NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Economic and Social Council Begins High-Level Segment

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    2025 Session,

    33rd & 34th Meetings (AM & PM)

    ECOSOC/7214

    The Economic and Social Council begins its annual high-level segment, including the three-day ministerial segment of the High-level Political Forum under the theme “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind”. 

    This morning, Robert Rae, the 54-member body’s President; António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations; Philémon Yang, President of the seventy-ninth session of the General Assembly; and Carolina Rojas, Technology Focal Point of the Major Group for Children and Youth’s Science-Policy Interface, will open the segment, which will run through Thursday, 24 July.

    Member States will make statements during the general debate to follow in the morning and throughout the afternoon, under the theme “UN@80: Catalyzing Change for Sustainable Development”. 

    Also in the afternoon, the Council begins its voluntary national reviews, on El Salvador, Malta and Thailand, and then on Czechia, Israel and Papua New Guinea.

    For information media. Not an official record.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Defence Minister McGuinty participates in the 29th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group 

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 21, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    Today, the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, participated in the 29th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, hosted by the United Kingdom and Germany. The meeting was held virtually and brought together representatives from more than 50 countries.

    During the meeting, Minister McGuinty announced that Canada will be donating an additional $20 million to support the Leopard 2 Maintenance and Repair facility in Poland. This donation comes from the Government of Canada’s 2025-26 investment for military assistance to Ukraine.

    Minister McGuinty also reaffirmed that Canada is providing an additional $2 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, highlighting Prime Minister Carney’s announcement last month at the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit. This brings Canada’s total commitment of military assistance to $6.5 billion since February 2022.

    The Minister also noted that the delivery of Armoured Combat Support Vehicles to the Polish logistics hub will begin in August 2025. Training is underway and the delivery of all 50 vehicles will be completed before the end of this year.

    Canada continues to work closely with Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with the comprehensive military aid that it needs as quickly as possible.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: StablR Secures Strategic Investment from Kraken as Stablecoin Adoption Surges

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AMSTERDAM, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — StablR, a leading European stablecoin issuer, proudly announces a strategic investment from Kraken, a technology platform built on crypto that unlocks access and reduces inefficiencies to drive financial freedom. This partnership reflects Kraken’s support for StablR’s mission, and reinforces their shared commitment to expanding access to compliant, secure, and globally accessible stablecoins that are actively listed and tradable on major platforms (like Kraken).

    In just six months since launch, StablR’s euro-pegged (EURR) and dollar-pegged (USDR) stablecoins have achieved remarkable milestones:

    • Listed on over 50 exchanges, including Kraken, Bitfinex, Bybit, and HTX.
    • Available in more than 150 trading pairs, enhancing liquidity and accessibility for users worldwide.
    • Surpassed $3 billion in transaction volume in the first 6 months of 2025, reflecting growing trust and adoption among institutional and retail users.

    “Our collaboration with Kraken marks a significant step in expanding stablecoin adoption across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and beyond,” said Gijs op de Weegh, Founder and CEO of StablR. “As stablecoins continue to reshape global finance, partnerships with reputable platforms ensure users can confidently engage with regulated digital currencies like EURR and USDR.”

    “Stablecoins are reinventing how everyday investors and financial institutions interact with financial services worldwide. We’re thrilled to team up with industry partners, including StablR, and to invest in driving this next wave of crypto adoption in line with our mission,” said Mark Greenberg, Kraken’s VP of Product & GM of Consumer.

    StablR’s commitment to compliance and security is evident through its adherence to the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation and its Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license authorized by the Malta Financial Services Authority.

    The strategic investment from Kraken follows a similar move by Tether in December 2024, further validating StablR’s position as a trusted stablecoin provider in the European market.
    For more information, visit www.stablr.com.

    About StablR
    StablR is a European stablecoin provider dedicated to delivering compliant, secure, and accessible digital asset solutions. With its EURR and USDR stablecoins, StablR aims to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions and drive the adoption of stablecoins in the global financial ecosystem.

    Media Contact:
    StablR Communications Team
    Email: press@stablr.com
    Website: www.stablr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK hammers Putin’s energy revenues with fresh sanctions

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    UK hammers Putin’s energy revenues with fresh sanctions

    Fresh sanctions ramp up pressure on Russia’s critical oil industry and hit Putin’s creaking shadow fleet operation.  

    • UK announces 137 sanctions targeting Putin’s critical energy and oil sectors.  
    • New sanctions will disrupt the flow of oil money into Putin’s war chest and strand more of his beleaguered shadow fleet.  
    • Today’s action comes as the UK and EU lowered the Crude Oil Price Cap further disrupting the flow of oil money into Putin’s war chest.  

    The 137 targets strike at the heart of Russia’s energy sector, restricting Putin’s access to key oil revenues bankrolling his illegal war in Ukraine.  

    The new sanctions further crack down on Putin’s shadow fleet operations, targeting 135 oil tankers which form part of the fleet responsible for illicitly carrying $24 billion worth of cargo since the start of 2024.   

    Today’s action also tightens the net around those enabling Russia’s illicit shadow fleet oil trade, hitting INTERSHIPPING SERVICES LLC, responsible for registering shadow fleet vessels under the banner of the Gabonese flag, resulting in these vessels transporting up to $10 billion worth of goods on behalf of the Russian state per year. Sanctions also target LITASCO MIDDLE EAST DMCC, which is linked to Russian oil major Lukoil, for its ongoing role in moving large volumes of Russian oil on shadow fleet vessels.  

    Every attack we launch against Russia’s critical oil industry is another step towards securing a lasting peace in Ukraine, and a step towards security in the UK and beyond. Keeping the country safe is this government’s priority and is an integral part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. 

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:   

    New sanctions will further dismantle Putin’s shadow fleet and drain Russia’s war chest of its critical oil revenues.  

    As Putin continues to stall and delay on serious peace talks, we will not stand idly by. We will continue to use the full might of our sanctions regime to ratchet up economic pressure at every turn and stand side by side with Ukraine.    

    This announcement further demonstrates the UK’s tough approach to those who continue to prop up Putin’s oil industry, enable his shadow fleet operation and aid and abet his illegal war in Ukraine.  

    To date western sanctions have resulted in Russia’s oil and gas revenues falling every year since 2022 – losing over a third of its value in three years. Sanctions and the cost of Putin’s barbaric war are causing the Russian economy to stall – with the wealth fund hollowed out, inflation rising and government spend on defence and security spiralling.  

    Today’s action comes as the UK and EU lowered the Crude Oil Price Cap disrupting the flow of oil money into Putin’s war chest and striking at the heart of his oil revenues.   

    Background   

    • A full list of today’s targets can be found here

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: One Step Closer to Solving a Century-old Crustacean Mystery

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    When you think of barnacles, you likely picture shell-like creatures stuck to the sides of boats or docks, or even whales. However, did you know that some of the barnacles that attach to other animals are not just hitching a ride — they actually hijack their host?  

    “Instead of gluing themselves to a rock or something, they glue themselves to a host, often a crab, and they inject themselves into that host, and live their entire life as a root network growing through their host. It’s almost like a fungal network or plant root system. They have no real body in the way that we think of animal bodies,” says UConn Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Assistant Professor James Bernot.  

    Bernot and his colleagues – including lead author Niklas Dreyer from the Natural History Museum of Denmark and Biodiversity Research Center Academia Sinica, Taiwan; Jørgen Olesen at the Natural History Museum of Denmark; Gregory Kolbasov at Moscow University; Jens Høeg at the University of Copenhagen; and Ryuji Machida and Benny Chan at the Biodiversity Research Center Academia Sinica, Taiwan – published their research on a mysterious group of crustaceans in Current Biology (LINK) to hopefully solve an enduring puzzle about these strange creatures. 

    Bernot explains that barnacles are crustaceans, like crabs or shrimp, and they have evolved unique strategies for survival. For example, they go from a free-swimming larval form to live the rest of their lives permanently attached to their substrate of choice. 

    A particularly enigmatic group called “y-larvae,” also known as Facetotecta, resembles young barnacles. Y-larvae have been studied in plankton samples since the 1800s, but Bernot says the real mystery is figuring out what they grow up to be—so far, the adult stage has never been seen. Though that element remains unanswered, in this new paper, the researchers are getting closer to finding out. 

    To look for clues on how y-larvae fit into the tree of life, the researchers collected more than 3,000 of the tiny crustaceans and analyzed their genes. They did this by sequencing the transcriptome, which is similar to a genome but represents the RNA that is expressed. 

    Facetotectans (aka y-larvae) have been a mystery since their discovery in the 1800s. Scientists are unsure of what they grow up to become, but we now know where these crustaceans fit in the tree of life. This image shows a cypris larvae, or y-cyprid. (Image courtesy of Niklas Dreyer)

    “We were finally able to confirm, in the realm of big data science, that they are, in fact, related to barnacles, but they aren’t closely related to any of the other parasitic barnacles. This was interesting to test by building a giant tree of life for all the crustaceans, then adding this little branch of y-larvae , this very unknown group, to that bigger tree, and we saw that they are related to barnacles, but more as distant cousins,” says Bernot.   

    Though not closely related to parasitic barnacles, these crustaceans are also likely parasitic because they have some structures in common with their parasitic cousins, says Bernot, including antennae with claws that may be used to hook onto their host. 

    “One of the best pieces of evidence we have that y-larvae become parasitic is that if we expose them to crustacean growth hormone, they will hatch out of their little swimming larval shape into a small slug-like body, which is similar to what parasitic barnacles do when they enter a host,” says Bernot. “The fact that if we give them hormones, they also molt into a slug-like thing, suggests they go on to be parasitic somewhere, but we still don’t know what host they end up in. Being hidden inside another animal’s body could explain why we haven’t found the adult stage of y-larvae yet.”   

    Although these crustaceans are unusual and largely unknown with only 17 species described so far, Bernot says some of his co-authors found more than 100 new and different species from a single harbor in Japan. There is more to learn about these enigmatic animals. 

    “We know the other parasitic barnacles do weird things. The ones that grow like roots inside of crabs castrate their hosts, so their hosts are no longer able to reproduce. They trick their hosts into thinking that the host is pregnant, so it starts taking care of this mass that grows outside of its body, but that mass is part of the barnacle and not actually the eggs of the host, and even if they infect a male crab, the male crab becomes feminized and starts behaving like a pregnant female crab. Y-larvae could be having similarly impactful roles in ecosystems, but we won’t know until we find what hosts they are living in and what they are doing there,” says Bernot. 

    Since the y-larvae transcriptome sequencing showed they were not closely related to parasitic barnacles, Bernot says that it is likely that y-larvae and parasitic barnacles evolved in a process called convergent evolution. 

    “Because they’re probably both parasitic and doing similar things, they’ve evolved similar strategies to attach to a host and to become this slug-like larva. It’s amazing to think that that really weird, unique lifestyle evolved multiple times.” 

    Different species of barnacles use different strategies when they become sessile adults. Besides living on inanimate objects, those that live on animals like whales are not considered parasitic because they are essentially hitching a ride and do not feed on their host. Others attach to the host and have structures that they use to feed on the host. Understanding the evolution of these different strategies is important, and Bernot says that a project they are currently working on involves building the evolutionary tree of all barnacles to observe and understand some of the evolutionary patterns.  

     “A big question is, what is it about barnacles that has given them so much variability over evolutionary time to take on so many different shapes and forms and lifestyles? They have come up with incredibly ingenious strategies for making their ways of life, and often their ways of life seem very bizarre to us, but they have clearly been very successful,” says Bernot. “These animals have been around for hundreds of millions of years and there are several thousand species of them, so they have come up with some really amazing solutions to complex problems.” 

     Some of those solutions could also help humans. For example, Bernot says, there is a lot of interest in trying to better understand barnacle glues. 

    “They glue themselves to docks, they glue themselves to boats, and that is a problem. The Navy spends millions of dollars on additional fuel because barnacles on their ships cause additional drag. Also having more powerful glues that can dry underwater would be very useful for mechanical reasons, but maybe also for dentistry and things like that,” says Bernot. “There could be a lot of applications if we can better understand some of these amazing solutions that barnacles have evolved.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man convicted of murder after human remains found in London and Bristol

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Following a complex and harrowing Met Police investigation, a man who took suitcases containing the body parts of two men from west London to Bristol has been found guilty of murder.

    Yostin Andres Mosquera, 35 (08.03.90) of Scotts Road, Shepherd’s Bush Green, was convicted by a jury of two counts of murder at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, 21 July.

    Paul Longworth, aged 71, and Albert Alfonso, aged 62, were brutally murdered at their flat in Shepherd’s Bush on Monday, 8 July last year.

    Detective Chief Inspector Ollie Stride, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command who led this investigation, said:

    “This has been one of the most harrowing murders my team have ever investigated, a case that will stay with many of us for a long time.

    “Paul and Albert were murdered in the most brutal and callous of ways in their own home.

    “The investigation has been complex and intense and we worked tirelessly to build a catalogue of evidence which would ensure we brought Mosquera to justice.

    “The team have consumed hundreds hours of footage, including some of the utmost disturbing and graphic nature. Those images will stay with all of us for a very long time.

    “We are grateful to all those who helped us build this investigation, including Avon and Somerset Police, who commenced the investigation and arrested Mosquera.

    “As well as the many witnesses who provided detailed accounts of events which must have been extremely hard to share.

    “We have also worked closely with the LGBT+ Independent Advisory Group and I am grateful for their support and the advice they have provided as they helped monitor the investigation.

    “Paul and Albert had known one another for decades. They were in a loving, committed relationship and welcomed Mosquera into their home. They did not deserve to have their lives taken away from them in the most traumatising of circumstances.

    “Our thoughts and prayers remain with Paul and Albert’s family and loved ones and all who knew them, as they continue to process the trauma of what happened.”

    Gathering and examining evidence

    Mosquera booked a van with a driver, and two days after the murders, Mosquera travelled with two suitcases containing body parts to the Mall Pub near the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

    He caught a taxi the rest of the way to the bridge and caught the attention of local residents, asking him if he needed help with what would be confirmed as enormously heavy cases, with a red substance leaking out, which Mosquera claimed was oil. One witness filmed Mosquera acting suspiciously before Mosquera attempted to knock the phone out of his hand and ran away.

    The police were alerted to his suspicious behaviour and a murder investigation was launched after officers discovered the body parts inside the cases.

    An address label left on one of the cases led police back to Scotts Road, and on Wednesday, 10 July, Met officers would find crucial evidence in a search of the property, including the decapitated heads of both men in a chest freezer in a hallway of the flat. The murder weapons were found close by.

    Homicide detectives built a case with an abundance of evidence to support the motive that Mosquera murdered both men to obtain their property and their money.

    Detectives would discover Mosquera had researched a freezer online on several occasions, including the one that he later ordered to be delivered to the address.

    Mosquera, who was a Columbian national, had also conducted searches online in Spanish, on topics such as how long it would take for a body to decompose and where on the head would be a fatal blow.

    Examinations of Mosquera’s laptop revealed that in the weeks before the murders he was browsing the internet in an effort to find out the value of the Shepherd’s Bush property, and he accessed information about Paul’s and Albert’s finances.

    He had also attempted to open a bank account using the Scotts Road address. Immediately after the murders, he accessed a spreadsheet which contained their online banking passwords, and attempted to login to a number of their online bank accounts. He unsuccessfully attempted to send £4,000 to his account in Columbia.

    The murders

    Mosquera had got to know both men, who were in a civil partnership, over a number of years, and had been staying with them at their flat for the month prior to their murders. It was a property where the two men had lived happily for many years together.

    Mosquera was involved in a consensual sexual relationship with Albert, one which Paul was aware of and lovingly accepted. The court heard Albert simply had no reason to kill his partner, Paul, despite Mosquera’s defence that the two of them were in a controlling and coercive relationship.

    It was while Albert was at work that Mosquera killed Paul. A neighbour recalls speaking to Paul that morning from one of the windows. This was the last sighting of him alive. Detectives trawled hours of footage from a CCTV camera, located opposite the entrance to the Scotts Road flat, which captured Mosquera standing at the window of the flat and drawing the curtains at around 12:30hrs. It was then that he is believed to have killed Paul.

    The post-mortem revealed Paul had died from multiple severe blunt force traumas to the head with a hammer, with injuries on his hands suggesting he’d try to defend himself. Mosquera hid the body in a divan storage space under the bed in Paul’s room and waited for Albert to come home.

    Albert arrived home early evening. The killing was captured on cameras which had been set up in Albert’s bedroom to record a sex session between him and Mosquera. The footage showed Mosquera performing sex acts on Albert in his bedroom, before repeatedly stabbing him and cutting his throat.

    Mosquera’s arrest and plea

    Mosquera was arrested in Bristol in the early hours of Saturday, 13 July 2024. He was charged with two counts of murder two days later.

    Although he had admitted killing Albert, he denied the offence of murder, admitting only the lesser offence of manslaughter following what he called, a loss of self-control. He also denied murdering Paul, claiming his long-term partner, Albert, had killed him instead.

    Mosquera will be sentenced at the same court in October.

    Detective Inspector Neil Meade, of Avon and Somerset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said:

    “These crimes were truly horrific and our thoughts are with the families and friends of Albert and Paul.

    “Yostin Mosquera’s actions have had a significant impact on our communities in Avon and Somerset and I’m very grateful for the support we received at the time of the incident and have received since. It was an extremely fast-moving and complex investigation and their understanding, particularly in those early days, was hugely appreciated.

    “Mosquera had no connection to Bristol and during the trial we’ve heard he chose to travel here in an attempt to dispose of Albert and Paul’s remains and hide his despicable crimes.

    “A large number of police officers and members of staff were involved in our investigation and they deserve massive credit, along with colleagues at the Metropolitan Police, in helping ensure he could be brought to justice.

    “I know how concerning this incident was – and still is – for our LGBT communities and that some of the details we’ve heard over the course of the trial will have been deeply distressing. We remain in close contact with community leaders and our partners and are ready to provide any support we can.”

    For help and advice

    If you’ve been affected by this case, please contact Samaritans here or Mind’s support line on 0300 102 1234.

    If you’re looking for advice or specialist support for a particular issue, these organisations may be able to help.

    For anyone in the LGBT+ community affected by this incident, please visit www.galop.org.ukfor information and support provided by the LGBT+ charity Galop.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man convicted of murder after human remains found in London and Bristol

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Following a complex and harrowing Met Police investigation, a man who took suitcases containing the body parts of two men from west London to Bristol has been found guilty of murder.

    Yostin Andres Mosquera, 35 (08.03.90) of Scotts Road, Shepherd’s Bush Green, was convicted by a jury of two counts of murder at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, 21 July.

    Paul Longworth, aged 71, and Albert Alfonso, aged 62, were brutally murdered at their flat in Shepherd’s Bush on Monday, 8 July last year.

    Detective Chief Inspector Ollie Stride, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command who led this investigation, said:

    “This has been one of the most harrowing murders my team have ever investigated, a case that will stay with many of us for a long time.

    “Paul and Albert were murdered in the most brutal and callous of ways in their own home.

    “The investigation has been complex and intense and we worked tirelessly to build a catalogue of evidence which would ensure we brought Mosquera to justice.

    “The team have consumed hundreds hours of footage, including some of the utmost disturbing and graphic nature. Those images will stay with all of us for a very long time.

    “We are grateful to all those who helped us build this investigation, including Avon and Somerset Police, who commenced the investigation and arrested Mosquera.

    “As well as the many witnesses who provided detailed accounts of events which must have been extremely hard to share.

    “We have also worked closely with the LGBT+ Independent Advisory Group and I am grateful for their support and the advice they have provided as they helped monitor the investigation.

    “Paul and Albert had known one another for decades. They were in a loving, committed relationship and welcomed Mosquera into their home. They did not deserve to have their lives taken away from them in the most traumatising of circumstances.

    “Our thoughts and prayers remain with Paul and Albert’s family and loved ones and all who knew them, as they continue to process the trauma of what happened.”

    Gathering and examining evidence

    Mosquera booked a van with a driver, and two days after the murders, Mosquera travelled with two suitcases containing body parts to the Mall Pub near the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

    He caught a taxi the rest of the way to the bridge and caught the attention of local residents, asking him if he needed help with what would be confirmed as enormously heavy cases, with a red substance leaking out, which Mosquera claimed was oil. One witness filmed Mosquera acting suspiciously before Mosquera attempted to knock the phone out of his hand and ran away.

    The police were alerted to his suspicious behaviour and a murder investigation was launched after officers discovered the body parts inside the cases.

    An address label left on one of the cases led police back to Scotts Road, and on Wednesday, 10 July, Met officers would find crucial evidence in a search of the property, including the decapitated heads of both men in a chest freezer in a hallway of the flat. The murder weapons were found close by.

    Homicide detectives built a case with an abundance of evidence to support the motive that Mosquera murdered both men to obtain their property and their money.

    Detectives would discover Mosquera had researched a freezer online on several occasions, including the one that he later ordered to be delivered to the address.

    Mosquera, who was a Columbian national, had also conducted searches online in Spanish, on topics such as how long it would take for a body to decompose and where on the head would be a fatal blow.

    Examinations of Mosquera’s laptop revealed that in the weeks before the murders he was browsing the internet in an effort to find out the value of the Shepherd’s Bush property, and he accessed information about Paul’s and Albert’s finances.

    He had also attempted to open a bank account using the Scotts Road address. Immediately after the murders, he accessed a spreadsheet which contained their online banking passwords, and attempted to login to a number of their online bank accounts. He unsuccessfully attempted to send £4,000 to his account in Columbia.

    The murders

    Mosquera had got to know both men, who were in a civil partnership, over a number of years, and had been staying with them at their flat for the month prior to their murders. It was a property where the two men had lived happily for many years together.

    Mosquera was involved in a consensual sexual relationship with Albert, one which Paul was aware of and lovingly accepted. The court heard Albert simply had no reason to kill his partner, Paul, despite Mosquera’s defence that the two of them were in a controlling and coercive relationship.

    It was while Albert was at work that Mosquera killed Paul. A neighbour recalls speaking to Paul that morning from one of the windows. This was the last sighting of him alive. Detectives trawled hours of footage from a CCTV camera, located opposite the entrance to the Scotts Road flat, which captured Mosquera standing at the window of the flat and drawing the curtains at around 12:30hrs. It was then that he is believed to have killed Paul.

    The post-mortem revealed Paul had died from multiple severe blunt force traumas to the head with a hammer, with injuries on his hands suggesting he’d try to defend himself. Mosquera hid the body in a divan storage space under the bed in Paul’s room and waited for Albert to come home.

    Albert arrived home early evening. The killing was captured on cameras which had been set up in Albert’s bedroom to record a sex session between him and Mosquera. The footage showed Mosquera performing sex acts on Albert in his bedroom, before repeatedly stabbing him and cutting his throat.

    Mosquera’s arrest and plea

    Mosquera was arrested in Bristol in the early hours of Saturday, 13 July 2024. He was charged with two counts of murder two days later.

    Although he had admitted killing Albert, he denied the offence of murder, admitting only the lesser offence of manslaughter following what he called, a loss of self-control. He also denied murdering Paul, claiming his long-term partner, Albert, had killed him instead.

    Mosquera will be sentenced at the same court in October.

    Detective Inspector Neil Meade, of Avon and Somerset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said:

    “These crimes were truly horrific and our thoughts are with the families and friends of Albert and Paul.

    “Yostin Mosquera’s actions have had a significant impact on our communities in Avon and Somerset and I’m very grateful for the support we received at the time of the incident and have received since. It was an extremely fast-moving and complex investigation and their understanding, particularly in those early days, was hugely appreciated.

    “Mosquera had no connection to Bristol and during the trial we’ve heard he chose to travel here in an attempt to dispose of Albert and Paul’s remains and hide his despicable crimes.

    “A large number of police officers and members of staff were involved in our investigation and they deserve massive credit, along with colleagues at the Metropolitan Police, in helping ensure he could be brought to justice.

    “I know how concerning this incident was – and still is – for our LGBT communities and that some of the details we’ve heard over the course of the trial will have been deeply distressing. We remain in close contact with community leaders and our partners and are ready to provide any support we can.”

    For help and advice

    If you’ve been affected by this case, please contact Samaritans here or Mind’s support line on 0300 102 1234.

    If you’re looking for advice or specialist support for a particular issue, these organisations may be able to help.

    For anyone in the LGBT+ community affected by this incident, please visit www.galop.org.ukfor information and support provided by the LGBT+ charity Galop.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tough new laws to make online marketplaces safer

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Tough new laws to make online marketplaces safer

    New laws to make online marketplaces safer and protect the public from dangerous products

    Person using computer with caption reading making online marketplaces safer

    • As part of the Plan for Change the Government is taking action to protect customers ensuring online marketplaces are held to same high standards as bricks and mortar stores 
    • Landmark Product Regulation and Metrology Act boosts powers to tackle unsafe products sold online
    • Measures aimed to hold online marketplaces to account and help with growing safety concerns over fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, and e-bikes 

    Tougher powers to make online marketplaces safer and protect the public from dangerous products as part of the Government’s Plan for Change, have moved a step closer following Royal Assent of the Product Regulation and Metrology Act.  

    The new legislation will provide powers to target new and emerging dangers and hold online marketplaces to account for dangerous products sold through their platforms, creating a level playing field with bricks and mortar stores.

    The rising popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters has brought with it an increase in safety incidents – the Office for Product Safety and Standards in 2024 received reports on 211 fires involving e-bikes or e-scooters – equivalent to a fire every 1.7 days.

    Most of these reports (175) were from London Fire Brigade, and many were caused by unsafe lithium-ion batteries purchased through online marketplaces.  

    To help address the sale of unsafe products like these by online marketplaces, the Government intends to introduce requirements for online marketplaces at the earliest opportunity to update their responsibilities. 

    These will create a proportionate regulatory framework where online marketplaces are expected to:

    • prevent unsafe products from being made available to consumers
    • ensure that sellers operating on their platform comply with product safety obligations
    • provide relevant information to consumers;
    • and cooperate closely with regulators. 

    Product Safety Minister Justin Madders said: 

    By giving regulators the teeth to clamp down on unsafe products, we’re ensuring people can shop with confidence whether online or on the high street. 

    This will establish a level playing field and mean online marketplaces are held to the same high standards as bricks and mortar shops, ensuring we back businesses and protect consumers as part of our Plan for Change.

    The new measures will ensure clarity for the approximately 300,000 UK businesses operating in regulated product markets with a combined estimated turnover of £490 billion. 

    The Office for Product Safety and Standards will continue its targeted programme to tackle dangerous products, including the threats from button batteries and small magnets, and building on successful initiatives like the “Buy Safe, Be Safe” campaign launched last October and recent guidelines on lithium-ion battery safety introduced in December. 

    This balanced approach protects consumers while supporting economic growth across all nations of the UK. 

    Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said:  

    Which? has campaigned for years to hold online marketplaces to the same standards as high street retailers. For too long, consumers have been exposed to dangerous – and in some cases lethal – products.  

    The Product Regulation and Metrology Act has the potential to be a game changer for consumer safety. It paves the way for new laws to clarify and strengthen responsibilities for online marketplaces, which is crucial in the fight against the sale of dangerous products online.  

    Following the bill’s Royal Assent, the government must act fast to tighten definitions of online marketplaces, introduce a clear duty so that online marketplaces are accountable for product safety, and empower regulators to issue heavy fines for those that fall short of the required standards.

    London Fire Brigade Deputy Commissioner Charlie Pugsley said:  

    We are pleased that the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill (PRAM) has been granted Royal Assent.

    London Fire Brigade sees one e-bike or e-scooter fire every two days and we have long called for regulation to improve product safety and safeguards on online marketplaces to protect people from buying dangerous products that pose a fire risk. 

    We welcome this new piece of legislation, which will better regulate unsafe products being sold and help to protect the public from unsafe products and particularly poor quality or non-compliant lithium battery products, which can present unique fire safety challenges. 

    John Herriman, Chief Executive at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said: 

    Alongside the coalition, which included the British Toy and Hobby Association and Electrical Safety First, we welcome the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill gaining Royal Assent as a positive step forward in ensuring the UK maintains strong, modern protections for consumers.  

    This legislation supports the vital work Trading Standards does in keeping unsafe and non-compliant products off the market, creating a fairer and safer trading environment for businesses and consumers alike. We look forward to working closely with government and stakeholders to ensure that the laws that follow, after further consultation, are implemented effectively and contributes to a robust, future-facing regulatory system that will support economic growth in the UK.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Strand Aldwych wins a Green Flag Award for transformation into vibrant urban green space | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    The Strand Aldwych project has earned a Green Flag Award, recognising its exceptional transformation from one of London’s busiest and most polluted streets into a thriving public green space in the heart of the capital.

    The Green Flag Award is an international recognition awarded to parks and green spaces with excellent management in the UK and around the world.

    The project has also been awarded the Green Heritage Site Accreditation, an acknowledgement of its outstanding conservation of historical and cultural significance alongside its environmental value.

    Strand Aldwych is the first pedestrianised green space to achieve either of these awards, setting a benchmark for urban transformation in the country.

    Launched in December 2022, the Strand Aldwych project transformed what was once a congested and polluted road system into a vibrant, car-free public space that celebrates the cultural and historic heritage of the area. 

    With an investment of £22 million from Westminster City Council, the project has created a new pedestrian zone the size of a football pitch, connecting the historic St Mary le Strand church with London’s leading cultural and educational institutions in the area, including King’s College London, the London School of Economics, Somerset House, and The Courtauld Institute. 

    The Strand and Aldwych areas now welcome 14 million visitors annually, and are home to 400 businesses employing over 20,000 people.

    Key features of the transformation include:

    • A safe, car-free zone with increased cycle parking, improved safety at junctions, and expanded footways on nearby roads to support pedestrian movement and cycling.
    • New seating areas offering a place for people to relax under the shade of trees.
    • A variety of trees and planting to support biodiversity, provide year-round colour, and contribute to a greener urban environment.
    • As a 7,000m² green space in one of the busiest areas of central London, the project has enhanced air quality, offered urban cooling and provided support for pollinators.
    • The space also serves as an accessible cultural platform, with rotating art installations around the year and connections to nearby cultural and educational institutions.

    Cllr Ryan Jude, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Ecology, Culture and Air Quality, said:

    “I’m proud to announce that Strand Aldwych has just earned a Green Flag Award for its outstanding urban transformation. This is a well-deserved recognition of the area as a world-class public green space connecting historic and cultural landmarks with the vibrant city life in central London. 

    “In response to our declaration of an ecological emergency in 2023, we developed our Greening and Biodiversity Strategy to make Westminster more resilient through improving and enhancing nature in the city. Our recently published Air Quality Action Plan also presents a bold and clear roadmap towards reducing air pollution and improving public health outcomes for residents.

    “The Strand Aldwych project is an excellent example of a public space that is welcoming, accessible and beneficial to the environment. All key to our commitment to creating a greener, fairer Westminster for all our residents and visitors.”

    Ruth Duston OBE OC, CEO of London Heritage Quarter, said: 

    “Creating calm, people-focused, places in urban spaces is an important priority for London Heritage Quarter. Strand Aldwych receiving a Green Flag Award is testament to the hard work of all involved, and the project is a great example of what collaborative work can achieve. By working closely with Westminster City Council and a wide range of partners and stakeholders including King’s College London, London School of Economics, Somerset House Trust, St Mary Le Strand and The Courtauld Institute, this greening scheme has delivered truly transformative results for this area of London that links the West End and the City.

    “It serves as a template on how the pedestrianisation of public spaces can transform pockets of urban cities into a destination where people want to be.”

    Miles Watson-Smyth, Chief Executive of Windowflowers Ltd, who plants and maintains the displays, said:

    “We are incredibly proud to have played a part in the transformation and ongoing care of the gardens in the Strand Aldwych area, working alongside Westminster City Council. To see this space recognised with both a Green Flag Award and Green Heritage Site Accreditation is a true honour. When we’re on site, members of the public regularly stop to tell us how much they enjoy the gardens and to thank us for our work — that kind of appreciation, along with these prestigious awards, makes all our efforts feel truly worthwhile.”

    Cannon Ivers, Director of LDA Design, said:

    “This is a special moment for Strand-Aldwych and for all those who worked so hard to transform what was a heavily trafficked and polluted road into a place for people and for nature, and for those who tirelessly support and maintain the space so well, with passion, knowledge, care, and commitment.

    “Strand has historically been about movement and transport. Now it’s a democratic, biodiverse space for everyone to enjoy with seating for up to 700 people, described as the best thing to happen to London in years. The fact that it is the first time a pedestrianised space has been awarded Green Flag status is fantastic recognition of Strand’s contribution to making London a healthier, calmer, and better place to be. Hopefully, this will embolden other towns and cities to reclaim streets for communities and for nature to thrive.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work to start on crematorium transport link

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Work to improve public transport links to The Park, Plymouth’s new crematorium, is set to begin later this month.

    As was always promised as part of the long-term plans for The Park, contractors will begin the installation of two new bus stops each side of Merafield Road and an associated pedestrian puffin crossing and pavement from Monday 28 July.

    Once constructed, the scheme will enable the number 19 bus, operated by Stagecoach South West, to serve The Park by allowing members of the public to safely board and alight the bus, and cross Merafield Road.

    The works are anticipated to be completed by the end of October.

    Councillor John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “I’m really pleased to see work begin on this scheme.

    “The new number 19 tendered bus service provides an important link between Plympton and Plymstock and when it is able to serve The Park and the on-site café I’m sure it will be even more popular.

    “Thank you for your patience whilst this important scheme has been designed.”

    In order for the new stops and crossing to be installed, temporary three-way traffic lights will be in place on Merafield Road between Drake Memorial Park to lower side of the entrance to Gables Dogs and Cats Home.

    The first phase of the works will include the bus stop closest to The Park, which will be brought into use before the full scheme is delivered, to provide access to the crematorium and café as soon as possible.

    Construction will only take place between 9.30am and 3:30pm in order to minimise disruption on this busy commuter route.

    The final week will include overnight closures for resurfacing, with all work expected to be complete by Friday 31 October.

    The improvements are funded in the main by the Department for Transport’s 2025-26 Bus Grant.

    The latest updates will be published on the Council’s social media pages.

    Residents can also sign up for our weekly Roadworks Roundup here.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Judokas join GB team’s medal charge in Germany

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Lucy Williams, left, and Dr Katrina McDonald in their GB Students kit ahead of the World University Games

    Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is set to play a key role in the GB Students’ medal charge at the World University Games, taking place in the Rhine-Ruhr region of Germany.

    ARU student and top-ranked British judoka Lucy Williams is part of the three-woman judo squad, which is being coached by ARU lecturer Dr Katrina McDonald, and the pair fly out to Germany today.

    The World University Games is one of the largest multi-sports events to be staged this year, attracting around 8,500 student athletes and officials from over 150 countries.

    Lucy has represented Great Britain at senior level and is currently ranked as Britain’s number one in the over 78kg category. She’s studying for a Masters in Physiotherapy at ARU’s Cambridge campus, having originally completed a BSc degree in Sport and Exercise Therapy at ARU.

    Lucy won a bronze medal last summer at the European University Games in Hungary, and she’s joined in the GB Students women’s judo squad this week by Tatum Keen and Summer Shaw.

    “I am super excited for the three athletes selected. Even though it’s a small team, the judoka are of excellent calibre, and all are looking to medal. It’s a high-level tournament with current Senior World Champions in the event.

    “Keeping a high level of training whilst studying is commendable but in judo, as a combat sport, it is truly remarkable. The athletes have worked really hard for this opportunity, and I am delighted to be able to assist in this part of their judo journey.”

    Dr Katrina McDonald, Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching at ARU and the squad’s coach

    The World University Games have a long history – the first precursor event to the Games, the International Universities Championships, took place in Paris in 1923 – and the biennial event was last held in Chengdu, China in 2023.

    Judo is one of 18 different sports being contested at the World University Games, and the judo competition begins in the city of Essen on Wednesday.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ARU graduates lead the region for career success

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    New national data shows that Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) graduates are thriving in their chosen careers, with ARU top in the region for two key measures of graduate success.

    The findings come from the Graduate Outcomes survey, the UK’s largest annual social survey, conducted by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)*.

    The survey captures the views and employment status of graduates 15 months after completing their studies and the latest data focuses on those who graduated from their courses in 2022-2023.

    ARU ranks first in the East of England for the proportion of UK undergraduates working as managers, directors or senior officials 15 months after graduation and shares top position in the region for the overall proportion of UK undergraduates in employment.

    Highlighting the University’s focus on preparing students for fulfilling roles, ARU is ranked fifth in the country for the proportion of full-time UK undergraduates working as managers, directors or senior officials within 15 months of graduating.

    Graduates also report a strong sense of purpose in their work, with ARU in the top 10% of universities in the country for UK students in employment and further study who agree their current activity is “meaningful”.

    These new Graduate Outcome survey results build on the Department for Education’s Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) data released last month, which also shows ARU’s impact, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

    The LEO data places ARU second in the UK for graduate earnings among those who entered university with lower tariff points, and 12th for students from areas with the lowest university participation.

    It also found that 90% of ARU’s first degree undergraduates who live in the UK are in sustained employment or further study one year after graduation, and ARU is in the top 10 in England for graduate earnings in the areas of health and social care, applied and forensic sciences, and architecture, building and planning. 

    “Our students accomplish a great deal during their time at ARU and we’re immensely proud of what they go on to achieve once they graduate.

    “We work closely with employers to ensure our courses are practical and career-focused, and our students benefit from teaching delivered by staff with professional industry knowledge and expertise. This provides students with the skills and experience needed in today’s job market and these latest results show the positive impact of our approach.”

    Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

    *Source: Graduate Outcomes Survey. Country refers to mainstream HEIs in England, excluding specialist institutions and those with fewer than 500 students. Contains HESA Data © HESA 2025 (https://www.hesa.ac.uk/).

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leicester’s new Roman visitor attraction ready to open its doors

    Source: City of Leicester

    THE MUSIC of Ancient Rome will resound around Leicester’s Jewry Wall this weekend as the city’s exciting new Roman visitor attraction opens to the public.

    Lyre player Michael Levy will join Roman re-enactors and City Mayor Peter Soulsby to cut the ribbon at the fully revamped Jewry Wall Museum at 9.50am on Saturday (26 July).

    Visitors with tickets for the very first admission at 10am will then head inside to enjoy the museum’s new multimedia exhibits, interactive displays and stunning immersive video experience.               

    While the museum’s use of 21st century technology will help tell the story of Roman Leicester like never before, it’s the 2nd century archaeology that will provide the real insight into everyday life in Roman Leicester, with more than a hundred items on display that were discovered in Leicester and Leicestershire.

    These include some of the finest Roman mosaics and wall plasters ever found in the UK, including the stunning Peacock and Blackfriars mosaics, as well as jewellery, pottery, bronzework (pictured) and coins.

    Content at the new museum has been developed with the help of the University of Leicester, which has shared its expertise on everything from Roman hairstyles and clothing to language and religion – ensuring the displays are both entertaining and educational.

    Mathew Morris, project officer at University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS), has been digging up and researching Roman Leicester for the past 20 years and is proud to have been an adviser to the Jewry Wall Museum project. 

    “Leicester was an important regional administrative centre in Roman Britain,” he said.

    “Artefacts found in the city reveal its extensive links with the wider Roman world, including the Mediterranean as far afield as Egypt. The town’s residents of civilians, soldiers and slaves were immersed in Roman culture – and excavations over the years, many carried out by ULAS, have revealed their lives in incredible detail.

    “It is inspiring to see how their stories are now being brought vividly to life in the new Jewry Wall Museum and it’s been a privilege to collaborate with Leicester Museums and Galleries to showcase the very latest understanding of our Roman town.”

    The Grade II listed building, which housed both the former Vaughan College and the old museum that closed in 2017, has been fully refurbished, with a new pedestrian bridge from St Nicholas Circle making the building fully accessible for the first time.

    City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “This magnificent new attraction means we can now shout proudly about our 2,000 years of history and Leicester’s place in Roman Britain.

    “Thanks to archaeological discoveries and interactive technology, the Jewry Wall Museum can reveal the public and private lives of the residents of Ratae Corieltauvorum like never before, telling their stories in new and compelling ways.

    “With more than a hundred items on display, discovered by archaeologists right here in Leicester, you’ll be able to see the mosaics and wall paintings that decorated their homes, the pottery they ate from, the jewellery they wore, and even the handy little tool that kept their fingernails clean!

    “It’s a fascinating story, which I hope people living in Leicester and further afield will be keen to discover.

    “And with no similar dedicated Roman visitor site within 80 miles of Leicester, our new Jewry Wall Museum is set to become the most important Roman-themed attraction in the Midlands.”

    Phil Hackett, general manager of the Jewry Wall Museum, said: “Jewry Wall isn’t just a museum – it’s a bold reimagining of how we tell Leicester’s Roman story.

    “By combining powerful archaeology, local discovery and world-class technology, we’ve created an experience that’s both deeply immersive and genuinely educational. We’re very proud to bring Leicester’s Roman roots to life, not just for local people, but for regional, national and international audiences.”

    Tickets for the Jewry Wall Museum include a Roman Explorer Pass, which allows unlimited visits to the attraction for 12 months. Prices are £12.50 for adults, with children aged 5-15 paying half-price. A family ticket for two adults and two children is available for £32.

    The museum shop will offer a range of books and Jewry Wall souvenirs, including a replica Roman brooch, a Peacock mosaic tile and even the museum’s take on a ‘tersorium’ – the sponge on a stick that was used by the Romans in public latrines before toilet paper was invented!

    There’s also an attractive café – overlooking the remains of the Roman bath house – that will be open to the public from 10am every day, without the need to buy an admission ticket.

    Further information and tickets are available now at jewrywall.com

    Leicester’s new Jewry Wall Museum is on St Nicholas Walk, Leicester LE1 4LB. Opening hours will be 10am-4am from Sunday to Friday, and from 10am-5pm on Saturdays and bank holidays, with the last admission 90 minutes before closing time.

    The new exhibition was designed by Haley Sharpe Design, the collections on display are from Leicester Museums & Galleries, the audiovisual content was created by Heritage Interactive Ltd and illustrative content and styling is by the artist Scott Tetlow.

    Leicester Museums & Galleries are a National Portfolio Organisation funded by Arts Council England.

    ends

     

    Picture caption:  Two of the Roman artefacts on display at Leicester’s new Jewry Wall Museum, which opens on Saturday 26 July

    • Bull’s head (bronze)
    • Figure of a male in a toga holding an offering dish (bronze)

     Photo credit: Ian Davis, Leicester City Council

    Background note:

    The remains of the bath house in Leicester are one of the largest civic Roman ruins in the country. Dating from around 125-130 AD, the remains have been referred to as ‘the Jewry Wall’ for centuries. The name is thought to have derived from the word ‘jurat’ – the name for the members of the medieval town’s corporation, who held their meetings nearby.

    From the 2nd century onwards, the bath house would have been one of the most important public buildings in Roman Leicester, together with the forum, the basilica and the market hall.

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Joint statement on behalf of 26 partners on the Occupied Palestinian Territories

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 21, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the European Union Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, today issued the following statement:

    “We, the signatories listed below, come together with a simple, urgent message: the war in Gaza must end now.

    “The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths. The Israeli government’s aid delivery model is dangerous, fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity. We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food. It is horrifying that over 800 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid. The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable. Israel must comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law.

    “The hostages cruelly held captive by Hamas since 7 October 2023 continue to suffer terribly. We condemn their continued detention and call for their immediate and unconditional release. A negotiated ceasefire offers the best hope of bringing them home and ending the agony of their families.

    “We call on the Israeli government to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid and to urgently enable the UN and humanitarian NGOs to do their life-saving work safely and effectively.

    “We call on all parties to protect civilians and uphold the obligations of international humanitarian law. Proposals to remove the Palestinian population into a “humanitarian city” are completely unacceptable. Permanent forced displacement is a violation of international humanitarian law.

    “We strongly oppose any steps towards territorial or demographic change in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The E1 settlement plan announced by Israel’s Civil Administration, if implemented, would divide a future Palestinian state in two, marking a flagrant breach of international law, and critically undermine the two-state solution. Meanwhile, settlement building across the West Bank and East Jerusalem has accelerated while settler violence against Palestinians has soared. This must stop.

    “We urge the parties and the international community to unite in a common effort to bring this terrible conflict to an end, through an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire. Further bloodshed serves no purpose.  We reaffirm our complete support to the efforts of the US, Qatar and Egypt to achieve this.

    “We are prepared to take further action to support an immediate ceasefire and a political pathway to security and peace for Israelis, Palestinians and the entire region.”

    This statement has been signed by:

    • The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK
    • The EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKETO Berlin sponsors 17th International Dragon Boat Federation World Dragon Boat Racing Championships held in Germany (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Berlin (HKETO Berlin) sponsored the 17th International Dragon Boat Federation World Dragon Boat Racing Championships (IDBF World Championships) held in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany, from July 14 to 20 (Berlin time).

    The one-week competition brought together over 4 000 athletes from 33 countries and regions, showcasing the global appeal of dragon boat racing.  The Acting Director of HKETO Berlin, Mr Billy Leung, supported Hong Kong team’s competition and delivered a speech at the event dinner, highlighting Hong Kong as a centre for international major sports events.   

    “Hong Kong is a centre for major sports events. Every year, our annual Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races attract athletes from around the world, uniting top competitors in a thrilling celebration of athleticism and culture.” 

    This year, the Hong Kong delegation won a total of eight medals, namely one gold, three silver and four bronze medals. Hong Kong will host the next IDBF World Championships in 2027. The closing ceremony held on July 20 was concluded with a symbolic flag handover from the event organisers to the Hong Kong delegation.  

    About HKETO Berlin

    HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Austria as well as Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland. 
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Foreign Nationals Plead Guilty, Two Others Awaiting Trial in a Multi-State ATM and Retail Skimming Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE – Four foreign nationals illegally present in the United States have admitted to a federal judge in Rhode Island that they participated in a scheme that compromised more than 15,000  credit, debit, and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards and that they made hundreds of thousands of dollars in unauthorized bank withdrawals and retail purchases, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    The defendants admitted that they used credit card “skimming” devices to steal debit and credit card users’ personal financial account information, which they then appropriated for their own use. Skimming devices were placed on retail outlet point-of-sale terminals and on ATMs at various financial institutions

    An investigation revealed that from May 2023 through February 2024, the defendants compromised more than 15,000 bank cards and gained users’ personal financial account information by placing card skimming devices on point-of-sale terminals at various locations of major retailers and on ATMs of various financial institutions in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.

    In Rhode Island, more than 200 debit cards were compromised at two Rhode Island financial institutions, resulting in over $280,000 of unauthorized ATM withdrawals from 67 customer accounts.

    Robby Vicson Codreanu, 21, a citizen of the United Kingdom; Isabela Ignat Codreanu, 24, a citizen of Romania; and Armando Ion Codreanu, 24, and Nicolas Longin Codreanu, 23, citizens of Ireland, each pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit access device fraud; producing, using and trafficking in counterfeit access devices; accessing fifteen or more counterfeit and unauthorized access devices; and access device making equipment. Nicolas and Armando Codreanu also pleaded guilty to a charge of access devices issued to another person.

    Nicolas Codreanu will be sentenced on October 14, 2025. Isabella, Armando, and Robby Codreanu will be sentenced on October 21, 2025. The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Two other defendants, Ionut Zamfir, 38, and Mila Ciuciu, 21, both citizens of Romania, are awaiting trial.

    The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron 

    The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bristol Police Department, with the assistance of the Warwick Police Department, Coventry Police Department, Westerly Police Department, Johnston Police Department, Seekonk Police Department, United States Secret Service, and Homeland Security Investigations agents in Lafayette, LA, New York, NY, and Los Angeles, CA.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Greens unveil candidates ahead of crucial election for our planet

    Source: Scottish Greens

    21 Jul 2025

    Ahead of next year’s Holyrood election the Scottish Greens have unveiled their regional list candidates

    The Scottish Greens have announced their slate of candidates for regional lists ahead of next year’s Holyrood election. The party hopes to return a record number of MSPs at the ballot box next May

    The Scottish Greens are aiming to return a record number of MSPs, building on the eight elected in 2021. A recent poll indicated that the party could secure 15 MSPs, giving the Scottish Greens a stronger voice in Parliament to push for bold, fair and progressive policies that champion people and planet above corporate greed. 

    The lead candidates in each region are:

    Central Scotland & Lothians West

    1. Gillian Mackay MSP

    Edinburgh & Lothians East

    1. Lorna Slater MSP
    2. Kate Nevens
    3. Q Manivannan

    Glasgow

    1. Patrick Harvie MSP
    2. Ellie Gomersall
    3. Cllr Holly Bruce

    Highlands & Islands

    1. Ariane Burgess MSP
    2. Cllr Kristopher Leask

    Mid Scotland & Fife

    1. Mark Ruskell MSP
    2. Mags Hall

    North East Scotland

    1. Guy Ingerson

    South Scotland

    1. Laura Moodie

    West Scotland

    1. Ross Greer MSP
    2. Cara McKee

    Reacting to the announcement, Scottish Greens Co-Leader, Lorna Slater MSP said:

    “Next year’s election is pivotal for the future of Scotland and our planet, that’s why I am delighted that Scottish Green members have selected such a strong group of lead candidates who will deliver real change in Holyrood.

    “Greens have been the only influential left-wing force in the Scottish Parliament for decades, delivering free bus travel for young people, scrapping peak rail fares, and securing tax reforms to ensure the richest in society pay their fair share to support the services we all rely on, like our NHS. 

    “With more Green MSPs, we can continue to push for the climate emergency to be taken seriously by other parties who want to protect corporate profits rather than our planet, and to fight back against the toxic climate change denialism from the far-right. Scottish Greens won’t give up on our planet’s future.

    “Electing a record number of Scottish Greens is the only way to secure the pro-independence majority in Holyrood, and to continue advancing the case to rejoin the European Union. It is a cause that Scottish Green MSPs will continue to make on the doorsteps across the country and in the chamber at Holyrood.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TRA publishes Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    TRA publishes Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

    TRA releases 2024-25 Annual Report and Accounts and outlines how it is building stronger trade defences.

    The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has today published its Annual Report and Accounts for 2024-25, highlighting its work protecting UK businesses from unfair trading practices.

    Trade remedies (also known as trade defence instruments), are measures put in place to help protect UK businesses from unfair imports. Trade remedies include anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures.

    The report details how the organisation has continued to investigate and review cases involving imported goods being sold at unfair prices (dumping) or subsidised imports that could harm UK industry.

    During 2024-25, the TRA has:

    • initiated reviews on schedule for the last of the 43 trade remedy measures the UK transitioned from the EU system. So far, after carrying out its reviews, the TRA have retained 25 of 30 of those transitioned measures to protect UK businesses against unfair international trading practices.
    • successfully completed five new dumping and subsidy cases on behalf of UK industries which had approached them to make an investigation into possible unfair imports.
    • begun preparing industries for the expiry of current measures that will reach their final year in 2026, so that they can seek extensions if they believe the measures are still needed.

    Newly appointed Chief Executives Carmen Suarez and Jessica Blakely said:

    This year’s report demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting fair trade for UK businesses. By conducting thorough and impartial investigations, we are helping to create a level playing field in international trade and defend the UK’s economic interests.

    The report also outlines the TRA’s financial performance and governance arrangements for the year and how the TRA has adapted to new challenges and demands as a still young organisation. The TRA is exploring further improvements to its investigations processes which will bring efficiencies in the coming years and ensure the organisation continues to support a thriving UK economy.

    The full Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25 can be found here.

    Notes to editors

    • As an independent body operating at arm’s length from the Department for Business & Trade, the TRA is guided in its work by its principles of proportionality, impartiality, transparency, and efficiency.
    • The TRA welcomes applications for trade remedies investigations from any business operating in the UK. Read our online guidance to find out more about how to apply and what information to provide.
    • The TRA’s Trade Remedies Advisory Service can be contacted on: contact@traderemedies.gov.uk. Previously known as the Pre-Application Office, it will provide support not only at the pre-application stage, but throughout the life of the case to interested parties who have questions about our investigation process.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Strategy will boost steps to create safer, healthier communities

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The Safer Wolverhampton Partnership Strategy sets out a clear and ambitious vision to create safer, healthier communities where people feel empowered and protected.

    It features strategic priorities across 5 themes agreed by key stakeholders from across the city. They are:

    • Public Place Violence: Using intelligence to identify hot spot areas, deliver targeted interventions and reduce repeat offending
    • Anti Social Behaviour: Expanding prevention measures, strengthening reporting channels and pursuing robust enforcement where necessary
    • Safety of Women and Girls: Improving public spaces, educating young people on healthy behaviours, and simplifying pathways for reporting harassment or violence
    • Alcohol and Substance Related Crime: Disrupting supply chains, enhancing support services, and enforcing public protection measures
    • Neighbourhood Crime: Addressing robbery, burglary and theft through community vigilance, education, and coordinated policing

    The strategy will be delivered through a monitored action plan which will be refreshed annually to ensure it adapts to any new crime trends and emerging local challenges.

    As well as identifying the key priorities for the year ahead, the draft strategy also reflects on achievements made through the previous strategy.

    In the past year alone, reported crime has fallen by 9.5%, with marked declines in serious youth violence, domestic abuse, theft, robbery and burglary, anti social behaviour and adult reoffending rates. There has also been significant work to prevent serious youth violence by investing in programmes in schools and the community, with a significant reduction in the number of young people entering the youth justice system.

    Meanwhile, the establishment of a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in the city centre last summer has helped bring about a 16% reduction in recorded crime within its perimeter, including a 50% drop in the number of robberies.

    Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “Preventing and tackling crime and promoting community safety are very complex and require an integrated partnership response. Working alongside the West Midlands Police and Crime Plan, this strategy sets out our plans for the next 4 years – to ensure residents feel safe and can live healthy lives in their community.

    “We’re proud of the partnership’s achievements over the last few years and remain fully committed to early intervention, community empowerment, and collective responsibility. This strategy is not just a plan – it’s a promise to our residents that Wolverhampton will continue to be a safe, thriving place to live, work, and grow.”

    The draft strategy will be presented to members of the council’s Cabinet on Wednesday (23 July).

    The Safer Wolverhampton Partnership is the statutory Community Safety Partnership and Local Police and Crime Board in Wolverhampton.

    It not only develops and delivers strategic plans for the city, but also works to implement section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act, which places a duty on all statutory partners to consider issues of community safety at the centre of their delivery.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General highlights new opportunity for support at Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting

    Source: NATO

    On Monday (21 July 2025) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte took part in an online meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG). The meeting was hosted by the German Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius, and the UK Defence Secretary, John Healey.

    Speaking to Defence Ministers who joined for the meeting, the Secretary General highlighted the initiative that he and US President Donald J Trump announced last week to boost support for Ukraine by opening additional US assets to Ukraine through investment by Allies in Europe and Canada. This new initiative is open-ended and has already seen numerous Allies express interest in contributing. It complements a range of other initiatives through which Allies support Ukraine and provides new access to US equipment and technology that Ukraine has requested for urgent delivery. This voluntary effort will be coordinated by NATO, given the experience and infrastructure the Alliance provides, including through its command in Wiesbaden, Germany – NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) – that is already coordinating support for Ukraine and has logistical hubs in the eastern part of the Alliance. The UDCG will also continue to play a vital role.

    This initiative and others bring together the three key decisions made by leaders at the NATO Summit in The Hague just a few weeks ago: increasing defence investment, ramping up defence production, and supporting Ukraine. The aim of all Allied security assistance to Ukraine is to bring the conflict to a just and lasting end as quickly as possible.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: As XRP Crosses $200 Billion Market Cap – HASHJ Launches Expanded XRP Mining Tools

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, United Kingdom, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As XRP breaks past the $200 billion market cap milestone (as per CoinMarketCap), MGPD Finance Limited, doing business as HASHJ Cloud Mining, is expanding its XRP mining infrastructure with new tools, contracts, and DeFi utility—offering users a smarter, greener, and more liquid path to participate in the XRP ecosystem.

    With more than 9.3 million users across 96 countries, HASHJ continues to deliver institutional-grade mining services to everyday users. The newly enhanced XRP platform arrives just as XRP becomes one of the fastest-growing assets in the crypto space, used by over 50 global banks and backed by near-instant settlement and ultra-low transaction fees.

    Introducing the Turbo-Yield Dual-Engine™ for XRP

    HASHJ’s newly launched Turbo-Yield Dual-Engine Cloud Lane now supports high-frequency participation in XRP consensus operations, enabling:

    • Daily XRP payouts (T+0 settlements)
    • Real-time AI-based hash power routing to the highest-yielding nodes
    • Integration with DeFi tools for compounding or stablecoin conversion
    • Powered entirely by green energy (solar, wind, and hydro)

    This system dynamically shifts computing power across XRP and Solana nodes for optimal yield performance—delivering compounding rewards without user setup or hardware.

    Getting Started with XRP Mining on HASHJ

    New users receive a $118 starter pack ($18 cash + $100 hash power), activating XRP income within minutes. Simply:

    To begin:

    1. Register at www.hashj.com or download the HASHJ app.
    2. Claim Your $118 Bonus Now and $100 in trial hash power.
    3. Select a mining contract (2, 7, or 30 days).
    4. Start earning daily rewards on mined BTC, ETH, and more.

    No hardware or prior experience is required.

    XRP contracts include:

    Contract Tier Investment Duration Daily Yield Total Return
    Free Trial $0 1 day $1.00 Up to $365/year
    Starter $100 5 days $3.00 $115 total
    Advanced $500 10 days $12.00 $620 total
    Enterprise $12,000 32 days $204.00 $6,528 total

    Withdraw earnings once your balance hits $100, or reinvest with one tap to maximize compound gains.

    Security, Speed & Sustainability

    HASHJ’s infrastructure offers:

    • Cold wallet security and multi-signature protection
    • AI-optimized energy usage across 100+ green-powered data centers
    • Real-time earnings dashboard to track profits in XRP, BTC, ETH, DOGE, SOL, USDT, and more
    • 99.99% uptime across all global nodes

    With XRP surging in global adoption, HASHJ helps users turn price momentum into real-time cash flow.

    Market Context: Why XRP Now?

    Recent forecasts by CryptoVision and BlockSignals project XRP to reach $1.80+ by year-end. XRP-related searches are up 190% in the last 90 days, per Google Trends, reflecting growing global interest.

    HASHJ’s XRP cloud mining suite translates this demand into daily returns—letting users capitalize on XRP’s growth with ease, transparency, and zero hardware.

    About MGPD Finance Limited (doing business as HASHJ)

    Founded in 2018, HASHJ is a global leader in AI-powered, renewable-energy-backed cloud mining. With support for XRP, BTC, ETH, DOGE, SOL, LTC, and USDT, HASHJ provides a frictionless gateway into multi-chain mining and passive income. From mobile contracts to advanced yield tools, HASHJ transforms proof-of-work complexity into one-tap simplicity.

    For more information, visit: www.hashj.com
    App Download: Available on iOS and Android
    Business Inquiries: pr@hashj.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: As XRP Crosses $200 Billion Market Cap – HASHJ Launches Expanded XRP Mining Tools

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, United Kingdom, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As XRP breaks past the $200 billion market cap milestone (as per CoinMarketCap), MGPD Finance Limited, doing business as HASHJ Cloud Mining, is expanding its XRP mining infrastructure with new tools, contracts, and DeFi utility—offering users a smarter, greener, and more liquid path to participate in the XRP ecosystem.

    With more than 9.3 million users across 96 countries, HASHJ continues to deliver institutional-grade mining services to everyday users. The newly enhanced XRP platform arrives just as XRP becomes one of the fastest-growing assets in the crypto space, used by over 50 global banks and backed by near-instant settlement and ultra-low transaction fees.

    Introducing the Turbo-Yield Dual-Engine™ for XRP

    HASHJ’s newly launched Turbo-Yield Dual-Engine Cloud Lane now supports high-frequency participation in XRP consensus operations, enabling:

    • Daily XRP payouts (T+0 settlements)
    • Real-time AI-based hash power routing to the highest-yielding nodes
    • Integration with DeFi tools for compounding or stablecoin conversion
    • Powered entirely by green energy (solar, wind, and hydro)

    This system dynamically shifts computing power across XRP and Solana nodes for optimal yield performance—delivering compounding rewards without user setup or hardware.

    Getting Started with XRP Mining on HASHJ

    New users receive a $118 starter pack ($18 cash + $100 hash power), activating XRP income within minutes. Simply:

    To begin:

    1. Register at www.hashj.com or download the HASHJ app.
    2. Claim Your $118 Bonus Now and $100 in trial hash power.
    3. Select a mining contract (2, 7, or 30 days).
    4. Start earning daily rewards on mined BTC, ETH, and more.

    No hardware or prior experience is required.

    XRP contracts include:

    Contract Tier Investment Duration Daily Yield Total Return
    Free Trial $0 1 day $1.00 Up to $365/year
    Starter $100 5 days $3.00 $115 total
    Advanced $500 10 days $12.00 $620 total
    Enterprise $12,000 32 days $204.00 $6,528 total

    Withdraw earnings once your balance hits $100, or reinvest with one tap to maximize compound gains.

    Security, Speed & Sustainability

    HASHJ’s infrastructure offers:

    • Cold wallet security and multi-signature protection
    • AI-optimized energy usage across 100+ green-powered data centers
    • Real-time earnings dashboard to track profits in XRP, BTC, ETH, DOGE, SOL, USDT, and more
    • 99.99% uptime across all global nodes

    With XRP surging in global adoption, HASHJ helps users turn price momentum into real-time cash flow.

    Market Context: Why XRP Now?

    Recent forecasts by CryptoVision and BlockSignals project XRP to reach $1.80+ by year-end. XRP-related searches are up 190% in the last 90 days, per Google Trends, reflecting growing global interest.

    HASHJ’s XRP cloud mining suite translates this demand into daily returns—letting users capitalize on XRP’s growth with ease, transparency, and zero hardware.

    About MGPD Finance Limited (doing business as HASHJ)

    Founded in 2018, HASHJ is a global leader in AI-powered, renewable-energy-backed cloud mining. With support for XRP, BTC, ETH, DOGE, SOL, LTC, and USDT, HASHJ provides a frictionless gateway into multi-chain mining and passive income. From mobile contracts to advanced yield tools, HASHJ transforms proof-of-work complexity into one-tap simplicity.

    For more information, visit: www.hashj.com
    App Download: Available on iOS and Android
    Business Inquiries: pr@hashj.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Crypto Futures Made Simple: BexBack Offers No KYC, 100x Leverage and Double Deposit Bonus to All New Users

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin’s price fluctuating above $120,000, many analysts predict a prolonged period of high volatility in the crypto market. Holding spot positions may struggle to generate short-term profits in such conditions. As a result, 100x leverage futures trading has become the preferred tool for seasoned investors looking to maximize potential gains in this volatile market. BexBack Exchange is ramping up its efforts to offer traders unmatched promotional packages. The platform now features a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading, providing exceptional opportunities for investors.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $100,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, and XRP futures contracts. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. It holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are no deposit fees, and traders can get the most thoughtful service, including 24/7 customer support.

    Why recommend BexBack?

    No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.

    100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds, double your profits.

    High-Leverage Trading: Offers up to 100x leverage, maximizing investors’ capital efficiency.

    Demo Account: Comes with 10 BTC in virtual funds, ideal for beginners to practice risk-free trading.

    Comprehensive Trading Options: Feature-rich trading available via Web and mobile applications.

    Convenient Operation: No slippage, no spread, and fast, precise trade execution.

    Global User Support: Enjoy 24/7 customer service, no matter where you are.

    Lucrative Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission, perfect for promoters.

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!

    If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users , you can be a winner in the new bull run.

    Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British Muslim Trust appointed as new partner to monitor and tackle anti-Muslim hatred

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    British Muslim Trust appointed as new partner to monitor and tackle anti-Muslim hatred

    The Combatting Hate Against Muslims Fund was established this year to tackle the record levels of anti-Muslim hate.

    • British Muslim Trust will receive funding as part of a new government drive against record levels of anti-Muslim hate.
    • Funding will boost victim support and strengthen hate crime reporting nationwide.
    • The Trust unites decades of expertise from Aziz Foundation and Randeree Charitable Trust.

    The British Muslim Trust (BMT) has been selected as the recipient of the government’s new Combatting Hate Against Muslims Fund, a key initiative to address the rise in anti-Muslim hatred across England.

    The fund was established this year to respond to the evolving nature of religious intolerance and targeted hate incidents faced by Muslim communities, which are at the highest level on record.

    BMT will use the funding to develop a robust reporting system that captures both online and offline incidents of anti-Muslim hatred, including those that may go unreported to the police.

    It will also enable the organisation to provide direct support to victims, raise awareness of what constitutes a hate crime, and encourage greater reporting from affected communities.

    Lord Khan, Minister for Faith, said:

    The rise of anti-Muslim hatred in this county is alarming and deeply concerning.

    That’s why we established this new fund: to ensure we’re doing everything we can to deeply understand the situation our Muslim communities are facing, provide them with the support they need and give us the tools needed to tackle this unacceptable hatred.

    I look forward to working with the British Muslim Trust on our shared ambition to create a safer, more tolerant society for everyone as part of our Plan for Change.

    By analysing the data collected, the BMT will help identify the trends and drivers behind these incidents, providing the government with the evidence needed to shape effective policy and inform action to tackle anti-Muslim hate moving forward, helping to deliver on our Safer Streets mission as part of our Plan for Change.

    The BMT brings together the Aziz Foundation and Randeree Charitable Trust to form a comprehensive organisation, combining their expertise and strong community foundations, gained from over twenty-years of work, to meet the demands of today’s landscape.

    Shabir Randeree, CBE, will serve as the Chair of the Board of Directors, bringing with him a wealth of cross-sector experience, knowledge and a firm commitment to championing the welfare of ethnic minorities in Britain.

    Shabir Randeree, Chair of the Board of Directors at the British Muslim Trust, said:

    Tackling anti-Muslim hatred is essential to building safer, more inclusive communities – and we are proud to have been appointed to deliver this important work.

    The British Muslim Trust will work closely with partners across the country to support victims, listen to communities, and help ensure that every person can live free from fear and hatred.

    Notes to Editors:

    • The British Muslim Trust will begin receiving reports and monitoring incidents from early autumn.
    • In establishing the BMT, The Aziz Foundation and Randeree Charitable Trust have also worked closely with Akeela Ahmed MBE, who they intend to appoint as CEO, drawing on her decades of experience in working with grassroots organisations and policy-level anti-hate work.
    • Incidents of hate crime directed towards Muslims is at a record high in England and Wales – as set out in recent government statistics: Hate crime, England and Wales, year ending March 2024 – GOV.UK
    • The window to bid for this funding under the Combatting Hate Against Muslims Fund ran from 7 April for six weeks. More information about the assessment criteria used to select the grant partner can be found in the fund’s prospectus, linked here: Combatting Hate Against Muslims fund: prospectus – GOV.UK
    • The Randeree Charitable Trust has spent decades supporting and funding organisations which work to empower young people, support interfaith dialogue, religious understanding and community cohesion. Through this work, the Trust has built a deep and widespread network which will support in establishing the British Muslim Trust’s within communities across the country.

    • The Aziz Foundation supports individuals from British Muslim communities by empowering them to advance their careers and make valuable contributions to society through providing Master’s scholarships and other resources. The foundation has spent a decade nurturing confident leaders of Muslim background to address social challenges and promote positive change within their communities and beyond.

    • NPCC’s National Police Advisor for Hate Crime Paul Giannasi said:

    “The Crime Survey for England and Wales demonstrates that hate crime has a greater impact on victims when compared to non-targeted crime. It damages our society, creating fear and division in communities that are targeted. 

    “We also know that hate crime has traditionally been underreported and have seen evidence that this is a particular challenge with those affected by anti-Muslim hatred.

    “The police will not tolerate hate crime and would encourage all victims to report crimes, whether direct to the police or through third-party facilities provided by community groups. 

    “We welcome the funding that government has committed to address this issue and any initiative that helps victims to seek and receive the services they deserve.”

    • Imam Qasim, Exec. Chairman & Founder, Al-Khair Foundation, said:

    “Al Khair Foundation welcomes the establishment of the British Muslim Trust as a dedicated platform through which members of the public may report hate crimes. 

    “This timely and much-needed initiative constitutes a significant milestone in the advancement of community cohesion and the restoration of trust and confidence among affected communities.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Occupied Palestinian Territories: joint statement, 21 July 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    News story

    Occupied Palestinian Territories: joint statement, 21 July 2025

    The UK and 25 international partners gave a joint statement on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

    Joint statement by:

    • foreign ministers of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK
    • EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management

    We, the signatories listed below, come together with a simple, urgent message: the war in Gaza must end now.

    The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths. The Israeli government’s aid delivery model is dangerous, fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity. We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food. It is horrifying that over 800 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid. The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable. Israel must comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law.

    The hostages cruelly held captive by Hamas since 7 October 2023 continue to suffer terribly. We condemn their continued detention and call for their immediate and unconditional release. A negotiated ceasefire offers the best hope of bringing them home and ending the agony of their families.

    We call on the Israeli government to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid and to urgently enable the UN and humanitarian NGOs to do their life saving work safely and effectively.

    We call on all parties to protect civilians and uphold the obligations of international humanitarian law. Proposals to remove the Palestinian population into a “humanitarian city” are completely unacceptable. Permanent forced displacement is a violation of international humanitarian law.

    We strongly oppose any steps towards territorial or demographic change in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The E1 settlement plan announced by Israel’s Civil Administration, if implemented, would divide a Palestinian state in two, marking a flagrant breach of international law and critically undermine the two-state solution. Meanwhile, settlement building across the West Bank including East Jerusalem has accelerated while settler violence against Palestinians has soared. This must stop.

    We urge the parties and the international community to unite in a common effort to bring this terrible conflict to an end, through an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire. Further bloodshed serves no purpose.  We reaffirm our complete support to the efforts of the US, Qatar and Egypt to achieve this.

    We are prepared to take further action to support an immediate ceasefire and a political pathway to security and peace for Israelis, Palestinians and the entire region.

    This statement has been signed by: 

    • The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK 

    • The EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: ‘Democratizing space’ is more than just adding new players – it comes with questions around sustainability and sovereignty

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Timiebi Aganaba, Assistant Professor of Space and Society, Arizona State University

    A group of people gaze up at the Moon in Germany. AP Photo/Markus Schreiber

    “India is on the Moon,” S. Somanath, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization, announced in August 2023. The announcement meant India had joined the short list of countries to have visited the Moon, and the applause and shouts of joy that followed signified that this achievement wasn’t just a scientific one, but a cultural one.

    India’s successful lunar landing prompted celebrations across the country, like this one in Mumbai.
    AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade

    Over the past decade, many countries have established new space programs, including multiple African nations. India and Israel – nations that were not technical contributors to the space race in the 1960s and ‘70s – have attempted landings on the lunar surface.

    With more countries joining the evolving space economy, many of our colleagues in space strategy, policy ethics and law have celebrated the democratization of space: the hope that space is now more accessible for diverse participants.

    We are a team of researchers based across four countries with expertise in space policy and law, ethics, geography and anthropology who have written about the difficulties and importance of inclusion in space.

    Major players like the U.S., the European Union and China may once have dominated space and seen it as a place to try out new commercial and military ventures. Emerging new players in space, like other countries, commercial interests and nongovernmental organizations, may have other goals and rationales. Unexpected new initiatives from these newcomers could shift perceptions of space from something to dominate and possess to something more inclusive, equitable and democratic.

    We address these emerging and historical tensions in a paper published in May 2025 in the journal Nature, in which we describe the difficulties and importance of including nontraditional actors and Indigenous peoples in the space industry.

    Continuing inequalities among space players

    Not all countries’ space agencies are equal. Newer agencies often don’t have the same resources behind them that large, established players do.

    The U.S. and Chinese programs receive much more funding than those of any other country. Because they are most frequently sending up satellites and proposing new ideas puts them in the position to establish conventions for satellite systems, landing sites and resource extraction that everyone else may have to follow.

    Sometimes, countries may have operated on the assumption that owning a satellite would give them the appearance of soft or hard geopolitical power as a space nation – and ultimately gain relevance.

    Small satellites, called CubeSats, are becoming relatively affordable and easy to develop, allowing more players, from countries and companies to universities and student groups, to have a satellite in space.
    NASA/Butch Wilmore, CC BY-NC

    In reality, student groups of today can develop small satellites, called CubeSats, autonomously, and recent scholarship has concluded that even successful space missions may negatively affect the international relationships between some countries and their partners. The respect a country expects to receive may not materialize, and the costs to keep up can outstrip gains in potential prestige.

    Environmental protection and Indigenous perspectives

    Usually, building the infrastructure necessary to test and launch rockets requires a remote area with established roads. In many cases, companies and space agencies have placed these facilities on lands where Indigenous peoples have strong claims, which can lead to land disputes, like in western Australia.

    Many of these sites have already been subject to human-made changes, through mining and resource extraction in the past. Many sites have been ground zero for tensions with Indigenous peoples over land use. Within these contested spaces, disputes are rife.

    Because of these tensions around land use, it is important to include Indigenous claims and perspectives. Doing so can help make sure that the goal of protecting the environments of outer space and Earth are not cast aside while building space infrastructure here on Earth.

    Some efforts are driving this more inclusive approach to engagement in space, including initiatives like “Dark and Quiet Skies”, a movement that works to ensure that people can stargaze and engage with the stars without noise or sound pollution. This movement and other inclusive approaches operate on the principle of reciprocity: that more players getting involved with space can benefit all.

    Researchers have recognized similar dynamics within the larger space industry. Some scholars have come to the conclusion that even though the space industry is “pay to play,” commitments to reciprocity can help ensure that players in space exploration who may not have the financial or infrastructural means to support individual efforts can still access broader structures of support.

    The downside of more players entering space is that this expansion can make protecting the environment – both on Earth and beyond – even harder.

    The more players there are, at both private and international levels, the more difficult sustainable space exploration could become. Even with good will and the best of intentions, it would be difficult to enforce uniform standards for the exploration and use of space resources that would protect the lunar surface, Mars and beyond.

    It may also grow harder to police the launch of satellites and dedicated constellations. Limiting the number of satellites could prevent space junk, protect the satellites already in orbit and allow everyone to have a clear view of the night sky. However, this would have to compete with efforts to expand internet access to all.

    The amount of space junk in orbit has increased dramatically since the 1960s.

    What is space exploration for?

    Before tackling these issues, we find it useful to think about the larger goal of space exploration, and what the different approaches are. One approach would be the fast and inclusive democratization of space – making it easier for more players to join in. Another would be a more conservative and slower “big player” approach, which would restrict who can go to space.

    The conservative approach is liable to leave developing nations and Indigenous peoples firmly on the outside of a key process shaping humanity’s shared future.

    But a faster and more inclusive approach to space would not be easy to run. More serious players means it would be harder to come to an agreement about regulations, as well as the larger goals for human expansion into space.

    Narratives around emerging technologies, such as those required for space exploration, can change over time, as people begin to see them in action.

    Technology that we take for granted today was once viewed as futuristic or fantastical, and sometimes with suspicion. For example, at the end of the 1940s, George Orwell imagined a world in which totalitarian systems used tele-screens and videoconferencing to control the masses.

    Earlier in the same decade, Thomas J. Watson, then president of IBM, notoriously predicted that there would be a global market for about five computers. We as humans often fear or mistrust future technologies.

    However, not all technological shifts are detrimental, and some technological changes can have clear benefits. In the future, robots may perform tasks too dangerous, too difficult or too dull and repetitive for humans. Biotechnology may make life healthier. Artificial intelligence can sift through vast amounts of data and turn it into reliable guesswork. Researchers can also see genuine downsides to each of these technologies.

    Space exploration is harder to squeeze into one streamlined narrative about the anticipated benefits. The process is just too big and too transformative.

    To return to the question if we should go to space, our team argues that it is not a question of whether or not we should go, but rather a question of why we do it, who benefits from space exploration and how we can democratize access to broader segments of society. Including a diversity of opinions and viewpoints can help find productive ways forward.

    Ultimately, it is not necessary for everyone to land on one single narrative about the value of space exploration. Even our team of four researchers doesn’t share a single set of beliefs about its value. But bringing more nations, tribes and companies into discussions around its potential value can help create collaborative and worthwhile goals at an international scale.

    Tony Milligan receives funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant agreement No. 856543).

    Adam Fish, Deondre Smiles, and Timiebi Aganaba do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. ‘Democratizing space’ is more than just adding new players – it comes with questions around sustainability and sovereignty – https://theconversation.com/democratizing-space-is-more-than-just-adding-new-players-it-comes-with-questions-around-sustainability-and-sovereignty-257306

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  • MIL-OSI Submissions: ‘Democratizing space’ is more than just adding new players – it comes with questions around sustainability and sovereignty

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Timiebi Aganaba, Assistant Professor of Space and Society, Arizona State University

    A group of people gaze up at the Moon in Germany. AP Photo/Markus Schreiber

    “India is on the Moon,” S. Somanath, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization, announced in August 2023. The announcement meant India had joined the short list of countries to have visited the Moon, and the applause and shouts of joy that followed signified that this achievement wasn’t just a scientific one, but a cultural one.

    India’s successful lunar landing prompted celebrations across the country, like this one in Mumbai.
    AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade

    Over the past decade, many countries have established new space programs, including multiple African nations. India and Israel – nations that were not technical contributors to the space race in the 1960s and ‘70s – have attempted landings on the lunar surface.

    With more countries joining the evolving space economy, many of our colleagues in space strategy, policy ethics and law have celebrated the democratization of space: the hope that space is now more accessible for diverse participants.

    We are a team of researchers based across four countries with expertise in space policy and law, ethics, geography and anthropology who have written about the difficulties and importance of inclusion in space.

    Major players like the U.S., the European Union and China may once have dominated space and seen it as a place to try out new commercial and military ventures. Emerging new players in space, like other countries, commercial interests and nongovernmental organizations, may have other goals and rationales. Unexpected new initiatives from these newcomers could shift perceptions of space from something to dominate and possess to something more inclusive, equitable and democratic.

    We address these emerging and historical tensions in a paper published in May 2025 in the journal Nature, in which we describe the difficulties and importance of including nontraditional actors and Indigenous peoples in the space industry.

    Continuing inequalities among space players

    Not all countries’ space agencies are equal. Newer agencies often don’t have the same resources behind them that large, established players do.

    The U.S. and Chinese programs receive much more funding than those of any other country. Because they are most frequently sending up satellites and proposing new ideas puts them in the position to establish conventions for satellite systems, landing sites and resource extraction that everyone else may have to follow.

    Sometimes, countries may have operated on the assumption that owning a satellite would give them the appearance of soft or hard geopolitical power as a space nation – and ultimately gain relevance.

    Small satellites, called CubeSats, are becoming relatively affordable and easy to develop, allowing more players, from countries and companies to universities and student groups, to have a satellite in space.
    NASA/Butch Wilmore, CC BY-NC

    In reality, student groups of today can develop small satellites, called CubeSats, autonomously, and recent scholarship has concluded that even successful space missions may negatively affect the international relationships between some countries and their partners. The respect a country expects to receive may not materialize, and the costs to keep up can outstrip gains in potential prestige.

    Environmental protection and Indigenous perspectives

    Usually, building the infrastructure necessary to test and launch rockets requires a remote area with established roads. In many cases, companies and space agencies have placed these facilities on lands where Indigenous peoples have strong claims, which can lead to land disputes, like in western Australia.

    Many of these sites have already been subject to human-made changes, through mining and resource extraction in the past. Many sites have been ground zero for tensions with Indigenous peoples over land use. Within these contested spaces, disputes are rife.

    Because of these tensions around land use, it is important to include Indigenous claims and perspectives. Doing so can help make sure that the goal of protecting the environments of outer space and Earth are not cast aside while building space infrastructure here on Earth.

    Some efforts are driving this more inclusive approach to engagement in space, including initiatives like “Dark and Quiet Skies”, a movement that works to ensure that people can stargaze and engage with the stars without noise or sound pollution. This movement and other inclusive approaches operate on the principle of reciprocity: that more players getting involved with space can benefit all.

    Researchers have recognized similar dynamics within the larger space industry. Some scholars have come to the conclusion that even though the space industry is “pay to play,” commitments to reciprocity can help ensure that players in space exploration who may not have the financial or infrastructural means to support individual efforts can still access broader structures of support.

    The downside of more players entering space is that this expansion can make protecting the environment – both on Earth and beyond – even harder.

    The more players there are, at both private and international levels, the more difficult sustainable space exploration could become. Even with good will and the best of intentions, it would be difficult to enforce uniform standards for the exploration and use of space resources that would protect the lunar surface, Mars and beyond.

    It may also grow harder to police the launch of satellites and dedicated constellations. Limiting the number of satellites could prevent space junk, protect the satellites already in orbit and allow everyone to have a clear view of the night sky. However, this would have to compete with efforts to expand internet access to all.

    The amount of space junk in orbit has increased dramatically since the 1960s.

    What is space exploration for?

    Before tackling these issues, we find it useful to think about the larger goal of space exploration, and what the different approaches are. One approach would be the fast and inclusive democratization of space – making it easier for more players to join in. Another would be a more conservative and slower “big player” approach, which would restrict who can go to space.

    The conservative approach is liable to leave developing nations and Indigenous peoples firmly on the outside of a key process shaping humanity’s shared future.

    But a faster and more inclusive approach to space would not be easy to run. More serious players means it would be harder to come to an agreement about regulations, as well as the larger goals for human expansion into space.

    Narratives around emerging technologies, such as those required for space exploration, can change over time, as people begin to see them in action.

    Technology that we take for granted today was once viewed as futuristic or fantastical, and sometimes with suspicion. For example, at the end of the 1940s, George Orwell imagined a world in which totalitarian systems used tele-screens and videoconferencing to control the masses.

    Earlier in the same decade, Thomas J. Watson, then president of IBM, notoriously predicted that there would be a global market for about five computers. We as humans often fear or mistrust future technologies.

    However, not all technological shifts are detrimental, and some technological changes can have clear benefits. In the future, robots may perform tasks too dangerous, too difficult or too dull and repetitive for humans. Biotechnology may make life healthier. Artificial intelligence can sift through vast amounts of data and turn it into reliable guesswork. Researchers can also see genuine downsides to each of these technologies.

    Space exploration is harder to squeeze into one streamlined narrative about the anticipated benefits. The process is just too big and too transformative.

    To return to the question if we should go to space, our team argues that it is not a question of whether or not we should go, but rather a question of why we do it, who benefits from space exploration and how we can democratize access to broader segments of society. Including a diversity of opinions and viewpoints can help find productive ways forward.

    Ultimately, it is not necessary for everyone to land on one single narrative about the value of space exploration. Even our team of four researchers doesn’t share a single set of beliefs about its value. But bringing more nations, tribes and companies into discussions around its potential value can help create collaborative and worthwhile goals at an international scale.

    Tony Milligan receives funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant agreement No. 856543).

    Adam Fish, Deondre Smiles, and Timiebi Aganaba do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. ‘Democratizing space’ is more than just adding new players – it comes with questions around sustainability and sovereignty – https://theconversation.com/democratizing-space-is-more-than-just-adding-new-players-it-comes-with-questions-around-sustainability-and-sovereignty-257306

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Inquiry to uncover truth of Orgreave

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Inquiry to uncover truth of Orgreave

    Inquiry into violent confrontation at Orgreave to be established this year, with the Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield, appointed as chair.

    The Home Secretary visiting the site alongside campaigners and the National Union of Mineworkers

    An inquiry into the violent confrontation between police, picketers and subsequent protesters at Orgreave 41 years ago will be established as the government delivers its manifesto commitment to uncover the truth.

    The inquiry, expected to launch in the autumn, will investigate the events surrounding clashes at the Orgreave Coking Plant in 1984, causing 120 injuries. In total, 95 picketers were arrested and initially charged with riot and violent disorder, but all charges were later dropped after evidence was discredited.

    The inquiry will be statutory, with the appropriate powers to compel people to provide information where necessary.

    The Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, the Bishop of Sheffield, has agreed to chair the inquiry, which is intended to aid the public’s understanding of how the events on the day, and immediately after, came to pass.

    The event has left a lasting impact on those present that day and their families, as well as undermining the wider mining community’s confidence in policing for decades.

    That is why, as the government looks to rebuild public confidence in policing as part of its Plan for Change, it is delivering on this manifesto commitment to bring to light what happened at Orgreave, with the Home Secretary visiting the site alongside the campaigners and the National Union of Mineworkers who have fought for years for answers.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 

    Every community should have confidence in their police, but we know what happened at Orgreave cast a shadow over communities in Yorkshire and other mining areas.

    The violent scenes and subsequent prosecutions raised concerns that have been left unanswered for decades, and we must now establish what happened.

    I pay tribute to the campaigners who never stopped in their search for truth and justice, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as we build an inquiry that gets the answers they and their communities deserve.

    The Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox said:

    I am extremely grateful to the Home Secretary for the opportunity to chair this inquiry and for the support I shall be given in doing so. I do not underestimate the weight of expectation or the significance of the task. 

    I look forward to engaging with stakeholders in the coming weeks over the draft terms of reference, and to working with the government to identify experts to support me on the independent panel.

    I expect the panel to begin its work in the autumn, and we will endeavour to deliver an inquiry which is thorough and fair, and which will uncover what happened at Orgreave as swiftly as possible.

    The government has engaged with campaign groups throughout the process of designing the inquiry to ensure their concerns and experiences are considered.

    Formal consultation between the Home Secretary and the Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox on the inquiry’s terms of reference has already begun, and further engagement with key stakeholders will be an important part of that process. The inquiry will aim to deliver swiftly to ensure the wellbeing of those searching for answers is not unduly impacted.

    A final copy of the terms of reference will then be published at the earliest opportunity.

    Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign Secretary, Kate Flannery, said: 

    We have waited a long time for this day and this is really positive news. All these years of hard work by the OTJC and our many supporters has helped to influence this constructive announcement. We appreciate the Home Secretary’s commitment to holding some kind of Orgreave inquiry. 

    We now need to be satisfied that the inquiry is given the necessary powers to fully investigate all the aspects of the orchestrated policing at Orgreave, and have unrestricted access to all relevant information including government, police and media documents, photos and films.

    The National Union of Mineworkers General Secretary, Chris Kitchen, said:

    The NUM welcome the announcement the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has made to hold a statutory inquiry into the policing at Orgreave and subsequent court case abandoned after police evidence was discredited.

    It is hugely welcome to see this government fulfil its pledge made in the Labour Party Manifesto to the mining community. The events at Orgreave, and throughout the strike, destroyed the trust between the police and mining communities even now, 41 years later. It is vital that this trust is won back and the NUM believe this inquiry will go some way to rebuilding that trust.

    The NUM will offer the Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield, any assistance that he requires to ensure that the inquiry uncovers the truth about who orchestrated the events at Orgreave and the failed court case so that precautions can be put in place, so it never happens again.

    South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said:

    What happened at Orgreave remains one of the most controversial episodes in policing history. The violent clashes, the arrest of 95 miners, the collapse of the subsequent trial after revelations about police conduct, and the absence of any investigation or accountability scarred those involved, and people across our entire community.

    So, the announcement of a public inquiry into the events at Orgreave is a landmark moment for justice and accountability. We wouldn’t have got this without the sheer determination of the campaigners and a government and Home Secretary who have listened to the long-held concerns.

    The inquiry represents an opportunity to examine not only the actions of South Yorkshire Police and other forces on that day, but also the broader role of government at the time. It’s a step towards setting the historical record straight, ensuring lessons are learned, and restoring public trust.

    We owe it to the miners, their families, and our communities to ensure that the events of Orgreave are finally understood. My hope is that the public inquiry is completed at pace and that at the end of the process it brings closure and a sense of justice for those involved and their families in particular, and that we are finally able to turn the page on the events of that moment in our history.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Comparing ICE to the Gestapo reveals people’s fears for the US – a Holocaust scholar explains why Nazi analogies remain common, yet risky

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniel H. Magilow, Professor of German, University of Tennessee

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers gather for a briefing before an enforcement operation on Jan. 27, 2025, in Silver Spring, Md. Associated Press

    Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz recently sparked controversy by comparing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to Nazi Germany’s notorious secret police, the Gestapo.

    “Donald Trump’s modern-day Gestapo is scooping folks up off the streets,” Walz said during a May 2025 speech at the University of Minnesota Law School’s commencement ceremony.

    “They’re in unmarked vans, wearing masks, being shipped off to foreign torture dungeons, no chance to mount a defense, not even a chance to kiss a loved one goodbye, just grabbed up by masked agents, shoved into those vans, and disappeared,” Walz added.

    ICE, tasked with enforcing immigration policies, has dramatically increased the number of nationwide arrests of immigrants since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025. ICE’s arrests of immigrants have more than doubled in 38 states since then.

    In recent months, other Democratic politicians, including U.S Rep. Dan Goldman of New York, have also compared ICE to the Gestapo, or Adolf Hitler’s “secret police,” as Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts said in April.

    But do ICE’s tactics actually resemble those of the Gestapo?

    Because I am a scholar of modern Germany and the Holocaust, people regularly ask me if this analogy is accurate. The answer is complicated.

    The Gestapo arrests a group of Jewish men hiding in a cellar in Poland in 1939, in what was possibly a staged German propaganda photo.
    Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

    Understanding the Gestapo

    The Nazi regime established the Gestapo, short for the German phrase Geheime Staatspolizei, meaning secret state police, soon after Hitler became chancellor of Germany in January 1933. Among other responsibilities, the Gestapo was tasked with investigating political crimes and monitoring opposition activity. It later enforced racial laws in Germany and across occupied Europe.

    As part of its daily work, the Gestapo identified and monitored the regime’s political enemies. It arrested, interrogated, detained and tortured suspects and sent others to concentration camps. To identify suspects, it often relied on anonymous denunciations that came not only from zealous Nazis, but also from disgruntled neighbors or business competitors who tipped off the Gestapo to Jews and other people.

    While the Gestapo was relatively small in terms of personnel, it projected an image of being, as one scholar wrote, “omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent.”

    It enforced the regime’s will and suppressed dissent not through sheer manpower but by creating a pervasive sense of fear. This aura of menace and terror has long outlived the Nazi regime itself.

    ICE’s operations

    ICE, with around 21,000 officers and staff operating in a country of more than 340 million, is smaller both in absolute terms and on a per capita basis. At its height between 1943 and 1945, the Gestapo had between 40,000 and 50,000 personnel in a country of 79 million.

    ICE is set to expand its work in the next few years with an additional US$75 billion in funding that Congress appropriated in July as part of Trump’s tax and spending bill.

    And while ICE focuses on immigration, the Gestapo had a more expansive role. It was responsible for suppressing all forms of political dissent, not just violations of immigration law.

    ICE operates with vastly more advanced technologies that did not exist in the 1940s, including facial recognition and social media monitoring.

    There is technically more transparency around ICE’s work than the Gestapo’s, since ICE is a federal agency that is subject to its work and information being reviewed by politicians and the public alike. But in June 2020, the first Trump administration reclassified ICE, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, as a “security/sensitive agency.” This designation makes it harder for people to request and receive information about ICE’s work through Freedom of Information Act records requests.

    Like the Gestapo, ICE can seem performative in its work, like when it carried out a dramatic July raid of a cannabis farm in California in which balaclava-wearing officers used tear gas against protesters.

    The Gestapo in today’s world

    Since World War II and the fall of the Nazi regime, the term Gestapo has become shorthand in the United States to describe police repression.

    Using the word Gestapo to describe the worst possible authoritarian oppression has been popularized in popular movies in everything from the 1943 film “Casablanca” and “The Black Gestapo” in 1975 to “Inglourious Basterds” in 2009 and “Jojo Rabbit” in 2019.

    Walz’s remarks in May, though provocative, were also far from isolated in politics. Politicians from both sides of the aisle, as well as political observers, regularly use Gestapo and Nazi metaphors to attack their opponents.

    In 2022, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia famously confused the term Gestapo with gazpacho soup in a gaffe that went viral. “Now we have Nancy Pelosi’s gazpacho police spying on members of Congress,” she said.

    In 2024, Trump accused President Joe Biden of running a “Gestapo administration” as the Justice Department prosecuted Trump for attempting to overturn the 2020 election.

    Overall, mentions of the word Gestapo in social media increased by 184% between 2017 and 2024, according to the nonprofit group Foundation to Combat Antisemitism.

    The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum is among the organizations that have condemned making comparisons to the Holocaust and the Nazis for many reasons, including their historical inaccuracy and because they are insulting to people whose families remain scarred by the Holocaust.

    A Paraguayan woman whose relative was detained by ICE agents scuffles with officers in the halls of an immigration court in New York City on July 16, 2025.
    Spencer Platt/Getty Images

    What historical comparisons really say

    Analogies can be useful for clarifying complex ideas. But especially when they stretch across decades and vastly different political contexts, they risk oversimplifying and trivializing history.

    I believe that comparing ICE to the Gestapo is less a historical judgment than a reflection of modern anxiety – a fear that the U.S. is veering toward authoritarianism reminiscent of 1930s Germany.

    If politicians and other public figures are looking for historical comparisons to modern law enforcement agencies that use severe tactics, there is, unfortunately, no shortage of options: the Soviet Union’s secret police agencies NKVD and KGB, Iran’s former secret police and intelligence agency SAVAK or East Germany’s Stasi, to name just a few.
    All of those organizations denied suspects due process and grossly violated human rights in order to protect political regimes – but they don’t necessarily easily compare to ICE, either.

    Still, politicians and political observers alike most often turn to the Gestapo and other Nazi references instead.

    Ultimately, the Gestapo, Nazi Germany and the Holocaust serve as a powerful, shared cultural reference point. The catastrophes of World War II epitomize the worst possible outcomes of evil left unchecked.

    They have become the master moral paradigm and an ethical compass for the world today. In an age of polarization, World War II and the Holocaust remain the mirror in which Americans examine their present.

    Daniel H. Magilow received funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (although DOGE cancelled the grant in April 2025).

    He serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, the journal of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies

    – ref. Comparing ICE to the Gestapo reveals people’s fears for the US – a Holocaust scholar explains why Nazi analogies remain common, yet risky – https://theconversation.com/comparing-ice-to-the-gestapo-reveals-peoples-fears-for-the-us-a-holocaust-scholar-explains-why-nazi-analogies-remain-common-yet-risky-260767

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  • MIL-OSI Submissions: I watched a simulated oil spill in the Indian Ocean – here’s how island and coastal countries worked together to avoid disaster

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kate Sullivan de Estrada, Associate Professor in the International Relations of South Asia, University of Oxford

    Preparing to react to a maritime ’emergency’. Romuald Robert, CC BY

    The coils of black hose, drum skimmers designed to collect oil from the ocean’s surface, and orangey-red containment booms all looked out of place on the white sand of Mombasa’s touristy Nyali beach. But on July 9, dozens of emergency responders in red and orange hi-vis gear took over a portion of this beach. They were braving the wind and choppy Indian Ocean waves as they mock up the onshore response to a simulated oil spill at sea.

    I research how countries in the western Indian Ocean cooperate to make the seas around them safer, and I was there to observe a field training exercise that brought together around 200 participants from ten coastal and island states for one week in east Africa’s largest port city. Codenamed MASEPOLREX25, it put two types of emergency response to the test.

    The first was Kenya’s national-level response to marine oil pollution, guided by its national contingency plan. The second was a regional-level response that can bring in outside help from other nations. The organiser of the exercise, the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) – an intergovernmental group of Western Indian Ocean islands headquartered in Mauritius – wanted the countries of the region to rehearse a joint response to marine pollution.

    Preparations begin on Kenya’s Nyali beach for the emergency exercise.
    Romuald Robert., CC BY

    The exercise put two IOC-designed regional centres through their paces. Think of them like a pair of regional helpdesks for ocean security, each with a distinct purpose.

    How does it unfold?

    The exercise began the day before with a briefing on the marine pollution scenario. The Kenyan authorities had received a distress call from the fictional captains of two damaged vessels.

    An oil tanker with a deadweight tonnage of 50,000 had collided with a feeder ship in Tanzanian waters, just south of Kenya’s maritime zone. The captain of the tanker suspected that 3,000-to-4,000 metric tonnes of intermediate fuel oil (persistent, thick oil that won’t evaporate by itself) had spilled into the ocean.

    Such an incident is plausible. A 2023 IOC-commissioned internal study pinpointed the Kenya-Tanzania border as a hotspot for marine pollution risk. Two major ports sit in close proximity in a busy maritime transit corridor.

    Clustered around an incident board, Kenya’s incident management team mounted their national response. Nuru Mohammed, liaison officer for the Kenya Maritime Authority, explained that the assessment of the size of the spill and expectations of its behaviour had already led the team to anticipate the need for regional support. At this time of year, the sea current would carry the slick northward into Kenyan waters.

    At the back of everyone’s minds was the 2020 Wakashio incident, in which a bulk carrier owned by a Japanese shipping company but flagged to Panama ran aground to the southeast of Mauritius. An estimated 800-to-1,000 tonnes of fuel oil spilled into the sea, affecting 30km of Mauritian coastline. The cost to marine life, food security and human health were compounded by economic and connectivity challenges posed by the COVID pandemic.

    Responders prepare oil-spill equipment on the beach near Mombasa.
    Romuald Robert, CC BY-SA

    For the exercise, aerial surveillance of the mock spill triggered the first attempt at containment. A live video feed of the offshore national response showed rice husks, a substitute for the oil, afloat on the waves. Two vessels sprayed simulated oil-spill dispersants in challenging winds.

    In real life, as in this exercise, oil properties determine how the spill will behave. IOC consultant Peter Taylor warned that churning waves could mix with the oil forming emulsions that were viscous and not dispersible.

    We turned our attention to the chat feed on SeaVision, an information-sharing platform. A notification popped up. The Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC) in Madagascar had shared mapped and timestamped projections of the drift of the oil slick for the following 72 hours. The centre’s director, Alex Ralaiarivony, later explained how it could provide other technical support such as satellite imagery, and could calculate the proportions of oil that were likely to become submerged, evaporate, remain adrift and reach the shoreline.

    By July 9, the fictional oil spill had reached the coast. The team on Nyali beach hurried to deploy an oil containment boom, a floating barrier that can shield sensitive areas such as shorelines.

    Back at headquarters, SeaVision was busy with messages. The other centre, the Regional Coordination of Operations Centre (RCOC) in Seychelles, was urgently requesting more shoreline equipment to help with oil spills, such as booms, from regional partners. Mauritius and Madagascar both made offers to help that Kenya accepted, and the RCOC coordinated a Dornier aircraft from Seychelles for collection and delivery.

    How does the emergency response work?

    The two centres help countries in the Western Indian Ocean secure their maritime zones against threats such as piracy, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, the trafficking of illicit goods – and marine pollution incidents.

    In Madagascar, the RMIFC gathers and analyses maritime data from multiple sources to detect potential threats at sea. This enables early warning of threats like oil spills, as well as suspicious ships or boats engaged in illicit maritime activities.

    The RCOC in Seychelles responds to these threats. It draws on a shared pool of aircraft and ships belonging to its members, using these to coordinate joint responses – whether through sea patrols, boarding and inspecting ships, or laying the legal groundwork to prosecute offenders.

    The two regional centres serve seven states: IOC island members Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles and France — through its island territory of La Réunion — as well as East African coastal states Kenya and Djibouti.

    On July 10, the exercise ended with an evaluation. One takeaway was that the two regional centres could have been used even more – for instance, to coordinate technical assistance from different partners. But a key purpose of the exercise was to help participating countries understand what the centres offer, and get them used to a regional-level response.

    Coastal and island states thousands of kilometres apart are being brought closer by maritime threats in their shared ocean. And the two centres are building their operational capacity to support the whole region, while also creating trust among countries. This matters in a geopolitical context of strategic competition in the Indian Ocean, where islands and East African coastal states sometimes want to put their own needs first.

    At the end of the exercise, IOC officer-in-charge Raj Mohabeer reminded participants that the island and coastal states of the Western Indian Ocean have vast maritime zones and face multiple seaborne security threats to their economies, ecologies and livelihoods. “No developing country can deal with a significant marine pollution event alone.”

    Kate Sullivan de Estrada receives funding from Research England’s Policy Support Fund allocation to the University of
    Oxford via the Public Policy Challenge Fund. Her project under the Fund is titled “Balancing ‘Sovereignty Trade-offs’ in Small-State Maritime Security Co-operation: The Case of the Indian Ocean Commission.”

    – ref. I watched a simulated oil spill in the Indian Ocean – here’s how island and coastal countries worked together to avoid disaster – https://theconversation.com/i-watched-a-simulated-oil-spill-in-the-indian-ocean-heres-how-island-and-coastal-countries-worked-together-to-avoid-disaster-260895

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