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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nine million pensioners to receive Winter Fuel Payments this winter

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Nine million pensioners to receive Winter Fuel Payments this winter

    Everyone over the State Pension age in England and Wales with an income of, or below, £35,000 a year will benefit from a Winter Fuel Payment this winter.

    • This increased threshold means no lower or middle-income pensioners will miss out, with the vast majority – over three quarters – of pensioners in England and Wales receiving the payment.

    • Support will continue to be targeted, with pensioners above this threshold having the payment automatically recovered or able to opt out.

    Nine million pensioners to receive Winter Fuel Payments this winter as all pensioners in England and Wales with an income of, or below, £35,000 a year will benefit from a Winter Fuel Payment. This extends eligibility to the vast majority of pensioners, with around 9 million, or over three quarters, benefitting. This threshold is well above the income level of pensioners in poverty and is broadly in line with average earnings, balancing support for lower income pensioners with fairness to the taxpayer

    This change will cost around £1.25 billion in England and Wales and see means-testing of the Winter Fuel Payment save around £450 million, subject to certification by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) compared to the system of universal Winter Fuel Payments. The costs will be accounted for at the Budget and incorporated into the next OBR forecast. The Chancellor will take decisions on funding in the round at that forecast to ensure the government’s non-negotiable fiscal rules are met. This will not lead to permanent additional borrowing.

    No pensioner will need to take any action as they will automatically receive the payment this winter, and for those with incomes above the threshold it will be automatically recovered via HMRC. The payment of £200 per household, or £300 per household where there is someone over 80, will be made automatically this winter. Over 12 million pensioners across the United Kingdom will also benefit from the Triple Lock, with their State Pension set to increase by up to £1,900 this parliament.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    Targeting Winter Fuel Payments was a tough decision, but the right decision because of the inheritance we had been left by the previous government. It is also right that we continue to means-test this payment so that it is targeted and fair, rather than restoring eligibility to everyone including the wealthiest. 

    But we have now acted to expand the eligibility of the Winter Fuel Payment so no pensioner on a lower income will miss out. This will mean over three quarters of pensioners receiving the payment in England and Wales later this winter.

    Pensioners above the £35,000 threshold will have the full amount of the Winter Fuel Payment they received automatically collected via PAYE, or via their Self-Assessment return. No one will need to register with HMRC for this or take any further action.  Pensioners who want to opt out and not receive the payment at all, will be able to do so, with details to be confirmed.

    Making these changes now gives people certainty and ensures that payments can be made in time for this winter. Payments will be better targeted than before 2024-25 when they were previously paid to all pensioners regardless of their income, meaning those on lower and middle incomes will still receive the help they need, ensuring fairness for both pensioners and taxpayers.

    Approximately 2 million individuals in England and Wales over State Pension age have taxable incomes above £35,000.

    More information

    • Eligibility is based on a person’s age and place of residence during the qualifying week (the third full week of September). For winter 2025/26, the qualifying week will be 15 to 21 September 2025.
    • A person needs to have reached State Pension age by the end of the qualifying week to be eligible.
    • Winter Fuel Payments are worth £200 per household, or £300 per household where there is someone over 80. Shared payments are made to pensioners not on an income-related benefit.
    • The payment will be recovered from individuals via HMRC based on their individual taxable incomes. There will be no need for household incomes to be aggregated.
    • It will be recovered via PAYE for the vast majority, or in their Self-Assessment tax return for the minority who file and pay their taxes in this way. HMRC will work closely with representative bodies to ensure the process is as simple as possible with clear guidance for taxpayers.
    • For those who would like to opt out from receiving the Winter Fuel Payment, DWP will develop a simple system to enable individuals to do so, removing the need for HMRC to recover the payment. Further information will be on GOV.UK in due course. 
    • The government will be publishing an equalities analysis alongside the legislation and a Tax Information and Impact Note at Budget.

    Further background

    • As of winter 2024/25, Winter Fuel Payments were restricted in England and Wales to pensioner households receiving Pension Credit or certain other income-related benefits.  
    • It is worth £200 for eligible households, or £300 for households with someone aged 80 or over. It is a non-contributory, household payment to support pensioners during the colder months.
    • From 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payments will be payable in England and Wales at £200 for households including someone between State Pension age and 79, and £300 for households including someone aged 80 or over. Where the household is not getting an income related benefit, such as Pension Credit, a shared payment will be made – e.g. a couple, each under 80, not on Pension Credit will receive a payment of £100 each.
    • Winter Fuel Payments are transferred in Northern Ireland. The policy area is devolved to Scotland. The Scottish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive will both receive a mechanical uplift in their funding as a result of this change in England and Wales.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prime Minister’s remarks at London Tech Week 2025: Monday 9 June

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Prime Minister’s remarks at London Tech Week 2025: Monday 9 June

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s remarks at London Tech Week 2025.

    Thank you so much. It’s really fantastic to stand here and look out and see so many people in this room—to get a real sense of the energy, the commitment, and the professionalism, the entrepreneurial spirit that we have here.

    Let me start by thanking you all for being here. We’re going to have a really good Tech Week. We already kicked off yesterday. We’ve got some major announcements to make, some real partnerships to build together, and I’m just so pleased to have this opportunity—this privilege—of opening this morning. It’s a real pleasure for me.

    My constituency, the area I represent, is London. I’m a London MP, and that means I understand first hand just how important our sector is as we go forward—whether it’s entrepreneurs or the spirit in London, this is hugely, hugely important.

    We have to recognise that for many people, they see AI and tech as transformative—something that’s going to do so much. And every time we say “over five years or ten years,” everybody says to me “it’s going to be more like five years or three years.” We’re going to bring about great change in so many aspects of our lives. Whether that’s in health—where I’ve seen for myself the incredible contribution that tech and AI can make. I was in a hospital up in the Midlands, talking to consultants who deal with strokes. They showed me the equipment and techniques that they are using – using AI to isolate where the clot is in the brain in a micro-second of the time it would have taken otherwise. Brilliantly saving people’s lives. Shortly after that, I had an incident where I was being shown AI and stethoscopes working together to predict any problems someone might have. So whether it’s health or other sectors, it’s hugely transformative what can be done here.

    Last Monday, I was in Scotland launching the Strategic Defence Review of the government. This was a review I commissioned soon after we came into power to tell me what are the risks we face as a country in this new era? What are the challenges? What are our capabilities? And how do we make sure that, as we go forward, our capabilities match the risks and challenges we face as a country.

    In that, tech and AI were absolutely central. Over the last three years or more, during this awful conflict in Ukraine—I’ve been back to Ukraine on a number of occasions in that period to have in-depth conversations with President Zelensky to make sure our support is in the right place. But I was really struck, on the trip before last—probably about six or seven weeks ago—by the extent to which technology and AI are now having a direct impact in that conflict. In three years of conflict, the way that war is being fought has changed profoundly.

    So I wanted that hardwired into our Defence Review—a sense of how AI could be driving change. There are so many examples across government. I’ve set the challenge to all of my teams: show me how they can use AI—not just in the output of government, not just in partnership with yourselves and others in the delivery of services—but also in the very way we do government. How can we transform what we do?

    There are certainly examples of that. I spoke to a social worker in Downing Street at one of our receptions. She explained to me, with a smile on her face, just how AI is slashing her paperwork and her caseload. She talked me through how she’s now doing her work. What she said was that this was helping her transform her work—because she could concentrate on the human element of it. She could use AI and tech to help with the parts that could be done more quickly. And from that, I’ve always said: AI and tech make us more human. It may sound like an odd thing to say, but it’s true—and we need to say it. Because, some people out there are sceptical. They worry about AI taking their jobs. But I know from audiences like this, this debate has been had many times. We need to push past it. But people worry: will it make their lives more comfortable? Even for businesses, the pace of change can feel relentless. I know you all get that. But when it comes to harnessing the power of this technology, I believe the way we work through this together is critical. And that means partnership and partnership is at the heart of everything we do in government—working with you. You are the entrepreneurs who will drive this country forward. Our job as partners is to create the best possible conditions for you to succeed. That’s why events like this—and the conversations we have in the margins—are so important. Because we can only create the right conditions if we’re having that conversation. You’re able to put your fingerprints on what we’re doing.

    Just look at the raw facts. This industry supports over 2 million jobs. That’s incredible. Or take this statistic: in 2023, our AI sector grew 30 times faster than the rest of the economy. That is incredible. So this is about what we’ve achieved. It’s about who we are as a nation. What signal do we want to send to the rest of the world? The signal I want to send is this: a Britain that, after years of chaos, is a stable partner for investment. A Britain that believes the future should be shaped by our values. And that in this volatile world, is proud, unashamed, open for business.

    I think—and hope—you can see that in our approach to trade, in the new deals we’ve done just in the last few months. We’re determined to create new markets—whether that’s in India, the US, or Europe. You can see it in our openness to investment as well. On that front, I’m really pleased to welcome what I see as yet another vote of confidence in Britain today: the announcement that Liquidity will base their European headquarters right here in London. That’s a £1.5 billion investment into our economy. It means better access to finance for entrepreneurs right across the country. It’s a vote of confidence in our AI Opportunities Action Plan as well. We put that plan out at the beginning of the year. We’re really proud of it—50 recommendations, all of them accepted by the government. At the heart of it is partnership in action. It shows our ambition to be the best state partner for tech entrepreneurs anywhere in the world. That’s the bar. That’s the ambition I’ve set.

    So I can also announce today that we’re committing an extra £1 billion of funding to scale up our compute power by a factor of 20. You know how important that is— a huge increase in the size of Britain’s AI engine. It means we can be an AI maker, not just an AI taker. More importantly, it means we have the digital infrastructure we need to make sure AI improves our public services. Because we do have a defining mission in that plan—a responsibility, if you like—to harness this unprecedented opportunity and use it to improve the lives of working people. This is a shared mission. We’re a mission-driven government. But this is a shared mission. Because social fear I was talking about a moment ago—trust me, I think that is the challenge for adoption. It’s a far greater challenge than the regulatory barrier, although that can be a challenge too. But it’s an area where government can help—where we can do our bit in this partnership.

    Take planning, for example, which is a huge priority for this government. We are going to build more labs, more data centres—and we’re going to do it much, much more quickly. Our Planning and Infrastructure Bill going through Parliament right now is a real game-changer. Each of you in this room knows how important it is to change our rules on planning, infrastructure, and the regulatory environment—and how that can drive growth in building homes – what a difference that could make. Again, the human that sits there with the tech and the AI—because the security of having an affordable home is hugely important. I come from a working-class background, and at times we struggled as a family to make ends meet. But we owned our home, and that gave me a sense of security—a base camp, if you like—on which I could build my life, my opportunities, and my aspirations. I want that to be there for everyone in the country—that base camp. And AI can help on this.

    This is how we explain and lead people down this transformative path. And in that way, in pushing forward, we’ve developed a powerful new tool. We’ve done this in-house, and I’m really proud of that—that as a government, we’ve taken on the challenge and developed something in-house, just to prove that governments can innovate. We use that word all the time, and some people don’t associate it with government—but we have. We’ve developed what we call Extract. It’s being trialled in councils in Exeter, Westminster, Nuneaton and Bedworth. It takes old, handwritten planning documents and put them into digital form in seconds. Jobs that would otherwise have taken hours and hours—done in seconds. A hundred planning records per day, and the usual average up till now is five. So, you can see—it’s a huge productivity boost and we want to roll that out. It doesn’t just show that the government can innovate, it also means faster planning decisions, which I think comes as a relief to many people in this room and beyond—both in AI and in British business more broadly. And of course, it’s money-saved for councils, so they can spend their money on other things. It turns into more growth and more opportunity.

    But most of all, it speeds up the future that we need. AI innovation making a difference for working people. The same, of course, is true across the public realm. We’re looking at how AI can speed up discharges from hospitals—hugely important. I’ve looked into this in our hospitals. Getting people out the back door more quickly—AI can help with that. Same with the asylum backlog, how can AI and tech help us deal with that? Or teachers—helping them personalise lessons for their pupils. Again, using their time better, making them more human. Giving them that interaction so that every child gets the best possible chance in life. What a difference personalising what they do can make to so many children.

    In every case, you can show AI innovation making a difference for working people. But to truly succeed in this mission then one of the biggest parts, and you’ll all have heard this many, many times in the conversation about AI, tech, growth and investment and business. It always comes back to this point: skills. It is one of the key concerns in any business in technology—actually, in any business pretty much across the board—one of the great worries for working people, and the same for any parent, is always: What does this mean for my children? What does it mean for their future? So today, I am really delighted to announce what is a step change in how we train homegrown talent in AI. A partnership with 11 major companies to train 7.5 million workers in AI by 2030.

    I would also like to thank NVIDIA for partnering on a new pipeline. Jensen is here with us for the “in conversation” we’re so grateful for that partnership. That allows us to expand their lab in Bristol, and that will make a huge difference to opportunity and jobs in the South West. We’re also going to bring the full powers of government with a new tech-first training programme. That’s up to 1 million young people trained in tech skills—that will be so crucial for their future. That’s a £185 million investment, embedding AI right through our education system, starting in our secondary schools with subjects like computer science. At universities, a new scholarship programme for high-flying students—supporting the best and brightest personally, so they can focus on their research on the next frontier.

    So from school all the way through—and on top of that, extra support for small businesses, along with their student leavers, so they can recruit the technology skills they need. And this—trust me—is a package that should make a massive difference to the aspirations of working people.

    At the end of the day, that is what this must be about. I want young people in the poorer parts of my constituency—and I’m thinking in particular of a place like Somers Town, between Euston and King’s Cross, where there’s so much of that tech and entrepreneurial AI belief—I want the children in Somers Town to look out of their classroom windows and feel “yes, I can be part of that success. This could belong to me.”

    That’s why the work we’re doing in schools, universities and colleges is so important—to make them feel they’ve got a role, they’ve got aspiration, they’ve got a future. They can’t aspire to do something unless they can see it, feel it, and understand what it is. In this country, the technology needs to be built in our brain. Just to give a short example of that—praising tech companies for investing in Somers Town. I’ve thrown this challenge out many, many times: how do we make the children in the poorest part of my constituency aspire to work in your centre? And Google AI opened a campus in Somers Town. They’ve taken up that challenge. It is tremendous. I went there for the opening—it’s right next to the school where I envisage those students who wouldn’t necessarily have seen their future in tech. And now that campus is right next to their school they can see it every day and they can feel it.

    That’s a really good example. Thank you to the tech sector for stepping up to that challenge. But now we need to go further. By the end of this Parliament, we should be able to look every parent the eye, in every region in Britain and say – look what technology can deliver for you. We can put money in your pocket; we can create wealth in your community; we can create good jobs and vastly improve our public services and build a better future for your children. That is the opportunity we must seize, that is what my Plan for Change will deliver. And today, I think we’re taking another big step towards it.

    So thank you very much for being here and thank you for letting me have the privilege of opening today. Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • Piyush Goyal begins official visit to Switzerland and Sweden to strengthen trade ties

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, commenced his official visit to Switzerland today as part of a five-day tour of Switzerland and Sweden from June 9 to 13. The visit aims to deepen India’s strategic and economic engagements with key European partners, with a focus on promoting trade, investment, and sustainable growth.
     
    The Minister’s visit to Switzerland includes high-level meetings with global CEOs, senior government officials, and prominent Swiss industry leaders. Sector-specific engagements are scheduled in key areas such as pharmaceuticals, life sciences, precision engineering, machine tools, and high-tech manufacturing. Goyal is also set to meet Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to further bolster bilateral trade and diplomatic ties.
     
    During his stay in Switzerland, Goyal will hold one-on-one discussions with representatives of major Swiss companies. Indian industry leaders will also be part of these meetings, facilitating direct interaction and exploring collaboration opportunities. The Minister will participate in the Swissmem Industry Day and a Business Round Table with the Swiss Mechanical and Electrical (MEM) Industry, where deliberations will focus on the potential of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). In addition, he will interact with the ICAI Zurich Chapter and engage with members of the Indian media.
     
    Following his engagements in Switzerland, Shri Goyal will travel to Sweden to co-chair the 21st session of the Indo-Swedish Joint Commission for Economic, Industrial and Scientific Cooperation (JCEISC) alongside Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa.
     
    The visit to Sweden includes bilateral meetings with Dousa and Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary to the Minister of Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade. 
     
    In Sweden, Goyal will also participate in the India-Sweden Business Leaders’ Round Table and engage in one-on-one meetings with top Swedish companies across sectors such as innovation, green technologies, sustainable solutions, and advanced manufacturing. Companies with a strong presence in India or ongoing interest, including Ericsson, Volvo Group, IKEA, Sandvik, Alfa Laval, and SAAB, are expected to take part in these interactions.
     
     

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Our Living Soils’ by Emma Rosen and Rhiannon Thomas out now

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    ‘Our Living Soils’ by Emma Rosen and Rhiannon Thomas out now

    Natural England has commissioned a children’s illustrated book to teach young children about soil.

    ‘Our Living Soils’ written by Emma Rosen and illustrated by Rhiannon Thomas was commissioned by Natural England to teach children about soil.

    Young children love to jump in muddy puddles and roll on grass, but are unlikely to think about what is going on in the earth underneath them. Now a new illustrated book aims to dig into just what is happening in the soil beneath their feet.

    ‘Our Living Soils’ was commissioned by Natural England to explore soil health in a way that appeals to four to seven-year-old children. It highlights just how much is going on in our soil and focuses on the creatures that make it their home.  It was written by author and schoolteacher Emma Rosen, and illustrated by fine artist and illustrator, Rhiannon Thomas.

    The team behind ‘Our Living Soils’. From left: Jonny Griffiths, Matthew Shepherd and Eleanor Reed of Natural England, author Emma Rosen and illustrator Rhiannon Thomas.

    The book was launched during the weekend at the sold out Open Farm Sunday event at Springwater Farm in Exeter, with both Emma and Rhiannon in attendance, along with Natural England’s soils team. The team hosted a series of activities including round the campfire storytelling; soil minibeast drawing and writing activities; and the very popular exploration of soil dwelling organisms through the microscope.

    Eleanor Reed, Natural England principal soil specialist, said:

    From soil formation to soil function, this visually engaging book aims to raise the awareness of soils to young children and their parents alike.

    We hope it engages young children and develops their curiosity about the fascinating, but hidden, world beneath their feet.

    ‘Our Living Soils’ was launched at Open Farm Sunday in Exeter where children could look at soil-based organisms under the microscope.

    Neal Layton, author and illustrator of some of the Eco Explorer series of children’s books, endorsed ‘Our Living Soils’, saying it is ‘a brilliant book for muddy boot wearers big and small’.

    Alongside the paperback, which is available to buy at Our Living Soils – Emma Rosen, or from Waterstones and Amazon, there will be a PDF edition which can be distributed by Natural England. A Kindle version will also be produced and put on the Kindle Unlimited subscription service so subscribers can read it for free.

    A narrated video of ‘Our Living Soils’ is available on YouTube.

    Our Living Soils, written by Emma Rosen and illustrated by Rhiannon Thomas

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Updated guide to raising concerns about a charity

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Updated guide to raising concerns about a charity

    The Charity Commission for England and Wales has today published refreshed guidance and an updated online form to help anyone who wants to raise a concern about a charity.

    The guidance ‘Raising a concern with the Charity Commission’ (CC47) sets out when to raise concerns about a charity with the Commission as well as what it can do or cannot do within its remit of helping charities in England and Wales be accountable, well-run and meet their legal obligations.  

    The guidance also covers where and how it can and will act and how it prioritises the most serious concerns that present risk of significant harm to, or abuse of, charities, their beneficiaries or assets or to trust and confidence in the sector. 

    Eight percent of 3679 concerns submitted by members of the public to the Commission during the last financial year could not be taken further as these were either beyond the Commission’s regulatory remit set by Parliament or had insufficient information.  

    The Commission’s updated guidance and forms aim to help people find the most appropriate route for raising any concerns, while being clear when it is unlikely to be able to act. 

    An improved online ‘raising a concern’ form on gov.uk for members of the public, which still allows evidence to be attached, now provides new signposting to make it easier for a charity’s trustees, employees and volunteers to raise concerns in the right way via alternative routes for whistleblowing, reports of serious incidents or matters of material significance. 

    Charity Commission Head of Intelligence & Risk, Kate Waring, said:  

    While things can go wrong – either intentionally or unintentionally – the vast majority of the 170,000 charities on the register are doing great work to make a positive difference. Trustees overwhelmingly act in their charity’s best interests, and we step in when they do not.  

    It is important people can tell us when things are not right at a charity, and our refreshed guidance explains the sorts of concerns they can, and should, confidently bring to our attention. Both the improved guidance and online form also remind people about concerns that are for other regulators, so they can raise those with the right organisation. 

    We have to prioritise our work to help us make the best use of the resources we’ve been given as a public body and to ensure proportionate regulation of a volunteer led sector. 

    The ‘Raising a concern with the Charity Commission’ guidance is available on gov.uk. 

    ENDS 

    Notes to editors: 

    1. The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society. Find out more  

    2. The Commission’s suite of guidance for charities in England and Wales is on gov.uk  

    3. Concerns about a charity can be raised with the appropriate authority on gov.uk  

    4. The refreshed guidance can be found on gov.uk  

    5. The updated form for raising concerns with the Charity Commission can be found here

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plymouth’s largest anchor institutions unite in a pioneering collaboration to tackle inequality

    Source: City of Plymouth

    A Civic Engagement Agreement is being signed today by Plymouth’s four largest employers – Plymouth City Council, Babcock International Group (Babcock), University of Plymouth and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust – in a pioneering, voluntary commitment to address the root causes of inequality and drive inclusive, city-wide transformation.

    This landmark step collaboratively brings together major institutions in a coordinated approach to deliver social value, reduce deprivation and improve long-term outcomes for Plymouth households.

    A Shared Vision for Inclusive Growth

    At the heart of the Agreement is a shared belief: that the complex challenges facing Plymouth, such as job accessibility, health inequality, economic inactivity and skills, can best be addressed through collective action.

    The Civic Engagement Agreement sets out an intention for collaboration, guiding partners to align their expertise and resources across shared priorities including workforce development, community well-being, placemaking, and supply chain engagement.

    The Civic Engagement Agreement is working alongside and in collaboration with Growth Alliance Plymouth (GAP). GAP is the partnership between Plymouth City Council, Babcock International Group and The Royal Navy to ensure vital defence outputs are delivered into the future while driving sustainable and inclusive growth in the region.

    What This Means for the People of Plymouth

    Local residents and businesses will see new, joined-up approaches through the Civic Engagement Agreement’s focus on:

    • Being inclusive in employment practices
    • Strengthening local supply chains
    • Supporting staff, students and volunteers to work with communities to improve health, education and social infrastructure
    • Reducing the environmental impact of operations internally and in supply chains.

    Ultimately, the Civic Engagement Agreement aims to ensure that public services and institutions work better together to improve life outcomes for Plymouth residents.

    Strategic Commitments from the Partners

    Plymouth City Council

    “This Agreement gives us clarity of four focus areas for collective action where we can make the biggest difference through our social value action” said Tudor Evans Leader of Plymouth City Council “It allows us to better coordinate services and investments that influence community wellbeing, ensuring we act with purpose—and with our partners, act with strength.”

    Babcock International

    John Gane, Managing Director for Babcock’s Devonport site, said “As one of Plymouth’s largest employers supporting over 11% of the city’s workforce—we understand the vital role we play in shaping a thriving, inclusive future for our community. At Babcock, we are proud to lead the way in regional skills development, expanding vocational opportunities and opening new career pathways that empower local talent to succeed. Our commitment to sustainability and social value is deeply rooted in our support for local communities, charities, and civic initiatives. As a key anchor institution in Plymouth, we are already making a meaningful impact, but through this Civic Engagement Agreement, backed by Growth Alliance Plymouth, we have the opportunity to achieve even greater things together. This partnership is not just about progress, it’s about creating lasting, transformative change.”

    University of Plymouth

    The University of Plymouth’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Davies says:

    “Knowledge and skills are vital to unlocking growth, encouraging investment, and helping our city fulfil its enormous potential.

    “We believe that universities should serve their communities, and this agreement sets a new standard for civic responsibility in higher education.

    “Our University is proud to be helping lead that journey here in Plymouth.”

    University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

    Sarah Brampton, Deputy Chief Executive: “We know that the health of our population is shaped by social determinants such as income, housing, environment, transport, education and work. To really improve people’s health, there needs to be a greater focus on preventing ill health and supporting our communities to be and stay well. We know we can achieve more by working together to tackle upstream causes of ill health, rather than just symptoms and coming together in this way, through this agreement, shows our commitment to doing that.”

    Key Objectives of the Agreement

    • Strengthen Community Well-being: Improve quality of life by tackling social determinants of health and supporting personal and community development.
    • Promote Sustainable and Inclusive Growth: Drive economic growth that benefits all residents through job creation, skills development, and local investment.
    • Champion Environmental and Social Responsibility: Embed sustainable practices and maximise social value through shared procurement, planning, and policy.

    A Call to Action

    This Civic Engagement Agreement marks a new chapter in civic partnership in Plymouth. The founding partners will now reach out to businesses, community organisations and residents to help shape the next phase of this work by contributing to the design and delivery of the detailed agreement to follow in autumn 2025.

    To learn more or get involved, visit: www.plymouthcharter.co.uk/post/civic-agreement

    For more information contact Ellie Tighe at Plymouth Charter, [email protected]

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mapping Change and Investment in St Helier06 June 2025 ​An interactive plan has been published and displayed on digital touch screens in St Helier, showcasing how our town is evolving through coordinated investment and regeneration. The document:… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    06 June 2025

    ​An interactive plan has been published and displayed on digital touch screens in St Helier, showcasing how our town is evolving through coordinated investment and regeneration.

    The document: Mapping Change and Investment in St Helier brings together public and private projects – recently completed, in progress, and planned – to help Islanders understand what is happening, where it’s happening, and why it matters. 

    This interactive tool is part of a long-term effort to make information about St Helier’s future more accessible, engaging, and inclusive for all Islanders. 

    It encourages people to explore how Town is changing and to feel part of that transformation. 

    The plan is available online and can also be explored in person on digital touch screens installed at the Town Hall, Jersey Library, and the Government Office on Union Street – gov.je/planfortown. 

    Users can navigate the map to discover major developments, public realm enhancements, and the key policies driving the regeneration of St Helier. 

    The initiative centres on the three themes set out in the Bridging Island Plan’s vision for the Town: 

    • A Growing Town – Introduce and Integrate: Supporting the delivery of new homes, improved infrastructure, and better integration of spaces, services, and community. 
    • A Sustainable Town – Restore, Protect and Prepare: Revitalising heritage assets, delivering environmental improvements, and preparing for climate resilience and long-term sustainability. 
    • A Vibrant Town – Connect, Enliven and Enhance: Enhancing public spaces, promoting active travel, and investing in culture, retail, and community life to bring energy and life to Town. 

    The Minister for Infrastructure, Connétable Andy Jehan, said: “I am pleased with the recent progress and publication of this interactive plan. It will help Islanders, investors, and decision-makers understand the strategic context in St Helier and the positive changes that are underway. 

    “Some parts of Town clearly need investment, new infrastructure, and improvements to our public realm. This is key to our objective to revitalise St Helier. 

    “I recognise that people want to see further detail on key projects like Fort Regent, and I will ensure the Plan for Town stays updated as new announcements are made.”​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Volunteers invited to take part in a community dig at Kilmocholmóg

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    An exciting community dig is happening at the prehistoric and medieval site of Kilmocholmóg, just off Kilmore Road in Lurgan, from Monday 16 June to Friday 4 July 2025.

    Members of the local community are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and get involved in unearthing Lurgan’s medieval past.

    Previous excavations at the site known as Kilmocholmóg (meaning ‘church of my little Colman’) has uncovered a greater insight into life at this location over thousands of years.

    Working alongside archaeologists, volunteers have helped unearth artefacts, structures, and evidence of ancient craftsmanship at this high-status historical site.

    Since 2022 over 1,000 artefacts including stone age tools, pottery, an ingot mould and glass beads have been recovered as well as the remains of an iron age enclosure and surrounding stone structures.

    The upcoming community dig aims to expand on these discoveries and uncover more details about the settlement’s significance and prove or disprove the local memory that an early medieval church was once located here.

    The dig runs Mondays to Fridays, giving volunteers the chance to take part in morning sessions (9.30am-12pm) or afternoon sessions (1pm-3.30pm).

    It is open to everyone, making it a perfect opportunity for families, history enthusiasts, and curious minds of all ages. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult to ensure a safe and educational experience.

    No experience is necessary as a team of experts from leading archaeology firm, Northern Archaeological Consultancy, will be on hand to guide volunteers every step of the way.

    Organised by the Craigavon Historical Society in partnership with the Council’s Lurgan Townscape Heritage scheme, this dig has been funded by National Lottery players through the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

    If you are interested in learning about archaeology and uncovering the secrets of Kilmocholmóg, book your place at www.eventbrite.com/e/1376030156239 or email David Weir of Craigavon Historical Society at

    *protected email*

    .

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lurgan Show serves up a celebration of local food and farming

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Thousands of visitors packed into the picturesque Lurgan Park on Saturday 7th June for this year’s Lurgan Show – a vibrant celebration of food, farming, and agriculture that firmly underscores the ABC Borough’s status as Northern Ireland’s Food Heartland.

    Now a flagship event in the agricultural calendar, the show proudly showcased the very best of the borough’s award-winning food and drink producers, agri-businesses, and farming excellence.

    This year’s Food Heartland stand, supported by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, attracted crowds keen to sample the finest produce from local favourites including Peggy’s Family Farm, Ballydown Milk, Rosemount Cottage Farm Meats, Glorious Bakes, Long Meadow Cider, Apple Tree Farm, the Hemp and Honey Farm Co Op, and Moo Valley gelato.

    From artisan jams and farm-fresh milkshakes to sizzling meats and handcrafted bakes, the local offering was second to none.

    Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Alderman Stephen Moutray, said:

    “Lurgan Show is a shining example of what makes our borough so special – a deep-rooted connection to our agricultural heritage and an unwavering passion for food excellence. I was delighted to see so many producers and visitors enjoying the day. This event is a true celebration of our Food Heartland, and I commend all those who work hard year-round to make our borough a place of taste, talent, and tradition.”

    Organised by the Lurgan & District Horse and Cattle Society, the Show also featured equestrian and livestock championships, vintage farm machinery, family activities, and more – offering something for everyone.

    The summer show season continues with the Armagh County Agricultural Show and Country Festival taking place this Saturday 14th June at Gosford Forest Park. For details, visit www.armaghshow.com

    To learn more about the Food Heartland and its producers, contact:

    *protected email*

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US companies blame changing trade policy for eroding business prospects for the future – media

    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 9 (Xinhua) — American businessmen warn that the U.S. administration’s ever-changing trade policies are making it difficult for them to plan for the future, leading to a freeze in hiring and investment, The Wall Street Journal reported.

    John Starr, owner of UltraSource, a Kansas City, Mo., supplier of meat processing and packing equipment, said he is holding off on hiring or making additional capital investments until there is clarity on tariffs.

    The company is waiting for suppliers in Europe to finalize $20 million in orders it placed before the Trump administration’s 10 percent tariffs went into effect on April 9, the report said. That means it faces a $2 million tax bill if the tariffs remain in place.

    “How am I supposed to pay for this?” said J. Starr, the third-generation owner of the company. “It could wipe out the entire year’s profits.”

    For months, US President Donald Trump has announced one significant tariff increase after another, at times switching from escalation to temporary settlement.

    “Where this all ends depends on what Trump decides to do next, and frankly, even Trump doesn’t know what Trump will do next,” Christopher Thornberg, a founding partner at Beacon Economics in Los Angeles, was quoted as saying in the article. “So it’s almost impossible to know where this is going.”

    In this environment, the US economy faces three main risks in the coming months, namely a potential rise in unemployment, a decline in consumer demand, and disruptions caused by financial market turmoil or sharp changes in sentiment, the article says.

    With the possibility of companies laying off workers due to low demand remaining, unemployment could rise quickly once such a scenario becomes a reality.

    At the same time, the level of delinquent debt on consumer loans has been rising for a year, raising concerns that the worsening financial situation of low-income borrowers could lead to a more noticeable slowdown in consumer spending, the article notes.

    For many companies, the uncertainty caused by Trump’s sudden and seemingly arbitrary tariff announcements has impacted sales prospects this year, the article says.

    “I have to take action immediately,” said J. Starr. “We will be very careful about any cash expenditures just because we need the money to pay the tariff.” -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russian President V. Putin approved the strategy for the development of the Navy until 2050

    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

    Moscow, June 9 /Xinhua/ – Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 30 approved the Strategy for the Development of the Russian Navy until 2050. This was stated in an interview with the newspaper Argumenty i Fakty by the presidential aide and Chairman of the Russian Maritime Collegium Nikolai Patrushev.

    “The final version of the strategy was submitted to the head of state for consideration, and he approved it on May 30,” said N. Patrushev.

    According to him, “a strategic planning document of this kind has been adopted for the first time in modern history.”

    “The Strategy contains an analysis of the development of the military-political situation in the world, the possible occurrence and nature of armed conflicts, and the potential of the leading naval powers. An assessment is given of the current state and capabilities of the Navy, taking into account the experience of a special military operation,” he said.

    “The main requirements for the future combat composition of the fleet, its main tasks in peacetime and wartime, as well as mechanisms aimed at forming the future image of the Navy have been formulated. In a word, an important long-term document has been adopted, which provides an answer to the question of what Russia’s naval power should be so that our country can effectively defend its interests in the World Ocean,” N. Patrushev noted. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Three people have been killed in two separate incidents in the Indian city of Delhi.

    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

    NEW DELHI, June 9 (Xinhua) — Three people, including an 8-year-old boy, were killed in two separate incidents in Delhi on Monday and several others were injured, a senior Delhi Fire Service official has confirmed.

    Two people were killed in a fire that broke out at an electric charging station in Delhi’s Dilshad Garden area. The station, located inside a house, was meant for e-rickshaws, small vehicles used to ferry people over short distances.

    Both of them suffered burns and were rushed to a local government hospital where they were pronounced dead.

    Two more people injured in the incident were taken to a local hospital.

    In a separate incident, an 8-year-old boy was killed and a 60-year-old man was injured when a two-storey house collapsed in West Delhi’s Kamruddin Nagar on Monday.

    The victim was taken to a local hospital. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China reports decline in consumer and producer price indices in May

    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 9 (Xinhua) — China’s consumer inflation eased in May, driven by lower energy and food prices, while producer prices also continued to fall, data released by the National Bureau of Statistics showed Monday.

    According to the agency, in May the consumer price index /CPI/, the main indicator of inflation, fell by 0.1 percent year-on-year and by 0.2 percent month-on-month.

    The main factor that influenced the May CPI was the decline in energy prices. The contribution of this group of goods to the decline in CPI on an annual basis was 0.47 percentage points, noted /GSU/ statistician Dong Lijuan.

    According to her, positive price changes have been observed in some sectors against the backdrop of the country’s ongoing policy of stimulating consumption.

    The core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, rose by 0.6 percent year-on-year in May, compared to 0.5 percent in April, according to data from the State Statistics Service.

    In May, food prices in the country fell by 0.4 percent year-on-year, while prices for non-food products remained unchanged.

    Consumer prices fell by 0.5 percent, while service prices rose by 0.5 percent.

    Overall, in January-May, the CPI in China fell by 0.1 percent compared to the same period last year.

    The latest data from the State Statistics Service also showed that the producer price index (PPI), which measures the overall change in wholesale producer prices, fell 3.3 percent year-on-year in May, an improvement from a 2.7 percent drop in April.

    Dong Lijuan attributed the decline in PPI to the fall in global crude oil prices, which led to lower prices in China’s oil-related industries, as well as a seasonal decline in demand for energy and raw materials. As the statistician explained, seasonal factors led to a decline in coal prices, while hot and rainy weather also disrupted construction activity in the southern regions.

    On a monthly basis, the PPI fell by 0.4 percent in May. In the first five months of the year, the PPI declined by 2.6 percent compared to a year earlier. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s trade with African countries hits record high in January-May 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 9 (Xinhua) — China’s trade volume with African countries reached a record high in the first five months of 2025, data released by the General Administration of Customs showed Monday.

    According to official data, from January to May this year, trade volume between China and Africa increased by 12.4 percent year on year to 963.21 billion yuan (about 134 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for 5.4 percent of China’s total foreign trade.

    China’s exports to Africa in the first five months rose 20.2 percent year on year to 599.57 billion yuan, while imports from Africa rose 1.6 percent to 363.64 billion yuan. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Dmitry Bryukhanov awarded the best managers of Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On June 6, 2025, the final of the federal stage of the competition “Manager of the Year among graduates of the Presidential Program for the Training of Management Personnel for Organizations of the National Economy of the Russian Federation – 2025” was held at the All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

    The expert jury of the competition included representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, the Expert Council of the Government Commission for the Organization of Management Training, Russian universities, the business community and the Union of Associations of the Program’s Alumni. The State University of Management was represented in the jury by Vice-Rector Dmitry Bryukhanov.

    The competition was held in the format of assessing projects implemented by graduates of the Presidential Program. More than 80 projects were submitted in two nominations: “Business Project” and “Social Project”, of which 12 projects were selected for participation in the in-person stage: 9 in the “Business Project” nomination and 3 in the “Social Project” nomination.

    The experts assessed the relevance of the project, the personal contribution of the contestant to its implementation, the measurability of the project results and the possibility of replication, the social effect of the project implementation for the region and the country as a whole, the quality of the presentation material, and answers to additional questions.

    It should be noted that the finalists of the Manager of the Year 2025 competition were Russian entrepreneurs who participated in the program for training Russian specialists abroad in accordance with the State Plan for the Training of Managerial Personnel for Organizations of the National Economy of the Russian Federation, implemented by the State Management University in the period from 2022 to 2024.

    All finalists of the in-person stage of “Manager of the Year – 2025” presented projects that are significant for the regions of Russia:

    The winners of the competition:

    Nomination “Business Project”: 1st place – Anatoly Smirnov, “Creation of a new production facility for the AFS Group”, St. Petersburg; 2nd place – Anatoly Tulaev, “Development of 5D printer production with innovative 5D tech technology”, Volgograd Region; 3rd place – Andrey Semizorov, “Import substitution of products from the Electrotyazhmash plant (Ukraine) with modernized analogues from the Vorotynsky Energy Repair Plant (Russia)”, Kaluga Region.

    Nomination “Social Project”: Artem Korolev, “International Engineering Championship CASE-IN”, Moscow.

    Nomination “Audience Choice Award”: Yulia Kladko, “Organization of entrepreneurial activity in the field of environmental design”, Moscow.

    The experts noted the high level of the projects presented, congratulated the contestants and wished them further success in implementing their projects and achieving their professional goals.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE University is the absolute leader in the ranking of universities’ practical orientation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Карьерная платформа Changellenge >> summed up the results of the largest case championships of the 2024/25 season and presented an updated ranking of universities by the level of practical orientation. The absolute leader was the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

    The ranking reflects the real ability of universities to prepare students to solve applied problems and apply knowledge in a professional environment.

    The key evaluation criterion was not formal academic indicators, but the practical successes of students: participation in qualifying rounds, reaching the finals and victories in case championships. HSE (Moscow) demonstrated an outstanding result: it accounted for 18% of all applications for participation in the championships, as well as 29% of all victories. Over the course of the year, 836 students took part, of which 90 reached the finals, and 14 became prize winners. The scale and quality of participation confirm HSE’s status as a leader in preparing students to solve applied problems and enter the labor market.

    It is noteworthy that the tasks of the case championships were developed by industry representatives: this season, 34 companies from the top 100 employers in Russia took part. For them, the championships serve as a real mechanism for selecting promising interns and young specialists, and for students, a platform for applying their knowledge and developing professional skills.

    The rating also included Saint Petersburg campus of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, which took 6th place. At the same time, it became the leader in terms of participation efficiency: out of 83 students, 7 reached the final, 4 became winners, which ensured it 1st place in terms of points per participant. The Moscow campus took 3rd place in this indicator.

    The results of the case season confirm that the Higher School of Economics not only forms a strong theoretical base, but also provides its students with real opportunities for professional growth, making them competitive in the eyes of the country’s leading employers.

    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 United Kingdom: PM unveils AI breakthrough to slash planning delays and help build 1.5 million homes: 9 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    PM unveils AI breakthrough to slash planning delays and help build 1.5 million homes: 9 June 2025

    Planning permissions will be sped up as the Government rolls out a new AI tool which can scan hundreds of files in seconds – making it easier to make home improvements, while turbocharging the Plan for Change milestone to build 1.5 million homes.

    • PM unveils revolutionary AI tool to transform planning system and speed up housebuilding at London Tech Week

    • ‘Extract’ set to digitise planning documents and bring England’s outdated planning system into the 21st century

    • Breakthrough AI tool to be made available to all councils by Spring 2026, using Google DeepMind’s Gemini model

    • Digital planning transformation to help deliver Plan for Change milestone to build 1.5 million homes

    Planning permissions will be sped up as the Government rolls out a new AI tool which can scan hundreds of files in seconds – making it easier to make home improvements, while turbocharging the Plan for Change milestone to build 1.5 million homes.

    Speaking at London Tech Week, the Prime Minister announced the launch of “Extract” – an AI assistant for planning officers and local councils, developed by government with support from Google.

    For the first time, this cutting-edge technology will help councils convert decades-old, handwritten planning documents and maps into data in minutes – and will power new types of planning software to slash the 250,000 estimated hours spent by planning officers each year manually checking these documents. This will dramatically reduce delays that have long plagued the system.

    Around 350,000 planning applications are submitted a year in England, yet the system remains heavily reliant on paper documents – some hundreds of pages long. Once submitted, each of these documents needs to be manually validated and approved by a planning officer.  

    In test trials across Hillingdon, Nuneaton & Bedworth, and Exeter councils, Extract digitised planning records, including maps, in just three minutes each – compared to the 1–2 hours it typically takes manually. This means Extract could process around 100 planning records a day – significantly speeding up the process.

    This represents a step-change in productivity, freeing up thousands of hours for planning officers to focus on decision-making to speed up housebuilding. It will also accelerate the delivery of much-needed housing, improve reliability in the planning process and reduce costs and save time for councils and developers. 

    Extract is expected to be made available to all councils by Spring 2026. The government’s ambition is to fully digitise the planning system – making it faster, more transparent, and easier to navigate for working people, councils, businesses and developers. 

    The rollout will help deliver the government’s Plan for Change milestone to build 1.5 million homes over the next Parliament and is part of the government’s efforts to harness tech and AI to deliver change and renewal for working people.

    It also comes alongside the government’s wider efforts to digitise the planning system, building on an estimated £59.4m per year spent by councils on digital planning and housing software, delivering an estimated time and cost saving of £527m for the public sector each year.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:  

    For too long, our outdated planning system has held back our country— slowing down the development of vital infrastructure and making it harder to get the homes we need built. 

    This government is working hand in hand with business to change that. With Extract, we’re harnessing the power of AI to help planning officers cut red tape, speed up decisions, and unlock the new homes for hard-working people as part of our Plan for Change. 

    It’s a bold step forward in our mission to build 1.5 million more homes and deliver a planning system that’s fit for the 21st century.” 

    Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said:

    From day one we made an unwavering promise to use every tool at our disposal to build the 1.5 million homes and vital infrastructure through our Plan for Change that our local communities desperately need.  

    By using cutting-edge technology like Extract we can fix the broken planning system, cut delays, save money, and also reduce burdens on councils to help pave the way for the biggest building boom in a generation.” 

    Co-Founder & CEO of Google DeepMind, Demis Hassabis said:

    We build our AI models to understand all types of information – from text to handwritten notes and technical drawings – so it’s really exciting to see the UK government choose Gemini to help speed up the planning process and support planners and people across the country.

    Hillingdon Council’s Chief Operating Officer Matthew Wallbridge said:  

    ‘The UK Planning System relies on paper-based processes, and AI can help to read and then extract the key information from it, to help both residents and planning officers. The productivity benefits will allow for a faster and cheaper service’. 

    Tom Shardlow, CEO Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council said:  

    Just like many local authorities, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has many plans and documents in storage from historic planning applications over the years. Working with the Extract team, we have seen the outputs from Extract, and how these could improve our service, providing high quality, digital, GeoSpatial data and how this could speed up the process for our Planning Team.” 

    The government is now working with Google to develop and expand Extract to all local authorities in England using its Gemini model. The government will expand Extract to handle all planning document types with the aim of supporting local authorities to digitise all planning documents by the end of 2026.

    The planning data, unlocked through Extract, will be uploaded to a publicly accessible gov.uk service page. Open, public data will ensure the planning system is more transparent, accessible and understandable to the public. The government will also explore the best and most efficient ways to deploy Extract into local authorities – this might also include developing an app to scan documents instantly.

    This government is turning the page on the decline of the past and choosing growth with a significant number of planning decisions already made by Ministers since July. 

    This includes 18 planning decisions taken by Ministers over 85% of which within the target timeframe, and 18 nationally significant infrastructure projects approved, collectively spanning airports, data centres, solar farms and major housing developments such as the Expansion of London City Airport, a data centre in Buckinghamshire and a new M&S store in Oxford Street, London.  

    The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will also provide the powers to accelerate the infrastructure and homes needed to deliver on the government’s ambitions – and fast track critical infrastructure such as wind farms, power plants, and major road and rail projects.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Díaz-Balart Leads FL Delegation on Homestead Air Reserve Base F-35A Letter to Trump Administration

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, led a 17-member coalition from the Florida Congressional Delegation in a letter to President Trump and his administration requesting sustained F-35A production and fielding to modernize the aging F-16C fleet at Homestead Air Reserve Base.

    “As Dean of the Florida Delegation, I am acutely aware of the security threats our nation faces from drug trafficking, transnational criminal organizations, and the increasing malign influence and presence of anti-American adversaries like Russia and China in the Southern Hemisphere. Florida is foundational in protecting our national security, countering the southern border threats and defending our Eastern coastline.

    “For these reasons, having the modern, multi-role F-35A fighter aircraft at HomesteadAir Reserve Base, which has served as a foundational line of defense for over 80 years, is a vital asset and will ensure the United States’ readiness in confronting these threats to our national security,” said Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart.

    “As America faces growing threats from our adversaries like Communist China and Putin’s Russia, the need to modernize our air defenses has never been more urgent,” said Congressman Carlos Gimenez. “The F-35 is the most advanced fighter jet in the world, and its production is critical to maintaining our military dominance. Located in Florida’s 28th District, Homestead Air Reserve Base must receive the investments and upgrades needed to support the next generation of tactical air power. South Florida plays a strategic role in our national defense, and Homestead must be ready to host and sustain the F-35 mission for decades to come.” 

    Read the full text of the letter here or below.

    “We would first like to thank you for your efforts to keep our nation safe, make our military the most lethal military force in the world and return peace through strength around the world. As Commander in Chief, you understand the critical role Florida plays in delivering on that mission and protecting our national security. From deterring and preventing the approximately $2.7 trillion impact to American lives through fentanyl counternarcotics efforts to supporting Southern border operations and homeland defense alert missions along our coastlines, Homestead Air Force Reserve Base (HARB) is critical for our national security. Florida’s strategic location makes it uniquely postured to counter Chinese, Russian, Violent Extremist Organizations (VEOs), and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and their influence in the southern hemisphere. These regional threats are the largest contributor to the state of national emergency within the United States over illegal aliens, infiltration of Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs, and illicit opioids.

    “Under your leadership as both our 45th and 47th president, Florida continues to fight the cartels and drug traffickers, leading to South Florida being named the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area of the Year. We dismantled or disrupted 54 drug trafficking organizations in 2023 and seized an estimate value of $748 million in illicit drugs, including 23 metric tons of cocaine, 248 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 224 kilograms of fentanyl.

    “Through U.S. Southern Command, appropriately headquartered in Florida, we are tracking and thwarting Chinese efforts to expand their Belt and Road Initiative in Latin American Countries to monopolize natural resources, such as 20% of the world’s oil reserves, 25% of the strategic metals, and 31% of the fishing areas. We are working to claw back the $358 billion amassed by 35 TCOs in the region in 2023 through interdiction and counter trafficking efforts to help stabilize South America, preventing their problems from reaching our shores. The Russian Surface Action Group, led by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov and cruise missile submarine Kazan docked in Havana, Cuba, passed within 30 miles of the Florida Keys last June. Florida is uniquely postured to support the border alert mission to deter these acts of aggression.

    “Within Florida, HARB serves a foundational role in supporting the most critical national defense missions. HARB generated $364 million for the local economy in 2023 alone. It is the home to the 2,500-member 482nd Fighter Wing and its reserve associate, the 367th Fighter Squadron, responsible for F-16 alerts across the coastline in support of Operation Noble Eagle. It houses the Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Branch, operating Blackhawks and turbo-prop airliners like the DHC-8 to interdict smugglers and prevent illegal aliens from crossing into the United States. Special Operations Command South Headquarters is also resident at HARB, executing special operations as assigned to U.S. Southern Command, spanning 31 countries and 10 overseas territories across Central and South America and the Caribbean.

    “Florida’s Gulf of America, Atlantic Ocean access, and its proximity to Central and South America is what drove the 125th Fighter Wing Air National Guard (ANG) unit selection for the F-35A Lightning II. Starting with an initial batch of aircraft to Jacksonville ANG in March of this year and expanding to the 125th Fighter Wing Detachment 1 at HARB in 2027. The Air Force Reserve also planned this F-35A modernization to replace the aging F-16C fleet within the 482nd Fighter Wing. This would create a common fighter platform between the Reserves and National Guard at HARB, reducing costs for base operations through shared maintenance efforts. Together, these units would provide a considerable increase in readiness for the North American Aerospace Defense Command Alert mission across both the Southern and Eastern U.S. border as well as downrange multi-role operations through short-notice worldwide deployments.

    “Together, we ask your administration to ensure that the F-35A goes to Homestead Air Reserve Base and the F-35A production quantities remain undeterred. There is no real trade when comparing other airframes and locales to a multi-role fighter aircraft capable of countering Russian, Chinese, VEOs, and TCOs operations across the entirety of the Southern and Eastern U.S. border and throughout the Southern Hemisphere. HARB is a vital asset for our national security and power projection, and critical for your Peace through Strength agenda. Thank you again for your leadership and we hope you will consider, within all applicable rules and regulations, our input on the matter.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: YVO’s plan for responding to future geological hazards in Yellowstone National Park

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Michael Poland, geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey and Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.

    Cover of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory response plan for geological hazards in the Yellowstone region.  The report can be accessed at https://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1351/.  Cover features a photograph by Mike Poland and frame captures from a video by Juliet Su.

    As Benjamin Franklin supposedly said, “failing to plan is planning to fail.”  This is why the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO) has a plan to guide the observatory’s actions during a response to earthquakes, hydrothermal explosions, or any geological activity that could lead to a volcanic eruption.

    The first YVO response plan was published in 2010 and explained how observatory scientists would collect data, communicate with one another and the public, and interact with emergency managers as part of any incident command system that was organized to deal with a crisis—for example, a major earthquake or volcanic eruption.

    A second version of the YVO response plan was published in 2014 and incorporated changes in the YVO consortium, which expanded in 2013 to include more institutions, as well as lessons learned from a readiness, or “table-top,” exercise that was held in 2011.  Table-top exercises are discussions that simulate a crisis and that are used by emergency responders to practice and evaluate procedures.

    The newest version of the YVO response plan was just published (https://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1351/).  This update contains several significant modifications compared to the previous versions.

    First and foremost, the YVO response plan now aligns with a procedures established by the USGS Volcano Science Center—particularly the “OVERT,” or Observatory Volcano Event Response Team, concept. OVERT defines critical functions, like data management, communications, monitoring, science, and logistical support, that can be staffed up during a crisis.  The OVERT team can be implemented in stages to follow the nature of whatever volcanic unrest or eruption may be unfolding and is intended to be flexible and modular.  The concept also establishes clear lines of communication and reporting so that no one person has too many responsibilities, and information is shared quickly and openly.

    As an example, if a major seismic swarm were to begin in Yellowstone National Park, YVO might establish an OVERT organizational structure that has staffing for the monitoring and communications teams.  If that seismicity intensified and led to hydrothermal explosions, those teams would be expanded to take on additional responsibilities, and other branches would also be staffed—like those dealing with data documentation and logistics to support field operations. 

    Organization chart giving the structure of a response by the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory to a significant episode of unrest or eruption at the Yellowstone volcanic system. The strategy is scalable (elements are activated as they are needed and deactivated when they are no longer needed) and can be adapted to meet the needs of the event response. Chart follows the Observatory Volcanic Event Response Team structure in the U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Science Center Response Plan for Significant Volcanic Events (Moran and others, 2024—https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/cir1518). EOC=Emergency Operations Center; UAS=Unoccupied Aircraft Systems; YVO=Yellowstone Volcano Observatory; YVOCOMS=YVO communications group.

    YVO’s updated response plan also defines two different cases: “events” and “activity with potential.” An “event” is a single and sudden hazardous occurrence, like the 1959 M7.3 Hebgen Lake earthquake or the July 23, 2024, hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin, that would prompt YVO to immediately initiate additional monitoring and to communicate hazards information to emergency managers and the public.  Because some geologic hazards evolve slowly, however, YVO’s response plan also defines “activity with potential” that could eventually build towards a hazard that requires intense monitoring.  The 2003 thermal event at Norris Geyser Basin, when ground heated to boiling temperatures in places and caused some boardwalks to be closed and eventually rerouted, is a good example.

    Also included in the response plan are communications protocols and call-down lists that establish robust methods for ensuring that information is passed along to emergency managers at various institutions, like the area land managers and, in the event of an explosive volcanic eruption, the Federal Aviation Administration and National Weather Service.  Additional guidelines describe how YVO consortium members would collaborate to ensure that the public—especially local residents—are informed of hazards that may develop, and steps that can be taken to lessen the impacts of those hazards.

    By developing this response plan, and also putting it into practice—for instance, as part of a table-top exercise that was held for YVO consortium members in 2022—YVO scientists will be better prepared to deal with any future geologic hazards in the Yellowstone region.  Hopefully there will never need to be put the YVO response protocols into practice in response to a serious geologic hazard.  But we must not fail to plan.

    Scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory meet in Mammoth Hot Springs in May 2022 to discuss the protocols for responding to a geological event in Yellowstone National Park.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: $1 Million Saved on Insurance: Pennymac and SimplyIOA Celebrate a Successful First Year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONGWOOD, Fla., June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  SimplyIOA, a national insurance agency, and Pennymac, a top national mortgage lender and servicer, mark the first anniversary of their collaboration, celebrating the positive impact and substantial achievements in serving Pennymac’s customers.

    “Using machine learning and AI, SimplyIOA has optimized our processes and prioritized customers through automated communications,” said Michelle Sipe, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Operations at SimplyIOA. “We have already seen amazing results in the early stages of working together, saving an average of $472 per customer, totaling $1 million across 13 insurance products in 42 states, and we are only just beginning*.”

    As a result of SimplyIOA’s collaboration with Pennymac, the top lender’s customers are securing higher coverage limits and significant savings on their annual premiums.

    “SimplyIOA streamlines the process for Pennymac customers to secure home insurance alongside their home loan,” said Abbie Tidmore, Chief Revenue Officer at Pennymac. “This first year has proven highly successful in enabling us to provide exceptional value to our customers with the shared goal of reducing costs associated with homeowners insurance.”

    This joint effort marks a significant step forward in integrating home financing and insurance solutions, ultimately delivering greater value and a more streamlined experience for homeowners.

    “We are grateful for the unwavering support from the Pennymac team that has enabled us to achieve over $1 million in savings for Pennymac customers. We look forward to strengthening our relationship and celebrating more successes together in the coming years,” said Bob Peters, Chief Operating Officer at IOA GROUP*.

    For additional information regarding SimplyIOA’s complete list of servicings, please visit https://www.simplyioa.com/pennymac.

    *The total savings figure is based on the total amount saved by Pennymac customers who switched their homeowners insurance with SimplyIOA and purchased an average $1,836 policy from March 2024 to February 2025.

    About SimplyIOA

    SimplyIOA is a national omnichannel personal lines insurance agency brought to you by Insurance Office of America (IOA). SimplyIOA’s industry-leading technology, supported by experienced licensed advisors, enables customers from 48 states to compare and purchase 20 different insurance products online or over the phone in minutes.

    For more information, visit: partners.simplyioa.com.

    About Insurance Office of America

    Insurance Office of America (IOA) is the third largest privately held insurance brokerage in the United States. Founded in 1988, IOA is a recognized leader in providing property and casualty, employee benefits, and personal lines insurance and risk management solutions as well as insurtech innovation. Headquartered in Longwood, Florida, part of the greater Orlando community, IOA has more than 1,400 associates located in over 60 offices in the U. S. and the United Kingdom. In California, dba IOA Insurance Services. (#0E67768) For more information, visit www.ioausa.com

    Michelle Sipe -SVP, Operations & Implementations Executive
    marketing@simplyioa.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6991d501-be1b-40ad-a769-e240c75ab91c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Vacancy: Personal Assistant to the Chief Inspector

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Vacancy: Personal Assistant to the Chief Inspector

    The Air Accidents Investigation Branch is recruiting for a Personal Assistant (EO) to the Chief Inspector

    Are you a dedicated professional with the ability to balance big-picture thinking and meticulous attention to detail? Do you have excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise and react to changing demands? Are you ready to develop your career in an interesting and varied role? If so, then this is the perfect role for you!

    The Personal Assistant to the Chief Inspector of Air Accidents (PA CIAA) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). Reporting directly to the Chief Inspector, the post-holder will provide high-level executive support to the Chief Inspector, Deputy Chief Inspector, and the wider AAIB management team. 

    This is a highly visible role with a strong external-facing element, involving regular interaction with senior stakeholders. 

    The successful candidate will be entrusted with handling sensitive and confidential information, and must demonstrate sound judgement, discretion, and professionalism at all times.

    Full job description and role profile (reference number: 406600): Personal Assistant to the Chief Inspector – Civil Service Jobs – GOV.UK

    Make sure to apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 22nd June 2025 to not miss out on this rare opportunity.

    Read more about our work here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Materials for the Government meeting on June 9, 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The following issues are planned to be considered at the meeting:

    1. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation” (in terms of amending the legislation concerning the payment of temporary disability benefits during the period of suspension of the service contract of a state civil servant)

    The bill was prepared for the purpose of providing financial support (providing for the payment of temporary disability benefits during the period of suspension of the employment contract) to persons who, due to health reasons, have not renewed the employment contract (service contract of a state civil servant) within three months after the end of their military service due to mobilization or military service under contract.

     

    2. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Articles 81 and 3517 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation”

    The bill was prepared with the aim of protecting the labor rights of workers who are called up for military service by mobilization or who have entered military service under contract.

     

    3. On the recognition of certain provisions of certain acts of the Government of the Russian Federation as invalid (in terms of amending the Regulation on the Federal Service for Labor and Employment)

    The draft act is aimed at bringing the provision into line with the Federal Law “On State Control (Supervision) and Municipal Control in the Russian Federation”.

     

    4. On the draft federal laws “On Amendments to the Criminal Executive Code of the Russian Federation” and “On Amendments to Article 397 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation”

    The bills are aimed at improving legislation in terms of issues related to the execution of criminal punishment in the form of forced labor.

     

    5. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to the Code of Administrative Procedure of the Russian Federation” (in terms of unifying the procedure for paying for an examination appointed at the initiative of the parties, within the framework of administrative proceedings of the Russian Federation)

    The bill is aimed at unifying the procedure for paying for an expert examination appointed at the initiative of the parties within the framework of administrative proceedings, similar to civil proceedings.

     

    6. On the allocation of budgetary allocations reserved in the federal budget to Rosavtodor in 2025 for the provision of other interbudgetary transfers to the budgets of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation

    The draft order is aimed at implementing measures to restore regional or inter-municipal and local roads during the elimination of the consequences of emergency situations.

     

    7. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations to Rosavtodor in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation

    The draft order is aimed at providing financial support for measures to bring regional or inter-municipal, local roads into compliance with the norm, including the street and road network in the territories of the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Lugansk People’s Republic, the Zaporizhia region and the Kherson region.

     

    8. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations to Rosmorrechflot in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation for the provision of a subsidy from the federal budget to the federal state budgetary institution “Marine Rescue Service” for the implementation of measures to eliminate the consequences of an emergency caused by an oil spill as a result of the wreck of tankers in the Kerch Strait on December 15, 2024, carried out in the internal sea waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation

    The draft order is aimed at providing financial support for a set of measures to eliminate the consequences of the emergency caused by the sinking of tankers in the Kerch Strait on December 15, 2024, which are carried out in the internal sea waters, territorial sea and contiguous zone of the Russian Federation.

     

    9. On the draft federal law “On Amending Article 57 of the Federal Law “On Military Duty and Military Service””

    The bill provides for the possibility of assigning military ranks without undergoing military training (certification) to a citizen in the reserve, performing (performed) duties under a contract for voluntary assistance in the performance of tasks assigned to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or the troops of the National Guard of the Russian Federation.

     

    10. On Amendments to the Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of June 30, 2004 No. 323 (in terms of amending the Regulation on the Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare)

    The draft resolution establishes the powers of Roszdravnadzor to provide opinions on the compliance of organizations carrying out educational activities under professional educational programs of medical education, pharmaceutical education, with the requirements for personnel and material and technical support of educational activities in terms of practical training of students, as provided for by federal state educational standards, standard additional professional programs in the field of health protection and the implementation of pharmaceutical activities in the relevant medical and pharmaceutical specialties.

     

    11. On amending the Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of June 30, 2004 No. 331 (in terms of amending the Regulation on the Federal Antimonopoly Service)

    The draft resolution provides for the granting of authority to the FAS Russia to establish (approve) prices (tariffs) for electrical energy (capacity) supplied to customers in certain territories that were previously classified as non-price zones of the wholesale market.

     

    12. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation to the Ministry of Culture of Russia in 2025 for the provision of a subsidy to the Charitable Foundation for the Support of the Humanities “My History”

    The draft order provides for the allocation of funds for financial support of expenses for the maintenance and operation of the museum and temple complex “New Chersonesos” in 2024, namely, for the payment of costs associated with the maintenance and operation of the museum and temple complex “New Chersonesos”.

     

    Moscow, June 8, 2025

     

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2025, No. 19)

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    1. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation” (in terms of amending the legislation concerning the payment of temporary disability benefits during the period of suspension of the service contract of a state civil servant)

    The bill was prepared for the purpose of providing financial support (providing for the payment of temporary disability benefits during the period of suspension of the employment contract) to persons who, due to health reasons, have not renewed the employment contract (service contract of a state civil servant) within three months after the end of their military service due to mobilization or military service under contract.

    2. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Articles 81 and 3517 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation”

    The bill was prepared with the aim of protecting the labor rights of workers who are called up for military service by mobilization or who have entered military service under contract.

     

    3. On the recognition of certain provisions of certain acts of the Government of the Russian Federation as invalid (in terms of amending the Regulation on the Federal Service for Labor and Employment)

    The draft act is aimed at bringing the provision into line with the Federal Law “On State Control (Supervision) and Municipal Control in the Russian Federation”.

     

    4. On the draft federal laws “On Amendments to the Criminal Executive Code of the Russian Federation” and “On Amendments to Article 397 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation”

    The bills are aimed at improving legislation in terms of issues related to the execution of criminal punishment in the form of forced labor.

     

    5. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to the Code of Administrative Procedure of the Russian Federation” (in terms of unifying the procedure for paying for an examination appointed at the initiative of the parties, within the framework of administrative proceedings of the Russian Federation)

    The bill is aimed at unifying the procedure for paying for an expert examination appointed at the initiative of the parties within the framework of administrative proceedings, similar to civil proceedings.

     

    6. On the allocation of budgetary allocations reserved in the federal budget to Rosavtodor in 2025 for the provision of other interbudgetary transfers to the budgets of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation

    The draft order is aimed at implementing measures to restore regional or inter-municipal and local roads during the elimination of the consequences of emergency situations.

     

    7. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations to Rosavtodor in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation

    The draft order is aimed at providing financial support for measures to bring regional or inter-municipal, local roads into compliance with the norm, including the street and road network in the territories of the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Lugansk People’s Republic, the Zaporizhia region and the Kherson region.

     

    8. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations to Rosmorrechflot in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation for the provision of a subsidy from the federal budget to the federal state budgetary institution “Marine Rescue Service” for the implementation of measures to eliminate the consequences of an emergency situation caused by the spill of oil products as a result of the wreck of tankers in the Kerch Strait on December 15, 2024, carried out in the internal sea waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation

    The draft order is aimed at providing financial support for a set of measures to eliminate the consequences of the emergency caused by the sinking of tankers in the Kerch Strait on December 15, 2024, which are carried out in the internal sea waters, territorial sea and contiguous zone of the Russian Federation.

     

    9. On the draft federal law “On Amending Article 57 of the Federal Law “On Military Duty and Military Service””

    The bill provides for the possibility of assigning military ranks without undergoing military training (certification) to a citizen in the reserve, performing (performed) duties under a contract for voluntary assistance in the performance of tasks assigned to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or the troops of the National Guard of the Russian Federation.

     

    10. On Amendments to the Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of June 30, 2004 No. 323 (in terms of amending the Regulation on the Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare)

    The draft resolution establishes the powers of Roszdravnadzor to provide opinions on the compliance of organizations implementing educational activities under professional educational programs of medical education, pharmaceutical education, with the requirements for personnel and material and technical support of educational activities in terms of practical training of students, as provided for by federal state educational standards, standard additional professional programs in the field of health protection and the implementation of pharmaceutical activities in the relevant medical and pharmaceutical specialties.

     

    11. On amending the Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of June 30, 2004 No. 331 (in terms of amending the Regulation on the Federal Antimonopoly Service)

    The draft resolution provides for the granting of authority to the FAS Russia to establish (approve) prices (tariffs) for electrical energy (capacity) supplied to customers in certain territories that were previously classified as non-price zones of the wholesale market.

     

    12. On the allocation by the Ministry of Culture of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation of budgetary appropriations for the provision of a subsidy to the Charitable Foundation for the Support of Humanities “My History”

    The draft order provides for the allocation of funds for financial support of expenses for the maintenance and operation of the museum and temple complex “New Chersonesos” in 2024, namely, for the payment of costs associated with the maintenance and operation of the museum and temple complex “New Chersonesos”.

     

    Moscow, June 8, 2025

     

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government will allocate more than 2.8 billion rubles to implement the activities of the federal project “New Rhythm of Construction”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Document

    Order of May 29, 2025 No. 1380-r

    Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed an order to direct budget funds to finance activities of the federal project “New Rhythm of Construction” of the national project “Infrastructure for Life”.

    In total, more than 2.8 billion rubles are planned to be allocated for the implementation of federal project activities in 2025–2027.

    The federal project “New Rhythm of Construction” became the successor of the socio-economic development initiative of the same name and is aimed at achieving the national goal indicator “Comfortable and Safe Living Environment” to increase resource efficiency in industrial and infrastructure construction.

    As part of the implementation of the federal project, work will continue to reduce the investment and construction cycle and optimize a number of procedures related to the construction of facilities. Its result will be a simplification of obtaining the documents necessary for construction, acceleration of the transfer of constructed facilities to users, updating of regulatory and technical documents for the use of new technologies in design and increasing the efficiency of capital investments.

    The project also includes activities to develop standard design documentation to reduce costs for the construction of social facilities, the development of a unified urban planning information system, Stroykompleks.RF, and the holding of career guidance forums for students and pupils.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Updated regulatory requirements in the field of ecology, forest conservation and biodiversity

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev, work was carried out to update current requirements in the field of ecology and environmental protection, land use, forest conservation and biodiversity.

    In total, several hundred regulatory legal acts are set to cease to be effective on September 1, 2025. As part of the “regulatory guillotine” – in accordance with the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin – they were checked for the need to cancel or update outdated and redundant requirements.

    The documents proposed for re-publication were included in the so-called white list. The Ministry of Agriculture, Rosselkhoznadzor and Rosrybolovstvo adopted 19 regulatory legal acts. They affected the areas of veterinary science, plant growing and fisheries.

    The Ministry of Natural Resources has adopted 41 documents that regulate relations in such socially significant areas as environmental protection, waste management, land reclamation and conservation, forest protection, regulation of timber turnover, protection of endangered forest plants, monitoring of water bodies, development of hydrocarbon deposits, creation and use of artificial islands, work in sea waters and on the continental shelf, prevention of death of wildlife during production processes, conservation of hunting resources.

    To replace the regulatory legal acts in force since 2000, documents have been adopted that approve the maximum permissible concentrations and conditions for the discharge of harmful substances, the discharge of which is permitted, as well as a list of harmful substances, the discharge of which into the waters of the exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation is prohibited.

    The updated documents comply with the standards established in the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.

    The procedure for accepting the results of work on the reclamation (conservation) of lands in federal ownership has been clarified. A special commission will deal with this.

    The Ministry of Industry and Trade has adopted two Government resolutions in the area of creating and operating a system for automatic monitoring of pollutant emissions and/or discharges of pollutants.

    “Over the past 25 years, emissions requirements have become much stricter in many industries. Taking into account the new realities, we analyzed regulatory and legal acts and recommended the most important of them for re-publication in an updated form,” Dmitry Patrushev summed up the work.

    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 United Kingdom: New steering group to champion disabled people in elected office

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New steering group to champion disabled people in elected office

    A new steering group will support disabled candidates in elections, advising on a fund for disability-related expenses to level the playing field.

    • New Access to Elected Office Steering Group set up to support disabled candidates to enter elected office.
    • The group will use their lived experience to ensure disabled people’s views and voices are at the heart of decision making.
    • Cross-party members to work closely with the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, to boost representation of disabled people in future elections.

    Disabled people will be better supported to compete on a level playing field in gaining access to elected office through a new steering group and fund to support with the disability-related expenses that they might face. 

    The fund will help break down barriers for disabled candidates and be developed with support from a new government steering group who will advise the government on how to boost opportunity for disabled people in seeking to enter elected office.

    Drawing on their lived experience of disability, accessing funding or standing for elected office, members will work with the Minister for Social Security and Disability to ensure the fund is effective in increasing disability representation in future elections. 

    Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, said:

    We want to ensure that disabled people have the right support to pursue a rewarding career in elected office.

    I look forward to working with the new steering group to develop a fund which makes sure that having a disability is not a barrier to success in political life, and that disabled people’s views and voices are at the heart of our efforts to achieve this.

    The minister will also engage with MPs with a specialist interest in supporting disabled candidates, gathering insights which will further inform the fund and efforts to maximise its uptake. 

    The steering group will take learnings from the government’s previous Access to Elected Office Fund and Enable Fund, which similarly helped cover the costs of disability-related expenses – including transport support for mobility impaired candidates and the provision of accessible formats and British Sign Language interpretation.

    It follows wider efforts to support disabled people to thrive in work – such as our consultation on mandatory disability pay gap reporting, which will inform how government tackles the gap and puts more money in disabled people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change. 

    British Sign Language version of press release

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3x5ABmW9_4

    Notes to editors

    The members of the steering group are:

    • Dr Sarabajaya Kumar, Centenary Action and Founder of the Disabled Women in Politics Network
    • Chloe Schendel-Wilson, Disability Policy Centre
    • Dr Mark Carew, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Disability Policy Centre
    • Fazilet Hadi MBE, Disability Rights UK
    • Barry Ginley, Disability consultant and former Conservative party local councillor
    • Julie Adnams Hatch, Liberal Democrat Women’s network
    • Celia Chartres-Aris, Disability campaigner
    • David Buxton OBE, Action on Disability
    • Kathryn Bole FRSA, Disability Politics Centre and Disability Labour
    • Jane Bevan, Greater Manchester Disabled People’s Panel
    • Nuala Toman, Disability Action
    • Helen Rowlands, Disability Consultant and Researcher
    • Dr Mustafa Mohammed, Ability2Win

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Compensation to postmasters reaches £1 billion milestone

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Compensation to postmasters reaches £1 billion milestone

    More than £1 billion has been paid out to over 7,300 postmasters affected by the Horizon IT scandal – one of the biggest miscarriages of justice of our time.

    • Today’s data reveals over £1bn has been paid out in financial redress to thousands of postmasters across the UK  
    • This includes £245m in the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme launched last summer  
    • Redress for victims of Horizon scandal has more than quadrupled under this government – delivering on a key manifesto commitment

    More than £1 billion has been paid out to over 7,300 postmasters affected by the Horizon IT scandal – one of the biggest miscarriages of justice of our time.

    This figure is a total across the Horizon-related redress schemes, with data published by the government today (Monday 9 June).

    This milestone marks the Government’s ongoing commitment to deliver redress and justice to postmasters as swiftly as possible. Whilst Government cannot fully put right what postmasters have been through, what is being delivered is increased redress and ensuring the compensation process work better than it has done previously.

    Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas said:  

    Since entering government, it has been our priority to speed up the delivery of compensation to victims of the Horizon Scandal and today’s milestone shows how much progress has been made.  

    We are settling cases every day and getting compensation out more quickly for the most complex cases, but the job isn’t done until every postmaster has received fair and just redress.

    Since entering government, redress paid out to victims of the Horizon Scandal has more than quadrupled to £1,039 million, delivering on a key manifesto promise to ensure justice and compensation are delivered swiftly for those sub-postmasters shamefully affected by the Horizon IT scandal. 

    Ministers continue to review each scheme to ensure the process is as smooth as it can be, and welcome feedback and scrutiny from postmasters, campaigners and Parliament and recognise the tireless campaigning in this area over many years. Reforms to increase the roll out of redress has included the following steps.

    Since July 2024, the government has also launched the Horizon Convictions Redress scheme – providing redress to postmasters who had their convictions overturned by the Post Office Offences Act (and the equivalent legislation in Scotland) and also launched the Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals process.

    In March, Ministers made a commitment that claims for redress under the Post Office’s Overturned Convictions scheme would be transferred into the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Post Office would cease to be involved in the administration of redress for overturned convictions. This is something that postmasters, campaigners and Parliamentarians have called for. As of 3 June, these cases have all been transferred and all future redress for these claimants will be managed by DBT. 

    Other milestones include:  

    • Launching the Post Office Process Review (PPR) helping to provide redress to postmasters who suffered financial losses caused by products, processes or policies that were designed or delivered incorrectly.  

    • Beginning Horizon Shortfall Scheme fixed-sum payments of £75,000 for those who don’t want to go through the full assessment process.  

    • Announcing the upcoming publication of a Green Paper which will give the public the chance to have their view on the future of Post Office.  

    • Committing to develop an effective and fair redress process for those affected by the Capture IT system.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scotland Office: First government trade mission since UK-EU deal

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Scotland Office: First government trade mission since UK-EU deal

    Minister Kirsty McNeill teams up with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce to champion Scotland and the UK in Spain

    Boosting trade and investment between Scotland and Spain is top of the agenda as a group of 16 Scottish female entrepreneurs, led by UK Government Minister Kirsty McNeill and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC), arrive on Spanish soil today (Monday 9th June). 

    The Scotland Office led trade mission will meet with Spanish entrepreneurs, business leaders and politicians to maximise the benefits of the recent UK-EU deal, tackle the Scottish gender export gap, promote Brand Scotland’s iconic goods and services and encourage Spanish investment into Scotland.

    A recent report found that trade in Scotland could increase by more than £10 billion over two years if women-led businesses exported at the same rate as those led by men.

    Women from Scotland’s world class food and drink, tech, manufacturing, energy, tourism, travel, legal services, consultancy, marketing and cosmetic sectors are on the trade mission.

    UK Government Scotland Office Kirsty McNeill said:

    I’m very proud to be teaming up with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and fantastic Scottish women entrepreneurs on a trailblazing mission to Spain to help kickstart economic growth, create jobs and attract investment to Scotland as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change.

    I want the UK to be a leader in promoting gender diversity in international trade and this is a unique opportunity for our women business leaders to build international connections, explore market opportunities, and connect with other female entrepreneurs in one of Scotland’s and the UK’s largest EU markets. 

    Through Brand Scotland, we are now giving our country the global platform it deserves. 

    Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Dr Liz Cameron CBE said:

    This trade mission marks a bold step forward in advancing Scotland’s global trade ambitions. By connecting some of our most dynamic women entrepreneurs and leaders with key players in Barcelona, we are opening new doors of opportunity, innovation, and growth. Scotland’s businesswomen are global in their outlook, ambitious in their vision, and ready to lead the way in forging deeper connections around the world.

    The collaboration between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Scotland Office is a powerful partnership which will boost business growth, increase exports, and champion Scotland as a world-leading trading nation. This mission expands our market access and ensures the future of our business community is more representative, resilient, and internationally competitive.

    This visit marks the first Brand Scotland trade mission since the signing of a partnership agreement between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Scotland Office on Friday (June 6th). The deal, backed by a £100,000 UK Government grant, is focused on showcasing Scottish businesses globally and attracting inward investment. 

    Spain is the UK’s seventh largest trading partner (2024) and Scotland’s 10th with total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) being £64.6 billion, while the UK is the number one European destination for Spanish investment (€83 billion stock). Last year Scotland’s goods exports to Spain reached £0.7 billion, with food and drink leading the way at over £212 million. Most recent figures show that Spain was the number six export destination for Scotch whisky, with sales worth £196 million in 2024. Spain is also among the most valuable destinations for Scottish seafood exports, including a top 20 destination for Scottish salmon exports.

    The trio of trade deals secured by the Prime Minister in recent weeks offers a huge opportunity for Scotland and the UK’s economy. 

    The agreement with the EU directly addresses challenges faced by Scottish exporters since 2019, especially in the food and drink sector, as it makes it significantly easier to sell Scottish goods to markets such as Spain (see stakeholder quotes annexed below).

    The two day trade mission comes after Minister McNeill hosted a gathering of female business leaders from across Scotland in Edinburgh in May to identify and tackle export challenges they face. 

    While in Spain the Minister will also participate in cultural initiatives, including a concert for Ukraine, being organised by the British Embassy in Madrid. 

    Further information

    Trade mission, list of delegates:

    Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Director & Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce

    Dr Jeanette Forbes OBE, CEO, PCL Group

    Dr Poonam Gupta OBE, CEO & Founder, PG Paper Company Ltd

    Arjumand Ara Sheikh, Principal Solicitor and Associate CIPD, Strand Solicitors

    Elaine Borland, Owner, Blowin’Free

    Beth Wright, Co-Founder, HCW Consulting Partners

    Becky Hain, Co-Founder, HCW Consulting Partners

    Katie Cameron, Co-Founder, HCW Consulting Partners

    Sophie Rankine, Managing Director, Sophie Gets Social Ltd

    Lucy Harper, Head of Public Affairs, Lumo

    Shona Cowan, Director, Go-You Ltd

    Rebecca Wilson, Owner, Bec Wilson Creative

    Arabella Harvey, Founder & CEO, Raven Botanicals

    Amber Knight, Director, MacNeil Shellfish Limited

    Libby McQuarrie, Commercial Executive, MacNeil Shellfish Limited

    Rosalind Wardley-Smith, International & Operations Executive Scottish Chambers of Commerce

    Agenda

    Today (Monday) the Minister will attend a women in business lunch in Madrid for senior female business leaders. This will be chaired by Sir Alex Ellis, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Spain. She will also meet with the newly appointed CEO of Navantia UK, Donald Martínez, to discuss Navantia’s progress and future plans for their two shipyards in Scotland. 

    Tomorrow (Tuesday) in Barcelona the Minister and all women trade delegation will meet Spanish women business leaders, Barcelona Chambers of Commerce, the British Chambers of Commerce and Deputy Mayor of Barcelona, Maria Eugènia Gay Rossell. The Minister will also meet the President of Catalonia, Salvador Illa to discuss new opportunities for trade and investment for both the UK and Spain.

    Stakeholder quotes

    Head of Trade Marketing – Europe at Seafood Scotland Marie-Anne Omnes said:

    The timing and geographic focus of this ministerial trade mission are highly relevant. Spain is a key market for Scottish companies and presents significant growth opportunities that initiatives like these can help identify. Spanish consumers are knowledgeable about seafood and Scottish products, with an understanding of the importance of product origin. It is essential to strengthen relationships at both government and corporate levels, especially considering that the new trade agreement could facilitate more direct trade between the two countries.

    Director of central Scotland-based MacNeil Shellfish Amber Knight said:

    The partnership between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Scotland Office is a game-changer for Scottish exporters. For businesses like ours, anchored in rural communities and operating across European markets, this agreement provides the visibility, credibility, and connections needed to grow with confidence. Our expansion into Spain, with a new distribution hub in North Spain is just the beginning. With this renewed focus on promoting Scotland’s world-class products internationally, we can scale our reach, strengthen our brand, and help put Scotland’s sustainable seafood firmly on the global map.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The SCO Cup 2025 tennis tournament was held in Beijing

    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 9 (Xinhua) — The 2025 SCO Cup, a friendly tennis tournament, was held in Beijing on Sunday, the news portal of the Guangming daily newspaper reported.

    The event was held at the tennis center of the General Administration of Physical Culture and Sports of the People’s Republic of China. It was attended by employees of the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Secretariat of the SCO Business Council and diplomats of the SCO countries accredited in China, as well as diplomats from the Chinese side.

    The tournament champions were the Chinese Xing Lei and Li Jiwei. Second place went to Sardorbek Sirozhov and Sarvar Abdurazakov from Uzbekistan. Two pairs from Russia, Sergey Ovsyannikov/German Kizyavka and Alexander Ermolaev/Ekaterina Ermolaeva, won third place.

    Speaking at the award ceremony, SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev said that this sporting event was timed to coincide with the 24th anniversary of the founding of the SCO and the 80th anniversary of the UN, demonstrating the power of sport and physical education in promoting peace, diplomacy and friendship. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chris Sun attracts talent in Germany

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun concluded a six-day visit to Europe by arriving in Munich to start the final day of his visit to Germany, where he attended pitch event.

    On June 8, Mr Sun officiated at the prize presentation ceremony of the pitch event co-organised by Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) and a local youth entrepreneurship organisation.

    In delivering his remarks, Mr Sun praised the candidates for their business proposals ingeniously integrating with Hong Kong’s strengths and targeting the Asian markets. He highlighted that technology as well as talent are key engines driving the economy and society towards high-quality development.

    As Asia’s world city, Hong Kong is proactively attracting international high-calibre talent to tie in with the development under the strategic positioning of the “eight centres”, so as to inject new impetus into its high-quality development, he added.

    Last November, HKTE visited Germany and established a partnership network with a student association from the Technische Universität München and a local youth entrepreneurship organisation.

    Thereafter, the HKTE collaborated with the organisation to launch the pitch event targeting students from eligible universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme and young entrepreneurs, inviting talent in Germany with entrepreneurial ambitions and intentions to develop in Asia.

    Nearly 580 proposals for the pitch event were received across various fields, including artificial intelligence, deep tech, climate and sustainability. Twelve winners were selected and will be arranged to tour Hong Kong and other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in September to explore the region’s innovation and technology ecosystem, industry support and entrepreneurial opportunities.

    The HKTE delegation’s visit to Europe also encompasses Switzerland and France. In Switzerland, the delegation exchanged with representatives from three of the world’s top 100 universities, namely the Université de Genève, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and EHL Hospitality Business School, and invited two representatives from the hospitality sector in Hong Kong to share insights on the city’s tourism development and opportunities.

    In France, the HKTE co-hosts an event with the Institut Européen d’Administration des Affaires to proactively recruit talent in the finance and commerce sectors to pursue development in Hong Kong.

    During his stay in Germany, Mr Sun also had lunch with the Junior Chamber International Germany and a group of foreign students. He learnt about their lives, introduced Hong Kong’s latest developments and invited them to consider pursuing their development in the city.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –