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Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK approach to freedom of religion or belief: UK Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief speech, July 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    UK approach to freedom of religion or belief: UK Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief speech, July 2025

    The UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith MP, gave a speech outlining the UK’s approach to freedom of religion or belief at a recent event held at the FCDO

    Welcome

    Thank you, Lord Collins.

    My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Excellencies, fellow Parliamentarians, Foreign Office colleagues, and representatives of civil society, welcome to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, and the heart of the UK’s relationship with the rest of the world.

    As Lord Collins has said, collaboration and partnerships are critical to making Freedom of Religion or Belief for all a reality.  So, what does that look like?  Today I am pleased to be here to set out the UK’s approach to achieving this goal.

    I would like to suggest that our place on the international stage must continue to revolve around our values as a country, values which we aim to humbly share with the rest of the world.

    It’s easy to talk about principles like ‘freedom’, ‘human rights’, ‘respect’, ‘tolerance’ or ‘justice’ – and far harder to live up to their meaning in our actions.

    And yet the history of this country is one in which we have worked hard to create a plural society based on these values. We don’t always get it right, but I am proud that in the UK today you are free to practice your religion or belief, without fear of persecution.

    I am also proud of the UK’s history of championing these values within the international rules-based order, not least as an original supporter of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, and of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1966.

    The foundation for the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief for all is clearly set out in Article 18 of both documents.

    And our shared commitment to upholding the rights enshrined in these documents is a phenomenal strength.  When we look around the world today and see growing evidence of persecution based on religion or belief, we know we must act.

    The challenge

    Most of you in this room are well aware of the challenge we face. But some facts bear repeating.

    You will know that, according to the Pew Research Centre, the number of countries with “high” or “very high” levels of government restrictions on FoRB, is at its highest level since 2007. At the community level, social hostilities involving religion (including violence and harassment by private individuals, organisations, or groups) are also on the rise, further reducing respect for human rights in general and FoRB in particular.

    You will know that, according to the charity Open Doors, 380 million Christians alone are persecuted worldwide because of their faith.

    Persecution on the basis of religion or belief, enacted by States themselves and social groups, is taking place on every continent in the world.

    It includes social ostracism, police harassment, arbitrary detention, denial of citizenship, assault, destruction of sites of religious worship, torture, and killings.

    In Pakistan, Ahmadiyya Muslims are not recognised as Muslims by the State, and their mosques have repeatedly been desecrated by extremist groups.

    In Iran, the Baha’i are acutely vulnerable to scapegoating, incitement and threats of violence from authorities.

    In North Korea, those seeking to exercise their right to freedom of religion or belief face surveillance and arbitrary detention, with Christians and others treated as political criminals if their faith is discovered.

    Lord Collins has mentioned Mubarak Bala. Humanists International’s Freedom of Thought Report underlines the risks humanists and atheists face globally.

    As their latest edition states, “blasphemy” laws exist in 89 countries across the globe.  7 countries have the death penalty for blasphemy, and a further 63 countries have prison sentences for related “offences”.

    So what is to be done?

    These are not niche issues. FoRB is central to the problems of the world today and to our efforts to build a better world at peace with itself.

    Horrific acts such as the murder of worshippers in a church in Damacus last month are not only attacks on people for what they believe in, but also attempts to destabilise societies and spread division.

    FoRB demonstrates the core principle that human rights are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.

    If you have no freedom to worship, you have no freedom of assembly.

    If you have no freedom of belief, you have no freedom of conscience.

    If you have no freedom to share your faith, you have no freedom of speech.

    If you have no freedom to practice your faith or belief you are not equal in dignity and rights.

    And so, today, the UK makes a new commitment to the centrality of FoRB in our foreign policy.

    Countries that respect FoRB and in which all constituent communities can flourish are more stable, more secure and more prosperous.

    And respect for FoRB internationally is good for the UK domestically. Shared values of FoRB with other countries promotes secure, stable and prosperous partners that can contribute to UK security, growth, development, and management of migration.

    I was honoured to take on the role of UK Special Envoy for FoRB in December last year. Since then, I have met with a wide range of experts, activists and international partners; as well as UK officials and the FCDO ministerial team to listen and build my understanding of the opportunities we have to make a difference.

    This engagement, and close collaboration with Lord Collins has resulted in the framework I will set out today. As Lord Collins has underlined, our approach to FoRB is situated clearly within the FCDO’s wider human rights approach.

    Our overarching goal is a reduction in the number of countries in which the right to FoRB is significantly curtailed, and to promote internationally the right to FoRB as fundamental to human flourishing.

    There are 5 core strands to our work

    As I have said, the international standards for FoRB and the system that supports them are central to defending the rights of individuals. That is why the first strand of our approach is to uphold and maintain support for this framework within multilateral fora.

    This means working through, and with, institutions such as the UN and OSCE to promote FoRB for all. I have been to the Human Rights Council twice, including last week where I spoke alongside the UN Special Rapporteur for FoRB about FoRB in Tibet. And I am delighted to have Eleanor Sanders, the UK Human Rights Ambassador, here with us today. 

    We will continue to work with international partners to take country-specific action where appropriate, for example through the UN’s Universal Periodic Review Process in which the UK regularly raises FoRB, and on promoting and protecting FoRB in multilateral resolutions.  

    Secondly, we will work to achieve better outcomes on FoRB through targeted bilateral relationships. FoRB matters everywhere and we will deploy our extensive diplomatic presence around the world to encourage partners towards behaviour, legislation and policies that enable individuals to exercise their right to FoRB, and encourage more inclusive and tolerant societies.

    As I’m sure Eleanor agrees, even Special Envoys can’t be everywhere, all the time. So, working with the teams here, I will be focussing on countries where the need is greatest; where opportunities exist to make positive change; and where the UK, specifically, has the relationships and partnerships to help achieve this.

    Our approach here is about partnership and shared learning. This is demonstrated with a broad range of countries including Vietnam, where there are concerns, but also an opportunity to work together on Vietnam’s constructive response to their Universal Periodic Review recommendations. We stand ready to support them, and other partners such as Algeria, another focus country, in realising our objectives on FoRB.

    The UK is privileged to have diverse diaspora communities including from India, Nigeria and Pakistan where we have much to share on FoRB and I look forward to strengthening my relationships on FoRB in these countries too.

    Our approach to FoRB is inextricably interwoven with our wider human rights efforts. For example in China, we raise our concerns at the highest levels. I will support these efforts, encouraging China to meet its international obligations on FoRB.

    And as I have said, respect for FoRB is vital to peaceful, strong societies. Religious intolerance and persecution can fuel instability and conflict. So it is right that our approach works to support those countries navigating the impact of conflict – past and present – to protect FoRB for all. This is why we will also focus on Syria,  Ukraine,  Afghanistan and Iraq.

    Our focus in seeking to journey with these 10 countries is an important stepping stone towards our overarching goal of a reduction in the number of countries in which the right to FoRB is significantly curtailed.

    However, it is important to say that a more targeted approach does not limit us. Situations such as that in Eritrea and in Yemen are also on my mind, and I will be championing FoRB for all wherever and whenever I can. As Lord Collins has said, we will continue to do so, including through public and private advocacy for prisoners of conscience.

    We know that we cannot deliver change alone. This is why the third strand of our approach is to strengthen international coalitions for collective action. The UK is proud to be a member of the Article 18 Alliance and the International Contact Group on FoRB and it’s great to see many of our fellow members represented here today. The UK is committed to working with you to continue increasing the impact of these important groupings.

    Where FoRB is under attack, other rights are threatened too and vice versa. The fourth strand of our approach is, therefore, ensuring that FoRB considerations are mainstreamed throughout the FCDO’s work and the need for a holistic human rights approach understood. This means bolstering our efforts to increase awareness and understanding of FoRB within the organisation – today’s event, open to all staff, being a case in point.

    As well as ensuring that tools, training and research are available to staff, I will report annually on our work, including at the highest levels of government. By the end of tomorrow, I will have met with every FCDO Minister to discuss how we can collaborate to promote FoRB in their respective areas of responsibility.

    Finally, and I must confess a slight bias given my life before politics, perhaps most importantly, the fifth strand of our approach is stronger and wider engagement with civil society and human rights champions.

    From sharing information to fostering understanding and respect between different religion or belief communities on the ground, your engagement is central to the protection and promotion of FoRB.

    And I know that this can come at personal cost. I want to take this opportunity to underline that the UK stands with you in your work to defend FoRB for all.

    In closing I would like to refer to the Hebrew scriptures – what Christians call the Old Testament – which contain a book of wisdom called Proverbs.

    In Proverbs 31, we find an injunction which is a challenge to us all – wherever we call home, and whatever we believe – when it comes to championing Freedom of Religion or Belief for all, one which I will leave us with today:

    Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and  judge fairly: defend the rights of the poor and needy.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Minister Peacock speech at the Giving and Impact Summit

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Minister Peacock speech at the Giving and Impact Summit

    Minister Peacock delivered a speech at the Giving and Impact Summit held at the London Stock Exchange.

    Good morning everyone. Thank you for that kind introduction.  It is great to be here with you this morning at the Giving and Impact summit. Thank you to Integra for organising this forum, to the London Stock Exchange for hosting us, and to everyone here today. Your presence here demonstrates your shared interest and belief in the power of philanthropy and impact investment to achieve social good. This Government shares this passion and recognises the vital role the Impact Economy can play in helping to drive stronger economic growth across the country, alongside our ambitious Plan for Change.  I intend to set out briefly today how we can work in partnership to achieve this. 

    A remarkable 15 billion pounds was donated to charities last year; of course we can go further.  I have seen this first hand in my own constituency of Barnsley South, quite a deprived area. Whether that be Barnsley Hospice that raises £3.6 million per year and relies on donations to care for people and their families at the most difficult time of their lives or Barnsley Youth Choir which receives donations of over £300,000 annually, they focus on advancing musical education for young people in Barnsley and surrounding areas, and in their short existence have become one of the world’s leading youth choirs.

    Charitable giving and philanthropic investment builds on the British spirit of generosity that was outlined in the intro. Extending to our impact investment market, which has grown significantly over the past decade and leads the way in Europe. This growing market is worth over 76 billion pounds, demonstrates people’s strong desire for a connection between their investments and tangible social impact.  Now as the Minister responsible for philanthropy and the Impact Economy, I have seen first-hand the remarkable work being done in this area and the vast potential for increasing funds invested in public good. It was a real pleasure and a real eye opener to visit Made-in-Stoke last year for Giving Tuesday, an initiative focused on building a community of individuals eager to give back to Stoke. 

    That brings me onto government, and the important role we play in creating an ecosystem that stimulates increased investment and delivers for communities up and down the country. The most pressing social and environmental challenges facing the nation require us to work together, with different forms of capital, to achieve lasting change. We want to work more closely with all of you here today, to tackle these challenges and boost inclusive  growth. That is why we established the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group earlier this year. Both myself and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury were really pleased to attend its first meeting. This group of experts brings together individuals from across the impact investment, philanthropy and civil society sectors, and will provide recommendations later this year on how the government can effectively mobilise more social impact capital. The group has also been advising on the Social Impact Investment Vehicle announced at the Autumn Budget, to support delivery of the Government’s top priorities and to tackle those complex social problems. The advisory group is the first step in our commitment to establishing a stronger, and more ambitious, partnership with Impact Economy. We will continue to build on this, as our recently published Industrial Strategy demonstrates. This sets out our clear intention to deepen collaboration with the Impact Economy to deliver inclusive and sustainable growth, and in particular partner with the philanthropy sector. 

    I have heard from many of you that more can be done to grow philanthropic investment in this country. That is why, earlier this year, I outlined my three priorities to support this: 

    Firstly, the Government wants to connect philanthropic investment with the places that need it most – through place-based philanthropy. The Secretary of State has committed to the development of a place-based philanthropy strategy. This will set out a vision for how we can harness philanthropy to drive economic growth and regenerate  our communities. 

    Second,  we want to unlock extra philanthropic investment by making it as easy as possible for philanthropists to give more, and for would-be philanthropists to give for the first time.

    And finally, we want to partner with civil society, communities, donors and businesses to celebrate a culture of giving. 

    Let me end today by saying that this Government acknowledges the immense contribution social investors, philanthropists, and businesses make, and we want to see this go further.  Thank you all once again for inviting me to join you today, and I hope the rest of the summit is a success.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Cancellations at Canadian film festivals raise questions about accountability

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Dorit Naaman, Alliance Atlantis Professor of Film and Media, Queen’s University, Ontario

    Film festivals are unique cultural institutions, spaces to see diverse films by local and global filmmakers and an important market for distributors. These films are often difficult to see, or even know about, outside of festival circuits.

    Festivals are also answerable to funders and to different stakeholders’ interests. Cancellations of planned films raise questions about festivals’ roles and accountability to community groups who find certain films objectionable, the wider public, politicians, festival sponsors, audiences, filmmakers and the films themselves.

    In September 2024, The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) faced a backlash from pro-Ukrainian groups — and former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland, who is of Ukrainian descent — when the documentary Russians at War was included in the program.



    Read more:
    ‘Russians at War’ documentary: From the Crimean to the Iraq War, soldier images pose questions about propaganda

    The Ukrainian Canadian Congress and other advocates called on TIFF to cancel the film, directed by Russian Canadian Anastasia Trofimova, which they accused of being Russian propaganda.

    TIFF did cancel festival screenings after it was “made aware of significant threats to festival operations and public safety,” but once the festival was over, showed Russians at the TIFF Lightbox Theatre.

    In November, the Montréal International Documentary Festival (RIDM) cancelled the Canadian premiere of Rule of Stone, directed by Israeli Canadian director Danae Elon. As a film and media professor, I supervised Elon’s research for the film while she pursued a master’s degree at Queen’s University.

    RIDM acknowledged Elon’s “personal commitment to criticizing and questioning the state of Israel” through her story about the stone that, by Israeli law, has to be used on the exterior of every new building in Jerusalem.

    In the film, Elon examines how, in post-1967 Jerusalem, “architecture and stone are the main weapons in a silent, but extraordinarily effective colonization and dispossession process” of Palestinians.

    As a documentarist and a researcher in Israeli and Palestinian media representations of fighters, I have analyzed both films and followed the controversies. Each focuses on contemporary political issues relevant to our understanding of current affairs.

    While the reasons for the cancellations are different, in both cases the festivals responded to pressures from community groups, placing the public right to a robust debate at the festival and beyond as secondary.

    ‘Russians at War’

    Director Anastasia Trifamova embedded herself in a Russian supply unit, and later a medical team, eventually making her way to the front lines in occupied Ukraine.

    Trifamova comes across as a naive filmmaker, using an observational, non-judgmental form of filmmaking common in 21st-century war documentaries, as seen in films like Armadillo and Restrepo (respectively following Danish and U.S. troops in Afghanistan).

    As noted by TIFF, Russians was “an official Canada-France co-production with funding from several Canadian agencies,” and Trifamova said she did not seek or receive official permission from the Russian army to film.

    The film documents the machination of war, where soldiers are both perpetrators of violence and its victims. It humanizes the soldiers, which understandably can be upsetting to Ukrainian and pro-Ukrainian publics. But should emotions of one group, outraged and incensed as they may be, prevent the public from having the difficult conversations promoted by the film?

    Early in the film, Trifamova confronts the soldiers about why they are fighting and they respond with Russian propaganda (fighting Nazism, defending the borders).

    Later, soldiers approach Trifamova — on camera — to express doubts about the justification of the war and their presence in Ukraine. The film provides an unflattering view of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, emphasizing the futility of the war and the incredible toll on soldiers and civilians (including some Ukrainian civilians). Russian troops appear untrained and poorly equipped to fight in chaotically managed battles.

    Like Armadillo and Restrepo, Russians at War represents the soldiers without judgment and contributes to necessary conversations about war. In my analysis, while Trifamova refrains — in her sporadic voice-over — from condemning the war outright, it is difficult to read the film as Russian propaganda.

    While TIFF cited security concerns as the reason for cancellation, security was in place for another film that attracted controversy, Bliss.

    A cancellation from such an established festival likely has an effect on how a film is able to circulate. For example, TVO, one of the funders of Russians at War, cancelled its scheduled broadcast days after the TIFF cancellation.

    ‘Rule of Stone’

    Rule of Stone, as noted by RDIM, “critically examines the colonialist project of East Jerusalem following its conquest by Israeli forces in 1967.”

    The title references a colonial bylaw to clad building with stone, first introduced by the British, which still exists today.

    The film, which examines architecture’s role in creating modern Jerusalem, is led by Elon’s voice-over. It mixes her memories of growing up in 1970s Jerusalem and her reckoning with the “frenzy of building,” which included projects by architect Moshe Safdie, a citizen of Israel, Canada and the United States. Elon recounts that her father, journalist and author Amos Elon, was a close friend of Safdie, as well as legendary Jerusalem mayor Teddy Kolek.

    Safdie is among the Israeli architects, architectural historians and planners who Elon interviews. The expansion of Jewish neighbourhoods is contrasted with the restrictions on and disposession of Palestinians in Jerusalem. Multiple scenes show the demolition of Palestinian homes or the aftermath. In intervwoven segments, Izzat Ziadah, a Palestinian stonemason who lives in a stone quarry, gives a tour of what is left of his destroyed home.

    Viewers hear how the planning, expansion and building of Jewish neighbourhoods, post-1967, were designed to evoke biblical times. As architectural historian Zvi Efrat notes, the new neighbourhoods look like, or attempt to look like, they were there forever.

    ‘Rule of Stone’ trailer.

    As reported by La Presse, the RIDM cancellation came after the festival received information about the documentary’s partial Israeli financing, something that “embarrassed” them with some of the festival’s partners. Funding for the development of the film came from the Makor Foundation for Israeli Films, which receives support from Israel’s Ministry of Culture and Sport.

    Two organizations, the Palestinian Film Institute and Regards Palestiniens, opposed the film’s showing on the basis of their commitment to the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI).

    In the organizations’ logic, Israel state funding means a film should be subject to boycott as “PACBI specifically targets Israeli institutional funding in the arts which serves to culturally whitewash and legitimize the Israeli state.”

    In my view, this position differs from the PACBI guidelines, which state:

    “As a general overriding rule, Israeli cultural institutions, unless proven otherwise, are complicit in maintaining the Israeli occupation and denial of basic Palestinian rights, whether through their silence or actual involvement in justifying, whitewashing or otherwise deliberately diverting attention from Israel’s violations of international law and human rights.”

    Makor should be exempted since it regularly funds films that draw attention to Israel’s violations of Palestinian human rights. In 2024 alone, the list includes The Governor, The Village League and Death in Um al hiran.

    RIDM’s website does not disclose support for a boycott. In the end, RIDM announced that Elon withdrew her film. She stated: “Screening my film at RIDM does not serve the long-term purpose of the festival, nor is it possible now to address the nuances in our common fight for justice for Palestine. I am deeply saddened and distressed by [what] has brought it to this point.”

    To date, the film has not found a cinema in Montréal willing to screen it.

    Provoking important conversations

    The two festivals’ mission statements promise high-quality films that transform or renew audiences’ relationships to the world.

    It is clear why programmers chose both films, since they’re cinematically innovative and provoke important conversations.

    However, both festivals silenced these films and signalled to other filmmakers that these festivals are not brave spaces to have difficult and necessary conversations.

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

    – ref. Cancellations at Canadian film festivals raise questions about accountability – https://theconversation.com/cancellations-at-canadian-film-festivals-raise-questions-about-accountability-250892

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Address by the President of France

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    The President of the French Republic, His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, will visit Parliament on Tuesday 8 July accompanied by Mrs Brigitte Macron.

    President Macron will address members of both Houses assembled in the Royal Gallery of the House of Lords.

    The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, will give a welcome speech and the Lord Speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith, will respond to the President’s address.

    Photo: Karin Pozo/Senado República de Chile on Flickr.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qslvMBbk3vY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Address by the President of France

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    The President of the French Republic, His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, will visit Parliament on Tuesday 8 July accompanied by Mrs Brigitte Macron.

    President Macron will address members of both Houses assembled in the Royal Gallery of the House of Lords.

    The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, will give a welcome speech and the Lord Speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith, will respond to the President’s address.

    Photo: Karin Pozo/Senado República de Chile on Flickr.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qslvMBbk3vY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bayeux Tapestry to go on display at the British Museum in 2026

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Bayeux Tapestry to go on display at the British Museum in 2026

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Macron agree a loan of the Bayeux Tapestry to the UK

    • Tapestry will go on display at the British Museum in London with Sutton Hoo treasures and the Lewis chessmen loaned to France in return
    • Loan marks the first time the work will have been in the UK for more than 900 years

    UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to announce that the Bayeux Tapestry will come to the UK in 2026, opening access and providing education opportunities for millions of people.

    The loan, which will mark the first time the Bayeux Tapestry has been in the UK in nearly 1,000 years, will be displayed in the The Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery of the British Museum in London between September 2026 and July 2027.

    It is expected that the blockbuster exhibition, which will offer the chance to see the Tapestry up close for the first time on UK soil since its creation, will also boost London’s visitor economy.

    The 70-metre work, which is more than 900-year-old, depicts the 1066 Norman invasion and Battle of Hastings. The battle saw William the Conquerer take the English throne from Harald Godwinson and become the first Norman King of England. It is widely accepted to have been made in England during the 11th century and was likely to have been commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux. The Tapestry has been on display in various locations in France throughout its history, including most recently at the Bayeux Museum.

    In addition to the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry, the British Museum will loan the Sutton Hoo collection, the Lewis Chessmen and other treasures to France. The Sutton Hoo treasures, discovered as part of a seventh century Anglo-Saxon ship burial in Suffolk in 1939, provide remarkable insights into England from a time before the Norman Conquest. Museums in Normandy will host the Sutton Hoo treasures while they are in France.

    The British Museum is home to two million years of human history and culture and is one of the most-visited attractions in the world, attracting more than 6 million visitors in 2024.

    The announcement will be made by the UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and French Culture Minister Rachida Dati later today as part of the State visit to the UK by President Macron and Madame Macron.

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most iconic pieces of art ever produced in the UK and I am delighted that we will be able to welcome it here in 2026. This loan is a symbol of our shared history with our friends in France, a relationship built over centuries and one that continues to endure.

    The British Museum is one of the world’s most visited museums and is a fitting place to host this most treasured piece of our nation’s history.

    Director of the British Museum Nicholas Cullinan said:

    The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most important and unique cultural artefacts in the world, which illustrates the deep ties between Britain and France and has fascinated people across geographies and generations. It is hard to overstate the significance of this extraordinary opportunity of displaying it at the British Museum and we are profoundly grateful to everyone involved. This will be the first time the Bayeux Tapestry has been in the UK since it was made, almost 1000 years ago. We are also delighted to send the Lewis chessmen, and some of our treasures from Sutton Hoo – the greatest archaeological discovery in Britain – to France in return.

    This is exactly the kind of international partnership that I want us to champion and take part in: sharing the best of our collection as widely as possible – and in return displaying global treasures never seen here before.

    Further details of the exhibition will be announced by the British Museum in due course.

    The loan will form part of a bilateral season of culture in 2027 that will celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the birth of William the Conquerer and the Grand Départ of the 2027 Tour de France from the UK.

    Lord Peter Ricketts has been appointed by the government to act as the UK Government’s Envoy for the Bayeux Tapestry Loan. Further details on the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry, the loan of the Sutton Hoo Treasure will be made in due course.

    In addition, three UK cultural organisations will also be signing Memoranda of Understanding with French counterparts: the British Film Institute and the Centre National du Cinema; the National Trust and the Centre des Monuments Nationaux; and Sadler’s Wells and the Chaillot Théâtre National de la Danse. These partnerships between some of our flagship cultural organisations will ensure that creative partnerships and projects can continue to thrive between our two nations for years to come.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK President of France visits Parliament

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

    The President of the French Republic, His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, will visit Parliament on Tuesday 8 July accompanied by Mrs Brigitte Macron.

    Find out more https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2025/july/french-president-visits-parliament/

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

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

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

    • X: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
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    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPFOrarnM0U

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Touchstone 2025 award winners announced

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Touchstone 2025 award winners announced

    Winners of the Touchstone Award 2025 for hallmarking enforcement and education announced.

    The British Hallmarking Council (BHC) has awarded the Touchstone Award 2025 to London Trading Standards (LTS) for its role in ‘Operation Stamping it Out’, at the recent Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) annual conference in Blackpool.

    The Touchstone Award, launched by the BHC in 2012, sponsored by the National Association of Jewellers and supported by the CTSI, recognises the most effective initiative relating to hallmarking enforcement or education delivered by a local authority.

    Launched in 2023, ‘Operation Stamping It Out’ is a pioneering hallmarking education and enforcement project, established and funded by the London Assay Office and delivered in conjunction with the WRi Group. It aims to ensure retailers of silver, gold, platinum and palladium jewellery and artworks in London and the Southeast are compliant with the Hallmarking Act (1973), and is delivered through a programme of education, awareness and enforcement.

    Across the 8 LTS teams involved in the operation:

    • 132 intelligence reports were generated
    • 311 retailers were visited
    • more than 200 verbal or written warnings were issued for hallmarking non-compliance
    • over £250,000 worth of silver and gold jewellery without hallmarks has been seized
    • 4 active criminal prosecutions are underway

    The Chair of the BHC, Noel Hunter, said:

    The British Hallmarking Council congratulates London Trading Standards on winning the Touchstone Award. It was an incredible team effort which has produced, and continues to produce, unprecedented results. It will undoubtedly provide an enforcement model that can be used elsewhere across the UK. The BHC looks forward to supporting that development.

    The Chief Executive of the National Association of Jewellers, Ben Massey, said:

    Operation Stamping It Out has laid bare the serious threat that the illicit trade in un-hallmarked precious metals poses to consumers and to the UK jewellery industry – an industry worth £10 billion annually and supporting over 60,000 jobs.

    The outstanding results achieved by London Trading Standards are a testament to what can be accomplished with focused enforcement, and the 2025 Touchstone Award is richly deserved. However, this must not remain a localised effort. It is imperative that Trading Standards teams and related agencies come together to adopt and implement a similar programme nationally, ensuring a consistent and robust response across traditional retail and digital marketplaces.

    The Director of the London Assay Office, Will Evans, said:

    For more than 700 years, the London Assay Office has protected consumers and the trade by ensuring the quality of precious metals. We are incredibly proud to support Operation Stamping It Out, and thrilled that the collaboration between WRi Group and London Trading Standards – which has seen more than £250,000 of illegal items removed from the streets so far – has been recognised with the 2025 Touchstone Award.

    The dedication and professionalism shown by the teams from the London boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Camden, Westminster, Hackney, Ealing, Waltham Forest, and Newham, and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, to protecting consumers and businesses, shows how much can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New phonics-inspired framework to boost standards for children

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New phonics-inspired framework to boost standards for children

    New writing framework published to build a nation of confident writers as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    A focus on handwriting, encouraging children to speak out loud and a renewed focus on reception are part of a first-of-its-kind writing framework, as the Education Secretary says the next generation should be as good at putting pen to paper as they are posting on TikTok.

    The new framework, published today (8 July), will give teachers practical tools and guidance to plan high quality lessons and teach writing from reception and throughout primary school, so that thousands more pupils can build strong foundations in language, spelling and handwriting.

    This includes integrating writing tasks across all subjects, as well as encouraging children to speak out loud words and sentences before writing them down, and similarly using dictation where children write down words, phrases and sentences a teacher has said out loud.

    Even in a digital age, strong writing skills are a vital tool for everyday life and work, helping children explore their thoughts, share their ideas, and make sense of the world around them. Evidence also shows good writing skills can unlock future success and are directly linked to progress in education as well as future earnings.

    Building on the success of the government’s reading framework and its focus on phonics teaching, which has seen 100,000 more children every year build strong foundations in reading, the new writing framework is a first step towards transforming how writing is taught, with those with lower attainment set to benefit most, so no child is left behind.

    The launch comes as Key Stage 2 assessment (SATs) results were published this morning (Tuesday) showing the percentage of children meeting the expected standard in writing remains below pre-pandemic levels.

    In 2024, just over half (55%) of white working-class children left primary school meeting the expected standard in writing, compared to 78% among non-disadvantaged children.

    Similarly, only 30% of children with special educational needs met the expected standard in writing, compared to 83% of children without. 

    The scale of these divides is why, alongside support like the writing framework, the government will in the autumn publish an ambitious schools white paper to reform the SEND system and raise outcomes for disadvantaged children – supporting the Plan for Change to give every child the best start in life. 

    Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:

    Far too many children are leaving school unable to write well, holding them back from future success.

    Writing remains a crucial skill for young people to achieve and thrive in school and later in life. We want them to be as confident putting pen to paper as they are posting on TikTok.

    Our new writing framework is a first step towards transforming how writing is taught in primary schools, as we work to boost outcomes for disadvantaged children and those with SEND, and deliver on our Plan for Change.

    This forms part of the government’s mission to break the link between a child’s background and success, building on plans to ensure every child gets the best possible start in life including by boosting early literacy skills through the expansion of the government’s network of English Hubs. 

    The framework has been drafted with expert guidance from a range of sector experts including academics, leading practitioners and organisations.

    STEP Academy Trust, Executive Director of Primary Education, Dr Tim Mills MBE said:

    Writing is notoriously difficult: the cognitive equivalent of ‘digging ditches’ according to psychologist Ronald Kellogg.  Learning to write is one of the most challenging undertakings facing children, and so one of the most difficult to teach. 

    However, it is extremely susceptible to teaching.  As with the reading framework, we have sought to distil the growing research and evidence around learning to write into useful knowledge, guidance and practical advice.  The aim is to support primary schools teach this vital academic, social and creative life skill by providing them with a coherent understanding of the demanding, sometimes messy progression to becoming a competent and motivated writer.

    Deputy Headteacher, Stanley Road Primary School, Andrew Percival, said:

    As writing is one of the most cognitively demanding tasks that we expect children to master, it is essential that teachers have the support they need to ensure all pupils can flourish as writers.

    The writing framework provides schools with evidence-informed guidance that will help them set pupils on the path to becoming confident and proficient writers.

    Headteacher and Director St Matthew’s Research School, Sonia Thompson, said: 

    The Writing Framework is designed to provide teachers and leaders with evidence informed tools and reflection points. It is not a checklist but a guide for improving confidence and practice, which will lead to improved pupil writing outcomes.

    The announcement today builds on the action already underway to drive high and rising standards in literacy including a National Year of Reading, investing £27.7 million to support the teaching of reading and writing in primary school as well as the ongoing Curriculum and Assessment Review.

    The English Hubs programme provides expert advice and support to schools to improve the teaching of reading driving high and rising standards in English across the country.

    The National Year of Reading, set to start in January 2026, will unite parents, schools, libraries and businesses to get people reading and help reverse the decline in reading for pleasure and boost children’s literacy skills.

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Top regional award for Broadland Gardens

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Councillor Penberthy at Broadland Gardens

    One of Plymouth’s newest and best energy-efficient housing developments has been honoured at a prestigious regional award ceremony.

    Broadland Gardens, built on the site of the former Morley Youth Centre in Plymstock, is a sustainable, new community of two, three and four bedroomed homes.

    Heated with modern, energy-efficient technology, to help achieve low carbon living, particular attention has been paid to their design, so that they are adaptable and sustainable and mark the first direct delivery of new homes by the council this century.

    These impressive credentials led to Broadland Gardens picking up the Residential Project of the Year (35 homes and under) honour at last week’s Michelmores Property Awards.

    The Michelmores Property Awards celebrates the best property, development and construction projects in the South West, bringing together all those who contribute to the region’s exciting property, real estate and construction sectors.

    It celebrates buildings, developments and projects based in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, Bristol, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire and place quality and design, social, environmental, sustainable and economic values at the heart of its judging criteria.

    Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Communities and Cooperative Development, said: “I’m honoured that Broadland Gardens has been recognised in such a way – it really has been an incredible development.

    “We were clear from the outset that we wanted these to be homes that are liveable, adaptable and sustainable. We have delivered on that vision.

    “The direct delivery of these homes, with the surplus invested back into Plan for Homes 4 to support the delivery of affordable housing elsewhere in the city, has been a triumph.

    “We have demonstrated that it is possible to create quality, well-designed homes in an urban environment and set a standard for the market.”

    Broadland Gardens was funded through the Council’s Plan for Homes Investment Fund, designed by local architects Clifton Emery Design and built by Plymouth-based Classic Builders.

    A single unit remains on the market with Lang, Town and Country: www.langtownandcountry.com/new-homes-for-sale/broadland-gardens

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: High altitude training leads to breathtaking results for our swimmers Faye Rogers broke her own European, British and Scottish Record on the final day of the Scottish Swimming Championships with scores of other Aberdeen student swimmers picking up medals.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    The UOAPS team during their high-altitude training in Andorra

    Faye Rogers broke her own European, British and Scottish Record on the final day of the Scottish Swimming Championships with scores of other Aberdeen student swimmers picking up medals.
    The haul came hot on the heels of the University of Aberdeen Performance Swimming Team’s (UOAPS) two-week training camp at altitude in Andorra.
    Paralympic and world champion Faye bettered her previous 100m butterfly S10 European Record time of 1:04.17 that she swum at the Aquatics GB World Championship Trial in London in April – winning in a time of 1:04.04 at Edinburgh’s Royal Commonwealth Pool.
    Meanwhile there were also golds for Tom Beeley (200m fly), Jamie Ferguson (100m backstroke) and Jack Milne (S14 100 Breaststroke) while Aiden Anderson picked up three (Junior Champion – 1500m freestyle, 800m freestyle, 400m freestyle) with Faye Rogers collecting another gold for the 400m freestyle.
    Overall UOAPS came 3rd in the Team points Table for The Scottish National Open Championships which was held on 27-29th June.
    UOAPS were represented in 80 Final swims throughout the meet resulting in nine golds, three silvers and five bronze medals.
    Gold medals

    Tom Beeley – 200m fly

    Faye Rogers – Para 100m freestyle (British Record)

    Jamie Ferguson – 100m backstroke

    Aiden Anderson – Junior Champion 1500m freestyle

    Faye Rogers – Para 400m freestyle

    Aiden Anderson – Junior Champion 800m freestyle

    Aiden Anderson – Junior Champion 400m freestyle

    Silver medals

    Jack Milne Para – 100m Breaststroke

    Faye Rogers – Para 200m Individual medley

    Jamie Ferguson 50 Backstroke

    Bronze medals

    Emily Riach – 1500m freestyle

    Jack Milne – 200m individual medley

    Faye Rogers- Para 200m fly (World Record / European Record /British Record)

    UOAPS 4 x 100m freestyle relay – (Mary Mischenko, Cameron Travis, Kieran Lennox, Amelia Mardel)

    UOAPS mixed 4 x 50m medley relay – (Mary Mischenko, Micha Van Blerk, Maree Wood, Kieran Lennox)

    The Team competed shortly after returning from a two-week performance training camp at altitude in Pas de la Casa, Andorra. Located in the Pyrenees mountains, Pas de la Casa is a ski resort town and the highest point in Andorra, sitting at an elevation of 2,080 meters (6,800 feet) above sea level.
    Training at altitude offers significant physiological benefits, including increased red blood cell production and improved oxygen-carrying capacity, which can enhance endurance and overall aerobic performance once athletes return to sea level.
    Reduced oxygen and structured training together help the body produce energy more efficiently and strengthen the cardiovascular system
    With excellent swim and gym facilities at their disposal, the Team was able to complete a focused and demanding training block designed to maximise these adaptations. The camp provided an ideal environment for building fitness, reinforcing technique, and fostering team cohesion in preparation for upcoming competitions.

    Related Content

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rosanna Law visits Bordeaux

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law visited two Bordeaux wineries in France today, exploring potential synergies to incorporate Bordeaux wines into Hong Kong’s wine tourism initiatives.

    She toured Château L’if and Château Le Pin to deepen her understanding of Bordeaux’s winemaking traditions of the country. 

    A day prior to the winery tour, she met President of the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB) Allan Sichel. The CIVB is responsible for promoting Bordeaux wines globally.

    Miss Law highlighted the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s efforts to host signature mega events, including the annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, which provides unique experiences for visitors.

    Miss Law also met Mayor of Bordeaux Pierre Hurmic, Deputy Mayor of Bordeaux Céline Papin, and President of the Bordeaux Tourism & Conventions Office Brigitte Bloch, indicating to them the wishes of Hong Kong to build on the unique brand of the Wine & Dine Festival to foster cultural exchanges and strengthen bilateral ties.

    The meeting was followed by discussions with representatives of Great Wine Capitals Global Network, Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce & Industries etc. and another meeting with France’s Minister for Tourism Nathalie Delattre.

    The itinerary yesterday also covered a guided tour of La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s iconic cultural centre and wine museum dedicated to promoting the universal culture of wine.

    The culture chief will conclude the visit to France and depart for Hong Kong on July 9.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Post Office Minister responds to Horizon IT Inquiry report

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Oral statement to Parliament

    Post Office Minister responds to Horizon IT Inquiry report

    Gareth Thomas spoke to Parliament after report outlined scandal’s human impact and looking at the redress schemes which have been put in place in response. 

    Madam Deputy Speaker, Sir Wyn Williams has today released the first volume of his report into the Horizon scandal, which caused so much harm to so many innocent people. 

    The fearless and diligent work of his Inquiry has, I believe, won the trust and admiration of postmasters. The Inquiry has asked penetrating questions of a large number of witnesses and has scrutinised more than two million pages of evidence. 

    The whole House I know recognises the bravery of the postmasters who fought against enormous odds to see their cause recognised. Sir Wyn’s report reminds us that blameless people were impoverished. Bankrupted. Stressed beyond belief. Lost their jobs, their marriages, their reputations, their mental health. In some cases, lost their lives. 

    I am sure that the whole House will share my gratitude to Sir Wyn and his team for their work so far. This is only the first volume of their final report, spelling out the scandal’s human impact and looking at the redress schemes which have been put in place in response. 

    A second volume will in due course deal with the causes of the scandal, and how repetition can be avoided. 

    To be clear, I am very sympathetic to Sir Wyn’s 19 recommendations today. Clearly, a number of them require careful consideration. We will respond to them promptly as some concern the ongoing delivery of Horizon redress schemes. Sir Wyn has set us a deadline of 10 October, and we will meet it. 

    The House will see that Sir Wyn has accepted that “the Post Office, the Department and Ministers continue to adhere to the aims of providing financial redress, which is full, fair and prompt”. He also concludes that the majority of people who have accepted offers under the GLO scheme “will have done so because, for them, the offer was full and fair”. That said, Sir Wyn makes some understandable criticisms – especially of the Horizon Shortfall Scheme – which we will need to study closely and address. 

    We inherited a compensation process which was widely seen as too slow, adversarial and legalistic. Well over four years after the first High Court case exposed the scandal, only 2,500 postmasters had had final settlements. 

    There were clearly significant gaps in the compensation process and many victims had not come forward. Indeed, there was no compensation scheme in place for those postmasters whose convictions had been overturned by Parliament. 

    A year ago, Government had paid £236 million in redress. We have now quadrupled that to nearly £1.1 billion. We have launched a compensation scheme for postmasters who have had their convictions overturned; the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme and have merged Post Office’s compensation arrangements for overturned convictions into it. And through the Post Office, we have delivered a £75,000 fixed sum offer to over 4,200 postmasters who opted for it. 

    We have also launched an independent process to allow people to appeal their HSS settlements or offers. This should provide – as Sir Wyn says in his report – an “opportunity to put right any failures to deliver redress which is full and fair” for HSS victims; and begun discussions with Fujitsu on their contribution to the costs of the scandal. 

    As the House knows and as Sir Wyn’s report underlines further today, there is still a lot more to do. I know that those postmasters who have yet to agree final compensation are frustrated with the delay: so am I. 

    We have been consulting regularly with the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board and others on what more we can do to improve redress. Sir Wyn’s recommendations are very helpful in that regard. Two of his recommendations address issues which we have been already working on across government and with the Advisory Board. 

    And I can confirm that we accept Sir Wyn’s recommendation that claimants should be able to bank the best offer they get from the GLO process and should not put it at risk if they choose to go to the independent panel. 

    Secondly, we will provide redress for family members of postmasters who suffered because of the scandal. I have met the group Lost Chances for Postmaster Children who have campaigned with considerable courage on this issue. 

    Sir Wyn rightly recognises that designing a suitable compensation scheme for family members raises some very difficult issues. Nonetheless, we want to look after those family members who suffered most – meeting Sir Wyn’s recommendation that we should give – and I quote – “redress to close family members of those most adversely affected by Horizon”. 

    Given these challenges, we will now discuss the details of how a scheme should be run with claimants’ lawyers, the independent Advisory Board and the Lost Chances group. It will be open to close family members of existing Horizon claimants who themselves suffered personal injury – including psychological distress – because of their relative’s suffering. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will need contemporaneous written evidence of that personal injury. 

    There are some fundamental lessons to be learned which Sir Wyn points to, about how compensation following wrongdoing on this scale should be delivered in future. 

    In particular, the Post Office should never have been allowed to run it. Decisions on funding should have been made much more quickly. And it should not have needed the ITV drama to stimulate action to overturn hundreds of unjust convictions. 

    We cannot now turn back the clock to fix those fundamental mistakes. We must instead address two challenges. The first is to make sure that if there is ever another terrible scandal like this one, and all of us will sincerely hope that there isn’t, that the victims do not need to bring a traumatic court case to expose it. 

    The second challenge if such another scandal happens, Government is set up to offer trusted redress from the very start. Sir Wyn argues that there should be a standing public body to deliver redress in any further scandal. I have a considerable amount of sympathy with that argument, but clearly we shall need to analyse the options fully before we commit to it. 

    We will reflect on how to address those twin challenges and will bring our conclusions back to the House. 

    Madam Deputy Speaker, we can never recompense a person properly for their freedom wrongly bring denied them. The humiliation of being wrongly accused. Of seeing your loved ones in profound distress or worse. Or recompense someone for their good reputation being taken from them. 

    I cannot assuage the anger of the victims. Nor will the anger I feel on their behalf ever be assuaged. 

    But we are determined to do more on redress and beyond and to do it quickly to give more of the victims of this appalling scandal at least a measure of the peace they so rightly deserve. 

    And I commend Sir Wyn’s report to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: KingsRock Advisors Announces Advisory Board, Additional Senior Hires and Senior Advisors, and Inaugural Capital Raise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK and LONDON and STOCKHOLM and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KingsRock Advisors, LLC (“KingsRock”), an independent global advisory firm, announced today the formation of a new Advisory Board, a series of new Senior Hires, additional Senior Advisors joining us, and an inaugural Capital Raise. This expansion aims to accelerate the growth of KingsRock’s capital solutions and corporate finance business, across industries, geographies, and capital structures.

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Banking Executives who have agreed to serve as Members of our new KingsRock Advisory Board:

    Dr. Josef Ackermann   Zurich, former Chairman of the Management Board, Deutsche Bank
    Fred Brettschneider   New York, former Head of Deutsche Bank Global Markets Americas
    Yassine Bouhara   Dubai, CEO Tell Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank Global Equities
    Kevin Parker   New York, CEO SICM, former CEO of Deutsche Asset Management
    Bernardo Parnes   Sao Paolo, CEO of One Partners, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Latin America
    Jon Vaccaro   Darien, Founder V20 Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank CRE
    Seth Waugh   Palm Beach, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas, former Chairman of PGA
         

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Investment Bankers who have joined KingsRock recently in the US and EMEA as Managing Directors, with further expansion planned:

    David Barcus   New York, former BNP and Raymond James
    John Doyamis   New York, former EBG, and Bear Stearns
    Leo-Hendrik Greve   Amsterdam, former ING, Citi and MS
    Rony Jawhar   Dubai, former Arqaam and Deutsche Bank
    Bray Kelly   New York, former JBK Capital and UBS
    Joe Lovrics   Madrid, former Societe General, Citi, and BNP
    Bill Miller   New York, Commerce Street, TPG Sixth Street, Citi
    Hans Narberhaus   Madrid, former Deutsche Bank
    Laurent Quelin   London, former Chenavari, and CS
    Francois-Louise Ricard   Paris, former Groupe Caisse des Depots, MS and SG
    Jorge de los Rios   Madrid, former Santander, S&P and Lehman
    Mike Turnbull   London, former StormHarbour, BAML and MS
    Andrew Whittaker   New York, Lazard, GSAM and Lehman

    In Q2 we were also joined by Gregor Bates, Associate, London, and Analysts Matt Farrell, Nikita Spivakov, and Tim O’Callaghan in New York.

    We also welcome George Parker, New York, as Senior Advisor for Operations.

    This team’s decades of investment banking experience across Origination, Advisory, Capital Markets, Structuring, and Leveraged Finance should help propel our growth and strategy to originate, structure, and distribute private capital markets transactions and provide strategic advisory services. Our goal is to further strengthen KingsRock’s ability to serve issuer clients and the private credit, special situations and private equity investor universe with ever more tailor-made capital solutions and investment opportunities.

    Expansion of our Global Network of Senior Advisors

    We are also pleased to announce that we now have 120 (one hundred and twenty) Senior Advisors from approximately 50 countries around the world. Each is a truly Independent Advisor with his or her own interest and focus, some with companies that we have partnered with, etc. Many of these advisors comprised the most senior leadership of Deutsche Bank and oversaw a wide range of functions, from CEO and six other former Management Board Members, to Country Heads and Divisional Heads of M&A, Capital Markets, and Heads of Sales, Coverage, Industry Groups, Economists, Operations, etc.

    This unique Global Network of former colleagues and friends as our Senior Advisors allows KingsRock access to key decision makers nearly anywhere in the world, spanning companies, institutional investors, financial institutions, and the public sector. It also offers mutual benefits in deal making through origination, execution, and distribution, be it a cross-border M&A transaction or bespoke institutional capital raising deal.

    We are also pleased to Announce a successful close of our inaugural third-party capital raise for KingsRock Advisors LLC, to support our expansion and elevate our investment banking boutique, with further strategic growth planned. We thank all of our investors for their strong support.

    “We are excited to welcome our new Senior Advisory Board Members, our new Managing Directors, Associate and Analyst colleagues, and our Senior Advisors network to KingsRock as we continue to expand the global reach of our capital solutions business. Together with our inaugural capital raise to boost and increase the visibility of our platform, successfully concluded in Q2, we are truly thrilled with the progress our young firm is making to serve our clients and support our ambitious growth. In the near term, we will share more details about our expansion across our financial services offering,” said Håkan Wohlin, Founder & Managing Partner, and Louis Jaffe, Co-Founder & Managing Partner.

    KingsRock has already announced and closed several significant transactions in 2025. Angel Oak’s recently announced sale to Brookfield, where KingsRock Advisors served as the Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak, is indeed a landmark transaction. On April 1st, 2025, Brookfield Asset Management and Angel Oak to Entered into Strategic Partnership. KingsRock Securities LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC, acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak Companies.

    About KingsRock:

    KingsRock Advisors, LLC headquartered at 900 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, is an independent global advisory firm, with securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and SIPC, as well as KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd and KingsRock Advisors Europe AB, both wholly owned subsidiaries of KingsRock Advisors LLC.

    Founded in 2020, KingsRock comprises a team of approximately 40 full time professionals who advise on a wide range of private capital markets transactions including debt, hybrid, equity and M&A covering structures from vanilla to highly structured. The team collectively has worked on thousands of transactions across various industry sectors worldwide. Clients include private equity and private credit firms, corporations, financial institutions, government-related entities, and institutional investors.

    KingsRock Advisors offers the experience and global reach of a large firm, combined with the structural agility and creativity of a boutique. An independent advisory firm with a global network that provides unconflicted strategic and financial advisory services, along with innovative capital solutions and special situations. The firms’ bankers excel in complex transactions and deliver swift results often where large banks and traditional sources of financing do not have the ability to engage. KingsRock advisors operates across all major industry sectors and is supported by a global network of 120 independent Senior Advisors across 50 countries, who bring decades of deal making experience.

    Disclaimer:

    Securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and a member of SIPC., a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC. • 900 Third Avenue, 10th Floor • New York, NY 10022.

    KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd is a private limited company registered in England and Wales with registration number 15240371. KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd (FRN 1006329) is an Appointed Representative under Bluegrove Capital Management Ltd (FRN: 960363), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

    KingsRock Advisors Europe AB is incorporated in Sweden (EU), with registered office at Grev Turegatan 14, 114 46 Stockholm, Sweden, and is a tied agent of Svensk Värdepappersservice i Stockholm AB, a Swedish investment firm authorized and regulated by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen) under the Swedish Securities Market Act (Sw. lag (2007:528) om värdepappersmarknaden).

    This message is provided for information purposes and does not constitute an invitation, solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or investment. Neither KingsRock Securities, LLC nor its affiliates provide accounting, tax or legal advice; such matters should be discussed with your advisors and/or counsel.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: KingsRock Advisors Announces Advisory Board, Additional Senior Hires and Senior Advisors, and Inaugural Capital Raise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK and LONDON and STOCKHOLM and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KingsRock Advisors, LLC (“KingsRock”), an independent global advisory firm, announced today the formation of a new Advisory Board, a series of new Senior Hires, additional Senior Advisors joining us, and an inaugural Capital Raise. This expansion aims to accelerate the growth of KingsRock’s capital solutions and corporate finance business, across industries, geographies, and capital structures.

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Banking Executives who have agreed to serve as Members of our new KingsRock Advisory Board:

    Dr. Josef Ackermann   Zurich, former Chairman of the Management Board, Deutsche Bank
    Fred Brettschneider   New York, former Head of Deutsche Bank Global Markets Americas
    Yassine Bouhara   Dubai, CEO Tell Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank Global Equities
    Kevin Parker   New York, CEO SICM, former CEO of Deutsche Asset Management
    Bernardo Parnes   Sao Paolo, CEO of One Partners, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Latin America
    Jon Vaccaro   Darien, Founder V20 Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank CRE
    Seth Waugh   Palm Beach, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas, former Chairman of PGA
         

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Investment Bankers who have joined KingsRock recently in the US and EMEA as Managing Directors, with further expansion planned:

    David Barcus   New York, former BNP and Raymond James
    John Doyamis   New York, former EBG, and Bear Stearns
    Leo-Hendrik Greve   Amsterdam, former ING, Citi and MS
    Rony Jawhar   Dubai, former Arqaam and Deutsche Bank
    Bray Kelly   New York, former JBK Capital and UBS
    Joe Lovrics   Madrid, former Societe General, Citi, and BNP
    Bill Miller   New York, Commerce Street, TPG Sixth Street, Citi
    Hans Narberhaus   Madrid, former Deutsche Bank
    Laurent Quelin   London, former Chenavari, and CS
    Francois-Louise Ricard   Paris, former Groupe Caisse des Depots, MS and SG
    Jorge de los Rios   Madrid, former Santander, S&P and Lehman
    Mike Turnbull   London, former StormHarbour, BAML and MS
    Andrew Whittaker   New York, Lazard, GSAM and Lehman

    In Q2 we were also joined by Gregor Bates, Associate, London, and Analysts Matt Farrell, Nikita Spivakov, and Tim O’Callaghan in New York.

    We also welcome George Parker, New York, as Senior Advisor for Operations.

    This team’s decades of investment banking experience across Origination, Advisory, Capital Markets, Structuring, and Leveraged Finance should help propel our growth and strategy to originate, structure, and distribute private capital markets transactions and provide strategic advisory services. Our goal is to further strengthen KingsRock’s ability to serve issuer clients and the private credit, special situations and private equity investor universe with ever more tailor-made capital solutions and investment opportunities.

    Expansion of our Global Network of Senior Advisors

    We are also pleased to announce that we now have 120 (one hundred and twenty) Senior Advisors from approximately 50 countries around the world. Each is a truly Independent Advisor with his or her own interest and focus, some with companies that we have partnered with, etc. Many of these advisors comprised the most senior leadership of Deutsche Bank and oversaw a wide range of functions, from CEO and six other former Management Board Members, to Country Heads and Divisional Heads of M&A, Capital Markets, and Heads of Sales, Coverage, Industry Groups, Economists, Operations, etc.

    This unique Global Network of former colleagues and friends as our Senior Advisors allows KingsRock access to key decision makers nearly anywhere in the world, spanning companies, institutional investors, financial institutions, and the public sector. It also offers mutual benefits in deal making through origination, execution, and distribution, be it a cross-border M&A transaction or bespoke institutional capital raising deal.

    We are also pleased to Announce a successful close of our inaugural third-party capital raise for KingsRock Advisors LLC, to support our expansion and elevate our investment banking boutique, with further strategic growth planned. We thank all of our investors for their strong support.

    “We are excited to welcome our new Senior Advisory Board Members, our new Managing Directors, Associate and Analyst colleagues, and our Senior Advisors network to KingsRock as we continue to expand the global reach of our capital solutions business. Together with our inaugural capital raise to boost and increase the visibility of our platform, successfully concluded in Q2, we are truly thrilled with the progress our young firm is making to serve our clients and support our ambitious growth. In the near term, we will share more details about our expansion across our financial services offering,” said Håkan Wohlin, Founder & Managing Partner, and Louis Jaffe, Co-Founder & Managing Partner.

    KingsRock has already announced and closed several significant transactions in 2025. Angel Oak’s recently announced sale to Brookfield, where KingsRock Advisors served as the Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak, is indeed a landmark transaction. On April 1st, 2025, Brookfield Asset Management and Angel Oak to Entered into Strategic Partnership. KingsRock Securities LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC, acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak Companies.

    About KingsRock:

    KingsRock Advisors, LLC headquartered at 900 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, is an independent global advisory firm, with securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and SIPC, as well as KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd and KingsRock Advisors Europe AB, both wholly owned subsidiaries of KingsRock Advisors LLC.

    Founded in 2020, KingsRock comprises a team of approximately 40 full time professionals who advise on a wide range of private capital markets transactions including debt, hybrid, equity and M&A covering structures from vanilla to highly structured. The team collectively has worked on thousands of transactions across various industry sectors worldwide. Clients include private equity and private credit firms, corporations, financial institutions, government-related entities, and institutional investors.

    KingsRock Advisors offers the experience and global reach of a large firm, combined with the structural agility and creativity of a boutique. An independent advisory firm with a global network that provides unconflicted strategic and financial advisory services, along with innovative capital solutions and special situations. The firms’ bankers excel in complex transactions and deliver swift results often where large banks and traditional sources of financing do not have the ability to engage. KingsRock advisors operates across all major industry sectors and is supported by a global network of 120 independent Senior Advisors across 50 countries, who bring decades of deal making experience.

    Disclaimer:

    Securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and a member of SIPC., a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC. • 900 Third Avenue, 10th Floor • New York, NY 10022.

    KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd is a private limited company registered in England and Wales with registration number 15240371. KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd (FRN 1006329) is an Appointed Representative under Bluegrove Capital Management Ltd (FRN: 960363), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

    KingsRock Advisors Europe AB is incorporated in Sweden (EU), with registered office at Grev Turegatan 14, 114 46 Stockholm, Sweden, and is a tied agent of Svensk Värdepappersservice i Stockholm AB, a Swedish investment firm authorized and regulated by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen) under the Swedish Securities Market Act (Sw. lag (2007:528) om värdepappersmarknaden).

    This message is provided for information purposes and does not constitute an invitation, solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or investment. Neither KingsRock Securities, LLC nor its affiliates provide accounting, tax or legal advice; such matters should be discussed with your advisors and/or counsel.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: East African Community (EAC) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Unite to Break Barriers in Cross-Border Digital Payments

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have taken a significant step towards regional financial integration, with the convening of a five-day workshop on payment systems interoperability. The IGAD-EAC-World Bank Joint Workshop, convened from 30th June to 4th July, 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, brought together Central Banks, digital finance experts, and senior policymakers from nine countries with a focus on advancing harmonised legal, regulatory, and supervisory frameworks that will enable faster, safer, and more inclusive cross-border payments across the Eastern Africa region

    The workshop was organised under the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), a flagship initiative jointly implemented by IGAD and EAC, with support from the World Bank. The EARDIP’s mission is to boost regional digital market integration by expanding broadband infrastructure and strengthening the environment for cross-border digital services, including digital payments, a critical enabler of trade, remittances, and financial inclusion.

    At the heart the Addis Ababa discussions was a shared regional challenge of fragmented and non-interoperable payment systems that undermine economic potential. While countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia have made strides in domestic interoperability, regional integration remains stifled by gaps in regulations, technical disparities, and cybersecurity concerns. Against this backdrop, the workshop provided a platform for technical learning, peer-to-peer exchange, and collective visioning.

    In his opening remarks, Dr. Mohyeldeen Eltohami, Director of Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration, IGAD, emphasised that the workshop was not merely a technical convening but a launchpad for transformation. “The collaboration between EAC and IGAD exemplifies the spirit of regional solidarity and shared ambition that Africa needs to build the future it envisions, a future of seamless digital integration, inclusive prosperity, and economic transformation,” he said.

    The Director urged participants to seize the opportunity to build a harmonised regional framework and to let cooperation, not fragmentation, define the region’s digital future.

    “Digital transformation is no longer a choice but a necessity. Together, IGAD and EAC can build a digitally integrated Eastern Africa, where borders no longer limit opportunity, and where innovation drives inclusion, and prosperity is shared,” said Dr. Eltohami.

    Echoing these sentiments, Eng. Daniel Murenzi, Principal Information Technology Officer, EAC Secretariat stressed that digital payments are the backbone of a functioning digital market and that interoperability was no longer a luxury, but a necessity for regional prosperity.

    “EAC and IGAD are implementing the EARDIP Project with the objective to advance digital regional integration by strengthening cross-border digital infrastructure, services, policies, and frameworks that promote economic growth, inclusion, and regional collaboration among EAC and IGAD Member/Partner States,” noted Eng. Murenzi.

    “Payment systems are an enabler in this digital ecosystem for the region, with their interoperability a critical factor. We therefore need to review national payment processes, harmonise legal and regulatory instruments and facilitate interoperability of the regions payment system,” he noted.

    On his part, Mr. Gynedi Srinivas, Senior Financial Sector Specialist, Payment Systems Development Group, World Bank outlined the global relevance of the workshop, noting that its objectives align with the Group of Twenty (G20) roadmap for faster, cheaper, and safer cross-border payments. He applauded the region’s readiness to harness the benefits of fast payment system (FPS) interoperability.

    “The benefits of cross-border interoperability of fast payment systems will especially enable safer, faster and low-cost retail payments across borders helping end-users, individuals and Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) to make and receive payments seamlessly,” he noted.

    Participants of the workshop engaged in discussions on three strategic areas: digital infrastructure, legal and regulatory frameworks, and regional payment integration. Recommendations from these sessions included the need to invest in shared digital infrastructure, adopt consumer-centric design for FPS, develop regulatory sandboxes to support innovation, and the need to harmonise legal instruments to unlock true cross-border operability.

    During the workshop, experts from some Member/Partner States Central/National Banks shared experiences and lessons from their national contexts, thereby providing practical blueprints for other countries aiming to leapfrog barriers and accelerate digital finance inclusion.

    Participants also explored emerging technologies, including AI, blockchain, and cross-border Central bank digital currencies, alongside discussions on cyber threats and the role of cybersecurity incident response teams (CIRSTs) in protecting payment ecosystems. The need for a unified cybersecurity legal framework and real-time threat intelligence sharing across borders emerged as a top priority.

    The workshop further recommended facilitating peer-to-peer attachments among central banks; anchoring FPS design in user needs; collectively addressing social engineering risks, particularly in mobile payments; and convening annual joint workshops on cross-border payments.

    The workshop brought together experts from nine IGAD-EAC Member/Partner States’ National Payment System directorates or departments from the Bank of the Republic of Burundi, the Central Bank of Djibouti, the National Bank of Ethiopia, the Central Bank of Kenya, the National Bank of Rwanda, the Central Bank of Somalia, the Bank of South Sudan, the Bank of Tanzania and the Bank of Uganda. The Central Bank of the Democratic Republic of Congo was represented by the Ministry of Regional Integration of the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Also in attendance were IGAD and EAC EARDIP Coordinators and key staff as well as World Bank Consultants and a representative from Banco d ’Italia (Bank of Italy).  

    – on behalf of East African Community (EAC).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Egypt: Release people detained over expressing support for Gaza March

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    Egyptian authorities must unconditionally and immediately release anyone detained solely for expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amidst Israel’s ongoing genocide, including at least seven Egyptian nationals detained for expressing support for the Gaza March, Amnesty International said today. The organization is also calling on the authorities to investigate allegations of torture and other ill-treatment related to the arrests and deportations of international activists in connection with the planned solidarity march.

    Hundreds of international activists travelled to Egypt in June to take part in a global march to the city of Rafah in a bid to break Israel’s illegal blockade on the occupied Gaza Strip, but Egyptian authorities responded by arresting scores of Egyptian and foreign nationals and deporting non-Egyptians.  

    Amnesty International documented the arbitrary detention, incommunicado detention, and ill-treatment of three Egyptians and five foreign nationals in connection with the Gaza March between 10 and 16 June. Amnesty International obtained a testimony that at least one Egyptian national was subjected to torture during their detention. The organization is calling for all those still being held solely for expressing solidarity with Palestinians to be unconditionally and immediately released, including those detained for expressing solidarity with Palestinians since October 2023.

    “The world has seen a glimpse of the brutality that Egyptian authorities continue to inflict on dissidents. The arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment that these activists have been subjected to represents just a fraction of the ongoing repression faced by virtually anyone who expresses views not condoned by the government,” said Mahmoud Shalaby, Egypt and Libya Researcher at Amnesty International.  

    “It is unthinkable that Egyptian authorities are arresting and punishing activists for showing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza while Israel is committing genocide against them. Egypt’s authorities should instead be facilitating the right to peaceful assembly and expression, starting by releasing anyone arbitrarily detained for demonstrating in solidarity with Palestinians and investigating all allegations of torture and other ill-treatment.”  

    On 11 June, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an official statement that foreign nationals must receive prior authorization to visit areas bordering Gaza through, among other means, submitting a request to Egyptian embassies. Organizers of the Gaza March told Amnesty International that they had submitted authorization requests to over 30 Egyptian embassies abroad, approximately two and a half months ahead of the march’s scheduled date. Embassy officials informed them that the requests had been forwarded to authorities in Cairo, but the organizers never received a response. 

    Egyptian security forces later shut down the march by arresting Egyptian and foreign activists upon their arrival at the airport, from hotels or at checkpoints on the way to Rafah, before deporting hundreds of non-Egyptians. 

    Arbitrary detention and torture or other ill-treatment of Egyptian nationals 

    According to a lawyer at the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF), between 10 and 12 June 2025, security forces arrested three Egyptian nationals (two men and one woman) from their homes in Cairo and al-Sharkia governorates. The three were part of a Telegram group that supported the Gaza March. 

    Upon their arrest, they were reportedly held in incommunicado detention at undisclosed National Security Agency (NSA) facilities for periods ranging from nine to ten days. NSA agents then brought the three to the Supreme State Security Prosecution (SSSP) in Cairo on 21, 22, and 23 June.  

    SSSP prosecutors accused them of charges including “joining a terrorist group [the Muslim Brotherhood],” “publishing false news,” and “funding a terrorist group,” according to the ECRF lawyer. Prosecutors then ordered their pretrial detention for 15 days pending investigations. 

    During the SSSP questioning, one of the men said that NSA agents had subjected him to electric shocks on his hands and a sensitive part of his body, and beat him with kicks and slaps to the face. The other man told the prosecutor that NSA agents beat him and forced him to strip naked. These acts constitute ill-treatment and may amount to torture. 

    In June, SSSP prosecutors questioned four other Egyptian nationals (three men and one woman) and ordered their detention for 15 days in connection with the same charges pending the same case, according to ECRF’s lawyer. 

    Arbitrary arrest and ill-treatment of foreign nationals 

    Amnesty International spoke to five foreign nationals who had travelled to attend the Gaza March including Stefanie Crisostomo, a Croatian-Peruvian activist, and Saif Abukeshek, a Spanish national and the Gaza March spokesperson. They told Amnesty that Egyptian police subjected them to severe beatings and other acts of violence when they arrested them. They also said that they had been held in incommunicado detention in police stations, NSA facilities, and Cairo Airport.  

    Crisostomo told Amnesty International that on 14 June, plain-clothed NSA agents arrested her and her husband at a hotel in Cairo without providing any reason or allowing them to contact their embassies or anyone else after confiscating their phones. They were then transferred to an undisclosed security facility, where police detained her French husband for 30 hours, while transferring Stefanie to Cairo Airport. At the airport, she refused to be deported until the police released her husband. The police then handcuffed her and grabbed her arms tightly, causing bruising. Amnesty International reviewed photographs of her arms in which the bruises are clearly visible and is concerned that this may amount to ill-treatment. 

    One of the other foreign nationals, who chose not to disclose his nationality, said that on 13 June police arrested him, along with approximately 15 others, at a checkpoint in Ismailia Governorate on their way to Rafah. During the arrest, police beat him with batons, striking him on his face and neck. He said that during the arrest, one of the police officers attempted to put their finger in his anus. Police took the group to an Ismailia police station and detained them until the following morning, before transferring him to Cairo Airport for deportation. 

    The two other men, both Norwegians, as well as Saif said that on 16 June, plain-clothed police arrested them at a coffee shop in Cairo without showing a warrant. The police then blindfolded them and drove them to an undisclosed security facility in an unmarked van. NSA officers questioned the two Norwegian men, while still blindfolded and handcuffed, about the number of participants in the Gaza March, their identities, and their accommodation. One of the men told Amnesty International that when he refused to answer, an NSA agent slapped him twice on the face and kneed him in the chest. According to the man, the blow caused a minor rib fracture. 

    The second man said that when he refused to answer certain questions an NSA agent slapped him on the face and kicked him in the chest.  

    Saif Abukeshek said that police deliberately slammed his body into walls and doors while moving him between different rooms at the facility, blindfolded and handcuffed with his hands behind his back. “I could clearly hear them laughing at me crashing into the walls,” he said. 

    The three were later transferred to Cairo Airport to be deported after spending between two to 25 hours at the facility. None of the four men were allowed at any point to contact their embassy or anyone else to inform them about their arrest, until their deportation.

    – on behalf of Amnesty International.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cameroon celebrates forest hero and Chevening scholars

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    Cameroon celebrates forest hero and Chevening scholars

    The British High Commission in Yaoundé honoured Dr Cécile Ndjebet, the first-ever Kew International Medalist and a trailblazing forest and climate activist.

    Dr Ndjebet receiving her Award from the High Commissioner, Matt Woods.

    The British High Commission in Yaoundé hosted a special ceremony to honour Dr Cécile Ndjebet, the first-ever recipient of the Kew International Medal. A renowned forest and environmental activist, Dr Ndjebet was celebrated for her groundbreaking work in forest conservation and women’s empowerment across 20 African countries.

    Her recognition marks a historic moment, highlighting Cameroon’s leadership in global environmental advocacy.

    As the 17th recipient of this globally respected award, Dr. Ndjebet was commended by UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, and High Commissioner Matt Woods for her tireless efforts in promoting inclusive forest governance.

    A co-founder of the African Women’s Network for Community Management of Forests and a member of the African Forest Forum, Dr Ndjebet has been instrumental in advancing sustainable environmental practices while ensuring that women have a voice in managing Africa’s natural resources.

    A royal recognition

    Just days after the ceremony in Cameroon, Dr Ndjebet was received by His Majesty King Charles III in the United Kingdom. During her visit, she delivered a powerful keynote address on “Nature Action: Mobilising Frameworks and Finance” highlighting the urgent need for global collaboration in financing nature-based solutions and empowering local communities, especially women, to lead in environmental stewardship.

    Her address underscored the importance of integrating traditional knowledge, gender equity, and sustainable finance into global climate strategies.

    Celebrating academic excellence

    The event also celebrated the return of eight Chevening Scholars who recently completed their master’s degrees at top UK universities. These scholars specialized in critical fields such as climate policy, engineering, disaster management, and artificial intelligence, bringing back valuable knowledge and skills to contribute to national development.

    Strengthening UK-Cameroon ties through education

    Since its inception in 1983, the Chevening Scholarship programme has played a vital role in fostering educational and diplomatic ties between the UK and Cameroon. By investing in future leaders, the programme continues to build bridges of collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sweeper Hire and Hoses boss Philip Liley gets suspended sentence

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Sweeper Hire and Hoses boss Philip Liley gets suspended sentence

    Exeter man tried to hide tons of illegal waste kept on leased land by pushing it into the trees and spreading it across the ground.

    Liley and his firm Sweeper Hire and Hoses admitted running a waste site without a permit

    • Philip Liley attempted to disguise the 15,000 tonnes of waste stored illegally at the site
    • Environment Agency investigations began when the nearby River Bovey was polluted
    • Liley, then trading as Sweeper Hire and Hoses Limited, had no environmental permits and ignored all attempts to make his business operate legally.

    Philip Liley, of Sidmouth Road, Exeter, was director of the then Sweeper Hire and Hoses Limited business based at Higher Brocks Plantation, Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Devon. He pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday 3 July.

    Liley was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 2 years – and 300 hours of unpaid work. 

    Chris Lawson of the Environment Agency, said: 

    Environmental permits are in place to protect the public and the environment.

    Illegal waste activity such as this undermines legitimate businesses that work hard to operate within the regulations, as well as putting the local environment at risk and impacting on the local community. 

    I hope today’s verdict sends a clear message to illegal waste operators that we are committed to tackling the blight of waste crime and will use all powers available to us to catch offenders.

    Leaking pipe leads to Liley’s site

    In March 2023, following a report of a pollution into a tributary of the River Bovey, Environment Agency officers found a pipe discharging a grey/brown liquid into the watercourse.

    The source of the discharge was found to be Liley’s site that he leased at Newton Abbot. The ground at the site was churned up and with heavy plant machinery operating on it, causing the runoff to enter the river.

    The Environment Agency was informed by a sub-contractor working on the site that approximately 15,000 tonnes of inert waste had been imported onto the premises. Groundworks at the site were stopped immediately to limit harm to the local environment. 

    Trees used to hide waste

    Investigations revealed the site was being leased by a company called Sweeper Hire and Hoses Limited. There were no environmental permits or exemptions covering the waste activities ongoing at the site. Neither were there any outstanding planning permission applications.

    During an Environment Agency site inspection, a substantial amount of waste material was present onsite. It appeared that it was being hidden by being pushed and deposited into the trees both at the sides of the premises and in the middle. Work also appeared to be ongoing to level the waste across the site.  

    The same day, the Environment Agency served a notice requiring the company to produce waste transfer notes for waste imported to the site over the previous 2 years. Liley had originally leased the land for 5 years from September 2021, trading as Sweepers and Hoses Limited.  

    Liley refuses to explain himself

    However, due to issues with the various waste issues at the premises, Liley had been given notice to leave the site by the landowner he leased it from. 

    From the waste transfer notes provided, a minimum of 2,960 tonnes in total had been imported to the site between 18 May 2022 and 3 February 2023.

    Liley resigned as director of the business on 1 March 2023 and refused all attempts by the Environment Agency to be interviewed to explain his actions and the legitimacy of his waste business.  

    Illegal waste activity can be reported in confidence to the Environment Agency on its 24-hour incident line on 0800 807060 or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

    Background

    Sweeper Hire and Hoses and Philip Liley were charged with the following offences: 

    • Between 29 September 2021 and 1 March 2023 you, Sweeper Hire and Hoses Limited, on land at Higher Brocks Plantation, Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Devon,  did operate a regulated facility, except under and to the extent authorised by an environmental permit, namely a waste depositing operation for which no environmental permit was in force.  Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(a) and 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. 

    • Between 29 September 2021 and 1 March 2023 you, Phillip Liley on land at Higher Brocks Plantation, Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Devon as Director of  Sweeper Higher and Hoses Limited, did by consent or connivance,  operate a regulated facility, except under and to the extent authorised by an environmental permit, namely a waste depositing operation for which no environmental permit was in force. Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(a), 38(1)(a) and 41(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 

    • Between 2 March 2023 and 15 September 2023 you, Phillip Liley on land at Higher Brocks Plantation, Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Devon,  did operate a regulated facility, except under and to the extent authorised by an environmental permit, namely a waste depositing operation for which no environmental permit was in force. Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(a) and 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New study provides major boost for mine water heat revolution

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    New study provides major boost for mine water heat revolution

    New study shows 87% of coalfield boreholes succeed, busting myths around drilling risks and boosting confidence in mine water heat for green energy.

    Borehole drilling in County Durham.

    A new study from the Mining Remediation Authority busts myths around the risks of drilling into abandoned coal mines for mine water heat schemes. The research provides the strongest evidence yet that this low-carbon technology is technically achievable, cost-effective and ready to scale, offering a major boost to the UK’s ambitions for clean, secure, and locally sourced energy.

    The open-access research, “Drilling into Coal Mine Workings: Overview and Experience from Britain’s Coalfields”, analysed 564 boreholes drilled across Great Britain. It found that 87% of boreholes successfully delivered on their intended purpose, including monitoring, gas venting and water abstraction. More than 75% of those targeting mine voids successfully reached their target, confirming the predictability and feasibility of accessing mine water heat.

    This work directly addresses any concerns about the technical and financial risks of drilling into former coal mines for low-carbon heating, cooling, and thermal storage. It provides a robust evidence base to support the rollout of mine water heat networks, a reliable source of green energy beneath many former coalfield communities, which is currently underused.

    Mine water heat: Busting myths with new drilling study

    Lee Wyatt, lead author and Senior Hydrogeologist at the Mining Remediation Authority, said:

    This study shows that drilling into coal mine workings is not the high-risk activity it’s often perceived to be. With the right planning, design, and expertise, success rates are high, and this opens the door for more confident investment in mine water heat networks. This has the ability to decarbonise heat, reduce energy bills, and regenerate former coalfield communities.

    Key findings:

    • 87% of boreholes were suitable for their original purpose.
    • More than 75% success rate for hitting targeted mine voids.
    • 97% success rate for deeper boreholes (over 300m), where mine plans are more accurate.
    • Boreholes targeting roadways had a 77% success rate in hitting voids and 85% suitability for their intended use.

    The study supports our mission to unlock the potential of Britain’s coalfields for sustainable development and energy transition. It gives developers, local authorities and infrastructure planners greater confidence in mine water heat as a dependable, scalable energy source.

    It also complements research from initiatives like the UK Geoenergy Observatories, which continue to improve geological understanding of mine heat systems and their role in the energy transition.

    Further information:

    Paper link: https://www.lyellcollection.org/doi/full/10.1144/qjegh2025-016

    Mine Water Thematic link: https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/mine-water-energy

    QJEGH Volume 58 August 2025: https://www.lyellcollection.org/journal/qjegh

    For media enquiries contact the community response team

    Email communityresponse@miningremediation.gov.uk

    Telephone 0800 288 4211

    For emergency media enquiries (out of hours) call: 0800 288 4242.
    Only urgent media calls will be attended to.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE — Intermex Launches a new Remittance-as-a-Service (RaaS) Platform to Help Businesses Simplify Cross-Border Payments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI) (“Intermex” or the “Company”), a leading money remittance provider to Latin America and the Caribbean, today announced the launch of its fully redesigned Remittance-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform. The upgraded service gives businesses a straightforward way to embed fast, secure cross-border money transfers into their own customer experiences.

    A growing number of companies – from innovative U.S. fintechs to well-established payment providers – are already harnessing Intermex’s Remittance-as-a-Service platform to unlock new cross-border revenue streams.

    Through Intermex’s RaaS platform, companies can introduce their own branded person-to-person and business-to-person payment services to eligible markets including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador, as well as select countries in Southeast Asia, the European Union, and Africa.

    “Businesses want to innovate and expand quickly, but hurdles like technology development, licensing, and regulatory compliance often slow them down,” said Marcelo Theodoro, Chief Digital, Product & Marketing Officer at Intermex. “Our RaaS platform helps remove those barriers, giving partners a turnkey solution built on decades of experience and one of the strongest payout networks in Latin America.”

    The enhanced platform offers a customizable system that lets businesses create branded customer experiences across WhatsApp, mobile apps, and the web. The service is supported by appropriate licensing across U.S. jurisdictions, incorporating required know your customers and anti-money laundering compliance measures. Companies gain access to one of the largest payout networks in Latin America, supporting cash pickups, home deliveries, and direct bank deposits. The solution also provides integrated payment services, merchant account management, chargeback support, and advanced anti-fraud tools. Additionally, partners benefit from 24/7 bilingual customer support, business insights, and ongoing strategic guidance.

    “Our partners don’t have to build everything from scratch,” Theodoro added. “Through a simple API, we provide the infrastructure, licenses, payout networks, and even the support teams they need. Whether you’re a fintech, an employer, or a loyalty platform, we’re ready to help businesses move money across borders.”

    Companies interested in partnering with Intermex can learn more at www.intermexonline.com/partner-with-us#/.

    About Intermex
    Founded in 1994, Intermex applies proprietary technology to facilitate money transfers from select locations including the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany to more than 60 countries, where available and subject to applicable regulations. The company facilitates digital money movement through its website and mobile app, as well as through a vast network of retail agents and company-operated stores. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Intermex also operates international offices in Puebla, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; London, England; and Madrid, Spain. Learn more at www.intermexonline.com.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Alex Sadowski
    Investor Relations Coordinator
    ir@intermexusa.com
    305-671-8000

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE — Intermex Launches a new Remittance-as-a-Service (RaaS) Platform to Help Businesses Simplify Cross-Border Payments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI) (“Intermex” or the “Company”), a leading money remittance provider to Latin America and the Caribbean, today announced the launch of its fully redesigned Remittance-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform. The upgraded service gives businesses a straightforward way to embed fast, secure cross-border money transfers into their own customer experiences.

    A growing number of companies – from innovative U.S. fintechs to well-established payment providers – are already harnessing Intermex’s Remittance-as-a-Service platform to unlock new cross-border revenue streams.

    Through Intermex’s RaaS platform, companies can introduce their own branded person-to-person and business-to-person payment services to eligible markets including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador, as well as select countries in Southeast Asia, the European Union, and Africa.

    “Businesses want to innovate and expand quickly, but hurdles like technology development, licensing, and regulatory compliance often slow them down,” said Marcelo Theodoro, Chief Digital, Product & Marketing Officer at Intermex. “Our RaaS platform helps remove those barriers, giving partners a turnkey solution built on decades of experience and one of the strongest payout networks in Latin America.”

    The enhanced platform offers a customizable system that lets businesses create branded customer experiences across WhatsApp, mobile apps, and the web. The service is supported by appropriate licensing across U.S. jurisdictions, incorporating required know your customers and anti-money laundering compliance measures. Companies gain access to one of the largest payout networks in Latin America, supporting cash pickups, home deliveries, and direct bank deposits. The solution also provides integrated payment services, merchant account management, chargeback support, and advanced anti-fraud tools. Additionally, partners benefit from 24/7 bilingual customer support, business insights, and ongoing strategic guidance.

    “Our partners don’t have to build everything from scratch,” Theodoro added. “Through a simple API, we provide the infrastructure, licenses, payout networks, and even the support teams they need. Whether you’re a fintech, an employer, or a loyalty platform, we’re ready to help businesses move money across borders.”

    Companies interested in partnering with Intermex can learn more at www.intermexonline.com/partner-with-us#/.

    About Intermex
    Founded in 1994, Intermex applies proprietary technology to facilitate money transfers from select locations including the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany to more than 60 countries, where available and subject to applicable regulations. The company facilitates digital money movement through its website and mobile app, as well as through a vast network of retail agents and company-operated stores. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Intermex also operates international offices in Puebla, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; London, England; and Madrid, Spain. Learn more at www.intermexonline.com.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Alex Sadowski
    Investor Relations Coordinator
    ir@intermexusa.com
    305-671-8000

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Surfshark partners up with MSI to grant more digital perks

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Surfshark, a cybersecurity company building the most beloved security products for everyone, announces a new partnership with MSI, a leader in gaming and high-performance computing solutions, to provide more digital perks to the members of the MSI Reward Program. Now, the program members can experience a free trial of Surfshark’s most popular VPN subscription plan. 

    “In today’s world, where digital footprints are constantly tracked and data breaches are on the rise, people more than ever seek tools that can help to reclaim digital privacy and strengthen online security. A VPN encrypts internet traffic and masks a person’s IP address, making it more secure to stay online. Therefore, this collaboration brings exciting opportunities for MSI users to enhance their online experience with Surfshark’s security and privacy,” says Justas Pukys, Sr. Product Manager at Surfshark.

    Members of the MSI Reward Program can redeem a free 1-month trial of Surfshark One with just 25 points. The MSI Reward Program is a loyalty platform where MSI users can earn points by registering products, completing tasks, or participating in events, and redeem those points for exclusive gifts, discounts, and digital perks, like Surfshark.

    “We understand how increasingly important online security is to our users,” says Vera Chen from MSI Partnership Alliance Marketing. “This partnership with Surfshark underlines our commitment not only to delivering high-performance hardware and innovation, but also to protecting user privacy and data. Whether gaming, creating content, or tackling demanding workloads, our users can now enjoy peace of mind knowing their internet experience is safeguarded by Surfshark’s leading VPN service.”

    Also, extra perks are provided for shoppers in Europe. Until July 22, 2025, customers who purchase selected items during the MSI summer sale on the MSI Official eShop can enjoy up to 30% off on selected products, and a one-month trial of Surfshark One included with selected MSI products. Special offers are provided for Germany, France, Spain, and Poland.

    For more information, read here.

    ABOUT SURFSHARK

    Surfshark is a cybersecurity company offering products including an audited VPN, certified antivirus, data leak warning system, private search engine, and tool for generating an online identity. Recognized as a leading VPN by CNET and TechRadar, Surfshark has also been featured on the FT1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies ranking. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Surfshark has offices in Lithuania and Poland. For information on Surfshark’s operations and highlights, read our Annual Wrap-up. For information about Surfshark’s previous independent verifications and certifications, visit our Trust Center.

    ABOUT MSI

    MSI (Micro-Star International) is a world leader in gaming, content creation, business & productivity, and AIoT solutions. Operating in over 120 countries, MSI is renowned for its high-quality laptops, desktops, graphics cards, motherboards, monitors, and more. Driven by innovation and a passion for technology, MSI is committed to delivering the best user experiences through cutting-edge R&D, intuitive design, and exceptional product quality. Discover more about MSI at msi.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Boralex will release its 2025 second quarter financial results on August 8, at 11 a.m.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boralex inc. (“Boralex” or the “Company”) (TSX: BLX) announces that the release of the 2025 second quarter results will take place on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11 a.m.

    Financial analysts and investors are invited to attend a conference call during which the financial results will be presented.

    Date and time

    Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. ET

    To attend the conference

    Webcast link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/ceviggr3

    To attend the event by phone: Click here to register for the earnings call. Once you have completed your registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing the link and your personal PIN to connect to the call. If you lose this link and your PIN, you will be able to register again. You must register if you wish to attend the call by phone.

    Media and other interested individuals are invited to listen to the conference and view the presentation which will be broadcasted live. A full replay will also be available on Boralex’s website until August 8, 2026.

    The financial information will be released through a press release and on Boralex’s website on August 8, 2025, at 7 a.m.

    About Boralex

    At Boralex, we have been providing affordable renewable energy accessible to everyone for over 30 years. As a leader in the Canadian market and France’s largest independent producer of onshore wind power, we also have facilities in the United States and development projects in the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, our installed capacity has increased by more than 50% to 3.2 GW. We are developing a portfolio of projects in development and construction of more than 8 GW in wind, solar and storage projects, guided by our values and our corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. Recognized as Best Corporate Citizen in Canada by Corporate Knights, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against global warming. Thanks to our fearlessness, discipline, expertise and diversity, we continue to be an industry leader. Boralex’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLX.

    For more information, visit boralex.com or sedarplus.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

    For more information

    MEDIA INVESTOR RELATIONS
    Camille Laventure
    Senior Advisor, Public Affairs and External Communications

    Boralex Inc.

    438-883-8580
    camille.laventure@boralex.com

    		 Stéphane Milot
    Vice President, Investor Relations and Financial Planning and Analysis

    Boralex Inc.

    514-213-1045
    stephane.milot@boralex.com
       

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recovered appeal: land to the south of Longfield Avenue, Fareham (ref: 3347627 – 8 July 2025)

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Recovered appeal: land to the south of Longfield Avenue, Fareham (ref: 3347627 – 8 July 2025)

    Decision letter and Inspector’s Report for a recovered appeal.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Recovered appeal: land to the south of Longfield Avenue, Fareham (ref: 3347627 – 8 July 2025)

    PDF, 1.99 MB, 161 pages

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

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

    Details

    Decision letter and Inspector’s Report for a recovered appeal for outline planning permission for:

    • up to 1,200 new homes (C3)
    • 80 bed care homes (C2)
    • a new 2 form entry primary school (D1)
    • a local centre to comprise flexible commercial floorspace (A1, A2, A3 and A5 up to 800 square metres), and Community Centre and Health Care Facility (D1 use up to 700 square metres)
    • the formation of new means of access onto Longfield Avenue and Peak Lane
    • new open space including the laying out of a new country park and sports facilities
    • drainage infrastructure
    • walking and cycling infrastructure and other associated infrastructure works

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mini-exhibition aiming to create buzz around value of meadows

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Through funding from the UK Government Prosperity Fund, Tayside Biodiversity Partnership commissioned Edinburgh-based environmental artist Natalie Taylor to create a new work raising awareness about the importance of nurturing wildflower meadows.  

    Workwear for Pollinators is a small but striking collection of re-imagined workwear designed to be worn while tending meadows and inspired by the pollinators who depend on them. This collection reimagines garments as tools for ecological care—functional pieces created for those restoring biodiversity one wildflower at a time. Drawing direct inspiration from nature’s own palette, the designs bloom with vibrant wildflowers, soft grasses, and the delicate shapes of rarely seen insect species. 

    The apron and boilersuit were created in collaboration with Auchterarder Churches Together Craft Group, Parkdale Care Home, New Rannoch Day Centre and participants at The Workshop in Perth, and feature contact prints of Scottish wildflowers gathered in Summer 2024, and lifesize handmade pollinators – knitted bees and printed butterflies, dragonflies and moths. 

    The exhibition launched at Auchterarder Library on Saturday 5 July (UK National Meadows Day) and is on display there until Wednesday 9 July, then touring to the AK Bell Library in Perth between Thursday 10 and Friday 18 July, and Blairgowrie Library from 18 July to Friday 1 August. The AK Bell Library will also host a free Pollinator Patch drop-in workshop on 10 July from 1pm to 3pm where participants can create their own pollinator critters. For more information, visit the Culture Perth and Kinross website at: https://www.culturepk.org.uk/event/mini-craft-session-woolly-meadow-critters/. 

    Climate Change & Sustainability Convener, Councillor Richard Watters said: “Appropriately opened on UK National Meadows Day, this exhibition reflects the importance of redeveloping our native meadows for the local environment and biodiversity.  

    “The project has been a real community effort with local groups working alongside the artist Natalie Taylor to create the workwear and I hope it and the allied events will encourage increased awareness of habitat loss and how we can all play our part to change this.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Leadership Transition at WorldTrips

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —
    Tokio Marine HCC, based in Houston, Texas, today announced a key leadership transition, effective July 1, 2025, at its travel-focused subsidiary, WorldTrips, a leading provider of travel insurance located in Carmel, Indiana.

    After years of dedicated service and transformational leadership, Mark Carney will transition from his role as CEO of WorldTrips to become its Chairman, where he will continue to shape the company’s strategic direction and support long-term growth initiatives.

    At the same time, Philip Hsia has been appointed CEO of WorldTrips. A proven leader with deep global experience, Hsia has led Tokio Marine HCC’s Global Travel Group, including oversight responsibility of WorldTrips, since 2018. He has been an integral part of the organization’s success and is well-positioned to lead the company through its next phase of innovation and expansion.

    Susan Rivera, Tokio Marine HCC’s CEO, shared the following statement:

    “Mark’s leadership has been foundational to the growth and resilience of WorldTrips. Under his guidance, the company navigated unprecedented challenges, including the global pandemic, and recently completed launching our Cayman Islands insurance operation, positioning WorldTrips for greater flexibility and future scalability.

    I am deeply grateful for Mark’s continued commitment in his new role as Chairman. His focus on long-term strategy and leadership development will remain a vital part of WorldTrips’ ongoing success.

    I’m equally excited to welcome Philip Hsia as the next CEO of WorldTrips. Phil brings proven strategic and managerial expertise with a global perspective. He has our full confidence and support as he steps into this role.”

    The transition follows a strategic succession planning process initiated earlier this year. With the foundation in place, including a broadened product portfolio and enhanced operational agility, WorldTrips is primed to accelerate its mission of helping travelers explore the world with confidence.

    “WorldTrips is entering an exciting new chapter,” added Rivera. “With Mark and Phil in their new roles, I am confident the company will continue to lead with purpose, innovation and a deep commitment to serving customers around the globe.”

    About Tokio Marine HCC
    Tokio Marine HCC is a member of the Tokio Marine Group, a premier global company founded in 1879 with a market capitalization of $74 billion as of March 31, 2025. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Tokio Marine HCC is a leading specialty insurance group with offices in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. Tokio Marine HCC’s major domestic insurance companies have financial strength ratings of ‘A+’ (Strong) from S&P Global Ratings, ‘A++’ (Superior) from AM Best, and ‘AA-’ (Very Strong) from Fitch Ratings; its major international insurance companies have financial strength ratings of ‘A+’ (Strong) from S&P Global Ratings. Tokio Marine HCC is the marketing name used to describe the affiliated companies under the common ownership of HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc., a Delaware-incorporated insurance holding company. For more information about Tokio Marine HCC, please visit www.tokiomarinehcc.com.

    About WorldTrips
    WorldTrips, located in Carmel, Indiana, is a full-service organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of travel medical and trip protection insurance products designed to address the insurance needs of travelers worldwide. WorldTrips is a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. For more information about WorldTrips, please visit WorldTrips.com.

    In the State of California, operating as WorldTrips Insurance Services. California Non-Resident Producer License Number: 0G39705.

    Contact: Doug Busker, Vice President – Public Relations
      Tokio Marine HCC
      713-996-1192

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Partners welcome Haxby Station announcement

    Source: City of York

    Work to build a new station at Haxby has taken a major step forward after funding was confirmed by the Department for Transport.

    Working in partnership with Network Rail and the Department for Transport (DfT), City of York Council have been striving to fulfil a decades-long ambition to bring a railway station back to Haxby.

    The original Haxby Station closed in 1930 and project partners are progressing plans to bring a station back to the area, reconnecting neighbourhoods in the north of York to the rail network, increasing sustainable travel options and improving connections to towns and cities across the country.

    The scheme was included in Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail – submitted to the Government in May – after the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, identified it as a key priority for the region’s rail network in order to improve journeys and drive growth.

    A planning application was submitted in 2024, with images showing what the station could look like in the future, with a fully accessible footbridge with lifts and steps connecting the two platforms, bike shelters, a 154-space car park (including EV charging), taxi rank and a bus stop. Shared-use paths will connect the station to residential areas of Haxby for those travelling to the station as pedestrians or by cycle.

    Partners on the project have welcomed the news:

    Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council said:

    “We welcome today’s significant investment in York and our wider region.

    We’ve been working hard to secure the funding for Haxby Station that will allow this important project to get started. We’ve been working with Network Rail and a range of other partners, the council itself has committed £4m to the project to help make the ambition of the new station a reality.

    “Haxby hasn’t had a station since the 1930’s and bringing one back has the potential to be an economic game changer for the north of our city and other places on this important line, like Scarborough. The new station will help people commute to work and school or have a day out in one of the many places on the TransPennine route and beyond. All while travelling sustainably.

    “With more homes being built across the city, this station is needed more than ever. It will take some pressure off the Outer Ring Road and reduce car journeys from the area into the city centre, helping to ease congestion on our roads, making it easier for everyone to get around.

    “The project still needs planning approval and we are following that process through, but this funding certainty is a welcome step forward for a project long in the making.”

    Chris Wright, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said:

    This is an important milestone for the Haxby station project, which will reconnect the local community to the rail network for the first time in almost a century.

    “The new station will provide better connections across the region and beyond, supporting sustainable travel options for local residents and visitors alike. We look forward to continuing our close partnership with all stakeholders as we progress through the planning process and work towards making this long-awaited station a reality.”

    The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, said:

    Not only will residents benefit from a new station, faster journeys and better connections, Haxby Station will unlock opportunities for new homes and economic growth along the entire York to Scarborough corridor.

    “The scheme was one of our key priorities in the Yorkshire Plan for Rail we submitted to Government in May. This investment is clear recognition of the potential of the new station to drive growth and ease congestion by offering a new option for travel.

    “Once complete, 20,000 people will live within 3km of the station, benefiting from better access to jobs and opportunities.

    “I’m looking forward to working with the Government, City of York Council and Network Rail to ensure Haxby Station becomes part of an accessible, connected transport network serving York and North Yorkshire.”

    The planning application is in the planning process and is subject to a planning decision.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City awarded over £1.8m for new PlayZones programme

    Source: City of Leicester

    NINE community multi-sports mini pitches are to be developed in neighbourhoods across Leicester thanks to a £1.8 million funding award.

    The city council has successfully bid for nine grants – totalling £1,858,066 – from the Football Foundation’s national PlayZones Programme.

    PlayZones are safe, inclusive and accessible outdoor facilities that aim to bring communities together through recreational football and other sports.

    The cash will be used to create four new outdoor mini pitches and refurbish five existing ball courts at sites across the city.

    The locations for the four new PlayZones will be Elston Fields, in the Saffron area; Hamilton Park; Mowmacre and Sharmon Crescent Play Park, in Braunstone Frith.

    Existing ball courts will be refurbished at Atlas Close, in Highfields; Armadale Drive, in Netherhall; Cossington recreation Ground, in Belgrave; Eyres Monsell; and Spinney Hill Park.

    All nine of the new PlayZones will be able to be booked for free using The ClubSpark online system, and will have timed floodlighting and secure gates, to help manage access.

    Following installation, the new PlayZones will all offer a programme of structured activities led by professional sports clubs and local community groups.

    Cllr Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for health and culture, said: “This new funding from the Football Foundation will help us to deliver valuable improvements to nine local communities.

    “Each of the areas have been selected due to a lack of high-quality sports facilities in the community which can create a barrier to physical activity.

    “The new PlayZones will help address that, offering safe and secure ball courts where the community can meet for recreational football and other activities, and enjoy a programme of events and training delivered by local sports clubs and other organisations.”

    All the new PlayZones are being designed following consultation with the local community.

    The Eyres Monsell PlayZone will be the first to be completed and is due to open to the public later this summer.

    Using investment from the Premier League, the FA and the Government through Sport England, the Football Foundation’s PlayZones Programme aims to engage with local communities across the country to create outstanding sports and activity spaces and tackle inequalities in participation.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Bulgaria ready to use the euro from 1 January 2026

    Source: European Union 2

    The EU has given the final green light for Bulgaria to introduce the euro on 1 January 2026. Joining the euro area will bring tangible benefits to Bulgarian citizens and businesses: no more currency exchange costs, increased price transparency, easier cross-border payments and access to finance.

    MIL OSI Europe News –