NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Planning department’s designated status is lifted following major improvement

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    St Albans City and District Council’s planning department has had its designated status lifted by the Government after a dramatic improvement in performance.

    The Council was designated in March last year because it was not processing enough planning applications for non-major developments within a set time. 

    Applications were being decided within the recommended period on 68.2% of occasions – slightly below the 70% threshold required to avoid a designation notice.

    The Council responded with a review of the service, the production of an action plan and the introduction of new software.

    As a result, the on-time application rate has soared to 84.9% and the designation status removed by the Housing and Planning Minister.

    Councillor Jacqui Taylor, Vice-Chair of the Planning Policy and Climate Committee, said:

    I am delighted that we have been de-designated.

    It is the result of a great deal of hard work by our planning officers to improve our performance and we have surpassed the threshold by an impressive margin.

    This significant and sustained improvement is the result of giving our planners the tools to do their job more efficiently and effectively.

    We will now continue to provide a first-class service for our residents and businesses in the years to come.

    Non-major developments include applications by householders, for change of use or minor applications. 

    The latter are applications for up to nine homes or on a site less than half a hectare. For commercial projects, it is for floor space less than 1,000 square metres or a site area less than one hectare.

    Contact for the media: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, 01727 819533, john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Eat the Island fuels business opportunities for local producers

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Organised by Portsmouth City Council in partnership with Hampshire Fare, the Queens Hotel, and Portsmouth Distillery, Eat the Island marked the official launch of the Southsea Food Festival. The event offered a unique platform for producers, retailers, and hospitality venues to explore new partnerships and strengthen the local supply chain.

    Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibilities for economic development, said:

    “Eat the Island is creating real momentum for Portsmouth’s food and drink businesses. We’re seeing more venues sourcing locally and producers expanding their reach both within the city and beyond. Events like this are key to building a resilient, connected local economy.

    ”It was inspiring to speak to so many thriving local businesses at the event, and also encourage them to think of any products they might want to produce next year to mark Portsmouth’s 100-year anniversary as a city in 2026.”

    Attendees enjoyed product showcases from local producers, alongside opportunities to network and share ideas. The event also featured short talks highlighting success stories and practical insights into sourcing local.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement on referendum campaign venue booking cancellation

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Plymouth City Council has taken the decision to cancel a venue booking made by a campaign group advocating for a Directly Elected Mayor, which was intended for a public information meeting.

    It is important to note that the legislation for referendums is very different to an election. The decision to cancel the booking was made in accordance with the legal obligations placed on the Council under the Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2012 and the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity (2011). These regulations strictly limit the role of the Council in the period leading up to a referendum, particularly in relation to the use of Council resources.

    Under Regulation 4 of the Referendum Regulations, the Council must not support or appear to support any campaign or position. The Code of Practice further advises that local authorities should not issue or facilitate any publicity that could be seen as seeking to influence voters, this includes suspending the hosting of material produced by third parties, or closing public forums. This means that Council owned and controlled premises must not be used for Campaign meetings of any kind.

    While we fully support open democratic debate, the use of Council venues for campaign-related events—particularly those promoting a specific outcome—could be perceived as a breach of these impartiality requirements. Bookings for closed, private meetings or office based meetings are not impacted by the legislation.

    To maintain the integrity of the referendum process and ensure a level playing field for all parties, the Council must act with strict neutrality. We appreciate the understanding of all campaign groups and members of the public as we uphold these important legal and ethical standards.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government publishes response to Arcadis report on PFAS12 June 2025 The Government of Jersey has published its full response to the Arcadis Hydrogeological Risk Assessment Report on the current state of PFAS in surface water and groundwater around Jersey airport. The… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    12 June 2025

    The Government of Jersey has published its full response to the Arcadis Hydrogeological Risk Assessment Report on the current state of PFAS in surface water and groundwater around Jersey airport. 

    The Minister for the Environment fully accepts the majority of the report’s recommendations and has already begun implementing key actions: 

    • A steering group has been set up which brings together the Government, Ports of Jersey, and Jersey Water to develop a coordinated remediation strategy that includes immediate, medium-, and long-term options 
    • Further testing of water, soil, and outfalls is underway to address gaps in knowledge 
    • Additional monitoring will take place this summer to track the movement of PFAS from and around the airport site 
    • Officers have identified properties drawing water from boreholes within the updated plume area and are providing direct environmental health advice and support to affected households. Testing of private supplies is already taking place 
    • Arcadis has also been asked to present its findings to the Independent PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel and support them with their upcoming report on PFAS in the Environment (Report 4). 

    The independent report by Arcadis, a world leading environmental consultancy, assessed PFAS across the St Ouen’s Bay and Upper Pont Marquet areas, and found that the extent of affected groundwater near the airport (the “plume area”) is larger than previously understood. 

    There is no immediate risk to the health of the broader population, as Jersey Water do not draw water from these impacted catchment areas for public water supply. 

    The report evaluates and shortlists a wide range of remediation options for the affected soil, groundwater and surface water. 

    The Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, said: “This independent report gives us the clearest picture yet of PFAS in groundwater and surface water around the airport. 

    “I have fully accepted the majority of the report’s recommendations and decisive action is already underway. If necessary, I am prepared to use regulatory powers to ensure progress is made at the pace we need to protect our environment and public health. 

    “I want to reassure Islanders that there is no immediate risk to public health. Our public water supply continues to meet EU and UK standards for PFAS levels, and Jersey Water has already taken steps to avoid drawing from impacted sources.” 

    Deputy Luce will be hosting a public meeting at 6 pm on Wednesday 18 June to hear Islanders’ views and answer questions.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Elland Road Neighbourhood: Council’s proposals to attract multi-billion investment in new homes and leisure opportunities

    Source: City of Leeds

    Leeds City Council has launched a consultation on refreshed planning guidance for the future regeneration of land surrounding the Elland Road football stadium, which could deliver a multi-billion pound boost to the city’s economy including potentially up to 2,000 new homes along with major leisure and commercial opportunities.

    The council is consulting on the ‘Elland Road 2025 Informal Planning Statement’, a document which will guide the future regeneration of around 30 acres of land surrounding the football stadium which is principally owned by the council.

    If the refreshed guidance is agreed, the land could be transformed with the potential for as many as 2,000 new homes alongside high quality public realm and facilities which are integrated with the surrounding existing communities.

    The draft document outlines other uses that could be acceptable including major new leisure opportunities such as a community sports arena, hotel accommodation, and workspaces, following the internationally-recognised trend of using sport and football stadiums as a major catalyst for regeneration and investment. There is also the potential for educational facilities linked to sport, health and wellbeing.

    The proposals outline the future relocation of the temporary park and ride currently at the site and how, subject to demand being evidenced, one or more multi-storey car parks could be permitted.

    The land has been allocated for development for a number of years. The previous guidance for the land was adopted in 2007. The refreshed vision and ambitions reflect changes and developments in the local area, including Leeds United’s proposed stadium expansion, and also across the economy and wider city.

    Deputy Leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, Councillor Jonathan Pryor, said: “Our proposals for Elland Road represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity of national significance to create a new neighbourhood, carefully integrated within South Leeds, which will deliver new homes, create jobs and provide major leisure opportunities, along with community and educational facilities that will benefit new and existing communities.

    “Delivering a new neighbourhood of this size and scale will provide a further boost to our city’s ever-growing economy, accommodating the continuing demand for residential and commercial development across the city, at one of our most strategically significant gateway sites which has been earmarked for development for many years.

    “With recent momentum such as the stadium expansion progressing, and many changes in Leeds since we first adopted planning guidance over 17 years ago, it is right that we take the opportunity to refresh the vision for this area. We strongly encourage residents, businesses and any interested party to participate in the consultation to help shape the updated proposals.”

    The site has been utilised as a temporary park and ride and is used for matchday car parking as a meanwhile use pending redevelopment proposals. The proposals outline how the park and ride facility could be relocated, alongside also potentially allowing one or more multi-storey car parks to be built on the land subject to demand being demonstrated. These could serve the local community and visitors to the area on matchdays and non-matchdays.

    Development of the site would take up to 20 years from start on-site to completion, and changes to parking provision would be phased and carefully considered to ensure the local highway network can function on matchdays and avoiding any adverse impact on neighbouring communities.

    The council will be writing to local residents shortly to understand what their experiences are regarding parking issues in their area and whether some parking restrictions could be introduced to help address any local concerns.

    Alongside phased changes to car parking provision, the proposals also highlight how the council will improve connectivity between Elland Road and the city so improvements to walking and cycling routes make it easier and more attractive for people to choose active and sustainable methods of travel.

    The council has published its proposals online at https://ellandroadneighbourhood.commonplace.is/ as part of a consultation where residents, businesses and stakeholders can find out more information and provide feedback.

    There will also be a series of community events where people can view the proposals and discuss them with council officers.

    Following consultation, feedback would be considered when finalising the proposals. It would be the intention for the document to be adopted by the council’s executive board at a future meeting.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £2.5 billion for world-first prototype fusion energy plant

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    News story

    £2.5 billion for world-first prototype fusion energy plant

    The record funding announced this week shows the UK government’s firm commitment to clean, sustainable energy in Nottinghamshire.

    STEP Tokamak with burning plasma, front view. Image credit: UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd.

    A record £2.5 billion of additional funding has been announced this week by the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, to support the development of the world’s first fusion power plant.

    The new prototype plant, known as STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) will be built at the site of the former West Burton A coal power station near Retford and Gainsborough. The site was chosen by the government in 2022 as the location for the project, with the project’s delivery expected to create over 10,000 jobs ranging from construction to operations. The announcement shows the government’s firm commitment to becoming a “clean energy superpower” by turbocharging innovation in an area that’s produced conventional power for generations.

    A groundbreaking and world-first scientific endeavour, STEP works by combining hydrogen gases, deuterium and tritium, which are heated to over 150 million degrees Celsius and confined within a powerful magnetic field. The energy produced can then be used to create steam, to turn a turbine, generating electricity – just like in any conventional power plant.

    Paul Methven CB, CEO of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions, the body responsible for delivering the STEP prototype fusion energy power plant, warmly welcomed the additional funding and said:

    The UK is the world leader in fusion energy research today, and STEP is the beacon programme that aims to take fusion from research to commercial success, generating high quality jobs, multiple spin offs and boosting the economy nationally and in the East Midlands where we will build the first plant.

    Securing a global lead in such a vital new technology requires bold action; the government has rightly been bold today and we look forward to delivering the practical steps that will realise the vision of the UK leading in this exciting new sector.

    The end of coal power in Nottinghamshire was marked by the closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station in late 2024. With the creation of STEP in West Burton, Nottinghamshire’s “Megawatt Valley” will continue to be at the heart of the UK’s energy production – whilst leading the world in creating the green, sustainable energy of the future.

    The record-breaking £2.5 billion of additional funding announced this week shows the government’s firm commitment to fusion as a core part of our future energy mix, and to this significant investment in the economy in Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands.

    During a recent visit to the UK’s Fusion Research Campus at Culham, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband commented:

    After scientists first theorised over 70 years ago that it could be possible, we are now within grasping distance of unlocking the power of the sun and providing families with secure, clean, unlimited energy.

    Notes to Editors

    UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Group, responsible for the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme to deliver the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant.  

    Targeting first operations in 2040, UKIFS will lead STEP’s integrated delivery team to design and build the prototype fusion energy plant at West Burton, a former coal-fired power station site in Nottinghamshire.

    To sign-up for updates about STEP, visit: step.ukaea.uk or follow our social channels @STEPtoFusion.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NPT Safeguards Agreement with Iran: Resolution to the IAEA Board of Governors, June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    NPT Safeguards Agreement with Iran: Resolution to the IAEA Board of Governors, June 2025

    France, Germany, the UK and United States (the Quad) delivered a joint statement to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board meeting introducing a resolution on Iran’s Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Safeguards Agreement.

    Thank you, Chair.

    On behalf of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, we express our sincere gratitude to Director General Grossi and to his team for their patient and exhaustive efforts to verify Iran’s implementation of its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement required under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and to clarify the critical safeguards issues that have been outstanding for more than six years. Unfortunately, as a result of Iran’s long-time failure to cooperate in resolving these issues, the Agency is not able to provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful.

    Since 2019, Iran has had every opportunity to provide the required, technically credible explanations in response to the IAEA’s questions, which relate to Iran’s core legal obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. Regrettably, though, Iran has again refused to engage constructively with the IAEA to provide such explanations, despite multiple requests by the Board to do so since 2020.

    Now, at this Board’s request, Director General Grossi has produced a comprehensive and updated assessment of the possible presence or use of undeclared nuclear material in connection with past and present outstanding issues regarding Iran’s nuclear program, addressing the Agency’s ability to verify Iran’s implementation of its safeguards obligations.

    The Director General’s report speaks for itself in describing the full extent of the outstanding safeguards issues in Iran, their connection with Iran’s past nuclear activities, and Iran’s extensive record of obstruction, concealment, deception, and obfuscation in its approach to the work of the IAEA and the implementation of its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.

    The report makes clear that:

    Iran has refused to declare nuclear material and nuclear-related activities at three undeclared locations in Iran.

    Until the early 2000s, those locations and possibly others formed part of Iran’s undeclared structured nuclear program.

    Iran retained, at Turquzabad, up until 2018, unknown nuclear material and/or heavily contaminated equipment and other assets arising from various locations, the whereabouts of which remain unknown to the Agency.

    These locations, as well as several others, were sanitized through various means, including the wholesale demolition of buildings, at key times in the IAEA’s investigation and despite direct requests by the Agency to preserve them.

    In addition, the Director General’s report underscores that:

    Iran is the only country that is not meeting its obligations related to the implementation of the modified Code 3.1, which it accepted in 2003, even as Iran talks openly about constructing new nuclear facilities. As the Agency has recalled multiple times, the modified Code 3.1 is a legal obligation for Iran under the Subsidiary Arrangements to its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. Iran cannot unilaterally modify or suspend implementation of these Subsidiary Arrangements.

    Iran is the only State in the world without nuclear weapons that is producing and accumulating uranium enriched to 60%, which has potential proliferation implications.

    There have been repeated statements by former high-level officials in Iran related to Iran having the capability to manufacture nuclear weapons, which continue to provide concerns.

    The report’s overall assessment is alarming: as a result of Iran’s failure to cooperate with the IAEA, the Director General cannot rule out that nuclear material remains unaccounted for and outside of safeguards in Iran today and he cannot provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful. These serious findings should give all of us pause.

    Chair,

    Given the issues reported by the Director General and Iran’s ongoing failure to cooperate with the IAEA, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and United States are bringing forward a resolution for the Board’s consideration finding Iran in noncompliance with its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. Our resolution contains the following main points:

    First, it expresses continued, strong support for the Agency’s professional and impartial efforts in carrying out its mandate to verify the implementation of Iran’s safeguards obligations.

    Second, it deeply regrets that Iran has failed to co-operate fully with the Agency, as required by its safeguards agreement.

    Third, it finds Iran in non-compliance with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement with the Agency in the context of Article XII.C of the Agency’s Statute.

    Fourth, it also finds that the Director General’s inability to provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful gives rise to questions that are within the competence of the United Nations Security Council, as the organ bearing the main responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, consistent with Article III.B.4 of the Agency’s Statute.

    Fifth, it calls upon Iran to urgently remedy its non-compliance with its Safeguards Agreement by taking all steps deemed necessary by the Agency and the Board, and reaffirms its decision that Iran must urgently act to ensure verification of the non-diversion of nuclear material and abide by its legal obligation to implement modified Code 3.1.

    Chair,

    The resolution defers the timing and content of the report that the Board is required to take pursuant to the IAEA Statute. We hope that Iran takes this final opportunity to provide full and immediate cooperation with the IAEA so that the Director General can report that these matters have been clarified and resolved, and so that the Board can swiftly consider action to find that Iran’s non-compliance has been remedied.

    We do not take this step lightly. The Board of Governors has given Iran every opportunity over the past six years to resolve questions related to undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran. We firmly believe that all IAEA Member States must work together to uphold the integrity of the IAEA safeguards system and the broader nuclear nonproliferation regime, and this shared responsibility includes holding states accountable to their obligations under their NPT-required safeguards agreements. Simply put: the facts are clear, the legal basis is ironclad, and the action is long overdue. That is why we strongly urge all Board members to support this important resolution.

    We understand there are questions about how this resolution may impact separate, ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran. The IAEA Statute is clear on the Board’s authority to act and find non-compliance when a state is not complying with its obligations under its safeguards agreement. Iran’s legally binding obligation to implement its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement cannot be subject to separate political considerations. This resolution will not undermine diplomatic efforts with Iran – it will only strengthen them. It underscores the importance of Iran’s full cooperation with the IAEA, and its full implementation of its legal safeguards obligations, as the necessary foundation for any enduring agreement that addresses international concerns related to Iran’s nuclear activities. The Director General’s comprehensive report echoes this essential point.

    We also regret that Iran, instead of providing the full cooperation required by its safeguards agreement, has continued to threaten escalation and confrontation. However, let us be clear: this resolution is not an act of escalation by the Board; it is an acknowledgement of the legal and factual reality of Iran’s noncompliance with its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement after many years of concerted effort by the Director General and the Secretariat to resolve fundamental questions related to undeclared nuclear materials and activities in Iran. It is not the Board that is forcing this step on Iran, but Iran who is forcing this step on the Board.

    Chair,

    The Board cannot be intimidated into inaction by Iran’s threats. A failure to act would only embolden Iran’s continued non-cooperation and escalation. Iran has an opportunity it can and should seize – an opportunity to cooperate meaningfully with the IAEA to finally answer the serious and longstanding questions raised by the Director General.

    With these thoughts, we encourage all members of this Board to join us today in upholding the nonproliferation regime.

    Thank you, Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Environment Secretary leads a new push with business to restore nature

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Environment Secretary leads a new push with business to restore nature

    • Environment Secretary Steve Reed has brought business leaders and investors together to scale up private investment in nature

    Woods and fields

    • Government launches Call for Evidence on boosting private sector investment in nature recovery, delivering a key recommendation of the Corry Review. 

    • Action supports the Government’s aims to secure long-term economic growth and environmental health as part of the Plan for Change. 

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed champions private investment in nature recovery as the government launches a new call for evidence (12 June).

    Speaking to leading figures from financial institutions, property, retail and sustainability sectors at a roundtable event in London, the Environment Secretary emphasised the importance of fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors to support economic growth while powering nature recovery. 

    Businesses across the UK, whether in food and agriculture, construction, finance, or retail, rely on a healthy natural environment to operate, grow and innovate.

    Whether powering our industries, safeguarding our food security or protecting public health, over half of global GDP is highly or moderately dependent upon nature. England’s natural capital is valued at £1.4 trillion and generates over £35 billion worth of economic benefits annually excluding oil and gas, more than any single manufacturing sector.  

    That is why more private sector investment in nature recovery is vital. To help deliver that increased investment a new government Call for Evidence has launched today seeking ideas from business and investors – delivering a key recommendation of the Corry Review and the commitments made in the Land Use Framework consultation.

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: 

    “Nature is essential to strong and sustained economic growth, which is this Government’s highest priority. 

    “Private investment will help us to protect and restore our natural environment while creating new economic opportunities as part of the Plan for Change.

    “This is an exciting opportunity to hear from businesses, investors, and other stakeholders on how we can work together to increase investment in nature.”

    Dr Rhian-Mari Thomas, OBE, CEO of the Green Finance Institute, said:

    “Unlocking the billions needed for UK nature restoration hinges on effective revenue models. UK businesses, as buyers of environmental outcomes, are crucial in creating those revenue models, and we’re looking forward to supporting Defra in better understanding how we can encourage and support business engagement.”

    Andrew Walton, Chief Sustainability Officer, Lloyds Banking Group said:

    “As the UK’s largest infrastructure finance provider, we know how blended finance can help deliver a step change in private investment to drive sustainable growth. We welcome the Government’s ambition on nature markets and the opportunity to establish the UK as a global leader in this important area. Robust standards, reliable data and long-term policy direction are key to building confidence in the investment case for nature and can place it at the heart of UK growth.”

    The roundtable, hosted by Lloyds Banking Group and led in partnership with the Green Finance Institute (GFI), brought together leaders from across finance and business, including leaders from Aviva Investors, Barclays, Barratt Homes and more. 

    Defra will partner with the GFI to engage businesses on the call for evidence and wider nature finance priorities –alongside ongoing work with UK businesses to implement the recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).

    Promoting investment opportunities in nature creates opportunities for business growth across multiple sectors, including farmers looking to diversify their revenues, agri-food businesses securing supply chain resilience, insurers and water companies reducing costs from floods, droughts, and pollution, developers managing climate and environmental risks to new homes and infrastructure, as well as growth in the tourism and recreational sectors.

    The meeting also discussed the next steps for the Big Nature Impact Fund, the Defra-backed public-private blended impact fund for nature. Finance Earth will act as sole fund manager and will begin fund-raising soon. The Fund will invest in woodland creation, peatland restoration and other habitat creation projects that aim to maximise social and environmental impact by funding the right activity in the right place.

    The Call for Evidence will be open for responses until 10 August 2025.  

    ENDS 

    Notes to Editors: 

    ·         For more information on the Call for Evidence, visit:  

    ·         In March, The British Standards Institution launched the Government-backed Nature Investment Standards, which will help nature-friendly investments across the UK to grow by building confidence among investors: New world-leading nature finance standards launched to encourage green investment – GOV.UK 

    ·         In April, the Government launched a consultation on how to raise the integrity of Voluntary Carbon and Nature Markets, which is open for responses until 10th July: Voluntary carbon and nature markets: raising integrity – consultation document (accessible webpage) – GOV.UK

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Oceans 28 states have signed the Global Ocean Treaty into law while the UK is failing to get onboard The European Commission and six EU countries, Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal and Slovenia, have today submitted their ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty at the United Nations headquarters. Despite… by Alexandra Sedgwick May 28, 2025

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    The European Commission and six EU countries, Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal and Slovenia, have today submitted their ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty at the United Nations headquarters. Despite repeated promises to sign the Treaty into UK law, the UK government is failing to get onboard. 

    Greenpeace is warning that, while the progress from other European countries is welcome, it is nowhere near enough to ensure the treaty enters into force in 2025, and in time to meet the goal of protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030 – agreed by all governments in 2022[1]. 

    The UK was among the first countries to sign the Global Ocean Treaty on 20 September 2023, indicating its intention to pass the Treaty into UK law. The current Labour government has repeatedly said it intends to ratify the Treaty, but has so far failed to introduce the necessary primary legislation to do so or to commit to a timeline. This has prompted calls from the International Development Committee and environmental groups to begin the legislative process urgently. Responsibility for this process lies with Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

    Chris Thorne, Greenpeace UK senior ocean campaigner, said:

    “David Lammy wants the UK to be a leader on climate and nature, so he can’t afford to miss the boat on signing the Global Ocean Treaty into UK law. The Treaty can help to protect a third of our blue planet from threats like industrial fishing. As international action on ocean protection accelerates, the UK risks turning up empty handed at a key UN conference next month. Lammy must stop failing the ocean which all life on Earth depends on, prioritise ocean protection and urgently secure parliamentary time for the UK to join other European countries in signing the Treaty into law. We hear legislation has been drafted and is ready to go, it just needs pushing over the line.”

    The Global Ocean Treaty requires ratification by 60 states to enter into force. Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal and Slovenia have joined the 22 other states that have already deposited their ratification at the UN, making a total of 28 so far, nearly half of the 60 required. Governments had aimed to ratify the Treaty by June’s UN Ocean Conference to ensure that it enters into force quickly enough to protect 30% of the oceans by 2030. This Treaty is the only legal tool which can deliver this target on the high seas[2].

    Lukas Meus, Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe ocean campaigner, said:
    “It gives us hope to see such a large group of European countries ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty, but it’s still not enough. Governments had targeted the UN Ocean Conference as their deadline to ratify the Treaty, but even with this group of countries, that target is set to be missed. More countries must ratify the Treaty at the UN Ocean Conference, and should also confirm their support for a global moratorium on deep sea mining. Only then could we call this conference a success.”

    The UN Ocean Conference is the first high-level meeting after a deep sea mining company submitted the first-ever application to mine the deep sea to the US Government, bypassing the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the regulatory body set up by the United Nations to protect the deep sea as the common heritage of humankind and decide whether deep sea mining can start in the international seabed[3].

    With this new looming threat of exploitation, countries must make it clear that deep sea mining must not be allowed to start in 2025 and actively work towards securing a moratorium at the upcoming meeting of the International Seabed Authority in July, just weeks after the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC). 

    Greenpeace UK is calling on the UK government to:

    • Prioritise ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty by making time in the parliamentary schedule ahead of UNOC
    • Speak out in favour of a global moratorium on deep sea mining and use diplomatic influence to build support for this and the multilateral system
    • Implement a full ban on all forms of destructive fishing, including bottom trawling, in all UK marine protected areas
    • Work with the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda and other nations to champion one of the world’s first high seas sanctuaries in the Sargasso Sea. This stunning ecosystem supports a plethora of iconic wildlife including humpback whales, dolphins and sea turtles

    Ends

    Contact

    Alexandra Sedgwick, Greenpeace UK press officer, alexandra.sedgwick@greenpeace.org, 07739 963 301

    Notes to editors

    [1] Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal and Slovenia have joined Palau, Chile, Belize, Seychelles, Monaco, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia, Cuba, Maldives, Singapore, Bangladesh, Barbados, Timor Leste, Panama, St. Lucia, Spain, France, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Republic of Korea and Costa Rica.

    [2] In 2022, during the UN Biodiversity COP15, states agreed on a target of protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030, a figure supported by scientists for several years. 2.7% of the global ocean is currently fully or highly protected from human activities, and the figure is just 0.9% for areas of the high seas, which are beyond national jurisdiction. Greenpeace calculates that at the current rate of protection, the 30% target will not be reached until 2107.

    [3] In a media statement, the European Commission has said that it “deeply regrets” the US president’s Executive Order that “circumvents” the negotiations in the ISA, and that “it is crucial to recall that its provisions reflect customary international law and are thus binding on all states irrespective of whether they have acceded to the Convention or not.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace Indonesia calls for stronger civil collaborations as government ratifies Global Ocean Treaty

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Nice/Jakarta, June 11, 2025 – Greenpeace Indonesia welcomes the Indonesian government decision to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty, also known as Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). The decision was announced by Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono in Nice, France, on June 10, during the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) [1].

    Moving forward, Greenpeace Indonesia urges the government to strengthen its leadership to increasingly mainstream a human rights-based approach in all protection and management efforts for the sustainable future of the ocean, both within and outside the national territory, in line win line with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

    Greenpeace Indonesia also encourages the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant institutions to be more proactive in ensuring Indonesia’s readiness for the implementation–especially once the Global Ocean Treaty will be in force within 120 days after at least 60 countries have ratified it.

    Afdillah, Greenpeace Indonesia Ocean Campaign Team Lead:

    “This is a momentum to ensure that the 5 Priority Blue Economy Programs initiated by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries are implemented effectively by ensuring meaningful multi-stakeholder participation, transparency, stronggenuine sustainability and fairness.”

    Arifsyah Nasution, Greenpeace Southeast Asia Ocean Campaigner and Global Lead for Beyond Seafood Campaign:

    “Congratulations to Indonesia for becoming the 50th country globally and the 4th in the Southeast Asia region, after Singapore, Timor Leste and Vietnam, to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty. We really look forward to welcoming more countries in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region to follow suit.”

    “Aside from the BBNJ, a number of civil society elements and labor movements have also been urging the government to immediately ratify ILO Convention 188 on Work in Fishing [3]. Ratification of C-188 is urgent so that decent working conditions and the rights of Indonesian fishing crews, both those working on Indonesian-flagged fishing vessels and on foreign-flagged fishing vessels outside the Indonesian fisheries management area, can be increasingly protected. This is also a form of commitment and effort to implement effective and progressive policies, a real manifestation of Indonesia’s exemplary diplomacy in the international arena.”

    Notes for Editors:

    [1] Indonesia’s Declaration at UNOC3 on June 10, 2025, by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries

    Contact Person:

    Vela Andapita, Global Communications Coordinator for Beyond Seafood Campaign at Greenpeace Southeast Asia, +62-817-5759-449, [email protected]

    Afdillah, Greenpeace Indonesia Ocean Campaign Team Lead, +62-811-4704-730, [email protected]

    Arifsyah Nasution, Greenpeace Southeast Asia Ocean Campaigner and Global Lead for Beyond Seafood Campaign, +62-811-400-350, [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: “Nice Declaration” for an ambitious plastics treaty: the wake up call the world needs

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Nice, France – Over 90 member states at the United Nations Ocean Conference today announced their support to the ministerial declaration “The Nice wake up call for an ambitious plastics treaty” which includes a call for the adoption of a global target to reduce the production and consumption of plastic. 

    In response, Graham Forbes, Greenpeace Head of Delegation to the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations and Global Plastics Campaign Lead at Greenpeace USA, said: “The Nice Declaration, signed by an overwhelming majority of countries, is the wake-up call the world needs. Governments are finally saying the quiet part out loud: we cannot end plastic pollution without cutting plastic production. Full stop.

    “The Nice Declaration tackles the root cause of the crisis, which is the ever-growing, reckless production of plastics driven by fossil fuel giants. The message to industry lobbyists is loud and clear: the health of our children is more important than your bottom line.”

    “We welcome the call for a legally binding global cap on plastic production, and real rules to phase out the most toxic plastic products and chemicals. For too long, treaty talks have been stuck in circular conversations while plastic pollution chokes our oceans, poisons our bodies, and fuels the climate crisis.

    “But this statement only matters if countries back it up with action this August in Geneva at INC-5.2. That means no voluntary nonsense, no loopholes, and no surrender to fossil fuel and petrochemical interests. We need a treaty with teeth—one that slashes plastic production, holds polluters accountable, and protects people on the frontlines.”

    ENDS

    Notes:

    A statement, signed by 234 civil society organisations, was also released in support of the Nice declaration. 

    Contact:

    Angelica Carballo Pago, Global Plastics Campaign Media Lead, Greenpeace USA, [email protected] , +63 917 1124492

    Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: France spent €90,000 to discredit the impact of Pacific nuclear testing – Greenpeace response

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Paris, France – New documents obtained by investigative outlet Disclose suggests that France spent €90,000 to discredit research into the impacts of its nuclear testing in the Pacific. In response: 

    Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific said:

    “This act by France is not just a denial of truth — it is an insult to generations who continue to live with the radioactive legacy of these experiments. From the scarred atolls of the Marshall Islands to the irradiated lands of Maohi Nui (French Polynesia), our people carry the enduring fallout of nuclear colonialism – cancers, displacement, environmental devastation, deaths, and loss of generations. Instead of reckoning with its past, France chooses to fund distraction over accountability, image over integrity. This is not the act of a nation seeking justice — it is the act of a nation running from it. The Pacific does not forget and our people will not be silenced. No amount of money can erase the truth written into our Pacific families’ bodies, our lands, and our histories.”

    Pauline Boyer, energy campaigner and nuclear expert at Greenpeace France said: 

    “This is a shamelessly ramped up disinformation campaign by the CEA [France’s Atomic Energy Commission]. Nuclear proponents continue to defend the law of silence at all costs when it comes to the victims of civilian and military nuclear industries. It’s high time the CEA, as well as the French government, acknowledged the facts with transparency and honesty: they deliberately chose to expose populations and their land to radioactive fallout and contamination from French nuclear bomb explosions. Underestimating the number of victims and the extent of the devastating impact on the health of civilian and military populations, in order to reduce the number of compensation claims and minimize this dark chapter in history, is utterly indecent. All the more that France’s choice of the Pacific islands for these nuclear explosions clearly follows a colonialist logic”.

    Last month, a new study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IEER) and commissioned by Greenpeace Germany, revealed that US nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands from 1946-1958 had impacted all atolls, but only three of the 24 atolls, all northern and inhabited at the time of radioactive fallout, received medical cancer screening.

    In July, Greenpeace and the Rainbow Warrior will mark the 40 year anniversary of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior I by the French secret service, who were attempting to halt Greenpeace’s campaign against nuclear testing in French Polynesia (Maohi Nui) at the time.  

    ENDS

    A collection of archival images of the Rainbow Warrior bombing can be found in the Greenpeace Media Library. Other archival images of Greenpeace protests against French nuclear testing can also be found in the Library.

    Contacts:

    Mary Chevallier, energy and nuclear comms, Greenpeace France, +33(0)614739229, [email protected]

    Shuk-Wah Chung, Communications Lead – Marshall Islands project, Greenpeace International, (+852) 5420 4186, [email protected]

    Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI: O2 Czech Republic deploys Nokia 5G Standalone Core to deliver advanced network services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    O2 Czech Republic deploys Nokia 5G Standalone Core to deliver advanced network services

    • Nokia 5G Standalone Core to drive greater services and reliability for O2 Czech Republic subscribers, in addition to new revenue streams for the operator.
    • O2 Czech Republic is the first operator in the country to deploy 5G SA.

    12 June 2025
    Espoo, Finland – O2 Czech Republic has deployed Nokia 5G Standalone (SA) Core software in a move that will enable the country’s biggest operator to offer advanced 5G services, like slicing, that deliver a better customer experience. O2 Czech Republic is the first operator in the country to deploy 5G SA. The rollout strengthens O2 Czech Republic’s network with greater reliability, security, energy efficiency for better mobile battery life, and near zero-touch automation for managing workloads.

    “Deploying Nokia 5G SA Core closely aligns with and bolsters O2 Czech Republic’s cloud-first strategy and delivers more secure communications to our customers. This rollout allows us to deliver new 5G services faster, with even lower latency, and without vendor lock-in for our data and analytics, producing an optimized network with a host of operational efficiencies,” said Jakub Votava, Network Director, O2 Czech Republic.  

    Nokia’s cloud-native 5G Core portfolio, including its Packet Core solution, allows O2 Czech Republic to provide new network services in multi-cloud environments, while doing so quickly, securely, and at scale.

    “Reflecting Nokia’s commitment to driving innovation and supporting the digital transformation of its customers and partners, this deployment enables O2 Czech Republic’s Core Network infrastructure and applications to be fully cloud-native, and provides a more advanced, secure, and reliable network experience for its subscribers,” said Erez Sverdlov, Vice President, Cloud and Network Services Market Leader for Europe, Nokia.

    The deployment reflects the ongoing market momentum of Nokia’s Core business. At the end of Q1 2025, Nokia again led the world in 5G SA Core deployments with 52 operators in live 5G Standalone service and the most 5G Standalone Core CSP customers, with 125 in total.  

    The Nokia Core Network portfolio is fully cloud-native across the board, which makes it much easier for operators to run their full 4G/5G Core in cloud-native network functions.

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises, and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable, and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Greenpeace activists aboard Rainbow Warrior disrupt Pacific industrial fishing operation

    By Emma Page

    Greenpeace activists on board the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior disrupted an industrial longlining fishing operation in the South Pacific, seizing almost 20 km of fishing gear and freeing nine sharks — including an endangered mako — near Australia and New Zealand.

    Crew retrieved the entire longline and more than 210 baited hooks from a European Union-flagged industrial fishing vessel, including an endangered longfin mako shark, eight near-threatened blue sharks and four swordfish.

    The crew also documented the vessel catching endangered sharks during its longlining operation.

    The at-sea action followed new Greenpeace Australia Pacific analysis exposing the extent of shark catch from industrial longlining in parts of the Pacific Ocean.

    Latest fisheries data showed that almost 70 percent of EU vessels’ catch was blue shark in 2023 alone.

    The operation came ahead of this week’s UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, where world leaders are discussing ocean protection and the Global Ocean Treaty.

    On board the Rainbow Warrior, Greenpeace Australia Pacific campaigner Georgia Whitaker said: “These longliners are industrial killing machines. Greenpeace Australia Pacific took peaceful and direct action to disrupt this attack on marine life.

    “We saved important species that would otherwise have been killed or left to die on hooks.

    “The scale of industrial fishing — still legal on the high seas — is astronomical. These vessels claim to be targeting swordfish or tuna, but we witnessed shark after shark being hauled up by these industrial fleets, including three endangered sharks in just half an hour.


    Rainbow Warrior crew disrupt longline fishing in the Pacific.  Video: Greenpeace

    “Greenpeace is calling on world leaders at the UN Ocean Conference to protect 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030 from this wanton destruction.”

    Stingray caught as bycatch is hauled onboard the Lu Rong Yuan Lu 212 longliner vessel in the Tasman Sea.

    The Rainbow Warrior is in the South Pacific ocean to expose longline fishing and call on governments to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty and create a network of protected areas in the high seas.

    A Greenpeace activist frees a blue shark caught on a longline in the Pacific . . . the blue shark is currently listed as “Near Threatened” globally by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Image: Greenpeace Pacific

    Greenpeace Aotearoa is calling on the New Zealand government to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty and help create global ocean sanctuaries, including in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand.

    New Zealand signed the agreement in 2023.

    More than two-thirds of sharks worldwide are endangered, and a third of those are at risk of extinction from overfishing.

    Over the last three weeks, the Rainbow Warrior has been documenting longlining vessels and practices off Australia’s east coast, including from Spain and China.

    Emma Page is Greenpeace Aotearoa’s communications lead, oceans and fisheries. Republished with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Africa Programme co-hosts security and natural resources conference in Slovenia

    Source: Chatham House –

    Africa Programme co-hosts security and natural resources conference in Slovenia
    News release
    jon.wallace

    The event explored how to ensure positive, secure resource governance in Africa. 

    Chatham House partnered with the government of Slovenia, the European Union, and the Bled strategic forum to co-host an Africa Day conference on security and natural resource governance on 30 May in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The conference highlighted Slovenia’s prioritization of climate security during its tenure on the UN Security Council and explored how to ensure good, secure resource governance on the continent of Africa. 

    Speaking at the event, Minister of Foreign and Security Affairs of Slovenia HE Tanja Fajon highlighted the importance of institutions and partnerships for resource governance, saying:

    ‘Peace and security are essential foundations for sustainable growth, and it is vital to support efforts that strengthen institutions, promote governance and enhance regional cooperation. Only by working together in partnership can we build a safer and more stable future. Slovenia supports and will continue to support emerging partnerships with African countries.’

    During the event a high-level panel discussed how to improve regional collaboration to enable equitable sharing of resources, stop criminal networks whose activities undermine good resource governance, and ensure continuing respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.  

    DRC Minister Delegate for International Cooperation and the Francophonie, Bestine Kazadi Ditabala, said: 

    ‘A priority for the DRC is to enhance the performance of artisanal mining, given the sector’s importance for our local communities. We want to reinforce the capacities of artisanal miners to further develop small-scale mining, and improve their technical capacities.’

    ‘Our goal is the promotion of the DRC as a stable and reliable investment destination for external investors. This includes the stabilization of the fiscal regime, guarantees for investors, protection against expropriation, the traceability of minerals, better governance and the continued fight against corruption’.

    The conference also explored the relationship between natural resource governance and human rights. 

    Reflecting on Slovenia’s constitutional enshrinement of the right to clean water, Chatham House Associate Fellow Sheila Khama noted that, for Africa, ‘the intersection between mineral resources and non-renewable resources is fundamental. It is the gap between sustainability or the lack of it. Mining requires a lot of water, but we need to make sure that does not detract from citizens’ rights to access this resource’. 

    Senior Research Fellow Christopher Vandome said:

    ‘Slovenia’s prioritization of water management and climate security, coupled with the extent of engineering expertise, offer significant opportunities for collaboration with African countries, and can make important contributions to EU discussions on responsible sourcing in Africa.’

    The Africa Programme would like to thank its partners and all those who attended for their help delivering this valuable event.

     

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Osurnia Ear Gel for Dogs – SPC change

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Osurnia Ear Gel for Dogs – SPC change

    Change to the information provided on adverse events in the Summary of Product Characteristics for Osurnia Ear Gel for Dogs.

    Following monitoring of pharmacovigilance data, the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for Osurnia Ear Gel for Dogs has been updated.

    Information relating to the occurrence of eye disorders, despite no direct ocular contact, has been removed from section 4.5.

    Instead, section 4.6 (Adverse reactions) has been updated to indicate that, in very rare cases, the following eye disorders have been reported in treated dogs:

    • neurogenic keratoconjunctivitis sicca
    • keratoconjunctivitis sicca
    • corneal ulcer
    • blepharospasm
    • eye redness
    • ocular discharge

    Additionally, the following have been reported in very rare cases:

    • ataxia
    • internal ear disorders (mainly head tilt)
    • facial paralysis
    • nystagmus

    The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:

    • very common (more than 1 in 10 animals treated displaying adverse reaction(s))

    • common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals treated)

    • uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals treated)

    • rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals treated)

    • very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports).

    Any veterinary medicinal product which is authorised for marketing in the United Kingdom will have its Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) available on our Product Information Database.

    No medicine is 100% risk free, the SPC includes information on what adverse events have been known to occur following administration of a particular product, these can be found in either section Adverse events (3.6) or Adverse reactions (4.6).

    All updates to SPCs other than template changes, are published in the medicine updates section of VMD Connect.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Collecting the right tax from wealthy individuals – Public Accounts Committee

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    How can HMRC ensure wealthy individuals pay their taxes?

    The population of wealthy individuals that HMRC administers has grown from 700,000 in 2019-20 to 850,000 in 2023-24. HMRC defines wealthy individuals as those earning more than £200,000 a year, or with assets over £2 million, in any of the last three years. The National Audit Office (NAO) found in May 2025 that additional revenue secured by HMRC from wealthy individuals has more than doubled – from £2.2bn (2019-20) to £5.2bn (2023-24).

    The scale of this rise raises questions about whether non-compliance amongst wealthy individuals may not be far higher than HMRC has detected. Wealthy taxpayers have also faced fewer penalties in recent years – down to 456 penalties totalling £5.8m in 2023-24, from 2,153 totalling £16.2m in 2018-19.  

    The PAC will hear from senior officials at HMRC as part of its inquiry, including John-Paul Marks CB, HMRC’s Permanent Secretary, in his first appearance before the Committee in his new role. Committee members are likely to explore whether enough is being done to bring in tax revenue from billionaires and the super-rich, as well as what impact changes to the regime for non-doms (non-domiciled residents)will have on its compliance work.

    Other likely topics include whether there is enough transparency about the amount of tax the wealthy pay. The PAC warned in 2017 that a lack of transparency would leave HMRC open to the perception that, in its dealings with taxpayers, there is one rule for the rich and another for everyone else. The session is also likely to see an exploration of HMRC’s understanding of the risks of non-compliance associated with wealthy individuals – HMRC has identified the net loss in tax revenue from key risks amongst this cohort increasing 21% between 2020-21 and 2022-23. 

    The session will also see questions around the recent disclosure to the Treasury Committee of a phishing attack costing the taxpayer approx.£497m and affecting approx.100,000 taxpayers. Members are likely to seek further details as to the nature of the attack, and why HMRC did not report it sooner.

    #UKPolitics #HouseOfCommons #Tax #Wealth #Treasury #HMRC

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV3c53eVD1k

    MIL OSI Video –

  • Keir Starmer declines to meet Dr Yunus: Financial Times report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer turned down a request to meet Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus during his visit to London aimed at raising support for efforts to recover billions of dollars siphoned off by the deposed regime of Sheikh Hasina, the Financial Times reports.

    Yunus told the British daily that the UK should feel “morally” obliged to help his government track down funds “stolen” by the Awami League-led regime, much of it allegedly now in the UK.

    However, Yunus said Starmer had not yet agreed to meet him.

    “I have no direct conversation with him,” Yunus said, although he added he had “no doubt” Starmer would support Bangladesh’s efforts.

    Earlier yesterday, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam came under criticism for claiming that they weren’t able to secure a meeting with Starmer as the latter was in Canada. Many social media users pointed out that the claim was entirely untrue.

    Meanwhile, Yunus stressed to FT that he was only after the money stolen from Bangladesh.

    UK government officials confirmed to FT that there was no plan for Starmer to meet Yunus at present, and declined to comment further.

    However, according to the report, Yunus said the UK should feel “legally and . . . morally” obliged to help Bangladesh recover laundered money.

    Yunus said the objective of his trip to the UK was to bring out “more enthusiastic support” from the UK.

    Dr Yunus went to the United Kingdom on Tuesday for 4-days official visit, where he is likely to meet acting Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist party (BNP) Tarique Rahman on Friday, reports Bangladesh Sanghbad Sangstha (BSS).

    “The chief adviser has invited our acting chairman…The meeting will be held at the hotel where Yunus is staying,” BNP secretary General Mirza Fakhrul told the media on Tuesday in Dhaka.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Address by the President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, June 2025: UK response

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Address by the President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, June 2025: UK response

    Ambassador Neil Holland thanks Minister Ian Borg for Malta’s leadership as President of the Committee of Ministers and Chair of the OSCE in successive years.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. Let me start by adding my condolences for the tragic shooting in Graz. Our thoughts are with the Austrian delegation, the people of Austria and the families and friends of the victims.

    Minister Borg, welcome back to the Permanent Council, thank you for your presentation and for Malta’s commitment to multilateralism. You stepped up to lead the OSCE when we needed you. And as you celebrate 60 years since Malta’s accession to the Council of Europe, it is clear that you are treating your new role as Chair of the Committee of Ministers with the same dedication.

    The longstanding relationship between the OSCE and the Council of Europe is rooted in the promotion of human rights, democracy and rule of law – values that the UK is firmly committed to uphold. It is through these values that both institutions can- with their respective expertise- protect against violence and oppression; defend against democratic backsliding; utilise the opportunities technology provides to enhance our security; build resilience against the intensification of malign and destabilising hybrid activities affecting many of our States; and support Ukraine.

    The UK is fully committed to holding Russia to account for its illegal and barbaric actions in Ukraine. We support the progress in establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine at the Council of Europe and are keen for progress to be made as soon as possible.

    Minister Borg, the busy agenda you have outlined today reminds us that our two institutions share much common ground and already learn from each-other through regular exchange on areas such as tackling organised crime and human trafficking, countering terrorism and violent extremism, as well as promoting free and fair elections, media freedom, and gender rights. You are right to think about cooperation, particularly given the common security challenges we are facing. We must continue to recognise each institution’s individual merits and distinctiveness – and to work in a coordinated way to employ the unique set of tools which each institution offers.

    Minister, thank you for your leadership, and commitment to the principles of the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the UN Charter. By the end of this year, you will have completed the hat-trick! On behalf of the UK, we offer you, and your team, our support for your work throughout the remainder of your Presidency and beyond.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AAIB publishes Annual Safety Review 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    AAIB publishes Annual Safety Review 2024

    The AAIB Annual Safety Review 2024 has been published. It includes information on occurrences and the safety action taken or planned in response to AAIB investigations concluded in 2024.

    The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has published its Annual Safety Review which provides an overview of occurrences notified to the AAIB in 2024 as well as the safety action taken or planned in response to AAIB investigations concluded in 2024.

    • The AAIB received 762 occurrence notifications (compared to 790 in 2023) and opened 20 field investigations. A further 57 investigations were opened by correspondence.
    • The AAIB provided support to 53 new overseas investigations where there was a UK interest.
    • There were 10 investigations into fatal accidents which involved 11 deaths. All involved General Aviation (eight light aircraft, two gliders).
    • In 2024, the AAIB published final reports on 36 field investigations and 65 correspondence investigations and 160 record only investigations.
    • The Branch made 20 Safety Recommendations and 103 significant Safety Actions were taken proactively by the industry in 2024 as a direct result of AAIB investigations.

    The Annual Safety Review also contains an article on the categorisation of events reported on by the AAIB in 2024, it highlights some of the safety themes emerging from investigations into passenger transport events, GA fatal accidents and UAS events reported to AAIB in 2024.

    Crispin Orr, Chief Inspector of Air Accidents said “Commercial aviation remains one of the safest forms of public transport, with global accident rates continuing their long-term decline. Nevertheless, major accidents in Japan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, and the Republic of Korea in 2024 serve as a sobering reminder that safety must never be taken for granted. Thorough investigations into accidents and serious incidents continue to be needed to uncover remaining vulnerabilities.”

    Further comments from the Chief Inspector of Air Accidents can be found in the report foreword.

    Read the Annual Safety Review.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Reaches Milestone as 100,000 Migrants Return Home from Libya

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Geneva/Tripoli, 12 June 2025 – In a significant milestone, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has helped over 100,000 migrants voluntarily return home from Libya since launching its Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme in 2015. This figure reflects a decade of efforts to offer a lifeline to migrants stranded in precarious conditions across the country. 

    To date, tens of thousands of migrants have returned safely and voluntarily to 49 countries of origin across Africa and Asia, including Nigeria, Mali, Niger, Bangladesh and The Gambia. Of those assisted, nearly 73,000 were men, close to 17,000 women, and over 10,000 children – some of whom were unaccompanied – a reflection of the diversity and vulnerability of Libya’s migrant population.

    “In a context where protection risks remain high and regular pathways are limited, VHR offers a crucial, life-saving option for those who wish to return home,” said Nicoletta Giordano, IOM Libya Chief of Mission. “While we continue to provide humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations, we are also working to support more sustainable, long-term solutions.”

    The programme has served as a lifeline for migrants seeking to go home voluntarily. In a context where protracted instability, limited regular pathways, and protection risks leave many migrants stranded in precarious conditions, VHR offers a safe, dignified, and rights-based alternative.

    VHR covers a comprehensive package of pre-departure and post-return assistance, including protection services, health screenings, mental health and psychosocial support, travel document facilitation, and reintegration assistance.

    IOM ensures that every return is voluntary and based on informed consent, even when migrants are faced with constrained options, in line with the Organization’s return, readmission, and reintegration policy and its due diligence process. The programme also includes robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, including return and reintegration assessments, to strengthen accountability and improve service delivery. 

    Last week alone, five return flights were organized, two from Benghazi, two from Sebha, and one from Misrata, underscoring the programme’s broad operational reach.

    Among those recently assisted are John and Temnaia, a married Nigerian couple who met in Libya. As they tried to build a life together, challenges mounted, especially after the birth of their daughter, who had no access to education. “We didn’t see a future for her here,” John explained. Their story echoes that of many others who turn to VHR as a pathway toward safety and a chance to begin again in more stable conditions.

    While VHR provides critical support for many, IOM remains deeply concerned about the persistent challenges and risks faced by migrants along the Central Mediterranean Route. The Organization remains committed to facilitating safe, dignified, and rights-based solutions for migrants who choose to return home, while continuing to engage with partners to ensure protection and pursue durable outcomes for all.

    IOM’s Voluntary Humanitarian Return programme in Libya is funded primarily by the European Union, with additional support from the governments of Italy, the United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark, and Switzerland.

    For more information, please contact IOM Media Centre.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: Is the US playing cat and mouse ahead of expected Albanese-Trump talks?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    For the first time in memory, an Australian prime minister is approaching a prospective meeting with a US president with a distinct feeling of wariness.

    Of course Anthony Albanese would deny it.

    But it’s undeniable the government is relieved that Albanese’s coming trip (for which he leaves Friday) won’t feature a visit to Washington with a meeting in the Oval Office. Having seen what happened publicly to some other leaders in such encounters, Albanese has at least avoided any such risk. Instead, Albanese and President Donald Trump are expected to meet on the sidelines of the G7 in Canada.

    Think about this. Normally, an Australian prime minister heading to North America would be deeply disappointed at not receiving an invitation to Washington, especially when he had not yet met the president face to face (although Albanese and Trump have had phone calls).

    The non-Washington encounter, expected on the sidelines of the G7, is less hazardous but still highly unpredictable for Albanese.

    It could go swimmingly. But that will depend on Trump’s mood on the day and what briefings he has had. And who can make sound predictions about any of that? Australian officials find the White House difficult to deal with or read.

    Now, on the cusp of Albanese’s trip, a US review of AUKUS has become public.

    The story appeared in the Financial Times, which quoted a Pentagon spokesperson saying the departmental review was to ensure “this initiative of the previous administration is aligned with the president’s ‘America First’ agenda”. The spokesperson noted US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had “made clear his intent to ensure the [defence] department is focused on the Indo-Pacific region first and foremost”.

    The review is to be led by the undersecretary of defence for policy, Elbridge Colby, who months ago flagged the US wanted Australia to be spending some 3% of GDP on defence. This was upped to 3.5% in a recent meeting between Defence Minister Richard Marles and Hegseth.

    The Australian government is playing down the AUKUS review as being more or less routine. Marles said he has known about it for some time. He told Sky, “I am comfortable about it and I think it’s a pretty natural step for an incoming government to take and we’ll have an opportunity to engage with it”.

    Nevertheless, the fact of the review and the timing of the report about it will turn the screws on Albanese over defence spending.

    The prime minister makes two points on this – that Australia takes its own decisions, and that defence spending should be set on the basis of the capability needed rather than determined by a set percentage.

    But there is a general view among experts that Australia will need to boost substantially its spending. Albanese won’t want to capitulate on the issue, but he will need some diplomatic lines. He could point out Australia has its next Strategic Defence Review in 2026. This is more an update on delivery than a fundamental review but could give an opportunity for a rethink.

    On AUKUS, Albanese will want to reinforce its mutual benefits and importance. He canvassed AUKUS in his first call with Trump, after the presidential election.

    The president may or may not be briefed on the latest attacks on the pact by two former prime ministers, triggered by the review.

    Paul Keating, an unrelenting critic of the agreement, said in a statement the AUKUS review “might very well be the moment Washington saves Australia from itself”.

    Malcolm Turnbull said in a social media post that the United Kingdom and the United States are conducting reviews of AUKUS but “Australia, which has the most at stake, has no review”.

    The Trump–Albanese conversation could be complicated by the Australian government’s imposition this week of sanctions on two hardline Israeli ministers for inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

    This action, in concert with the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway, was immediately condemned by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who called for the sanctions to be withdrawn.

    All this before we even get to the issue of tariffs, and Australia offering a deal on critical minerals to try to get some concessions.

    There is a lot of scripting prepared before such meetings. Albanese will have his talking points down pat. But with Trump being an “off-script” man, it is not an occasion for which the PM can be confident ahead of time that he is fully prepared.

    But Albanese has one safeguard, in domestic political terms. If things went pear-shaped Australians – who have scant regard for Trump – could be expected to blame the president rather than the prime minister.

    Michelle Grattan 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. View from The Hill: Is the US playing cat and mouse ahead of expected Albanese-Trump talks? – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-is-the-us-playing-cat-and-mouse-ahead-of-expected-albanese-trump-talks-257336

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK A look inside the House of Lords chamber

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

    Get a behind-the-scenes look at where members make and shape laws, press government for action and debate important issues. Join Visitor Engagement Assistant Nick and Curator Eloise as they take us on a tour through the history, design and layout of the second chamber of Parliament. You’ll get to see some of the historic objects within the chamber and find out how they support members in their work today.

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

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

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

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

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

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

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7PSkYx-5KM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Hickman Avenue redevelopment plans submitted to facilitate major city centre living scheme

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    If approved, demolition of existing light industrial units, not fit for purpose, could start in winter 2025/26 with construction works beginning in early 2026.

    The scheme is designed to accommodate the council’s fleet services operation, which is due to relocate from its current Culwell Street depot in the city centre to pave the way for hundreds of new homes as part of the Brewers Yard regeneration masterplan.

    The new Hickman Avenue depot would also become home to the council’s taxi licensing facility – which would move from the former Loxdale Primary School site earmarked for housing development – travel unit and street lighting and cleaning stores.

    Early enabling works at Hickman Avenue saw unused ancillary buildings demolished, ground investigations carried out and two mineshafts remediated.

    The relocation of fleet services and redevelopment works will lead to the creation of hundreds of construction jobs at the sites of the Culwell Street depot and former Loxdale Primary School, enable the reduction of the council’s carbon footprint and support its programme to deliver a fleet of electric vehicles.

    Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said: “This planning application puts forward proposals for a new purpose built depot that will enable the relocation of important council services to a more suitable base.

    “It is also a critical step in bringing forward the regeneration of a strategically important brownfield site through the Brewers Yard scheme to deliver huge benefits in terms of jobs, investment and homes that will help rejuvenate our city centre.

    “The Hickman Avenue redevelopment will ultimately ensure the sustainability of essential frontline services by consolidating, rationalising and optimising our operations. It will lead to reduced energy costs and asset maintenance and support the transition of the council’s combustion engine fleet to EV.”

    Separate planning approval is already in place to demolish existing buildings at the Culwell Street depot site and remediate the brownfield land to make it ready for the development of hundreds of new homes as part of the Brewers Yard scheme in the coming years.

    Once all the land is unlocked for housing the completed scheme will see a mixture of houses and apartments, and new retail and commercial space.

    The development will also sit just a few hundred metres from the city’s new transport Interchange, providing quick, direct access to Birmingham, London and Manchester.
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Final chance to have your say about Shared Lives

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Shared Lives is a unique form of social care based on the simple but transformative power of human relationships. In Shared Lives, a young person or adult who is assessed as needing care and support is matched with a carer by the Shared Lives service, coordinated by Camphill Village Trust. Together, they share home, family, and community life.  

    The service is provided by individuals or families – Shared Lives carers – and enables people to access community facilities, maximise their independence and quality of life, and live an ordinary life in a place which feels like home. In many cases the individual requiring support will become a permanent part of the Shared Lives family and in other cases the individual can use the support for short breaks.

    The service can support people aged 16 and over who have been assessed as having care needs which can be met by Shared Lives, including older people, people with mental health needs, people living with dementia, those with a physical and/or sensory impairment, learning disabilities, autistic spectrum conditions, care leavers and individuals with complex needs.  

    Councillor Paula Brookfield, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “Shared Lives has been running in Wolverhampton since 2014 and has had an incredible impact on the lives of some of our most vulnerable citizens, offering greater choice around the support they receive and providing a real alternative to more traditional forms of care such as residential and day care.

    “We want it to be the best that it can be, and so we are carrying out a survey to shape future service delivery – please take a few moments to share your thoughts.”

    To complete the survey please visit Consultation | Shared Lives by Monday (16 June, 2025).

    To find out more about Shared Lives, contact Camphill Village Trust on 01384 441505, email sharedlives@cvt.org.uk or visit Camphill Village Trust. 
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Get onboard for Clean Air Day

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Funding for the free bus travel initiative was agreed as part of the Council’s 2025/26 budget, with an additional day to raise awareness about the danger of air pollution to communities. 

    Air pollution is linked to 43,000 deaths per year in the UK and is recognised by the World Health Organisation and the UK Government as the largest environmental threat to our health. 
      
    Continuing the success of the 2024 free bus travel offer, where 38,042 people took advantage of the offer, saving almost £108,000 in fares to those who travelled by bus, the initiative is designed to encourage people to get onboard their local bus services and travel sustainably. 

    On 19 June, people can take advantage of the free bus travel offer for journeys made fully in Perth and Kinross provided by local bus operators Stagecoach East Scotland, Docherty’s Midland Coaches, Elizabeth Yule, Sweeney’s Garage and Glenfarg Community Transport Group.   
     
    Passengers who have a free U22, 60+ or disabled concessionary bus pass should use their bus pass as normal to travel.  
      
    Councillor Grant Laing, Perth and Kinross Council Leader said: “Building on the success of last year’s free bus travel initiative, I’m thrilled that this year, we are not only offering free bus on the first Saturday of every month, but an additional day has also been added to raise awareness of air pollution.

    “On Clean Air Day, I would particularly encourage people who normally travel to work on a weekday to leave the car at home, save on parking and fuel and travel for free on your local bus. This could be the first step to loving your local bus.”
     
    Councillor Richard Watters, Convener of the Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee added: “I’m pleased to see the council taking meaningful action to tackle air pollution – not just on Clean Air Day but throughout the year.

    “Initiatives like the free bus travel offer are encouraging people to get onboard their local bus service, helping to reduce carbon emissions. It’s encouraging to see that over 38,000 people took advantage of the offer last year, highlighting growing support for sustainable travel. We are also fortunate that most of Stagecoach local bus services in Perth City are operated by electric buses.

    “We’re also making real progress in reducing emissions from our own operations. As part of the fleet decarbonisation strategy, 18 refuse collection vehicles have already switched to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a cleaner alternative to diesel. Refuse collection vehicles based in Blairgowrie, Crieff, Kinross, and Pitlochry will also transition to HVO. 

    “Tayside Contracts has introduced “TayLow”, a warm mix asphalt to be used in roads construction across Perth and Kinross. It uses less energy and can cut emissions by 5% and 15%, supporting more sustainable construction.” 

    Councillor Liz Barrett, Vice-Convenor of the Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee continued “The new Kingsway, creating a 12km network of walking and cycling paths, connecting the neighbouring communities with Perth city centre is another step forward in offering people healthier, greener alternatives to car travel. 

    “Complementing this, our Nature Restoration Fund supports community-led projects that restore habitats, tackle biodiversity loss and strengthen nature networks that help filter air, absorb carbon and improve overall air quality.

    “By working closely with our partners and communities, we’ll continue to take action to reduce the harmful health effects of air pollution, especially for those most at risk including children, older people, people with health conditions and people who stay in the most polluted areas.” 
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Nolan Principles at 30 – Join us at the IfG

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    The Nolan Principles at 30 – Join us at the IfG

    The Nolan Principles at 30 – join us for a one-day conference at the Institute for Government.

    The Nolan Principles –  the basis for the ethical standards expected of those working in the public sector from the prime minister to civil servants and police officers – are 30 years old this year. The Committee is marking the anniversary in a range of ways, including events and blogs.

    Join us for a one-day conference on the 19th June at the Institute for Government to discuss how the principles have shaped public life and how ethical standards can be maintained in the future.

    What do ethical standards mean for the way frontline officials interact with the public? How might emerging trends like technology help or hinder public office-holders to act ethically? At a time when trust in politics is fragile and public debate is coarsening, how can politicians uphold high standards of behaviour?

    The IFG is bringing together a series of expert panels and keynote speakers – including former Prime Minister The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH – for a thought-provoking one-day conference to mark the 30th anniversary.

    More information and sign up: https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/nolan-principles-30-future-standards-public-life

    The Nolan Principles

    Previous reports

    Read CSPL blog

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • Poland manager Probierz resigns after row with Lewandowski

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Poland manager Michal Probierz resigned from his position on Thursday, four days after star striker Robert Lewandowski said he will no longer play for the national team under him.

    The 36-year-old Barcelona striker said his trust had been betrayed and he was very hurt by the way Probierz told him he was being replaced as team captain.

    Lewandowski, Poland’s record goal-scorer, said on Monday that he received a short call from Probierz as he was putting his children to sleep and that a statement about him losing the captaincy appeared soon after on the Polish Football Association website.

    Probierz decided to replace Lewandowski as captain with midfielder Piotr Zielinski.

    “I have come to the conclusion that in the current situation the best decision for the good of the national team will be my resignation from the position of coach,” Probierz said in a statement.

    “Performing this function was the fulfilment of my professional dreams and the greatest honour in my life.”

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Carers’ Week 2025: Inspiring art by Derby carers

    Source: City of Derby

    An exhibition showcasing artwork by unpaid carers in Derby has been launched to mark National Carers’ Week. The art, created by members of Derby’s Carers Craft Café, is on display to the public at the Council House, alongside their inspirational stories.

    Initially established at QUAD following the pandemic, the Carers’ Craft Café has evolved in recent years and now meets monthly at Derby’s Dubrek Studios. This setting allows carers to explore their creative sides while connecting with others.

    The exhibition, themed ‘How creativity supports me’, features a variety of works produced at the Craft Café, alongside pieces inspired by the café and others created during carers’ limited personal time. The exhibition is located in the foyer of the Council House, near the Better Together Café, until Thursday 3 July, when it will move into Riverside Library for the remainder of the month.

    Anna Botham-Collins, who cares for her elderly parents and uncle, has her artwork on display. She said:

    When I go to the café, it’s nice to chat to other people who understand your situation. There’s a kinship between the people that go along. It’s good to have that time where you can turn your mind off and there’s no pressure.

    Before I registered as a carer, I didn’t realise the support that was available. I’m sure there are a lot of people in the same situation, so I hope this exhibition will raise awareness.

    Fellow member Barbara Lucas, who is a carer for her husband, said:

    When started going to the café, we had just moved to Derby so it really helped me get to know people. I enjoy trying different ways to be creative and chatting to people who are in the same situation as I am.

    Carers’ Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.

    Cllr Alison Martin (centre) with carers and representatives from Universal Services for Carers

    This year the theme is ‘Caring About Equality’ highlighting the inequalities faced by unpaid carers, including a greater risk of poverty, social isolation, poor mental and physical health. Far too often, carers of all-ages miss out on opportunities in their education, careers, or personal lives, just because of their caring role.

    Unpaid carers in Derby can receive assistance through Universal Services for Carers. This service, funded by Derby City Council and the Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board, and provided by Citizens Advice Mid Mercia, offers free, confidential, and impartial support specifically for unpaid carers in the city. 

    Its aim is to provide a comprehensive range of services to help unpaid carers maintain their emotional and physical wellbeing, feel empowered, and gain knowledge and skills. Services include:

    • A helpline for carers staffed by experienced advisers who can provide information, support and signposting
    • A variety of indoor, outdoor and virtual workshops and events to provide respite, reducing stress and anxiety
    • Awareness and training sessions to support carers in their role
    • Peer support groups, which provide a much-needed opportunity to meet others living in similar situations.

    Councillor Alison Martin, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said:

    This exhibition is an inspiring way to celebrate the talent and resilience of Derby’s unpaid carers. It highlights how vital groups like the Carers’ Craft Café are for well-being. 

    The city’s carers contribute so much to our community, often while facing significant challenges, and it’s essential that we recognise their efforts and provide them with the support they deserve. Universal Services for Carers in Derby is a vital service and I’d encourage carers to contact them for support.

    If you’re an unpaid carer, you can access support on the Universal Services for Carers website. Alternatively, call 01332 228777 or email carers@citizensadvicemidmercia.org.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council collaboration delivers Sustainable Tourism Programme

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Joanne McElmeel, ABC Tourism Trade Liaison Officer pictured with local tourism businesses who successfully completed the Sustainable Business Pathway Programme.

    Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in partnership with Tourism Northern Ireland has successfully delivered the Sustainable Business Pathway Programme, reinforcing their commitment towards becoming a more sustainable and resilient tourism destination.

    As one of the first councils in Northern Ireland to introduce the localised Sustainable Tourism Business initiative, the Council is taking steps to support the local industry in adopting environmentally and socially responsible practices. Facilitated by sustainability training specialists The Tourism Space, the 15-week programme supported ten tourism businesses from across the Borough and encouraged practical, collective action on sustainability at a local level.

    Each business developed its own sustainability action plan as part of the programme, outlining measurable targets for reducing environmental impact, identifying cost savings and enhancing visitor experience. Their participation and sustained commitment was recognised with a Level 4 Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Practice in Destinations, accredited by Ulster University.

    Speaking about the programme, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Alderman Stephen Moutray said:

    “As one of the first councils in Northern Ireland to partner with Tourism NI on this important initiative, we are proud to be leading the way in sustainable tourism development. The Sustainable Business Pathway Programme reflects our Borough’s commitment to responsible growth and innovation. I commend all participating businesses for embracing this opportunity. Their dedication not only strengthens our local tourism sector but also helps secure a more sustainable future for our communities and visitors alike.”

    Reflecting on her experience, Helen Forster of Charlemont Arms Hotel commented,

    “This programme has equipped me with new insights, renewed confidence and a clear sense of direction. As a small hotel in beautiful historic City of Armagh we have both a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to the promotion of the place we call home as a sustainable destination.”

    With the programme now complete, ABC Council are now part of a growing network of destinations across Northern Ireland working to embed sustainability into the visitor experience. The insights gained and outcomes achieved will help shape future council initiatives, while participating businesses are now well placed to begin acting as local champions for more sustainable tourism.

    For more information on support available for Tourism and Hospitality businesses, please contact Joanne McElmeel 

    *protected email*

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –