.

    It is up against Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax and Worsbrough Mill Museum and Country Park in Barnsley.

    The Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award celebrates the most family-friendly heritage sites in the UK and is the only museum award to be judged by families.

    From February to late April, families across the UK voted for their favourite heritage attraction on the Kids in Museums website.

    A panel of museum experts, children and young people then whittled down hundreds of nominations to a shortlist of 18 heritage attractions.

    Lots of comments were submitted about The Beaney during the voting period earlier this year, with many praising its provision for visitors with accessibility needs.

    One family wrote: “We so often feel excluded from society. We are a neurodivergent family of three, our son is six and has numerous SEN conditions.

    “We visited the museum and were blown away by the lengths that they went to in order to ensure that it is accessible to all. The staff were wonderful.

    “I am 45 and my mum used to take me to the museum as a child. It was wonderful to be able to take my own son, an opportunity that we are frequently denied with other experiences and museums.”

    The museum will be visited by undercover family judges who will assess the shortlisted museums against the Kids in Museums Manifesto, a set of guidelines on what makes a great museum visit for all ages.

    Their experiences will decide a winner for each award category and an overall winner of the Family Friendly Museum Award 2025.

    The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in October.

    Cllr Charlotte Cornell, Cabinet Member for Heritage, said: “Being nominated for yet another one of these awards just shows how valued The Beaney is in our community.

    “I know how hard the museum team works to break down barriers that might stop someone from visiting The Beaney, whether it’s sensory bags for children with special educational needs and disabilities, accessible versions of their family trails, creative workshops for blind and partially-sighted visitors, audio descriptions of collection highlights or online information to help those with accessibility needs plan their visit.

    “We’ll be eagerly awaiting the results following the secret family visit this summer, and I’ll have everything crossed that it goes just as well as it did last time!”

    Notes to Editors

    About Kids in Museums

    We are an award-winning charity dedicated to making museums open and welcoming to all children, young people and families. We support and champion family friendly organisations through wide-ranging initiatives, including the Family Friendly Museum Award and Takeover Day. We invite heritage organisations to sign up to our Manifesto, which sets out simple guidelines for making museums easy to reach for all ages. www.kidsinmuseums.org.uk Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

    About the Family Friendly Museum Award

    Kids in Museums began the Family Friendly Museum Award in 2004 to recognise heritage sites that are the most welcoming, fun and accessible for families.

    Previous winners of the Family Friendly Museum Award include Young V&A (2024), Craven Museum (2023), the National Emergency Services Museum in Sheffield (2022), Bailiffgate Museum & Gallery in Alnwick (2021), Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum in Dunfermline (2019) and Leeds City Museum (2018).

    Published: 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –