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Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI Global: Peace Corps isn’t just about helping others − it’s a key part of US public diplomacy

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Thomas J Nisley, Professor of Government and International Affairs, Kennesaw State University

    Peace Corps volunteers pose with the U.S. flag after they are sworn in during a 2002 event in Burkina Faso. Issouf Sanogo/AFP via Getty Images

    Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, his administration has slashed the work of many U.S. government agencies, including those focused on foreign policy. Now, there is concern that the Peace Corps could join the other foreign aid programs the administration is trying to dismantle.

    The United States Agency for International Development largely shut down in February and March 2025, with its workforce reduced from more than 10,000 to 15 people on staff.

    In early April 2025, members of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency showed up at Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C., signaling possible cuts.

    DOGE has also called for reducing the number of the Peace Corps’ 970 full-time staff who help recruit and oversee the work of volunteers.

    The Guardian reported on April 28 that the Peace Corps is offering staff a buyout, and that Peace Corps leadership expects “significant restructuring efforts.”

    The Peace Corps told The New York Times in an April 28 statement that “the agency will remain operational and continue to recruit, place, and train volunteers, while continuing to support their health, safety and security, and effective service.”

    As a scholar of international affairs, I think it is important to understand the subtle – but important – role that the Peace Corps plays in helping the U.S. maintain a positive international image.

    President John F. Kennedy greets Peace Corps volunteers at the White House in August 1962.
    Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

    Understanding the Peace Corps

    In 1961, President John F. Kennedy created the Peace Corps, an independent agency in the federal government, alongside USAID as a way to reinvigorate American diplomacy.

    Kennedy viewed the State Department as an organization that lacked innovation, staffed by self-serving people without much practical experience.

    Since the 1960s, the Peace Corps has sent more than 240,000 U.S. citizens – many of them young people – to work as volunteers in more than 60 low- and middle-income countries on short-term projects, ranging from teaching students English to helping farmers increase their food production. This works out to about 3,500 to 4,000 volunteers abroad each year.

    As Kennedy hoped, many of these American volunteers returned home to eventually serve in the State Department, with some rising to the top ranks, such as Christopher Hill, a career diplomat who served in the Peace Corps in Cameroon in the 1970s.

    Peace Corps volunteers, sometimes known as PCVs, also go on to work in other types of public service, including in educational roles. It has also been common for former Peace Corps volunteers to work for USAID.

    Peace Corps’ role in US government

    The Peace Corps is not part of the day-to-day activities of U.S. foreign policy in the same way as the State Department, for example, which has diplomatic missions across the world.

    The Peace Corps, with a US$495 million annual budget, does contribute to U.S. foreign policy goals by enhancing U.S. soft power. Soft power, in this context, means getting others to want what you want.

    The political scientist Joseph Nye introduced the academic concept of soft power to the mainstream in the early 1990s. It is often misunderstood. Some mistakenly refer to the military as hard power, and economic and diplomatic tools as soft power.

    But soft power – and the allure of a project like the Peace Corps – is founded in the power of attraction. The Peace Corps, simply put, helps improve the U.S.’s image worldwide.

    My research on Latin American countries has shown that the presence of a Peace Corps program improves the popular perception of the U.S. among communities there. A good reputation fosters goodwill and helps the U.S. achieve its concrete foreign policy goals, be it making a trade deal or helping to end a conflict.

    The political scientist Stephen Magu has found similar results across Africa, including a connection between the number of Peace Corps volunteers in a country and support for the U.S. in its work at the United Nations.

    The Peace Corps’ experience

    The Peace Corps uses a very selective application process to recruit Americans of all ages to volunteer for two years in a foreign country, doing different kinds of service work ranging from agriculture and education to health and the environment.

    Most are younger people with college degrees, but there is no upper age limit to qualify and no requirement of a college degree to serve.

    There is no single Peace Corps experience.

    But all volunteers live and work in a community that has requested a volunteer to help with different types of activities. This could include helping local women set up their own small businesses in Panama or offering health workshops on reducing the risk of contracting and spreading HIV in Eswatini, formerly knwon as Swaziland. These volunteers are usually *the only Americans for miles around.

    Volunteers are expected to live modestly and are paid a monthly living allowance that covers their bare necessities.

    Volunteers’ work is not easy and not without risk. Since 1961, 311 people have died while serving. Most of the deaths are due to accidents, usually related to transportation. Some have died from diseases and illness, and a few have been victims of murder.

    Peace Corps’ approach to volunteer work

    The Peace Corps emphasizes what is known as grassroots development in foreign aid circles. This means that a Peace Corps volunteer tries to use local money and expertise to achieve goals jointly identified by the community and the volunteer.

    Critics of the Peace Corps have argued, among other things, that it has not made widespread changes that reliably last beyond the two-year term of each volunteer.

    But the Peace Corps is not intended to change the trajectory of a country’s economic development and suddenly make a poor country a rich one. Volunteers do help the people in the community they serve in small but meaningful ways.

    In my own service as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic from 1989 to 1991, for example, I had a demonstration vegetable garden where I grew nutritious vegetables such as spinach and mustard greens. Dominicans did not traditionally eat these vegetables, but I got my neighbors and friends to try them. Some learned to really like them and began to grow them on their own.

    A Peace Corps volunteer teaches English to students in Bucharest, Romania, in 1985.
    Paul Conklin/Getty Images

    Another kind of public diplomacy

    When asked in 1962 how he saw the relationship of the Peace Corps to U.S. foreign policy, Kennedy responded that he saw the Peace Corps as “an opportunity to emphasize a different part of our American character,” instead of the idea that the U.S. is a “harsh, narrow-minded militaristic, materialistic society.”

    The Trump administration tends to view foreign assistance programs as open-ended charity programs that need to be eliminated.

    I believe that foreign assistance programs are not charity – they are public diplomacy tools that contribute to the U.S.’s global power. If the Peace Corps is eliminated, the U.S. will lose another important tool of foreign policy.

    I served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic from 1989 to 1991

    – ref. Peace Corps isn’t just about helping others − it’s a key part of US public diplomacy – https://theconversation.com/peace-corps-isnt-just-about-helping-others-its-a-key-part-of-us-public-diplomacy-255571

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Jostling for the papacy: A look back on the conclave’s history

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Colin Rose, Associate Professor of European and Digital History, Brock University

    Pope Francis’s successor will be elected in the coming days in a millennium-old ceremony known as the papal conclave. During the conclave, the 135 eligible Cardinal Electors of the Catholic Church will sequester themselves and elect a new pope in isolation.

    During that time, they will have no contact with the outside world and they will vote repeatedly, in written ballots and verbal declaration, until one of them achieves a two-thirds majority.

    Every failure brings sighs from the crowds in St. Peter’s Square as the votes, burned with a chemical admixture, send up a plume of inky black smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. White smoke, signalling a new pope has been elected, provokes cheers and celebrations and the beginning of a new papal era.



    Read more:
    How the next pope will be elected – what goes on at the conclave

    The history of the conclave, especially during the Italian Renaissance that I teach and research, tells us a lot about how the papacy is both a religious and a political office.

    The Pope is at once the supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church as well as the absolute monarch of Vatican City. He is both bishop of Rome and prince of the smallest sovereign state in the world.

    Politics of the papacy

    In the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, the Vatican was the capital of a much-larger Papal State. This territorial buffer around Rome at its height bordered the territories of Florence, Naples, Milan and Venice, and covered much of northern Italy.

    Popes wielded great influence in the dramatic politics of famous Italian families like the Medici: it was a Medici pope, Clement VII, who helped negotiate the installation of the first Medici duke in Florence.

    Apocryphal accounts persist of Julius II, the so-called “Warrior Pope,” leading a charge over the walls of Bologna in 1506.

    At the same time popes, and Catholic policy, had profound consequences for European and global politics: Clement’s successor Paul III excommunicated England’s King Henry VIII, cementing the English break with Rome in 1538.

    A portrait of Pope Alexander VI Borgia circa 1495.
    (Vatican Museums)

    Alexander VI was more audaciously imperial: he sponsored the treaty that arbitrarily divided the entire world outside of Europe between Spain (his home country) and Portugal in 1494.

    Alexander VI’s historical infamy is perhaps outdone only by his son, Cesare Borgia, made famous by his mention is Niccolo Machiavelli’s book The Prince.

    Becoming pope was a big deal for a cardinal and his family. Leading candidates known as papabili (pope-ables) began strategizing and negotiating even before popes died.

    When a pontiff died, those cardinals abroad began their travels to Rome, construction began on the temporary cells that would house them all during the sequestration and the real work of electing a pope began.

    Enea Silvio Piccolomini left a detailed memoir of his election as Pius II in 1458. In it he describes a process of negotiating, threatening, cajoling and strategizing that make the scheming in the recent movie Conclave look unsophisticated.

    Renaissance Italy wrestled with and ultimately reconciled itself to the political nature of the papacy.

    Many, including popes such as Pius II, expressed discomfort with the political power of the papacy. While it was a clear factor in the schism of European Christendom that led to the emergence of the Protestant churches in the 16th century, in early modern Italy the political power of the papacy was a reality of the diplomatic milieu.

    The empty throne

    The conclave marks a special place in early modern history as a time when ordinary political order was overturned for a brief period known as the sede vacante (the Vacant See).

    The Vacant See was a time when identities were swappable and when, as one Paolo di Grassi told a judge in 1559, “in Vacant See [Romans] are the masters. The People are the Masters.” Di Grassi had, during the Vacant See of November 1559, pursued his own longstanding grudges against his enemies and been involved in at least one armed brawl.

    While they waited for a new pope, Romans and everyone else might have passed the time with another favourite vice: gambling on the conclave’s outcome.



    Read more:
    Who will the next pope be? Here are some top contenders

    European princes and other potentates of the church paid close attention to conclaves, tried to smuggle information in and out and steer the conclave in favour of their preferred candidate.

    In 1730, for instance, Cardinal Lambertini smuggled a letter out of his conclave thanking a benefactor for their donations to his future ordination as Pope Benedict XIV.

    The election held everyone’s attention as a rare and unusually impactful event in the Roman calendar.

    While Rome’s streets thrummed with tension during the chaotic days of a Vacant See, the conclave proceeded serenely and secretly within the Vatican’s walls.

    The use of white smoke to mark the election of a pope only began in the 20th century. During the Renaissance, the sound of bells would be a more effective way to spread the news through Rome, before the new pope was announced to the city and the world.

    Much turns on that announcement now, as much did in previous centuries. The conclave elects both a pope and a head of state. While Vatican City is magnitudes smaller than the Papal State of the past, it remains a sovereign state.

    Papal pronouncements shape not just religious thought but political action, through voting, advocacy and more. Today’s crowds might be less raucous than Renaissance Romans, but they are nonetheless invested in the results.

    Colin Rose receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Jostling for the papacy: A look back on the conclave’s history – https://theconversation.com/jostling-for-the-papacy-a-look-back-on-the-conclaves-history-255492

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK signs trade deal with India

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK signs trade deal with India

    Multi-billion-pound boost to UK economy with landmark India trade deal to make working people better off

    • Huge economic win for UK as trade deal with India agreed which will deliver for working people and British businesses 

    • Deal will slash Indian tariffs on key products such as whisky, cosmetics and medical devices, locking in reductions on 90% of tariff lines for UK exports to unleash opportunities for businesses across regions and nations of UK 

    • Delivers on Plan for Change as £4.8 billion added to UK economy and £2.2 billion in wages every year in the long run under deal 

    The UK and India have today agreed a landmark trade deal which delivers on this government’s core mission of growing the economy, raising living standards, and putting money in people’s pockets. 

    Indian tariffs will be slashed, locking in reductions on 90% of tariff lines, with 85% of these becoming fully tariff-free within a decade. 

    Whisky and gin tariffs will be halved from 150% to 75% before reducing to 40% by year ten of the deal, while automotive tariffs will go from over 100% to 10% under a quota. 

    Other goods with reduced tariffs, which can open markets and make trade cheaper for businesses and Indian consumers, include cosmetics, aerospace, lamb, medical devices, salmon, electrical machinery, soft drinks, chocolate and biscuits.  

    British shoppers could see cheaper prices and more choice on products including clothes, footwear, and food products including frozen prawns as UK liberalises tariffs. 

    The deal is expected to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, UK GDP by £4.8 billion and wages by £2.2 billion each year in the long run. 

    UK businesses gain a competitive edge over international competitors when entering India’s enormous market as it gets even bigger, forecasted to become the 3rd largest global economy within three years. 

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held final talks in London last week after relaunching negotiations only two months ago. Negotiators across both sides have worked around the clock since February to get this deal done, which is the biggest and most economically significant bilateral trade deal the UK has done since leaving the EU, and the best deal India has ever agreed. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 

    We are now in a new era for trade and the economy. That means going further and faster to strengthen the UK’s economy, putting more money in working people’s pockets.  

    Through this government’s stable and pragmatic leadership, the UK has become an attractive place to do business. Today we have agreed a landmark deal with India – one of the fastest growing economies in the world, which will grow the economy and deliver for British people and business.  

    Strengthening our alliances and reducing trade barriers with economies around the world is part of our Plan for Change to deliver a stronger and more secure economy here at home.   

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 

    This government’s number one mission is growing the economy as part of our Plan for Change so we can put more money in people’s pockets.  

    By striking a new trade deal with the fastest-growing economy in the world, we are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year and unlocking growth in every corner of the country, from advanced manufacturing in the North East to whisky distilleries in Scotland. 

    In times of global uncertainty, a pragmatic approach to global trade that provides businesses and consumers with stability is more important than ever.

    At least 1.9 million people with Indian heritage call the UK their home and striking this deal will strengthen the vital partnership between our two democracies. 

    The benefits for UK businesses and consumers under this deal are massive, with wins across an array of sectors.  

    Notes to editors 

    Benefits for businesses of all sizes 

    Barriers to trading will be dropped, with India agreeing to reduce tariffs on a whole host of products including whisky, medical devices, advanced machinery, and lamb, making UK exports more competitive. Based on 2022 trade alone, this amounts to India cutting tariffs worth over £400 million when the deal comes into force, which will more than double to around £900 million after 10 years.  

    Exporting to this huge market will be easier than ever before thanks to India agreeing to release goods as quickly as possible after arrival at customs, work with the UK on one streamlined portal for trade and publish customs procedures and laws online in English. In addition, new digital commitments will support electronic contracts and transactions. These changes could particularly support small and medium-sized businesses, making it easier for them to enter the Indian market. 

    Delivering for high-growth sectors 

    High-growth sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy are supported through this deal, including: 

    • Tariffs cut on the UK’s large and varied advanced manufacturing sectors from aerospace and automotive, electrical circuits and conductors, and high-end optical products. 

    • The clean energy industry will have brand new, unprecedented access to India’s vast procurement market as the country makes the switch to renewable energy and continues to see growing energy demand. 

    • Reduced tariffs on medical devices that take the UK’s complex supply chains into consideration will unleash new opportunities for the UK life sciences sector. 

    • Enhanced copyright protections for the creative sector will give exporters confidence thanks to a commitment that their work will continue to be protected for at least 60 years. 

    • World-class UK services sectors – who export just over £500 billion worldwide will now benefit from market certainty when trading into the growing Indian market. 

    More choice and protections for consumers 

    As bilateral trade grows under this deal, the UK will benefit from the best India has to offer with British shoppers enjoying access to a greater variety of clothes and shoes.  New commitments will also help protect consumers from spam texts from India, which could include requiring opt-out or prior consent. 

    Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, welcomed the “transformational” deal: 

    The UK-India free trade agreement is a once in a generation deal and a landmark moment for Scotch Whisky exports to the world’s largest whisky market. It shows that the UK government is making significant progress towards achieving its growth mission, and the Scotch Whisky industry looks forward to working with the UK and Indian governments in the months ahead to implement the deal, which would be a big boost to two major global economies during turbulent times. 

    The reduction of the current 150% tariff on Scotch Whisky will be transformational for the industry, and has the potential to increase Scotch Whisky exports to India by £1bn over the next 5 years, creating 1,200 jobs across the UK. It will also give discerning consumers in India far greater choice of brands, as more SME Scotch Whisky producers have the opportunity to enter the market.” 

    Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said:  

    India continues to be incredibly important to the Premier League and its clubs. It is a vibrant country that presents exciting opportunities and significant potential. The Premier League’s recent announcement of an office opening in Mumbai demonstrates our commitment to build on longstanding work to engage local fans, develop grassroots and elite football and further promote the game in India. 

    The continued growth of the Premier League and UK businesses in India will have a positive impact on our domestic economy and we welcome the news of this new trade deal secured by Government, which will support UK businesses operating in India.” 

    Bill Winters CBE, Group CEO of Standard Chartered and Co-Chair of the UK-India Financial Partnership, said:

    The UK-India Free Trade Agreement is a significant achievement. It will create new opportunities for UK and Indian businesses, enable greater access to one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets, and drive growth and innovation across the UK-India corridor. We welcome this strong commitment to partnership and prosperity.   

    Markus Kessler, Managing Director, UPS UK, Ireland and Nordics said: 

    We welcome the announcement of this important agreement between two countries that are both vital markets in our global network. We look forward to continuing to help businesses of all sizes across the UK reach new customers in one of the world’s most populous and dynamic countries.

    Richard Heald, OBE, UK-India Business Council Chair said: 

    The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) welcomes the agreement of the new Free Trade Agreement between the United Kingdom and India. This marks a significant milestone in the deepening of economic and strategic ties between our two nations.  

    It matters when the fifth and sixth largest economies in the world reach a trade agreement. Such an agreement is illustrative of the positive momentum in the UK-India relationship, the commitment and ambition of both Governments, and the opportunities for greater trade, investment and collaboration between our countries.

    Notes to editors 

    • We have championed our values – securing India’s first ever chapters on anti-corruption, consumer protections, labour rights, gender, and development. We have protected the NHS, ensured the points-based immigration system is not affected, upheld our high food standards, and maintained our animal welfare commitments throughout. 

    Data sources for this release include: 

    • FTA economic impacts: [DBT Technical Note(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-india-free-trade-agreement-technical-note)]: The preliminary economic impacts of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement 

    • India forecast to become the 3rd largest global economy within three years: IMF World Economic Outlook April 2025

    • India is the fastest growing economy in the world: IMF World Economic Outlook April 2025

    • India and the UK are the fifth and sixth largest economies: IMF World Economic Outlook April 2025 

    • 1.9 million people with Indian heritage live in the UK: ONS 2021 Census

    • UK services exports are worth over £500 billion: ONS UK trade February 2025

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ODS launches year-long partnership with Sobell House Hospice

    Source: City of Oxford

    Tuesday, 6 May 2025

    ODS, has named Sobell House Hospice as its Charity of the Year for 2025.

    They kicked off the partnership with a £500 donation to support the hospice’s compassionate care for people with life-limiting illnesses. The donation was handed over by ODS team member Vincent Floyd, who nominated the charity, to Beth Marsh, Director of Fundraising at Sobell House. The pair met to discuss the hospice’s vital work and how the funds raised by ODS will help support patients and their families.  

    Sobell House Hospice, based on the Churchill Hospital site, provides expert care and emotional support to people at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. With strong community roots and a reputation for outstanding care, the hospice was the clear winner in a staff vote at ODS to choose this year’s charity partner.  

    Comments 

    “As a locally-owned company, supporting Oxfordshire communities is at the heart of what we do.   

    “Amongst my favourite moments in leading ODS are those where staff ideas turn into action. Supporting Sobell House was an initiative led by our team, and we’re proud to back a cause that means so much to so many across the county.” 
    Simon Howick, Managing Director at ODS 

    “It’s great news that, once again, ODS has picked a deserving cause for their annual charity fund raising. It’s a testament to their determination to do good in the community. I wish the staff good luck with this year’s fund-raising events and look forward to hearing about the money that their commitment to Sobell House will bring in this year.”  
    Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies 

    ODS has set a fundraising target of £10,000 to be raised over the next 12 months and is encouraging staff, and the wider community, to get involved. From team challenges and bake sales to raffles and sponsored events, ODS will be hosting and supporting a range of fundraising activities throughout the year.  

    Members of the public and local businesses are invited to contribute in any way they can and anyone wishing to support the campaign can do so by visiting the ODS Just Giving page to make a donation.  Together, we can help ensure Sobell House Hospice continues to offer its essential, life-affirming care to people across Oxfordshire.  

    Last year ODS raised over £8000 for Cancer Research UK.   

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Vintage music and bell-ringing will mark VE Day in Leicester

    Source: City of Leicester

    VINTAGE music, bunting and bell-ringing will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in Leicester later this week.

    On Thursday 8 May, Town Hall Square will be a focal point for commemorations, with bunting, flags and floral tributes in the square. A commemorative book will be available from 10am until 5pm at the Town Hall, where people can record their personal thanks to the men and women who served in the war. Vera Lynn’s wartime classic ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and other well-known tunes from the 1940s will fill the square – and in the evening, the Town Hall will be lit up to mark the occasion.

    Leicester Cathedral will mark the anniversary with a commemorative evening service from 5.30pm, which will be open to the public and attended by the Lord Mayor, the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, and other civic dignitaries. Bell-ringing will follow the service.

    Leicester’s libraries and museums are also getting involved by showcasing resources, memories and objects relating to the 1940s wartime era and celebrations of peace. The Story of Leicester website has a new webpage for the 80th anniversary, full of pictures, personal memories and voices from the University of Leicester’s oral history archive. There is also a new digital walking tour which showcases Leicester’s heritage panels and memorials relating to the Second World War.

    At the Central Library in Bishop Street, the Media Archive for Central England (MACE) is bringing some rare archive footage to the library that captures life in Leicester and Leicestershire during the Second World War. The screening of Leicester on Film: 1939-45 starts at 7pm on Thursday. Admission is free, but places must be reserved in advance by contacting the library.

    Assistant city mayor for leisure and culture, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “The last significant anniversaries for VE Day and VJ Day – 75 years, in 2020 – occurred when the country was in the grip of the covid pandemic. As a result, commemorations had to take place virtually and online.

    “That’s why it’s even more special that this year, we are able to commemorate this important milestone by bringing the spirit of VE Day into the city centre.”

    Memories of VE Day on the Story of Leicester website can be found at

    https://www.storyofleicester.info/city-stories/ve80-victory-in-europe-day-80th-anniversary/

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Charles Street Sunday closures planned to enable telecoms work

    Source: City of Leicester

    PART of Leicester’s Charles Street is set to close over four Sundays in May and June to enable work to telecoms equipment at Epic House to take place.

    The work – which is being carried out for Vodafone – will require large cranes to be on site in the area.

    In the interest of public safety, Charles Street will be closed in both directions between Humberstone Gate and Belgrave Gate between 8am and 8pm on Sunday 11 May, Sunday 18 May, Sunday 1 June and Sunday 29 June.

    Vehicles will be diverted along Belgrave Gate, St Matthews Way, Humberstone Road and Humberstone Gate.

    Access will be maintained for buses driving into the bus station from the Humberstone Road end only. Buses exiting the bus station will exit onto Belgrave Gate/Haymarket.

    While work is under way, footways will also be closed between Lower Hill Street and Kildare Street, with pedestrians being diverted via Clarence Street.

     

    (ends)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with Prime Minister Modi of India: 6 May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    PM call with Prime Minister Modi of India: 6 May 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi today.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi today. 

    The leaders began by celebrating the landmark UK-India Free Trade Agreement announced today – a deal which will add billions to the UK economy, boost wages and deliver on this government’s Plan for Change. 

    In a huge economic win for the UK, delivering for working people and British businesses, the Prime Minister underscored the need to go further and faster to get things done, to secure and renew our country.

    Through pragmatism and purpose, the leaders noted that this historic deal is the biggest the UK has done since leaving the EU, and the most ambitious India has ever done. Prime Minister Modi also thanked the Prime Minister for his decisive leadership in getting the deal over the line. 

    Turning to the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir last month, the Prime Minister reiterated his deep condolences at the tragic and senseless loss of life. 

    Finally, Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to India, which the Prime Minister was pleased to accept and said he looked forward to visiting India at the earliest opportunity.

    They looked forward to speaking soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Person struck by train on the Gartell Light Railway

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Person struck by train on the Gartell Light Railway

    Person struck by a train on the Gartell Light Railway, Somerset, 17 April 2025.

    The wagon involved

    At 09:35 on Thursday 17 April 2025, a volunteer member of staff was struck by a wagon and seriously injured near to Common Lane level crossing on the Gartell Light Railway. The railway was not open to the public when the accident occurred.

    The wagon involved was part of a train which was transporting staff, equipment and materials to a site of work. The member of staff was attempting to get off the wagon, which was regularly used to carry staff, when they were struck by it. The train was moving at a slow speed when the accident occurred.

    We have undertaken a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding this accident. Having assessed the evidence which has been gathered to date, we have decided to publish a safety digest.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Cambridge Growth Company has appointed Buro Happold, Prior + Partners and other technical experts to develop a growth strategy for Greater Cambridge

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    The Cambridge Growth Company has appointed Buro Happold, Prior + Partners and other technical experts to develop a growth strategy for Greater Cambridge

    The Cambridge Growth Company (CGC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Buro Happold, Prior + Partners and others to prepare a vision, supported by a robust evidence base that will underpin a long-term growth strategy for Greater Cambridge.

    Published on behalf of the Cambridge Growth Company

    CGC will work collaboratively with locally elected leaders and the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. It will also access support from a number of government departments where required, to pursue infrastructure-led growth.

    This appointment marks a significant step towards shaping a sustainable and strategic future for the Greater Cambridge region working in parallel with but extending over a longer period than the emerging Local Plan. The Local Plan is being developed by the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service representing Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council.

    The development of the evidence base has commenced as a first step in defining a vision for the future of Greater Cambridge that is sustainable, inclusive and innovative. By drawing on insights into the knowledge economy, infrastructure, housing, employment, transport, and the natural environment, the evidence base will act as a foundation for identifying challenges and opportunities, policy development and a future spatial strategy. Key areas of focus will be overcoming transport congestion and water scarcity.

    CGC is based in the city and has already commenced recruitment for a number of additional executive roles within the company to build its capacity and expertise over the coming months. These roles will be advertised locally in coming weeks.

    Buro Happold – Integrated consulting engineers and advisors is a globally recognised consultancy specialising in strategic planning, economics, infrastructure, design, engineering, environment and sustainability and strategic advisory services. With a strong track record in delivering large-scale city strategies, new communities and urban transformation projects.

    Buro Happold leads the team to shape the evidence base, strategy and implementation plan. Their contributions will ensure that the evidence base is grounded in data-driven insights, technical analysis and best practices for sustainable growth.

    Roger Savage, Project Director said:

    We look forward to working with local partners on addressing the challenges of the area. In developing the evidence base for the Growth Company we will consider ways which planning for growth can deliver a quality of life dividend for existing and future communities through investment in the environment and infrastructure.

    Prior + Partners is an acclaimed urban planning, masterplanning and economic consultancy known for its role in shaping major urban regeneration and expansion projects. Their experience in spatial planning, placemaking, data analytics and policy advisory will be instrumental in aligning the evidence base with Greater Cambridge’s unique needs, ensuring that growth is managed effectively and equitably.

    They will be supported by a multidisciplinary team with technical expertise and local knowledge, including BNP Paribas Real Estate, CBA, LUC, Peter Studdert, Turner and Townsend and Womble, and Bond Dickinson.

    By partnering with these leading experts in urban strategy and infrastructure planning, the Cambridge Growth Company is laying the groundwork to help Greater Cambridge realise its full potential.

    For further information please refer to CGC’s new website.

    Note to editors

    Cambridge Growth Company

    The Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook MP appointed Peter Freeman to chair the Cambridge Growth Company in October 2024. The government then committed £10 million to the CGC at the 2024 Autumn Statement.

    The CGC’s mission is to support Greater Cambridge in the creation of a delivery programme to bring forward an ambitious vision for long term growth. This vision will maximise the potential for the benefit of the city and the UK through enabling further growth of Cambridge’s knowledge and innovation industries.

    The CGC, which is supported by an Advisory Council consisting of elected local leaders and a range of local experts, will work with local government to establish the best long-term business model to fund infrastructural improvements — water supplies, the transport network, education, health, and the natural environment, ensuring that as much as possible is delivered from the increase in the land value of the sites to be developed.

    The intention is that the CGC in its current form transitions into a growth and delivery vehicle that has the capacity and capability to take a long-term approach to delivery.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Further appeal in case of woman missing from Barking since 2017

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives are appealing for the public’s help to find Stefana Otilia Malinici, 45 who is missing from Barking.

    Stefana (who is known as Otilia) has not been seen by her friends or family since she left her home on Beccles Drive in Barking on Wednesday, 6 September 2017.

    Otilia, who was 37-years-old at the time of her disappearance, is classed as vulnerable and in the intervening years, has not made contact with her husband or children.

    The last sighting of her was on CCTV and showed her making a brief visit to a shop on Green Lane in Ilford on Monday, 9 September 2017.

    Officers also believe she may have boarded the number 5 bus at 22:14hrs from Wood Lane, Dagenham on Tuesday, 10 September 2017.

    Since then, police have not been able to trace her.

    Officers looking after her case are appealing again for Otilia to make contact, and ask anyone who has information about where she may be, to call the team.

    Otilia was last seen wearing a black top with a large light coloured motif, dark tight jeans or leggings tucked into flat dark, mid-calf length boots, and a dark coloured three-quarter length fitted jacket. She had reddish hair in a bob style at the time.

    She is Romanian and at the time of her disappearance was working as a cleaner in London.

    Detective Chief Inspector Kam Sodhi, from the Met’s East Area Public Protection unit, said: “It is now more than seven years since Otilia was reported missing and we are continuing our work to find out where she is. While there is no evidence to suggest that Otilia has come to physical harm, we cannot rule this out.

    “Her family here in the UK and in Romania are still carrying on their daily lives without knowing where their loved one is. Her daughters have grown up without their mother, so we urge anyone who may know Otilia, or where she is, to come forward without further delay.

    “We ask anyone who has provided shelter or support to Otilia to also please contact police. Even if this was not recently, we want to hear from you.”

    In a statement, Otilia’s daughters, said: “It has now been more than seven years without our mother. We have grown up without her and miss her every day. She always brings support and love for anyone who needs it, even strangers and she always tries to cheer people up.

    “We appeal to the public for anyone to come forward if they know anything about her or her whereabouts. We also appeal to her directly, please return home to us.

    Officers would urge anyone with information on her whereabouts to call police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting 01/1106106/24.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Cambridge Growth Company have appointed Buro Happold, Prior + Partners and other technical experts to develop a growth strategy for Greater Cambridge

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    The Cambridge Growth Company have appointed Buro Happold, Prior + Partners and other technical experts to develop a growth strategy for Greater Cambridge

    The Cambridge Growth Company (CGC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Buro Happold, Prior + Partners and others to prepare a vision, supported by a robust evidence base that will underpin a long-term growth strategy for Greater Cambridge.

    Published on behalf of the Cambridge Growth Company

    CGC will work collaboratively with locally elected leaders and the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. It will also access support from a number of government departments where required, to pursue infrastructure-led growth.

    This appointment marks a significant step towards shaping a sustainable and strategic future for the Greater Cambridge region working in parallel with but extending over a longer period than the emerging Local Plan. The Local Plan is being developed by the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service representing Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council.

    The development of the evidence base has commenced as a first step in defining a vision for the future of Greater Cambridge that is sustainable, inclusive and innovative. By drawing on insights into the knowledge economy, infrastructure, housing, employment, transport, and the natural environment, the evidence base will act as a foundation for identifying challenges and opportunities, policy development and a future spatial strategy. Key areas of focus will be overcoming transport congestion and water scarcity.

    CGC is based in the city and has already commenced recruitment for a number of additional executive roles within the company to build its capacity and expertise over the coming months. These roles will be advertised locally in coming weeks.

    Buro Happold – Integrated consulting engineers and advisors is a globally recognised consultancy specialising in strategic planning, economics, infrastructure, design, engineering, environment and sustainability and strategic advisory services. With a strong track record in delivering large-scale city strategies, new communities and urban transformation projects.

    Buro Happold leads the team to shape the evidence base, strategy and implementation plan. Their contributions will ensure that the evidence base is grounded in data-driven insights, technical analysis and best practices for sustainable growth.

    Roger Savage, Project Director said:

    We look forward to working with local partners on addressing the challenges of the area. In developing the evidence base for the Growth Company we will consider ways which planning for growth can deliver a quality of life dividend for existing and future communities through investment in the environment and infrastructure.

    Prior + Partners is an acclaimed urban planning, masterplanning and economic consultancy known for its role in shaping major urban regeneration and expansion projects. Their experience in spatial planning, placemaking, data analytics and policy advisory will be instrumental in aligning the evidence base with Greater Cambridge’s unique needs, ensuring that growth is managed effectively and equitably.

    They will be supported by a multidisciplinary team with technical expertise and local knowledge, including BNP Paribas Real Estate, CBA, LUC, Peter Studdert, Turner and Townsend and Womble, and Bond Dickinson.

    By partnering with these leading experts in urban strategy and infrastructure planning, the Cambridge Growth Company is laying the groundwork to help Greater Cambridge realise its full potential.

    For further information please refer to CGC’s new website – www.thecgc.org.uk.

    Note to editors

    Cambridge Growth Company

    The Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook MP appointed Peter Freeman to chair the Cambridge Growth Company in October 2024. The government then committed £10 million to the CGC at the 2024 Autumn Statement.

    The CGC’s mission is to support Greater Cambridge in the creation of a delivery programme to bring forward an ambitious vision for long term growth. This vision will maximise the potential for the benefit of the city and the UK through enabling further growth of Cambridge’s knowledge and innovation industries.

    The CGC, which is supported by an Advisory Council consisting of elected local leaders and a range of local experts, will work with local government to establish the best long-term business model to fund infrastructural improvements — water supplies, the transport network, education, health, and the natural environment, ensuring that as much as possible is delivered from the increase in the land value of the sites to be developed.

    The intention is that the CGC in its current form transitions into a growth and delivery vehicle that has the capacity and capability to take a long-term approach to delivery.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, March 2025

    Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

    The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $140.5 billion in March, up $17.3 billion from $123.2 billion in February, revised.

    U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Deficit
    Deficit: $140.5 Billion +14.0%°
    Exports: $278.5 Billion +0.2%°
    Imports: $419.0 Billion +4.4%°

    Next release: Thursday, June 5, 2025

    (°) Statistical significance is not applicable or not measurable. Data adjusted for seasonality but not price changes

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, May 6, 2025

    Exports, Imports, and Balance (exhibit 1)

    March exports were $278.5 billion, $0.5 billion more than February exports. March imports were $419.0 billion, $17.8 billion more than February imports.

    The March increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $16.5 billion to $163.5 billion and a decrease in the services surplus of $0.8 billion to $23.0 billion.

    Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit increased $189.6 billion, or 92.6 percent, from the same period in 2024. Exports increased $41.1 billion or 5.2 percent. Imports increased $230.7 billion or 23.3 percent.

    Three-Month Moving Averages (exhibit 2)

    The average goods and services deficit increased $14.1 billion to $131.4 billion for the three months ending in March.

    • Average exports increased $4.0 billion to $275.7 billion in March.
    • Average imports increased $18.1 billion to $407.1 billion in March.

    Year-over-year, the average goods and services deficit increased $63.2 billion from the three months ending in March 2024.

    • Average exports increased $13.7 billion from March 2024.
    • Average imports increased $76.9 billion from March 2024.

    Exports (exhibits 3, 6, and 7)

    Exports of goods increased $1.3 billion to $183.2 billion in March.

      Exports of goods on a Census basis increased $2.5 billion.

    • Industrial supplies and materials increased $2.2 billion.
      • Natural gas increased $0.8 billion.
      • Nonmonetary gold increased $0.7 billion.
    • Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines increased $1.2 billion.
      • Passenger cars increased $0.9 billion.
    • Capital goods decreased $1.5 billion.
      • Civilian aircraft decreased $1.8 billion.
      • Computer accessories increased $0.7 billion.

      Net balance of payments adjustments decreased $1.2 billion.

    Exports of services decreased $0.9 billion to $95.2 billion in March.

    • Travel decreased $1.3 billion.
    • Transport increased $0.3 billion.
    • Financial services increased $0.2 billion.

    Imports (exhibits 4, 6, and 8)

    Imports of goods increased $17.8 billion to $346.8 billion in March.

      Imports of goods on a Census basis increased $17.8 billion.

    • Consumer goods increased $22.5 billion.
      • Pharmaceutical preparations increased $20.9 billion.
    • Capital goods increased $3.7 billion.
      • Computer accessories increased $2.0 billion.
    • Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines increased $2.6 billion.
      • Passenger cars increased $2.1 billion.
    • Industrial supplies and materials decreased $10.7 billion.
      • Finished metal shapes decreased $10.3 billion.
      • Nonmonetary gold decreased $1.8 billion.
      • Crude oil decreased $1.2 billion.

      Net balance of payments adjustments decreased less than $0.1 billion.

    Imports of services decreased $0.1 billion to $72.2 billion in March.

    • Travel decreased $0.4 billion.
    • Transport increased $0.2 billion.

    Real Goods in 2017 Dollars – Census Basis (exhibit 11)

    The real goods deficit increased $14.0 billion, or 10.2 percent, to $150.9 billion in March, compared to a 10.3 percent increase in the nominal deficit.

    • Real exports of goods increased $2.4 billion, or 1.6 percent, to $149.7 billion, compared to a 1.4 percent increase in nominal exports.
    • Real imports of goods increased $16.4 billion, or 5.8 percent, to $300.6 billion, compared to a 5.5 percent increase in nominal imports.

    Revisions

    Revisions to February exports

    • Exports of goods were revised down less than $0.1 billion.
    • Exports of services were revised down $0.4 billion.

    Revisions to February imports

    • Imports of goods were revised up less than $0.1 billion.
    • Imports of services were revised up $0.1 billion.

    Goods by Selected Countries and Areas: Monthly – Census Basis (exhibit 19)

    The March figures show surpluses, in billions of dollars, with Netherlands ($4.5), South and Central America ($3.2), Hong Kong ($1.9), United Kingdom ($1.2), Singapore ($0.5), Brazil ($0.5), and Saudi Arabia ($0.2). Deficits were recorded, in billions of dollars, with European Union ($48.3), Ireland ($29.3), China ($24.8), Mexico ($16.8), Switzerland ($14.7), Vietnam ($14.1), Taiwan ($8.7), India ($7.7), Germany ($7.5), South Korea ($6.8), Japan ($5.8), Canada ($4.9), Italy ($4.4), France ($3.9), Malaysia ($3.2), Australia ($1.0), Israel ($1.0), and Belgium ($0.1).

    • The deficit with Ireland increased $15.3 billion to $29.3 billion in March. Exports increased $0.1 billion to $1.4 billion and imports increased $15.5 billion to $30.7 billion.
    • The deficit with France increased $2.4 billion to $3.9 billion in March. Exports increased $0.1 billion to $4.0 billion and imports increased $2.6 billion to $7.9 billion.
    • The deficit with Switzerland decreased $4.1 billion to $14.7 billion in March. Exports increased $1.1 billion to $3.5 billion and imports decreased $3.0 billion to $18.3 billion.

    All statistics referenced are seasonally adjusted; statistics are on a balance of payments basis unless otherwise specified. Additional statistics, including not seasonally adjusted statistics and details for goods on a Census basis, are available in exhibits 1-20b of this release. For information on data sources, definitions, and revision procedures, see the explanatory notes in this release. The full release can be found at www.census.gov/foreign-trade/Press-Release/current_press_release/index.html or www.bea.gov/data/intl-trade-investment/international-trade-goods-and-services. The full schedule is available in the Census Bureau’s Economic Briefing Room at www.census.gov/economic-indicators/ or on BEA’s website at www.bea.gov/news/schedule.

    Next release: June 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EDT
    U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, April 2025

    Notice

    Country Name Changes

    With this release of the “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services” report, references to “Congo (Brazzaville)” and “Congo (Kinshasa)” are replaced with “Congo” and “Democratic Republic of the Congo,” respectively, to reflect the countries’ recent name changes. These changes also align with the names recognized by the U.S. Department of State and the International Organization for Standardization.

    Impact of Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Release of CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM)

    The CBSA introduced a new accounting system (CARM) on October 21, 2024. As a result, importers in Canada have experienced delays in filing shipment information. These delays affected the compilation of statistics on U.S. exports of goods to Canada for September 2024 through February 2025, which are derived from data compiled by Canada through the United States – Canada Data Exchange. A dollar estimate of the filing backlog is included in estimates for late receipts and, following the U.S. Census Bureau’s customary practice for late receipt estimates, is included in the export end-use category “Other goods” as well as in exports to Canada. This estimate will be replaced with the actual transactions reported by the Harmonized System classification in June 2025 with the release of “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, Annual Revision.” Until then, please refer to the supplemental spreadsheet “CARM Exports to Canada Corrections,” which provides a breakdown of the late receipts by 1-digit end-use category for statistics through 2024. This spreadsheet will be updated as late export transactions are received to reflect reassignments from the initial “Other goods” category to the appropriate 1-digit end-use category. Any 2025 impacts will be revised in June 2026.

    If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Census Bureau, Economic Indicators Division, International Trade Macro Analysis Branch, on 800-549-0595, option 4, or at eid.international.trade.data@census.gov.

    Upcoming Updates to Goods and Services

    With the releases of the “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services” report (FT-900) and the FT-900 Annual Revision on June 5, 2025, statistics on trade in goods, on both a Census basis and a balance of payments (BOP) basis, will be revised beginning with 2020 and statistics on trade in services will be revised beginning with 2018. The revised statistics for goods on a BOP basis and for services will also be included in the “U.S. International Transactions, 1st Quarter 2025 and Annual Update” report and in the international transactions interactive database, both to be released by BEA on June 24, 2025.

    Revised statistics on trade in goods will reflect:

    • Corrections and adjustments to previously published not seasonally adjusted statistics for goods on a Census basis.
    • End-use reclassifications of several commodities.
    • Recalculated seasonal and trading-day adjustments.
    • Newly available and revised source data on BOP adjustments, which are adjustments that BEA applies to goods on a Census basis to convert them to a BOP basis. See the “Goods (balance of payments basis)” section in the explanatory notes for more information.

    Revised statistics on trade in services will reflect:

    • Newly available and revised source data, primarily from BEA surveys of international services.
    • Corrections and adjustments to previously published not seasonally adjusted statistics.
    • Recalculated seasonal adjustments.
    • Revised temporal distributions of quarterly source data to monthly statistics. See the “Services” section in the explanatory notes for more information.

    For more information, see “Preview of the 2025 Annual Update of the International Economic Accounts” in the Survey of Current Business.

    If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Census Bureau, Economic Indicators Division, International Trade Macro Analysis Branch, on (800) 549-0595, option 4, or at eid.international.trade.data@census.gov or BEA, Balance of Payments Division, at InternationalAccounts@bea.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: SIOS Technology to Demonstrate High Availability Clustering Software for Mission-Critical Applications at Red Hat Summit, Milestone Technology Day and XPerience Day, and SQLBits 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN MATEO, Calif., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SIOS Technology Corp., a leading provider of application high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) solutions, today announced it will demonstrate its high availability clustering software for business-critical applications at four leading technology events this spring. SIOS also announced that it is inviting all IT practitioners to participate in its newly launched 2025 HA/DR Practices Survey, designed to gather insights into current trends, challenges, and strategies for ensuring application uptime and data protection.

    At each event, SIOS experts will demonstrate how SIOS LifeKeeper and DataKeeper software provide high availability and disaster recovery for critical applications like SQL Server, SAP, and Oracle. Attendees will learn how SIOS clustering software ensures application uptime, eliminates data loss, and simplifies HA/DR across physical, virtual, cloud, and hybrid environments.

    SIOS clustering software enables IT teams to create highly available application environments without the need for shared storage. Through intelligent application monitoring, real-time data replication, and automated failover and recovery, SIOS ensures business continuity with minimal complexity and reduced cost. With support for Windows and Linux in any infrastructure, SIOS solutions are trusted by enterprises worldwide to protect mission-critical operations.

    SIOS Launches Survey to Gather Insights on HA/DR Practices

    As part of its commitment to advancing resilience strategies in the enterprise, SIOS is launching its 2025 HA/DR Practices Survey to collect insights into the challenges, priorities, and real-world strategies used by IT professionals to ensure application uptime and data protection. The results will be compiled into the SIOS 2025 State of High Availability and Disaster Recovery Report, providing valuable benchmarks for the industry.

    All practitioners, including attendees of the Red Hat Summit, Milestone Technology Day, Milestone XPerience Day, and SQLBits, are invited to participate in the survey here.

    About SIOS Technology Corp.

    SIOS Technology Corp. high availability and disaster recovery solutions ensure availability and eliminate data loss for critical Windows and Linux applications operating across physical, virtual, cloud, and hybrid cloud environments. SIOS clustering software is essential for any IT infrastructure with applications requiring a high degree of resiliency, ensuring uptime without sacrificing performance or data – protecting businesses from local failures and regional outages, planned and unplanned. Founded in 1999, SIOS Technology Corp. (https://us.sios.com) is headquartered in San Mateo, California, with offices worldwide.

    SIOS, SIOS Technology, SIOS DataKeeper, SIOS LifeKeeper and associated logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of SIOS Technology Corp. and/or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    Media Contact:

    Beth Winkowski
    Winkowski Public Relations, LLC for SIOS
    978-649-7189
    bethwinkowski@US.SIOS.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How a community-focused vision for net zero can revive local economies

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Max Lacey-Barnacle, Senior Research Fellow, Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex

    Kampan/Shutterstock

    Across the world, the transition to a green economy is under threat. Growing antipathy towards the costs of tackling climate change, stoked especially by right-wing populists, undermines ambitions to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

    In the UK, leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch recently described achieving net zero by 2050 as “impossible”, stating that it would bankrupt the country. Reform, a major rival to the right of Badenoch’s Conservative party want to scrap the UK’s net zero targets altogether.

    A new vision of net zero is urgently needed. To help fund the UK’s transition to a green economy, the UK government seeks to attract private investment from international corporations that are not based in the UK.

    The Indian company Tata Group is investing £4 billion in eletric vehicles (EVs) and battery production in the UK. Danish company Orsted has invested £15 billion in UK offshore windfarms in the last decade. French company EDF Energy has invested £4.5 billion in net zero technologies and infrastructure in the UK.

    This approach comes with considerable risks. Profits can be extracted out of local economies, which benefits the shareholders of international corporations, not UK businesses.

    Ownership can also change between private entities and move even further afield. Last year, Orsted sold stakes in four UK offshore wind farms to a Canadian investment company.

    UCL climate scientist Mark Maslin explains net zero.

    But there’s an alternative that directly strengthens the resilience of the UK’s economy. Community wealth building is a model of economic development that ensures any profits generated from new green industries is recirculated within the local economy.

    To make this happen, communities need support from so-called “anchor institutions”. These are large organisations that are “anchored” to their local economy and cannot relocate, because their ownership structure is tied to a particular location. Think universities, hospitals or local government institutions.

    Within this approach, anchor institutions procure goods and services from nearby suppliers, so they circulate money locally and strengthen regional supply chains.

    This concept originated over a decade ago in the US. It’s since been applied in Canada, Australia, Ireland and the Netherlands.

    For the past four years, I’ve been exploring how community wealth building is becoming embedded in the UK’s fast-growing green economy.

    UK anchors and the green economy

    In north-west England, Preston city council retained the procurement spend of anchor institutions located in Preston city to the tune of £112.3 million in 2020 – £74 million more than in 2012/13.

    In Oldham in northern England, the council supported the development of community-led energy plans in two neighbourhoods, Sholver and Westwood. The plans outlined what a decarbonised heat, electricity and transport system would look like for each area. The council launched a website to share energy efficiency advice. The council also helped to set up two local community energy projects.

    Oldham Community Power installed solar panels on five primary schools and a community building to reduce their energy bills. Saddleworth Community Hydro have used excess profits from the sale of renewable electricity in 2023 to fund £58,000 worth of local sustainability projects.

    Some local councils in the UK are adopting a community wealth building approach.
    witsarut sakorn/Shutterstock

    The council in Lewes in southern England have committed to using community wealth building to transition towards net zero. Hundreds of houses have been retrofitted to increase their energy efficiency, with retrofit contracts arranged with local companies. EVs are being used to collect food waste. New sustainable housing is being built by local tradespeople using locally sourced materials wherever possible.

    The Lewes Climate Hub hosts community events and green business workshops in a council-owned property. Procurement spend by local anchor institutions has also doubled from £5m in 2020 to £10m in 2024.

    In North Ayrshire, Scotland, two municipally owned solar PV farms on council-owned land have generated a £13 million budget surplus. This has been redirected towards addressing fuel poverty by making low-income homes more energy efficient. The council’s new green jobs fund has supported over £1.14 million of investment into 65 businesses to enable a range of sustainability related measures.

    Encouragingly, more plans to bring together community wealth building and net zero continue to emerge. In London, partnerships between anchor institutions and community energy organisations could be integral to developing 1,000 community energy projects across the capital by 2030.

    Successful scale-up of community wealth building will require strong leadership, political commitments and supporting strategies that align with the green economy. Already, some initiatives are beginning to generate wealth through the green economy and keeping it in local communities, rather than ownership and profits going to distant corporations.

    To counter a rising opposition to net zero in the UK, prioritising community-focused visions that revive local economies will be vital.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Max Lacey-Barnacle receives funding from The British Academy.

    – ref. How a community-focused vision for net zero can revive local economies – https://theconversation.com/how-a-community-focused-vision-for-net-zero-can-revive-local-economies-252955

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Russia and Turkey are wielding religion as soft power – but one patriarch is standing in their way

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Katie Kelaidis, Research Fellow Institute of Orthodox Christian Studies, University of Cambridge

    Turkish nationalists are calling on the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to revoke the passport of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the highest ranking Greek Orthodox cleric in the US.

    As a Turkish citizen, the archbishop is one of the few clerics eligible to become the next Patriarch of Constantinople. The holder of this position is often called the “spiritual leader” of Eastern Orthodox Christians, though this status is contested.

    Critics of Elpidophoros believe he should be stripped of his Turkish citizenship for repeatedly referring to the Patriarch of Constantinople as “ecumenical”. This, which means the position represents a number of different Christian Churches, is a nod to the potential global authority of the office. Turkey does not recognise the patriarch’s ecumenical status.

    They also criticise Elpidophoros for using the name Constantinople instead of Istanbul (most recently during a Greek Independence Day celebration at the White House). This was the name of the city when it was the capital of the Ottoman empire.

    The situation might seem somewhere between petty and parochial – the concerns of a small and relatively unimportant corner of the world, or a momentary flare-up in the Greek-Turkish conflict. But this could not be further from the truth.

    The Patriarchate of Constantinople is a critical player in two volatile regions: the Middle East and eastern Europe. Both Turkey and Russia, regional powers in these unstable areas, have made religion a central component of their propaganda.

    They have each sought to present themselves as the guardian of their respective religious tradition, despite having spent much of the 20th century in various forms of state-sponsored hostility to religion. For Russia and Turkey, the Patriarchate of Constantinople stands as an obstacle to their preferred narratives.

    Religious politics

    Russia under Vladimir Putin and Turkey under Erdoğan have become deeply invested in promoting themselves as the guardians of traditional Christianity and Islam, respectively. By leveraging this position, they have garnered sympathy and support among people who were once indifferent or even hostile to them.

    Influential conservative commentators in the US such as Tucker Carlson and Rod Dreher have praised Putin’s “anti-woke” rhetoric. And some ultraconservative American men are reportedly converting to Russian Orthodoxy.

    Turkey, for its part, began establishing mosques and training imams abroad, including in western Europe, as early as the 1970s. But in the past 23 years, under the rule of the Justice and Development party (AKP), it has significantly expanded these efforts.

    The enemies Russia and Turkey claim to combat are both internal and external. Putin, Erdoğan and their aligned clerics, have been vocal in their denunciation of western “decadence”. This is usually represented by the liberal sexual and gender politics of western nations.

    Yet they have been just as adamant in opposing those within their own traditions. In Russia’s case, this has meant perceived liberalisers largely situated in the Hellenic world – not just the Patriarchate of Constantinople, but also the Patriarchate of Alexandria, as well as the Churches of Greece and Cyprus.

    For Turkey, this internal enemy has primarily taken the form of Saudi-backed Wahhabism, a strict, ultraconservative form of Sunni Islam.

    The international religious influence of Russia and Turkey depends on a specific national narrative. Russia must be not only a historically Orthodox nation, but the leading Orthodox nation – the rightful inheritor of the eastern Roman world.

    Likewise, Turkey must present itself as an explicitly and entirely Muslim nation, the heir to an Ottoman empire reimagined as far more homogeneous than it ever truly was.

    This requires both countries reject much of their 20th-century history. Neither Soviet communism nor the strict secularity of Turkey’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, fits the current plot. It also demands the rewriting of medieval and early modern histories.

    And for both, the Patriarch of Constantinople poses a significant problem. This is especially true if he is seen as anything more than a local ethnic leader, hence the objection to the use of “ecumenical” in his title.

    If the Patriarch of Constantinople is a global religious leader, then Moscow is not the undisputed head of the Orthodox world, nor is Turkey a homogeneously Muslim nation with a homogeneously Muslim past.

    Why the next patriarch matters

    Patriarch Bartholomew, the current Patriarch of Constantinople, ascended to the throne in 1991. He has been a moderate and modernising force in the Orthodox world and beyond. Bartholomew has championed issues such as environmentalism, inter-religious dialogue and human rights, while also opposing Russian aggression in Ukraine.

    Now Bartholomew is 85 years old, the conversation has turned to the question of his successor. The options are limited, as the next patriarch must be a Turkish citizen.

    If the patriarchate is to continue serving as a kind of opposition to Russian and Turkish expansionism, the next leader must also be a moderate. Should a more reactionary figure take the office, there is a real danger this counterbalance will be lost.

    For those who hope to resist Russian and Turkish aggression and to promote values such as human rights in the Orthodox world and Middle East, there is simply no better choice than Archbishop Elpidophoros.

    He has challenged Russian expansionism in Ukraine, defended democracy and pluralism and has taken a pastoral approach to the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people and women in the Church.

    Though the patriarch is a relatively obscure position in global terms, it is precisely because of the current global situation that there may be no more important religious leader than one who can exert influence across eastern Europe and the Middle East.

    The fact that allies of Putin and Erdoğan have joined in attacking Elpidophoros suggests not only that they do not want him to become the next Patriarch of Constantinople. It also suggests that western democracies should take a deep interest in who does.

    The patriarchate is a rejection of the historical lies upon which both Russian and Turkish soft power rest. Thus, the man who occupies the office must be up to the task.

    Katie Kelaidis 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. Russia and Turkey are wielding religion as soft power – but one patriarch is standing in their way – https://theconversation.com/russia-and-turkey-are-wielding-religion-as-soft-power-but-one-patriarch-is-standing-in-their-way-254247

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump likes to know where his suits come from. His tariffs could now upend the world’s fashion supply chains

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Arooj Rashid, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, Nottingham Trent University

    Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

    US president Donald Trump has a particular look. Sharp navy suits, overly long ties and crisp white shirts, always structured to command attention. It’s a power uniform rooted in a very traditional idea of masculine elegance. Trump wants it to look expensive, meticulously crafted, consistent, and entirely his own.

    Behind the populist slogans and “Buy American” rhetoric, this president has long embraced symbols of global luxury. While he’s worn American tailoring from Brooklyn’s Martin Greenfield – a craftsman who has dressed everyone from Barack Obama to Colin Powell – he has also been a longstanding customer of Brioni, an exclusive Italian brand of tailored clothing.

    So, while campaigning for American-made goods Trump has for years enjoyed the prestige of the “Made in Italy” tag, and the luxurious connotations it brings to menswear.

    But his trade policies have done the opposite for the global fashion industry. By threatening massive trade tariffs on countries like China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, he has potentially created chaos for both the industry and consumers.

    Traditionally, what’s known as “country of origin” has been represented by the “made in” label, a key branding tool that can shape consumer perceptions of product quality and other attributes. However, as globalisation has led to the outsourcing of design, materials and production, the definition has become increasingly complex.

    “Designed in” and “country of brand origin” have come to define prestigious product qualities, while country image is used to reflect perceptions of a nation and its products. For example, “designed in Italy” often evokes craftsmanship and luxury in fashion goods. Similarly, Germany has a historical reputation for excellence in producing cars. And “Japanese brand origin” is associated with cutting-edge technology and reliability, particularly in electronics and vehicles.

    Two decades ago, as production costs in the US and Europe mounted, clothing production moved to Asia. While China has remained an important supplier, trade tensions saw production move to countries including Vietnam, India and Bangladesh in the early mid-2010s. But with the threat of new tariffs on these countries, brands are scrambling again.

    This time they have far fewer alternatives. And for companies that rely on the storytelling behind where a garment is made, this isn’t just a supply chain headache. It’s an identity crisis.

    ‘Made in Italy’ – like Trump’s Brioni suits – conveys more than just the country of manufacture.
    Northfoto/Shutterstock

    In fashion, a garment’s origin is not merely a logistical detail – it’s part of its identity. Labels like “made in Italy”, “made in India” or “made in Bangladesh” carry different connotations. These could be luxury and craftsmanship – embroidery skills, for example – or affordability at scale.

    Over time, brands have cultivated these country associations as part of their marketing strategies, shaping consumer perception and trust. The result is a strategic decision for fashion companies, which must now consider cost and efficiency and how changing suppliers might affect their brand’s perceived values and identity.

    For example, brands like H&M and Levi Strauss & Co. have promoted their ethical sourcing in India or partnerships in Pakistan due to their expertise. But now they risk being taxed extensively. So what is the solution?

    The impact on consumers

    The growing risk of new trade rules and tariffs is making it harder for countries that supply fashion goods to stay competitive.

    First, brands must re-assess globalisation of the fashion industry and develop alternative supply chains. While a quick shift may be possible for simpler fashion products, relocating production for more complex or premium goods is usually a long-term investment. As a result, brands will be investigating country images that are perceived to be trusted and trustworthy as trading partners.

    But one unexpected outcome of these policies may be the return of European production and the emergence of “safe” sourcing locations in countries less exposed to trading restrictions. This could be Portugal and Romania for mid-market clothing, and Italy for high-end fashion goods. These would be more predictable and offer a globally recognised brand image.

    Heritage clothing brand Barbour still manufactures some of its lines in the UK.
    Robert Way/Shutterstock

    For some companies, shifting production to Italy will allow them to maintain product prestige while avoiding some of the eye-watering tariffs threatened for some Asian countries. Meanwhile others may look to move back to the UK because of its association with younger, niche markets.

    This won’t necessarily make clothing cheaper for consumers. It does though offer a level of reassurance, especially for higher-end or mid-market labels looking to preserve their image amid instability.

    Trump’s own affinity for Brioni reflects this implicit value. Though his public rhetoric prioritised American manufacturing, his choice of a luxury Italian tailor speaks to a broader truth: country image matters. And in fashion, it can be everything.

    The consequences of these trade policies are now visible across the fashion ecosystem. For example, American brands like Everlane and Pact are built around affordability and transparency. They rely on production in south or south-east Asia, and now face the challenge of rising costs.

    Larger companies will be rethinking pricing strategies, renegotiating contracts or halting expansion in regions hardest hit by tariffs.

    For consumers, this could mean higher prices and reduced variety. The label inside a garment now tells a more complex story – not only of where it was made but also of the political and economic forces shaping global trade.

    Even if these tariffs are eventually reduced or reversed, the disruption they have caused has already left a mark. They have redefined the meaning and importance of country-of-origin labels, exposed the fragility of global supply chains, and placed new pressure on brands to balance ethics, economics and image in a volatile environment. In fashion, where identity is crafted through fabric and narrative, the story behind the label has never mattered more.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trump likes to know where his suits come from. His tariffs could now upend the world’s fashion supply chains – https://theconversation.com/trump-likes-to-know-where-his-suits-come-from-his-tariffs-could-now-upend-the-worlds-fashion-supply-chains-255337

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The growing threat to U.S. democracy will literally cost lives

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Andrew C. Patterson, Assistant Professor of Sociology, MacEwan University

    According to a recent survey, most political scientists agree that President Donald Trump is turning the United States government into an autocracy, all too quickly.

    As political scholars Steven Levitsky and Lucan Way explain, a competitive-authoritarian country is one where elections are held and election results carry, but incumbents alter the game so as to tilt the odds of winning heavily in their favour. This effectively makes it an autocratic regime, with one person holding the lion’s share of power.

    Politicians tilt these odds by doing exactly the sorts of things Trump is doing. He is replacing civil servants with loyalists, and then repurposing the long-standing institutions they serve. This is so he can use those institutions for political gain — to punish dissenters and reward allies. All to support his staying in power.

    As just one recent example, Levistky and Way predicted in February that the Internal Revenue Service would become one of the many departments that Trump would weaponize. On April 15, Trump called for the IRS to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status in response to the university’s refusal to acquiesce. Trump had previously withheld billions of dollars in grant funding.



    Read more:
    Harvard is suing the White House: here’s what Trump hopes to achieve by targeting universities

    Is there any case in which Trump has still acted in the service of the American public? Arguably, no, not by a long shot. Even the Jeff Bezos-owned Washington Post describes his first 100 days as a remarkable failure across multiple fronts.

    The headlines have been blistering, calling those first 100 days “horrifying” and “inept.” Nor is the American public impressed: most give his performance a grade of D or F, according to a recent poll.

    The biggest threat of all may be permanent damage to government institutions.

    Democracy and population health

    As research shows, these trends cannot possibly be good for the lives and livelihoods of American citizens. We have known for over a decade that the recruitment of civil servants based on their political affiliations or loyalties, rather than credentials, is a recipe for political corruption. Corruption, in turn, harms population health.

    My own recent study affirms these findings. It also concludes that the impact of civil service hiring on population health is surprisingly direct. All of this suggests more corruption and worse health as Trump tightens his control over the civil service.

    Democracy, too, matters for population health. In another study, we found that democracies have as much as 11 years of added life expectancy, and 75 per cent lower rates of infant mortality, compared to autocratic countries. For someone focused on cross-national differences in health, these were huge differences.

    Economic impacts

    Trump’s actions will soon affect American wallets as well if they haven’t already, as research on both civil service hiring and democratization would suggest.

    It’s not difficult to demonstrate the threat, which continues to evolve in real time. Tourism in the U.S. has taken a serious hit in recent weeks, with airline bookings from Canada down 70 per cent.



    Read more:
    Does cancelling a trip to the U.S. really send a political message, or is it just hurting local tourism?

    People from other countries first started boycotting American goods and services in response to Trump’s tariff campaign. In the meantime, Congress has done little to curtail the detainment of migrants without just cause, or their deportation to a Salvadorean mega-prison without due process. And now tourists are afraid to travel to the U.S.

    It is fair to say that both economic prosperity and population health require investment in the same government infrastructures that the Trump administration is now downsizing.

    Yet the damage does not stop at the border. Trump’s decisions will have ripple effects on global health. Programs focused on containing infectious disease in the developing world are bearing the brunt of huge cuts to USAID.

    Speed and volume

    Trump’s approach is not informed by any kind of economic expertise. He is shooting the American economy in both feet by waging a tariff war against other countries as he simultaneously decimates tourism and upends a low-cost workforce with his immigration policy.

    Americans who voted for him will not get the price control they were hoping for, with supply-chain disruptions coming quickly down the pipeline.

    Nor can Americans count on the court system to preserve democracy. This is for two reasons.

    First, Trump’s executive actions are happening far too quickly. He has had a record number of executive orders since taking office only three months ago. It may take months if not years for challenges to these decisions to work their way through courts.

    Second, courts will not necessarily rule on the side of democracy, as in the Supreme Court’s decision to assure legal immunity for Trump.

    None of this bodes well. According to one watchdog based in Sweden, the U.S. could lose its status as a democratic nation in just a few months — well before the midterm elections.

    CNN reports on President Trump’s statement that he doesn’t know if he needs to uphold the U.S. Constitution.

    Starting a movement

    All of this has one common denominator: Trump’s unhinged executive power. A decidedly meek U.S. Congress needs to wake from its stupor and constrain that power.

    But at the time of this writing, the House judiciary committee plans to slip provisions into a budget megabill that will grant Trump ever more sweeping power over regulations.

    One solution may be what we sociologists refer to as a social movement. This is where as many people as possible choose to act. Small interactions — like sharing an article with friends and family — can make a big difference, according to one prominent perspective in sociology.

    Other means are more direct, like joining a protest or writing to members of Congress. And then there are decisions about what not to do. Universities and law firms are encouraged not to participate in the fraying of American democracy by making a “deal” with the Trump administration.

    The take-home message is that the threat to American democracy is real and it is imminent. The impact on human health and well-being will be global. If the collapse of American democracy affects all of us, inside and outside of U.S. borders, then we can all agree to do something about it.

    Andrew C. Patterson 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. The growing threat to U.S. democracy will literally cost lives – https://theconversation.com/the-growing-threat-to-u-s-democracy-will-literally-cost-lives-254170

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Even a capped, time-limited youth visa scheme would be of value to young people in the UK and EU

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Johanna L. Waters, Professor of Human Geography, UCL

    EF Stock/Shutterstock

    More than 60 Labour MPs have signed a letter calling on the government to support a youth mobility agreement with the EU.

    The letter called for a visa scheme that would be time limited and capped. This would be in line with other youth mobility agreements that the UK has with a number of countries and territories, including Australia and South Korea.

    Mobility would be for a defined period (such as three years), and the number of visas issued would be limited. The scheme would be aimed at young people in the UK and EU under 30 years old. This follows Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s promise to “reset” relations with the EU following his election in July 2024.

    At the upcoming EU-UK summit to be held in London on May 19 2025, opportunities for young people to travel between the UK and the EU will be a key part of negotiations between politicians.

    The European Commission have made no secret of their desire for such a scheme. They initially proposed a version of this in April 2024. Some EU countries, such as Germany, have spoken out in favour. Brexit has limited the ability of young people to spend time in the UK, with all the cultural, linguistic and other benefits potentially gained from this.

    The UK government’s enthusiasm has, in contrast, been more muted. They have a number of concerns, including immigration. Returning to any sort of free movement with the EU has been roundly rejected by politicians.

    Concerns over immigration

    Consecutive UK governments have been concerned with reducing net immigration, and international student visas contribute to these figures. Consequently, reducing numbers of incoming international students has been seen as a way of controlling immigration – to the dismay of bodies representing the UK’s higher education sector.

    But other countries, such as the US, exclude international students from immigration figures. Debates concerning removing international students from immigration numbers in the UK are ongoing. A poll commissioned by Universities UK found that only around a third of the British public viewed international students as migrants.

    As it stands, however, there are no plans to change the way international students are counted. Any new youth mobility agreement would presumably affect migration figures, but the direction is as yet unknown. And existing youth mobility schemes have had a relatively small impact on immigration numbers.

    Opportunities for young people

    As discussed in my forthcoming book (co-authored with Rachel Brooks) on student mobility after Brexit, young people in Britain have been particularly affected by changes in UK-EU relations.

    These have included their ability to study in Europe, as a consequence of the UK’s withdrawal from the Erasmus+ Programme – the EU’s initiative to support learning, work, sport and training in another EU country. The Republic of Ireland has allocated funding to allow students at universities in Northern Ireland to remain part of Erasmus+.

    At the moment, young Britons are treated no differently from any other potential immigrants to Europe, requiring a visa to study there for more than three months.

    UK citizens travelling to the EU now need a visa for stays of more than 90 days.
    Prostock-studio/Shutterstock

    The new Turing scheme has replaced Erasmus+ to fund study abroad for UK students. But it is far from a like-for-like replacement, is not reciprocal, and students and university staff have reported problems with securing visas in time.

    An agreement with the EU, enabling relatively stress-free travel for young people – albeit for a limited period of time – would be a significant benefit given the current situation.

    Young people from the EU now face similar regulations and restrictions when coming to the UK. A visa and “health surcharge” are now required for any stay over six months. International tuition fees must also be paid by EU citizens on UK degree courses. In addition, postgraduate students are no longer able to bring dependents.

    Consequently, fewer young people from Europe now choose the UK as a study destination. Recent figures show a significant drop in EU students coming to the UK – from 147,950 in 2019-20 to 75,490 in 2023-24. A resurgence in the number of EU students would probably be beneficial to UK universities, and the UK would, at the very least, appear more welcoming to young people from the EU.

    The re-election of Donald Trump as president of the US has ushered in new geopolitical realities. Relations between the US, UK and EU are shifting and uncertain, making a UK-EU deal in areas such as trade, security and education more important. The mobility of young people, as both learners and workers, is an important component of any negotiations on such a deal.

    Johanna L. Waters 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. Even a capped, time-limited youth visa scheme would be of value to young people in the UK and EU – https://theconversation.com/even-a-capped-time-limited-youth-visa-scheme-would-be-of-value-to-young-people-in-the-uk-and-eu-255267

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Indonesian postcard image ‘dangerous’ but Fiji a rising star in RSF press freedom index

    Pacific Media Watch

    To mark the release of the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) partnered with the agency The Good Company to launch a new awareness campaign that puts an ironic twist on the glossy advertising of the tourism industry.

    Three out of six countries featured in the exposé are from the Asia Pacific region — but none from the Pacific Islands.

    The campaign shines a stark light on the press freedom violations in countries that seem perfect on postcards but are highly dangerous for journalists, says RSF.

    It is a striking campaign raising awareness about repression.

    Fiji (44th out of 180 ranked nations) is lucky perhaps as three years ago when its draconian media law was still in place, it might have bracketed up there with the featured “chilling” tourism countries such as Indonesia (127) — which is rapped over its treatment of West Papua resistance and journalists.

    Disguised as attractive travel guides, the campaign’s visuals use a cynical, impactful rhetoric to highlight the harsh realities journalists face in destinations renowned for their tourist appeal.

    Along with Indonesia, Greece (89th), Cambodia (115), Egypt (170), Mexico (124) and the Philippines (116) are all visited by millions of tourists, yet they rank poorly in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, reports RSF.

    ‘Chilling narrative’
    “The attention-grabbing visuals juxtapose polished, enticing aesthetics with a chilling narrative of intimidation, censorship, violence, and even death.

    “This deliberately unsettling approach by RSF aims to shift the viewer’s perspective, showing what the dreamlike imagery conceals: journalists imprisoned, attacked, or murdered behind idyllic landscapes.”


    The RSF Index 2025 teaser.     Video: RSF

    Indonesia is in the Pacific spotlight because of its Melanesian Papuan provinces bordering Pacific Islands Forum member country Papua New Guinea.

    Despite outgoing President Joko Widodo’s 10 years in office and a reformist programme, his era has been marked by a series of broken promises, reports RSF.

    “The media oligarchy linked to political interests has grown stronger, leading to increased control over critical media and manipulation of information through online trolls, paid influencers, and partisan outlets,” says the Index report.

    “This climate has intensified self-censorship within media organisations and among journalists.

    “Since October 2024, Indonesia has been led by a new president, former general Prabowo Subianto — implicated in several human rights violation allegations — and by Joko Widodo’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as vice-president.

    “Under this new administration, whose track record on press freedom offers little reassurance, concerns are mounting over the future of independent journalism.”

    Fiji leads in Pacific
    In the Pacific, Fiji has led the pack among island states by rising four places to 40th overall, making it the leading country in Oceania in 2025 in terms of press freedom.

    A quick summary of Oceania rankings in the 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index. Image: RSF/PMW

    Both Timor-Leste, which dropped 19 places to 39th after heading the region last year, and Samoa, which plunged 22 places to 44th, lost their impressive track record.

    Of the only other two countries in Oceania surveyed by RSF, Tonga rose one place to 46th and Papua New Guinea jumped 13 places to 78th, a surprising result given the controversy over its plans to regulate the media.

    RSF reports that the Fiji Media Association (FMA), which was often critical of the harassment of the media by the previous FijiFirst government, has since the repeal of the Media Act in 2023 “worked hard to restore independent journalism and public trust in the media”.

    In March 2024, research published in Journalism Practice journal found that sexual harassment of women journalists was widespread and needed to be addressed to protect media freedom and quality journalism.

    In Timor-Leste, “politicians regard the media with some mistrust, which has been evidenced in several proposed laws hostile to press freedom, including one in 2020 under which defaming representatives of the state or Catholic Church would have been punishable by up to three years in prison.

    “Journalists’ associations and the Press Council often criticise politicisation of the public broadcaster and news agency.”

    On the night of September 4, 2024, Timorese police arrested Antonieta Kartono Martins, a reporter for the news site Diligente Online, while covering a police operation to remove street vendors from a market in Dili, the capital. She was detained for several hours before being released.

    Samoan harassment
    Previously enjoying a good media freedom reputation, journalists and their families in Samoa were the target of online death threats, prompting the Samoan Alliance of Media Professionals for Development (SAMPOD) to condemn the harassment as “attacks on the fourth estate and democracy”.

    In Tonga, RSF reports that journalists are not worried about being in any physical danger when on the job, and they are relatively unaffected by the possibility of prosecution.

    “Nevertheless, self-censorship continues beneath the surface in a tight national community.”

    In Papua New Guinea, RSF reports journalists are faced with intimidation, direct threats, censorship, lawsuits and bribery attempts, “making it a dangerous profession”.

    “And direct interference often threatens the editorial freedom at leading media outlets. This was seen yet again at EMTV in February 2022, when the entire newsroom was fired after walking out” in protest over a management staffing decison.

    “There has been ongoing controversy since February 2023 concerning a draft law on media development backed by Communications Minister Timothy Masiu. In January 2024, a 14-day state of emergency was declared in the capital, Port Moresby, following unprecedented protests by police forces and prison wardens.”

    This impacted on government and media relations.

    Australia and New Zealand
    In Australia (29), the media market’s heavy concentration limits the diversity of voices represented in the news, while independent outlets struggle to find a sustainable economic model.

    While New Zealand (16) leads in the Asia Pacific region, it is also facing a similar situation to Australia with a narrowing of media plurality, closure or merging of many newspaper titles, and a major retrenchment of journalists in the country raising concerns about democracy.

    Pacific Media Watch collaborates with Reporters Without Borders.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Pile Fuel Cladding Silo

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Case study

    The Pile Fuel Cladding Silo

    The Pile Fuel Cladding Silo is one of our oldest waste stores and one of the highest hazard facilities on the Sellafield site, dating to the early 1950’s

    Based on the simple design of a grain silo, the concrete structure is 29 metres long 10 metres wide and 18 metres high and is divided into 6 tall compartments.

    The challenge

    One of our biggest challenges at Sellafield is the need to take waste out of our legacy ponds and silos.

    These buildings are our most hazardous nuclear facilities and weren’t designed with decommissioning in mind.

    The Pile Fuel Cladding Silo was built more than 70 years ago when the site’s purpose was to produce material for nuclear weapons.

    The Pile Fuel Cladding Silo under construction in 1951

    The silo was built to store cladding from nuclear fuel used by the Windscale Piles – the first reactors to be built at Sellafield – and now contains a large variety of hazardous material.

    The cladding is Intermediate-Level Waste (ILW) and is dry stored.

    Based on the simple design of a grain silo, the concrete structure is 29 metres long 10 metres wide and 18 metres high and is divided into 6 tall compartments.

    As the UK’s civil nuclear power industry grew, the silo also received and stored cladding from used Magnox fuel from power stations around the country.

    By the early 1960s, routine waste tipping ceased, with sporadic tips up to 1972. With the silo now full, the building was placed into care and maintenance.

    In the 1980s, 90s and 00s, the silo underwent several upgrades to ensure the concrete structure could continue to provide safe containment and shielding for the waste.

    The Pile Fuel Cladding Silo was constructed with no means of retrieving the wastes inside, making it a ‘locked vault’ that has stored over 3200 cubic metres of ILW for 70 years.

    It’s also situated in a highly congested part of the Sellafield site and surrounded by a maze of pipelines and other sensitive buildings that make decommissioning the building extremely challenging.

    The solution

    The solution is to carefully retrieve the waste from the Pile Fuel Cladding Silo and place it into safe, secure, modern storage.

    The retrieval of wastes from the silo is a key priority for Sellafield Ltd and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and involves several steps:

    • gaining access to the waste
    • removing the waste
    • placing the waste into modern containers
    • storing the waste in a modern waste store, pending final disposal in an underground repository

    The approach is to attach large shield doors to the side of the silo, cut holes in the top of each compartment and use telescopic grabs to reach into the silo and lift out the waste.

    The large shield doors attached to the side of the silo

    The retrieved waste can then be loaded into specially designed metal boxes, sealed inside a shielded flask and transported to a brand new, fit-for-purpose store elsewhere on the Sellafield site.

    Next steps

    The retrieved waste is placed into a specially designed 3m3 stainless steel box and loaded into a shielded transport flask.

    The boxes of waste will then be sent to the Box Encapsulation Plant Product Store – Direct Import Facility (BEPPS-DIF), a new above-ground store that has been specially constructed on the Sellafield site.

    BEPPS-DIF will store the waste safely and securely until it’s ready for immobilisation prior to permanent disposal underground in a Geological Disposal Facility.

    Benefits: To reduce risk and hazard and safely store the waste
    Status: Currently being decommissioned
    Collaboration: The decommissioning programme is being delivered by Sellafield Ltd in collaboration with Bechtel Cavendish Nuclear Solutions, a US-UK joint venture.

    Progress so far

    The first step towards retrievals was the construction of an enormous concrete superstructure next the silo to house the retrievals equipment.

    The silo superstructure

    We then installed giant, 12-tonne steel doors on each compartment to provide a safe barrier between the waste and the outside world when the compartments are cut into.

    All 6 silo doors in situ on the side of the silo

    In 2017 we successfully cut holes in the top of the silo’s 6 compartments, allowing access to the waste for the first time in 65 years.

    Working in collaboration with Bechtel Cavendish Nuclear solutions, we’ve designed, manufactured, tested and installed 9 huge modules containing the machinery needed to empty the silo.

    In August 2023 we successfully retrieved the first waste from the Pile Fuel Cladding Silo using a crane to reach into the silo, lower a grabber into the compartment and lift out and repackage the waste.

    The first retrievals represent a significant milestone in the decommissioning story at Sellafield and a step closer to reducing the UK’s nuclear hazard.

    In May 2025, we met our retrievals target for 2024/25 by retrieving enough waste to fill 18 3-metre cubed storage boxes.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: CICG leads delegation to Foire de Paris 2025

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

    At the 119th Foire de Paris that kicked off on April 30, China International Communications Group (CICG) organized the 2025 “Souffle d’Orient” Chinese culture theme exhibition and a series of cultural exchange activities to showcase everything new and trendy in Chinese society and culture and foster people-to-people and cultural exchange.

    The Chinese culture theme exhibition is inaugurated at the 119th Foire de Paris on April 30, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

    Yu Tao, vice president of CICG; Irina Bokova, former director-general of UNESCO; Yang Xinyu, ambassador and permanent delegate of the People’s Republic of China to UNESCO; Carine Préterre, executive vice director of the Comexposium Group; Liang Ke, deputy secretary of the CPC Working Committee of the Administration of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone; Catherine Ruggeeri, chief supervisor of Cultural Industries, French Ministry of Culture; and Vincent Montagne, president of the Paris Book Festival, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. Over 100 representatives from the cultural, art, publishing, and business communities of China and France participated in the event.

    Yu Tao, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the Chinese culture exhibition in Paris, France, April 30, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

    Yu said that exchange and mutual learning between the Chinese and European civilizations will not only solidify the public foundation for bilateral relations, but also serve as a global model, injecting stability into a turbulent world. Looking ahead, he emphasized the importance of promoting exchanges in education, science and technology, and culture, so that the seeds of peace can take root in people’s hearts around the world, enabling them to work together toward a brighter future for a community with a shared future for mankind, Yu said.

    Irina Bokova, former director-general of UNESCO, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the Chinese culture theme exhibition in Paris, France, April 30, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

    Bokova said that both Chinese and European cultures are significant global forces with profound historical legacies. She said China’s participation in the Foire de Paris exemplifies that national rejuvenation begins with its cultural revival and awakening. Today, China places great emphasis on culture, which has become the bedrock and source of social harmony and innovative development in Chinese society. Dialogue between Chinese and French civilizations can bring positive energy to the progress of human civilization, Bokova said.

    Yang Xinyu, ambassador and permanent delegate of the People’s Republic of China to UNESCO, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the Chinese culture theme exhibition in Paris, France, April 30, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

    Yang stated that culture is the soul of people and a bridge for interpersonal connections. UNESCO’s mission is to promote cultural diversity, and China has always attached great importance to cultural openness and inclusivity, Yang said. China’s participation in the Foire de Paris enables people to share their respective cultures and provides an excellent opportunity to promote mutual learning among different civilizations. This exhibition is not only a window showcasing China’s global cultural outreach but also an open invitation from China to people from across the world, Yang said.

    Carine Préterre, executive vice director of the Comexposium Group, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the Chinese culture theme exhibition in Paris, France, April 30, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

    Préterre said that the Foire de Paris is the largest fair in France and across Europe. Since its inception in 1904, it has been dedicated to introducing cultures and innovations from around the world to the French public. She said her organization’s fruitful cooperation with CICG at the Foire de Paris embodies the friendship between China and France. She said she looks forward to the Chinese Culture Theme Exhibition introducing the charm of Chinese culture to French visitors.

    Liang Ke, deputy secretary of the CPC Working Committee of the Administration of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the Chinese culture theme exhibition in Paris, France, April 30, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

    Liang said that Shenzhen, positioned at the forefront of China’s reform and opening-up, stands as a vibrant, innovative, and captivating international metropolis. She said that, at the Foire de Paris, the city is delighted to promote two cultural tourism projects: the Shenzhen Qianhai Huafa Snow World, the world’s largest indoor ski resort, and the Bay Area Store of Shenzhen Book City, China’s largest cultural complex dedicated to books. Qianhai, with its openness and innovation, is reaching out to the world. She said that friends from all sectors are cordially invited to experience Qianhai’s appeal and seize the opportunities for shared development.

    Catherine Ruggeeri, chief supervisor of Cultural Industries, French Ministry of Culture, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the Chinese culture theme exhibition in Paris, France, April 30, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

    Ruggeeri said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic relations. Amidst a volatile and ever-changing international landscape, cultural dialogue is of paramount importance in nurturing EU-China relations. Both sides should remain committed to strengthening people-to-people exchanges and the development of cultural and creative industries through pragmatic cooperation platforms like the Foire de Paris, so as to inject new cultural vitality into the friendship between China and France, Ruggeeri said.

    Vincent Montagne, president of the Paris Book Festival, delivers a speech. [Photo/CICG]

    Montagne said that while the internet and modern technology have posed significant challenges to books, the number of new books published over the past two decades has surpassed the entire volume of publications before that period, with a historic number of manuscripts submitted by young authors. “Light still resides within books,” he said. Montagne said he looks forward to in-depth collaboration with Chinese publishing houses to jointly drive the prosperity and development of the book market.

    The exhibition features seven themed zones: Themed Books, Cultural and Creative Products from the National Museum of China, Panda Culture, Hehe Culture, Central Plains Culture, Sanjin Culture, and Science and Technology Innovation Culture. Approximately 2,000 exhibits are on display, spanning five categories: books, cultural and creative products, artworks, porcelain and ceramics, and sci-tech innovations. 

    Notable exhibits include the multilingual series of “Keywords to Understand China,” “Xingbao the Giant Panda,” “Nezha Conquers the Dragon King,” and “Hanshan’s Poems” among the books; panda-themed merchandise, Taizhou Embroidery apparel from Zhejiang province, mulberry silk embroidery, Jinqing straw-woven products, Shanxi iron teapots, Yigenteng table screens, and the intangible cultural heritage Ni Gugu (clay sculpture) among cultural and creative products; Linhai paper-cuttings, mortise and tenon structural components, crystal-carved plates featuring the “Two Hehe Sages,” glass artworks of “Hanshan and Shide,” and traditional costumes from the “Blue Rhythm and Brocade Memories” collection among artworks; and AI translation devices and AI photo frames among sci-tech innovations.

    Cultural performance is staged at the Chinese culture theme exhibition in Paris, France, April 30, 2025. [Photo/CICG]

    During the exhibition, various themed promotional events were hosted, such as the Shenzhen Theme Day and the Henan Theme Day, featuring intangible cultural heritage performances and cultural shows. These events attracted nearly 10,000 visitors and garnered enthusiastic responses.

    On the opening day, Steven Abajoli, chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Foire de Paris, presented the Honorary Contribution Award to CICG. He commended CICG for meticulously crafting an exquisite exhibition pavilion, presenting a diverse array of cultural products, and organizing creative cultural performances, all of which brought the distinctive appeal of Chinese culture to the Foire de Paris and the French public. This marked the third consecutive year that CICG has received this accolade.

    China Pavilion. [Photo/CICG]

    Founded in 1904, the Foire de Paris is one of the world’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious comprehensive exhibitions. After three years of dedicated efforts, the “Souffle d’Orient” Chinese culture theme exhibition, organized and curated by CICG, has emerged as a highlight at the Foire de Paris, garnering positive public acclaim.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Valentin-Yves Mudimbe: the philosopher who reshaped how the world thinks about Africa

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Christophe Premat, Associate Professor in French Studies (cultural studies), head of the Centre for Canadian Studies, Stockholm University

    Congolese thinker, philosopher and linguist Valentin-Yves Mudimbe died on 21 April 2025 at the age of 83. He was in the US, where he had lived for many years.

    A towering figure in African critical thought, Mudimbe’s work – translated and studied worldwide – has profoundly shaped postcolonial studies. He leaves a groundbreaking intellectual legacy on the colonisation of knowledge and the condition of Africans.

    At a time when debates on decolonising knowledge are gaining ground, Mudimbe’s passing invites us to revisit the work of a thinker who, since the 1980s, paved the way for a radical critique of imposed “categories”. He wanted to help rebuild intellectual frameworks which imagined and defined Africa on its own terms, not through the labels or categories imposed by colonial powers.

    As a specialist in postmodern and postcolonial theories, I think he had considerable influence on the field of postcolonial studies.

    He was one of the most influential African thinkers of the 20th century. His impact did not come from activism, but from careful, sustained intellectual work. With his seminal work The Invention of Africa (1988) he profoundly disrupted African and postcolonial studies. His work went far beyond the usual east-west divide.

    A journey between Africa and exile

    Valentin-Yves Mudimbe was born in 1941 in Jadotville (now Likasi), in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His early education took place in a Benedictine monastery. Later, he pursued further studies at Louvain in Belgium.

    His religious education left a lasting mark on his thinking. It shaped his critical approach to knowledge. His work often explored the connections between language, power, and how ideas become institutionalised.

    In 1970, Mudimbe returned to the newly independent Congo. He began teaching at the National University of Zaïre. The country was then caught between postcolonial hope and growing disillusionment.

    Under Mobutu Sese Seko’s regime, the political atmosphere grew stifling for independent thinkers. The state had adopted the rhetoric of “authenticity”, turning it into a tool of control. Faced with this ideological stranglehold, Mudimbe chose exile in 1979.

    He relocated to the US, where he taught at Stanford and later Duke University. There, he continued his work of critical deconstruction. Yet, despite his physical distance, he remained deeply committed to Africa’s future.

    Deconstructing the ‘colonial library’

    First published in English in 1988 as the The Invention of Africa, the book was translated into French in 2021 under the title L’Invention de l’Afrique, (Présence africaine).

    Mudimbe offers much more than a critique of colonial representations. He examined the “colonial library”. It refers to the vast collection of religious, anthropological and administrative texts that, for centuries, framed Africa as an object to be studied, dominated and “saved”. Mudimbe was always careful not to accept ideas just because they were passed down. Instead, he was always looking for new ways to think freely and independently.

    Unlike Edward Said, the Palestinian-American literary theorist and critic who exposed how the west constructed a mythologised “Orient”, Mudimbe revealed something more insidious. He showed that Africa was often imagined as a void to be filled. It was cast as a cultural blank slate, which helped justify the colonial mission.

    This radical deconstruction raised a crucial question: how can we produce knowledge that does not, even through critique, reproduce the very colonial frameworks it seeks to challenge?

    The book’s impact was profound, resonating across Africa, Europe and North America. It created an intellectual foundation for thinkers like Achille Mbembe, Souleymane Bachir Diagne and Felwine Sarr, who, in turn, continued to explore what truly decolonised African thought might look like.

    Building something new

    Mudimbe was never satisfied with existing structures. He aimed to build something new from the ground up. For him, liberating Africa required a rebuilding of knowledge systems. He rejected the assumption that western intellectual frameworks alone could define Africa. He also warned against essentialist temptations – the trap of creating new conceptual prisons in the name of authenticity.

    His thinking followed a rigorous method: analysing discourse, questioning inherited categories, and dismantling false assumptions.

    This demanding work aimed to empower Africa to think for itself without cutting itself off from the rest of the world.

    His fiction – Between Tides (in French, Entre les eaux. Dieu, un prêtre, la révolution), Before the Birth of the Moon (Le Bel Immonde in French), Shaba Deux : les carnets de mère Marie Gertrude – embodies the same refusal to be stereotyped.

    His characters navigate colonial legacies, state nationalism and rigid identity politics through stories of displacement and fragmented memory.

    Language itself becomes a battleground for creativity in his novels. Sharply crafted, his prose captures the diversity of contemporary African experience. Through both his literary and philosophical works, Mudimbe consistently insisted that identity is never a given. It is always a construct to be questioned.

    A living legacy

    As Africa navigates complex geopolitical transformations and redefines its cultural identities, Mudimbe’s intellectual legacy proves more vital than ever. His work challenges us to recognise that true liberation extends beyond political sovereignty or cultural revival. It requires the radical work of reinventing how knowledge itself is produced and validated.

    Mudimbe’s lasting legacy urges us to remain intellectually vigilant in a world where knowledge is constantly shifting. He challenges us to reject rigid categories, embrace complexity with care, and make room for uncertainty instead of rushing to resolve it.

    For Mudimbe, to decolonise knowledge means relentless critique paired with creative reconstruction. It means building pluralistic and open frameworks that honour Africa’s diverse experiences without nostalgia or complacency.

    – Valentin-Yves Mudimbe: the philosopher who reshaped how the world thinks about Africa
    – https://theconversation.com/valentin-yves-mudimbe-the-philosopher-who-reshaped-how-the-world-thinks-about-africa-255902

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: QphoX, Rigetti and the NQCC Announce Collaboration on Multi-Channel Optical Readout of Quantum Processors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DELFT, Netherlands, BERKELEY, Calif. and OXFORDSHIRE, United Kingdom, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QphoX B.V., a Dutch quantum technology startup developing leading frequency conversion systems for quantum applications, Rigetti Computing, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGTI), a pioneer in full-stack quantum-classical computing, and the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), the UK’s national lab for quantum computing, today announced that they have been awarded a multinational grant to perform readout of superconducting qubits using light transmitted over optical fiber.

    In a recent demonstration, QphoX and Rigetti validated the potential of this technique by optically reading out the state of a single superconducting qubit1. Optical readout is made possible by microwave-to-optical transduction at the base temperature of the cryostat. This transduction process converts the information contained in the microwave readout pulse into an optical signal carried over optical fiber. This approach could eventually replace conventional microwave amplifiers and coaxial wiring as part of the qubit signal processing chain and thereby offer considerable scaling advantages due to the comparatively low dissipation of the transducer and the negligible passive heat loads from telecommunications optical fiber.

    QphoX, Rigetti and the NQCC are partnering to take the next step in this research to realize optical readout of a fully-fledged superconducting quantum computer. In this multinational collaboration, QphoX will scale its optical qubit readout system that will interface with Rigetti’s 9-qubit Novera QPU, enabling optical readout of all qubits in the processor. The combined system will be installed and operated at the NQCC.

    “Using light to readout the state of a superconducting qubit will remove a significant amount of heat load on cryogenic systems and therefore allow to overcome one of the critical bottlenecks in building a universal quantum computer. We are excited to take our developments to the next level and work with our partners in demonstrating this critical technology at scale,” says Simon Groeblacher, CEO of QphoX.

    “This innovative solution to a well-known scaling challenge is made possible by an open and modular system architecture,” says Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO. “Integrating our partners’ technology with our QPU enables us to benefit from even more expertise to accelerate our work towards fault tolerance.”

    “Demonstrating optical qubit readout at the system level represents an important step in our mission to advance scalable quantum computing, and we are delighted to host this collaborative work at the NQCC with such innovative project partners,” commented Dr. Michael Cuthbert, Director of NQCC.

    The 33-month program is funded by the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) and Innovate UK via the Eureka network, an intergovernmental organization for research and development funding and coordination.

    1van Thiel, T.C., Weaver, M.J., Berto, F. et al. Optical readout of a superconducting qubit using a piezo-optomechanical transducer. Nat. Phys. 21, 401–405 (2025).

    About QphoX
    QphoX is the leading developer of quantum transduction systems that enable quantum computers to network over optical frequencies. Leveraging decades of progress in photonic, MEMS and superconducting device nanofabrication, their single-photon interfaces bridge the gap between microwave, optical and telecom frequencies to provide essential quantum links between computation, state storage and networking. QphoX is based in Delft, the Netherlands. See qphox.eu for more information.

    About Rigetti
    Rigetti is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing. The Company has operated quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 and serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform. In 2021, Rigetti began selling on-premises quantum computing systems with qubit counts between 24 and 84 qubits, supporting national laboratories and quantum computing centers. Rigetti’s 9-qubit Novera™ QPU was introduced in 2023 supporting a broader R&D community with a high-performance, on-premises QPU designed to plug into a customer’s existing cryogenic and control systems. The Company’s proprietary quantum-classical infrastructure provides high-performance integration with public and private clouds for practical quantum computing. Rigetti has developed the industry’s first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. The Company designs and manufactures its chips in-house at Fab-1, the industry’s first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. Learn more at rigetti.com.

    About the NQCC
    The NQCC is the UK’s national lab for quantum computing, dedicated to accelerating the development of quantum computing by addressing the challenges of scaling up the technology. The centre is working with businesses, government, and the research community to deliver quantum computing capabilities for the UK and support the growth of the emerging industry. The NQCC’s programme is being delivered jointly by UKRI’s research councils, EPSRC and STFC. It is a part of the National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP) to develop and deliver quantum technologies across the areas of sensing, timing, imaging, communications and computing. The centre is headquartered in a purpose-built facility on STFC’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory site at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. Visit nqcc.ac.uk for more information.

    Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this communication may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company’s future success and performance, including expectations with respect to timing of the development and commercialization of superconducting quantum computing; expectations regarding the advantages and impact of the multinational-funded projects on the Company’s operations, technology roadmap, milestones, and the Company’s position in the industry; statements to optical readouts eventually replacing conventional components as part of the qubit signal processing chain and thereby offering scaling advantages; the extent that the optical qubit readout systems may interface with Rigetti’s Novera QPU and enable optical readout of all qubits; the extent that using light will remove a significant amount of heat load on cryogenic systems; the extent that using light will overcome critical bottlenecks in building a universal quantum computer; and the extent to which Rigetti’s open and modular system architecture will allow for partners to integrate their technology with Rigetti’s QPUs. These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the Company’s ability to achieve milestones, technological advancements, including with respect to its technology roadmap; the ability of the Company to obtain government contracts successfully and in a timely manner and the availability of government funding; the potential of quantum computing; the success of the Company’s partnerships and collaborations, including the strategic collaboration with Quanta; the Company’s ability to accelerate its development of multiple generations of quantum processors; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company or others; the ability to maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and attract and retain management and key employees; costs related to operating as a public company; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, or competitive factors; the Company’s estimates of expenses and profitability; the evolution of the markets in which the Company competes; the ability of the Company to implement its strategic initiatives and expansion plans; the expected use of proceeds from the Company’s past and future financings or other capital; the sufficiency of the Company’s cash resources; unfavorable conditions in the Company’s industry, the global economy or global supply chain, including rising inflation and interest rates, deteriorating international trade relations, political turmoil, natural catastrophes, warfare and terrorist attacks; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements other than as required by applicable law. The Company does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

    Rigetti Media Contact
    press@rigetti.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ReportAId raises €2.2M using AI to unlock healthcare data

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Milan, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ask any doctor what’s keeping them from delivering better care, and paperwork will top the list. Despite billions invested in healthcare technology, 80% of clinical data remains trapped in unstructured reports, and 70% of patients don’t return to the same facility for follow-ups. Today, ReportAId announces a €2.2 million pre-seed funding round to address this massive inefficiency with an AI platform that automatically interprets medical reports and transforms them into interactive tools that guide both patients and clinicians through personalized care pathways.

    The capital raise was led by Italian Founders Fund with participation from Heartfelt, Exceptional Ventures, 2100 Ventures, Vento, Ithaca, B Heroes, Vesper Holding, and angel investors Luca Ascani, Enrico Giacomelli, Francesco Zaccariello and Luca Foschini. This investment will enable ReportAId to add ten new team members and expand across Italian and European healthcare, scaling a solution already in use at leading institutions like San Raffaele Hospital and currently being adopted by Ospedale Isola Tiberina – Gemelli Isola.

    ReportAId founders: (L to R) Claudio Caletti, Giuseppe Faraci and Luca Foresti.

    “ReportAId is the first operator to bring AI at scale into Italian healthcare. In the coming years, this technology will become a core pillar of the health system,” said Giuseppe Faraci, CEO and co-founder of ReportAId. “We already work with leading private providers, but our goal is to support the public sector as well. We are ready for a concrete dialogue with local-health directors, regional councillors and national ministries to help modernise the NHS.”

    ReportAId’s platform tackles the root causes of healthcare inefficiency: poorly managed reports, fragmented care journeys, and difficulties in treatment planning. The AI-powered system extracts key data from medical documents and creates structured, personalized care plans that make next steps clear for everyone involved. For patients, this means quick, guided access to every aspect of their care pathway – streamlining appointment booking, medication purchases, and follow-up care. For providers, the platform enables more efficient scheduling of tests and surgeries, design of therapeutic and preventive plans, and assessment of prescription appropriateness in line with clinical guidelines.

    Founded in Milan in 2024 by Giuseppe Faraci (CEO), Claudio Caletti (CTO) and Luca Foresti (Chairman), ReportAId emerged from the founders’ firsthand observations of the critical inefficiencies plaguing healthcare. By applying AI to the fundamental problem of unstructured clinical data, they’ve created a solution that not only improves the patient experience but also delivers significant operational benefits to healthcare providers – with revenue increases of up to 25% reported by hospitals using the system.

    What differentiates ReportAId is its focus on turning unactionable medical reports into structured databases and automated workflows while maintaining full compliance with EU privacy regulations. The platform’s ability to create a comprehensive clinical database covering every medical report gives healthcare facilities unprecedented insight into their operations and patient outcomes.

    The ReportAId platform.

    “ReportAId is one of the most tangible and transformative AI applications in healthcare. It tackles critical inefficiencies – from fragmented clinical data and gaps in patient management to structural waiting-list issues,” said Irene Mingozzi, Principal at Italian Founders Fund. “By turning medical reports into structured, automated actions, the platform directly improves continuity and quality of care. This is exactly the kind of impact IFF seeks: ambitious founders, enabling technology and a long-term vision to make things better. We also believe ReportAId’s potential extends far beyond Italy.”

    The healthcare AI sector has seen explosive growth, but few solutions address the fundamental data structuring problem that ReportAId tackles. With proven traction at prestigious institutions like San Raffaele Hospital and a clear path to both private and public sector adoption, the company is positioned to become a critical infrastructure layer in the European healthcare system.

    “Healthcare is the perfect field for AI, and the founders – already well-known in the AI and health ecosystem – are attacking one of the sector’s biggest inefficiencies with a simple, elegant and scalable solution,” added Paolo Pio, Co-Founder & General Partner at Exceptional Ventures. “Traction in Italy is real and demand is knocking. We’re excited to join their mission.”

    Looking ahead, ReportAId plans to expand its integration capabilities with existing healthcare IT systems, develop additional AI capabilities for specialized medical disciplines, and work directly with public healthcare authorities to implement its solution at scale – creating a more efficient, accessible healthcare system that serves patients better while reducing costs and administrative burdens.

    Ends 

    Media images can be found here.

    About ReportAId
    Founded in Milan in 2024 by Giuseppe Faraci (CEO), Claudio Caletti (CTO) and Luca Foresti (Chairman), ReportAId leverages artificial intelligence to optimise healthcare processes, automatically interpreting medical reports and turning them into interactive tools for providers and patients—fully compliant with European privacy regulations. Backed by Italian Founders Fund, Heartfelt, Exceptional Ventures, 2100 Ventures, Vento, Ithaca, B Heroes, Vesper Holding, Luca Ascani, Enrico Giacomelli, Francesco Zaccariello and Luca Foschini, the solution is live or being rolled out at private hospitals including San Raffaele and Ospedale Isola Tiberina – Gemelli Isola. ReportAId now aims to serve the public sector, helping make healthcare systems more efficient and accessible.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Change of share capital

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company Announcement No 19/2025

    		 Peberlyk 4
    6200 Aabenraa
    Denmark

    Tel +45 74 37 37 37
    Fax +45 74 37 35 36

    Sydbank A/S
    CVR No DK 12626509, Aabenraa
    sydbank.dk
    6 May 2025  

    Dear Sirs

    Change of share capital

    At the AGM of Sydbank A/S held on 20 March 2025 it was resolved to
    reduce the Bank’s share capital by nominally DKK 33,839,600 by
    cancelling 3,383,960 shares which were purchased under the Bank’s
    share buyback programme in 2024.

    The creditors’ time limit for filing claims has expired and the Board of
    Directors has subsequently decided to implement the capital reduction.

    The capital reduction will be registered with the Danish Business
    Authority.

    Sydbank’s total share capital represents nominally DKK 512,044,600,
    equal to 51,204,460 shares of DKK 10 each (51,204,460 voting rights).
    As a result of the capital reduction the Bank’s Articles of Association have
    been amended with respect to the size of the share capital. The revised
    Articles of Association are available at sydbank.dk and sydbank.com.

    Yours sincerely

            
    Sydbank A/S

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How did sport become so popular? The ancient history of a modern obsession

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Konstantine Panegyres, Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History, The University of Western Australia

    Roman mosaics discovered in Sicily show women playing different sports. David Pineda Svenske/Shutterstock

    It’s almost impossible to go a day without seeing or hearing about sport.

    Walk around any city or town and you will almost always catch a glimpse of people playing sports in teams or participating solo.

    Turn on the TV or radio and you’ll be able to find some kind of sport being played at international or national level.

    Why do people love sport so much?

    To answer this question, it’s worth a dive back into ancient history.

    An ancient person’s perspective

    One of the most famous figures from the ancient world, Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD), once wrote that when he was a boy he was obsessed with playing sports:

    I liked to play ball as a boy and my playing slowed my progress in learning to read and write.

    The earliest portrait of Saint Augustine in a 6th century fresco, Lateran, Rome.
    Wikimedia Commons, CC BY

    In fact, Saint Augustine was so preoccupied with playing ball that his teacher was said to sometimes beat him for it. His teacher said it was bad to waste one’s youth on such things – it’s better to study hard.

    Why was Saint Augustine obsessed with ball games? He loved to win:

    I loved to play games […] in these games I was overmastered by my vain desire to excel, so I used to strive to win, even by cheating.

    Plenty of people today probably share Saint Augustine’s view that winning is one of the things that make sport enjoyable.

    Of course, there are many other reasons why people might like to play sport.

    What sports did they play?

    If you walked down a city street in ancient Greek and Roman times, it’s likely you’d come across children or even adults playing a ball game.

    Handball games played in ancient Greece.
    Gardiner, E. Norman/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY

    The Roman playwright Plautus (3rd/2nd century BC) even has one of his characters complain about people “who play ball in the street”.

    Ball games were probably the most popular sporting activity in the ancient world and could be played in many different ways.

    In one ball game, called episkyros, two teams competed against each other. If one team got the ball over the line behind the other team, they scored. Feet and hands could be used and tackles were permitted.

    Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

    Of course, many other sports were also popular: athletics, swimming, wrestling, lifting weights and boxing were all favourites.

    Ancient ideas about the origins of sports

    For the ancient Greeks, the earliest mention of a ball game appears in the Odyssey, an epic poem composed by the poet Homer in probably the eighth or seventh century BC.

    In the Odyssey, Nausicaa, daughter of the King of the Phaeacians, plays a ball game with some other girls on the beach. While they throw the ball, they sing songs:

    Then when they had had their joy of food, she and her handmaids, they threw off their headgear and fell to playing at ball, and white-armed Nausicaa was leader in the song.

    During the game, Nausicaa throws the ball too far. Her maid can’t catch it and the ball flies into the sea. All the girls shout out when it goes flying.

    Already in the 3rd century BC, Nausicaa was sometimes regarded as the inventor of ball games. However, other people attributed the invention of ball games to different regions of Greece, saying the games were invented by the Sicyonians or Spartans.

    But it is unlikely any Greeks were the original inventors of ball games.

    In Egypt, thousands of years before Homer’s epics, there are already artistic depictions of ball games.

    For example, in the tomb of the Nomarch of the 11th Dynasty (c. 2150-2000 BC), Baqet III, there is artwork showing women playing ball games and men wrestling each other.

    Ancient ball games.
    J. Murray/Picryl, CC BY

    Baqet III, whose tomb contained these artistic depictions of various sports, was likely a true sports lover.

    Why did people like sports?

    People liked ball games for many different reasons.

    One was for the sheer fun and excitement. Another was because they were considered a healthy type of exercise.

    Ancient Greek and Roman doctors even told their patients to play ball games to become healthier.

    For example, the famous ancient Greek physician Galen (129-216 AD) wrote an essay titled On Exercise with a Small Ball.

    He argued “exercises with a small ball are superior to other kinds of exercises”.

    He claimed ball games were especially healthy because they moved all of the muscles and because teamwork was good for the soul.

    People in the ancient world also thought just watching sport could be something worth doing.

    The writer Lucian of Samosata (born 120 AD), for instance, said watching athletes competing for glory could help to encourage men to achieve similar feats: “many of the spectators go away in love with manfulness and hard work”, wrote Lucian.

    So it seems there’s nothing new about our modern love of playing and watching sports, and this obsession will probably continue for thousands of years into the future.

    Konstantine Panegyres 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. How did sport become so popular? The ancient history of a modern obsession – https://theconversation.com/how-did-sport-become-so-popular-the-ancient-history-of-a-modern-obsession-254057

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New enterprise centre opens in Stoke-on-Trent

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Tuesday, 6th May 2025

    A brand-new enterprise centre has opened in Stoke-on-Trent to support young entrepreneurs.

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council has been working with Launch It over the past two years to find a suitable home for its first Midlands venture.

    Now the charity, which provides young people with the space and support they need to start a business and develop their skills, has moved into the grade II-listed Longton Town Hall building on Times Square.

    The enterprise centre aims to drive the regeneration of Longton and the wider area by providing affordable workspaces, business development support, skills training, mentoring, funding opportunities and guidance to help young people succeed in their respective industries.

    Speaking at the launch event last week, Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning and ward councillor for Longton, said: “I am really proud that Launch It have chosen to set-up in Longton. Longton Town Hall is an important heritage building. I’m pleased that we have been able to work with them to bring it back into modern-day use, while creating something of real benefit to our young people.

    “Being able to attract an organisation such as Launch It shows me that we are moving in the right direction and shows the young people of the city that the support and guidance they need to start a business in Stoke-on-Trent is available to them.

    “This will also bring economic benefits to Longton which is already bucking the trend. I look forward to working with the Launch It team and I wish them all the best for the future.”

    Anya Cummings, chair of the Board of Trustees at Launch It Stoke-on-Trent, said:  “We are beyond excited to officially open the doors to Launch It Stoke-on-Trent and welcome young founders, small business owners, supporters and the local community who will be part of this vibrant space.

    “Bringing Launch It’s 25-year legacy of helping break barriers to thriving in entrepreneurship to Stoke-on-Trent marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter – one where ambition meets opportunity, and young entrepreneurs can help shape the future of this vibrant city.”

    The former upper floor ballroom at Longton Town Hall was refurbished in 2023 to create a new enterprise space to support small businesses on the back of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    It was part of a trio of city council properties which were identified for refurbishment as part of the then-government’s Getting Building Fund grant scheme.

    The historic building now boasts 20 state-of-the art studios offices, open-plan co-working spaces, meeting rooms, Zoom booths and a small kitchen and toilet area.

    Launch It is hosting an open day on Thursday 22 May. Anyone interested in attending can sign up at https://stokeopenday.eventbrite.co.uk/.

    Alternatively, for more information about Launch It visit: www.launchit.org.uk/stoke-on-trent.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Join the historic Beating the Bounds ceremony on Sunday 11 May

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    Everyone is welcome to take part in the ancient custom of Beating the Bounds with the Mayor of St Albans City and District on Sunday 11 May.

    The Mayor, Councillor Jamie Day, will lead a vibrant procession on a walk along the historic boundaries of the City.

    Residents and visitors of all ages are all invited to take part in the stroll which starts at 2pm at the puddingstone in front of Kingsbury Mill in St Michael’s Village.

    The traditional ceremony dates back almost 700 years to 1327 and involves walking along the 4.5-mile boundary of the City.

    During the event, wands made of willow will be used to beat the ground at significant locations.

    In the past, the ceremony was used for people to pass on knowledge of where the City’s boundaries lay and assert their rights as citizens.

    Town crier Stephen Potter and the Mayor’s Macebearer Megan Seiorse will assist with the ceremony

    The walk will take around two hours and everyone who completes it will be given a special Beating the Bounds certificate.

    The Mayor said:

    I have been looking forward to this occasion since becoming Mayor last year and it will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of my civic year.

    Beating the Bounds is a wonderful event, open to everyone, and I would urge people to join us.

    In doing so, they will be keeping alive a St Albans tradition that dates back centuries. Not only will we be connecting with our past, but we will also have a lot of fun along the way.

    The ceremony has its roots in a rebellion in medieval times against the authority of the established church. 

    Following a riot by the townspeople against the Abbot, 24 citizens walked around the town in 1327 to lay down its boundaries.

    They declared their rights and freedoms within this area should be respected and their action has been celebrated since with the Beating the Bounds ceremony.

    Photo: the Mayor, Councillor Jamie Day.

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

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Encounter Festival Secures Major Arts Council Funding

    Source: City of Preston

    06 May 2025

    Preston’s flagship cultural celebration, Encounter Festival, is set to return on Saturday, 20 September 2025 following confirmation of significant funding of £90,000 from Arts Council England (ACE).

    This support marks a major milestone for the festival’s tenth edition and will enable an ambitious one day programme packed with nationally renowned performances, new artist commissions and deepened community engagement across the city centre.

    Arts Council England’s backing will help develop Encounter Festival’s artistic vision while investing in local talent and placing Preston firmly on the cultural map.

    The funding will also support a series of artist development opportunities and community workshops in the run-up to the festival, ensuring meaningful involvement from local residents and creatives.

    Esther Ferry Kennington, Executive Producer of Encounter Festival said:

    “I’m so pleased to see Encounter Festival continue to be delivered annually and this year we celebrate 10 years since the first event. The world has changed a lot in those 10 years, as has our approach, but we’re as excited as ever to deliver our iconic torchlight procession and this year we’ll be developing the festival village on the Flag Market with great shows and music, food and drink”

    The funding will enable the 2025 festival host a standout curated programme, including:

    • Inspirate’s Ancient Giants, bringing large-scale storytelling to the streets.
    • Local favourites Magical Story Jars and Let’s Grow Preston, offering family-friendly creative activities.
    • A brand-new piece from Raggle Taggle Arts titled Rhythm of the Vardo, combining music, storytelling and performance.

    The ACE funding will also enable an ambitious expansion of the Torchlight Procession, the festival’s iconic finale that lights up the city centre with movement, music and fire.

    This year’s procession will feature new commissions from Preston artists, creating original firelight-inspired processional works to lead the parade.

    A central highlight will be a giant puppet of Arthur Wharton, the world’s first Black professional footballer and former Preston North End player, developed in partnership with Preston North End FC.

    The procession will also showcase the ongoing involvement of local community groups, dance troupes, bands and organisations, creating a lively, moving experience. With investment from ACE, the festival will also develop a ‘Festival Village’ across the Harris Quarter, creating a central hub where visitors can gather, explore performances, enjoy local food and drink, and take part in workshops.

    This new format is designed to encourage audiences to stay in the city throughout the day and into the evening, boosting footfall for local businesses and hospitality.

    Encounter Festival 2025 marks ten years since the original pilot, and this new investment is an endorsement of its role in Preston’s cultural calendar.

    The event continues to champion the voices, talent and energy of the North West, while inviting nationally and internationally recognised performers to connect with local audiences.

    Further programming announcements will follow in the coming months. To stay informed, please visit the Encounter Festival website or follow on social media.

    About Encounter Festival

    Encounter Festival is an authentic voice for Preston, celebrating the breadth of the County’s cultural offer with high quality and high profile arts. Taking place on Saturday, 20 September, Encounter Festival sees the city of Preston buzzing with life and alight with creativity.

    The past Encounters have seen an array of spectacular performances, inspiring arts and impressive music, bringing spectators to their feet.

    About Arts Council England 

    Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture.

    We have set out our strategic vision in Let’s Create that by 2030 we want England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish and where everyone of us has access to a remarkable range of high quality cultural experiences.

    We invest public money from Government and The National Lottery to help support the sector and to deliver this vision.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Deputy Lord Mayor visits Dromore charity ‘Breaker Breaker’ to strengthen community support links

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Kyle Savage with Leanne Lyons from BReaker Breaker and Catherine Harris, Community Development Officer.

    The Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Kyle Savage recently visited Dromore-based charity ‘Breaker Breaker’, to explore how the ABC Community Food Hub, Social Supermarkets and wraparound services could help support this fantastic charity.

    Breaker Breaker, established by Leanne Lyons to support the mental health and wellbeing within the Haulage Industry, operates a unique Mobile Welfare Hub – a 45ft trailer equipped with referral rooms, health check facilities, a barber station, and a safe space for confidential conversations.

    With many haulage workers operating long, unsociable hours and facing isolation on the road, access to flexible, mobile support services is crucial for their physical and mental wellbeing.

    The visit highlighted the shared goals of both organisations, with Breaker Breaker gaining valuable information and access to the ABC Community Food Hub, Social Supermarket and Wraparound Services. These services offer essential support including food, advice, and household items to those in need.

    Breaker Breaker extended their heartfelt thanks to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and the ABC Community Hub for their support and commitment to improving community wellbeing in the borough.

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