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Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Targeted attacks against Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – defending religious freedom and security – P10_TA(2025)0066 – Thursday, 3 April 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),

    –  having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

    –  having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

    –  having regard to the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which guarantees the right to freedom of conscience and the free exercise of religious worship for all citizens,

    –  having regard to the UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 25 November 1981,

    –  having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights,

    –  having regard to Rules 136(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas the eastern DRC has endured decades of widespread violence and instability; whereas the situation continues to deteriorate significantly, with persistent human rights violations by armed groups, mass displacement, attacks on civilians and alarming humanitarian conditions further exacerbated by armed conflicts, such as the conflict between the DRC Government, the Rwanda-backed armed rebel group March 23 Movement (M23) and other militias, which has already resulted in the forceful internal displacement of 4,6 million people in the eastern DRC; whereas around 100 separate armed groups are estimated to be operating in the eastern DRC; whereas a series of overlapping issues are driving destabilisation in the country;

    B.  whereas M23 has intensified attacks in North Kivu and on 19 March 2025, it seized the mineral-rich town of Walikale, defying the ceasefire;

    C.  whereas the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) is one of the most prominent extremist groups with explicitly religious objectives, especially since its leader pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in 2019, becoming its Central Africa Province branch (ISCAP); whereas the ADF’s attacks need to be seen in the wider African context of a rise in the number of Islamist groups, in particular those affiliated to ISIS, in the Sahel region, the Horn of Africa, Mozambique, Nigeria and the DRC; whereas the ADF has been designated a terrorist group by Uganda and the United States;

    D.  whereas in May 2024, the UN Group of Experts on the DRC warned that the ‘armed group established strong networks in prisons, particularly in Kinshasa where ADF detainees were active in recruiting and mobilising combatants and collaborators’, using not only ideological means, but also coercion, deception, abduction and financial incentives to attract members and collaborators;

    E.  whereas the ADF has a long history of committing terrorist attacks in the eastern DRC, particularly in North Kivu and Ituri provinces; whereas North Kivu is a resource-rich region, with vast supplies of critical raw materials including cobalt, gold and tin, which are necessary for the global digital and energy transitions; whereas it is known that the ADF and other armed groups, including M23, have been relying on, among other sources of financing, the illegal exploitation of these resources to fund their activities; whereas the Congolese Catholic Church claims that the ADF is responsible for the deaths of around 6 000 civilians in Beni between 2013 and 2021 and more than 2 000 in Bunia in 2020 alone; whereas in 2024, a large number of Christians were killed in the DRC by jihadists; whereas civilians in the DRC’s eastern provinces are facing an increasing number of attacks, killings and abductions, as well as church bombings and the destruction of (religious) property, perpetrated by armed groups with extremist and jihadist ideologies; whereas most victims of ADF attacks have been Christian; whereas these attacks undermine religious freedom and exacerbate intercommunal tensions; whereas the Catholic bishops of the DRC spoke out in an April 2021 statement about the threat of the ‘Islamization of the region [North Kivu] as a sort of deeper strategy for a long-term negative influence on the general political situation of the country’;

    F.  whereas in 2021, a prominent local Muslim leader received death threats from the ADF, and he was later gunned down; whereas in 2023, the ADF bombed services at a Pentecostal church in Kasindi, killing 14 people; whereas the ADF has been linked to an attack on the village of Mukondi in 2023, in which at least 44 civilians were killed, according to local authorities; whereas the group claimed 48 attacks in December 2024 alone, killing over 200 people; whereas in January 2024, the ADF killed eight people in Beni during an attack on a Pentecostal church and, in May 2024, ADF assailants reportedly killed 14 Catholics in the North Kivu province for refusing to convert to Islam; whereas the ADF also reportedly executed 11 Christians in the village of Ndimo in Ituri province and kidnapped several others;

    G.  whereas local and international human rights organisations have documented numerous instances of religious violence in the DRC, while stressing the urgent need for the state to provide adequate protection; whereas, while the DRC Government has demonstrated a strong intention to address the impacts of armed group violence in the eastern DRC, other recent developments call into question the government’s commitment to safeguarding religious freedom specifically; whereas women and children are particularly vulnerable to rape as weapon of war, human trafficking and sexual slavery;

    H.  whereas the Armed Forces of the DRC have been conducting a joint military offensive, Operation Shujaa, with the Ugandan People’s Defence Force against the ADF and other insurgent forces in the eastern DRC since November 2021; whereas the conflict between the DRC Government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels has led to a decrease in the funds, personnel and equipment being allocated to this counterterrorism operation;

    I.  whereas the right to freedom of religion and belief is a fundamental human right and must be protected given the high level of violence and persecution; whereas the Constitution of the DRC provides for freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination based on religious belief;

    J.  whereas over 7 million people in the DRC are currently displaced because of the wider ongoing conflicts, with limited access to food, water, healthcare and essential services; whereas state authorities and rebel groups have obligations to civilians under international humanitarian law, including protecting and facilitating access to humanitarian assistance, and permitting freedom of movement;

    K.  whereas women and children in the DRC face increased levels of sexual and gender-based violence, including rape as a weapon of war, resulting in there being one victim of rape every four minutes;

    L.  whereas the illegal exploitation of mineral resources continues to fuel conflict in the region, necessitating stronger international oversight and responsible sourcing policies;

    M.  whereas in March 2025, President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda issued a joint statement announcing a ceasefire; whereas despite this, the violence perpetrated by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels continues;

    N.  whereas the DRC has one of the highest rates of internal displacement in the world; whereas many women and children live in precarious conditions and are being exposed to the risk of harassment, assault, sexual exploitation and forced military recruitment; whereas displaced populations often receive no basic life-saving services and are at risk of malnutrition and disease; whereas cities that host internally displaced people in precarious circumstances are also targets of attacks by different militias, causing great distress to the displaced communities and to the local population;

    O.  whereas the EU has committed to supporting stability in the DRC through diplomatic engagement, financial assistance and targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for violence and human rights abuses; whereas on 17 March 2025, the EU imposed sanctions on nine individuals and one entity responsible for acts that constitute serious human rights violations and abuses or that sustain the conflict in the DRC, including through the illegal exploitation of resources, but further diplomatic and economic measures may be necessary;

    P.  whereas the Council has renewed the EU’s financial support for the deployment of Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) troops in Mozambique under the European Peace Facility (EPF); whereas the head of these forces was previously deployed in the eastern DRC to support abuses committed by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, giving rise to serious doubt as to whether there are sufficient safeguards attached to EPF support, including effective vetting and other human rights requirements;

    Q.  whereas the EU has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to the promotion and protection of religious freedom globally, and has taken steps to combat religious persecution and intolerance in various parts of the world; whereas Christians are the largest persecuted religious group in the world;

    R.  whereas Parliament has consistently called for the strengthening of international efforts to combat religious persecution and to hold accountable those responsible for attacks on minority communities;

    1.  Strongly condemns the occupation of Goma and other territories in the eastern DRC by M23 and the RDF as an unacceptable breach of the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; urges the Rwandan Government to withdraw its troops from DRC territory, the presence of whom is a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter, and cease cooperation with the M23 rebels; demands that Rwanda and all other potential state actors in the region cease their support for M23;

    2.  Expresses deep concern at the alarming continuation of violence; deplores the loss of life and the attacks, both indiscriminate and targeted, against civilians; expresses deep concern over the worsening security and humanitarian crises in the eastern DRC as a whole; calls for the immediate cessation of all forms of violence and for the commitment of all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC to respect international humanitarian law;

    3.  Strongly condemns the targeted terrorist attacks carried out by the ADF against Christian communities in the eastern DRC, including killings, abductions and the destruction of religious property, and calls for an immediate halt to such acts of violence; expresses its solidarity with the families of the victims and with Christian communities;

    4.  Strongly condemns the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group and the ADF, as well as other rebel groups, and their egregious human rights abuses that amount to crimes against humanity in accordance with the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC); underlines that there must be no impunity for the perpetrators of these acts and that those responsible should be referred to the ICC; encourages the establishment of an international commission of inquiry to examine the human rights violations committed in the DRC, renewed investigations in North Kivu by the ICC Prosecutors Office and the creation of a special tribunal for atrocity crimes in the DRC, including crimes committed against Christian communities; backs the efforts by the National Episcopal Conference of Congo and the Church of Christ in Congo, which launched the ‘Social pact for peace and coexistence in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes Region’, with the aim of restoring peace in the country’s eastern provinces;

    5.  Supports the international efforts against the ADF, including the Shujaa counterterrorism operation carried out jointly by the DRC and Ugandan armed forces; encourages the EU Member States to consider ways of contributing to these efforts, including increased efforts to trace and interdict ISIS secret funds held overseas and to trace any raw materials stemming from their illegal exploitation by the ADF; calls for the EU to support the necessary capacity-building and expertise to combat ADF ideology and rhetoric, particularly within the Muslim communities of both Uganda and the DRC, to prevent recruitment among those communities; requests the application of the EU global human rights sanctions regime to those responsible for planning, ordering or participating in the killing of Christians in the DRC;

    6.  Calls for an immediate and effective ceasefire, and for the full implementation of diplomatic agreements, including the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes; underlines the urgent need for the stabilisation of the country and reiterates its call on M23 to halt its territorial advances and withdraw from the territory of the DRC;

    7.  Reiterates its full support for the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) in protecting civilians and stabilising the region; urges the EU to cooperate with all actors on the ground, in particular MONUSCO, to ensure the protection of civilians in the eastern DRC; calls on the UN to work towards a stronger mandate for MONUSCO in order to enable peacemaking; calls on the UN to ensure the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law;

    8.  Urges the international community to increase support for services in the eastern DRC so that civilians who have been targeted can have access to legal services and psychological support; calls on the DRC Government to counter extremist propaganda; calls for the establishment of early warning mechanisms to more effectively prevent and respond to attacks by the ADF and other armed groups against civilians;

    9.  Reiterates its call for all parties, including armed groups operating in the eastern DRC, to allow and facilitate humanitarian access to address the urgent need for essential services in the eastern DRC and neighbouring countries, notably Burundi; emphasises that humanitarian workers must be able to operate safely to deliver life-saving assistance to Congolese civilians; stresses that this is a central obligation under international humanitarian law, and that perpetrators violating these obligations should be held to account; calls on all parties to provide a safe environment for civil society organisations;

    10.  Is appalled by the shocking use of sexual violence against women and children as a tool of repression and weapon of war in the eastern DRC, and by the unacceptable recruitment of child soldiers by the various rebel groups; demands that these matters be addressed by the international community without delay;

    11.  Calls for stricter enforcement of the EU regulation on conflict minerals(1) to prevent illicit trade from fuelling armed groups in the DRC; reiterates its previous call on the Commission to suspend the EU’s Memorandum of Understanding with Rwanda; requests that the Commission share detailed mapping of current projects with Rwandan authorities and its assessment of whether they may contribute to addressing or may fail to address human rights violations either inside Rwanda or in the DRC;

    12.  Calls for the EU and its Member States to support the DRC in implementing the recommendations of the 2010 mapping report by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), including reforming the security sector, strengthening its efforts to prevent further atrocities against civilians, and ending support for or collaboration with abusive armed groups; urges the DRC Government to ensure accountability for human rights violations and prosecute those responsible for attacks; calls for the EU and its Member States to support the DRC in fighting corruption, strengthening governance and the rule of law, improving security and ensuring the lasting protection of communities at risk, including religious communities, and to ensure that perpetrators of attacks are brought to justice;

    13.  Underlines the role of communities, including religious communities and faith-based organisations in the DRC, in promoting peace, social cohesion and the well-being of local communities;

    14.  Calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service to intensify diplomatic efforts by working closely with regional partners, including the African Union, the East African Community and the United Nations, in order to step up diplomatic efforts to achieve a sustainable resolution to the conflict and prevent extremist groups from using religion as a tool for violence and division;

    15.  Calls on the Commission and the Member States to increase humanitarian aid to address the urgent needs of displaced persons and vulnerable communities in the DRC, ensuring safe access to food, medical care and shelter;

    16.  Supports the imposition of further targeted EU sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for financing or engaging in violence, human rights abuses and resource exploitation; calls for the implementation of the sanctions outlined in the OHCHR mapping report;

    17.  Confirms its commitment to freedom of thought, conscience and religion as a fundamental human right guaranteed by international legal instruments recognised as holding universal value, and to which most countries in the world have committed, and which is enshrined in the Constitution of the DRC;

    18.  Echoes the calls for international solidarity in defending religious freedom and the protection of religious minorities in conflict zones, particularly in the DRC, while addressing the root causes of violent extremism in the DRC and its neighbourhood;

    19.  Urges the EU to uphold its commitment to the promotion of religious freedom and the protection of communities, including religious communities, ensuring that the rights of these groups are prioritised in the EU’s external policies;

    20.  Notes, with concern, the growing influence of the Russian Orthodox Church in Africa, which is a staunch supporter of the Putin regime and its violent, unlawful war in Ukraine; underlines that this development raises significant questions regarding the broader geopolitical and ideological objectives of the Russian Federation in Africa;

    21.  Deplores the fact that Rwanda announced the termination of its diplomatic relations with Belgium, and expresses its solidarity with Belgium;

    22.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Governments and Parliaments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, the African Union, the secretariats of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Southern African Development Community and the East African Community, and other relevant international bodies.

    (1) Regulation (EU) 2017/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 laying down supply chain due diligence obligations for Union importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas (OJ L 130, 19.5.2017, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/821/oj).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Energy-intensive industries – P10_TA(2025)0065 – Thursday, 3 April 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to the report of September 2024 by Mario Draghi entitled ‘On the future of European competitiveness’,

    –  having regard to the report of April 2024 by Enrico Letta entitled ‘Much more than a market’,

    –  having regard to the Commission communication of 26 February 2025 entitled ‘The Clean Industrial Deal: A joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation’ (COM(2025)0085),

    –  having regard to the Commission communication of 26 February 2025 entitled ‘Action Plan for Affordable Energy’ (COM(2025)0079),

    –  having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    –  having regard to the motion for a resolution of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy,

    A.  whereas energy-intensive industries (EIIs) account for a significant share of the EU’s economy and play a key role in job creation, especially in areas and regions where they are concentrated; whereas EIIs are crucial for the EU’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness, as well as for decarbonisation, taking into account their energy footprint;

    B.  whereas the transition to a decarbonised economy and a clean energy system must lead to reducing energy prices and must take into account all available technologies that contribute to reaching the EU’s net zero goal for 2050 in the most cost-efficient way, avoiding lock-in effects and taking into account the different energy mix across Member States, including with regard to renewables and nuclear;

    C.  whereas technological neutrality is crucial for European industry as it ensures fair competition, fosters innovation and supports the clean transition without favouring specific technologies; whereas maintaining a neutral regulatory framework allows companies to choose the most efficient and sustainable solutions based on market needs rather than top-down preferences set by policymakers; whereas this approach encourages investment, boosts competitiveness and allows industry to adapt to new technologies;

    D.  whereas electrification is at the centre of the decarbonisation of EIIs; whereas EIIs include sectors that use fossil resources to meet temperature, pressure or reaction requirements, such as chemicals, steel, paper, plastics, mining, refineries, cement, lime, non-ferrous metals, glass, ceramics and fertilisers, for which greenhouse gas emissions are hard to reduce because they are intrinsic to the process or because of high capital or operating expenditure costs or low technological maturity;

    E.  whereas the energy price gap between the EU and the US and China undermines the competitiveness of the EU’s industries; whereas elevated and volatile fossil fuel prices heavily affect electricity prices and the affordable cost of renewable energy sources is not transferred to energy bills;

    F.  whereas an insufficiently integrated energy union poses further challenges to EIIs, in particular in relation to the lack of cross-border interconnections and the limited availability of clean energy, owing to lengthy permitting procedures or high capital or operating expenditures, as well as grid congestion;

    G.  whereas the emissions trading system (ETS) provided long-term investment signals and helped bring down the emissions of ETS sectors by 47 %; whereas the energy market has profoundly changed since the introduction of the ETS, especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the shift from pipeline gas to liquid natural gas (LNG); whereas a lack of carbon market transparency risks hampering EIIs’ competitiveness; whereas ETS revenues are used unevenly across Member States, failing to adequately support EIIs’ decarbonisation;

    H.  whereas unnecessary regulatory burdens and lengthy permitting procedures undermine the business case for investing in decarbonisation in Europe; whereas the concept of overriding public interest is provided for in EU legislation; whereas complex and fragmented EU funding impedes timely investment in net-zero technologies and digitalisation, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);

    I.  whereas the lack of necessary private investment risks hindering EIIs’ decarbonisation; whereas relying excessively on State aid can have the unwanted consequences of exacerbating disparities and distorting competition across the EU;

    J.  whereas the EU’s dependencies and limited access, both in quantity and quality, to primary and secondary raw materials pose significant challenges to EIIs; whereas circularity and efficiency can help reduce the annual investment needs in industry and in energy supply; whereas currently, ferrous metals exported to non-EU countries account for more than half of all EU waste exports, raising concerns about their sound treatment;

    K.  whereas unfair competition from non-EU countries, including subsidised overcapacity, poses a great challenge to EU companies; whereas many regions around the world do not currently have ambitious decarbonisation targets, thus increasing the risk of carbon leakage;

    L.  whereas a profound transformation of EIIs cannot succeed without the involvement of local and regional communities, workers and social partners, which are heavily affected by the transition;

    1.  Reiterates its commitment to the EU’s decarbonisation objectives and to stable and predictable climate and industrial policies;

    2.  Calls on the Member States to accelerate permitting and licensing processes for clean energy projects, ensuring administrative capacity, and to facilitate grid connections to enable clean, on-site energy generation, especially in remote areas; stresses that the growth of renewables and electrification will require massive investment in grids and in flexibility, storage and distribution networks; calls on the Commission to develop, beyond the concept of overriding public interest, solutions for speeding up decarbonisation projects;

    3.  Believes that further action is needed to implement the electricity market design (EMD) rules, especially to promote power purchase agreements (PPAs) and two-way contracts for difference (CfDs) to reduce volatility and energy costs for EIIs; calls on the Commission to propose urgent measures to address current barriers to the signing of long-term agreements, especially for SMEs, using risk reduction instruments and guarantees, including public guarantee such as by the European Investment Bank (EIB); suggests that additional ways to decouple fossil fuel prices from electricity prices be explored, in the framework of the EMD, including with the aim of boosting long-term contracts in line with the affordable energy action plan, and by advancing the analysis of short-term markets to 2025 with a view to considering alternative market design options;

    4.  Calls on the Commission to assess the possibility of scaling up best practice for EIIs from Member States, such as Italy’s energy release; calls on the Commission to develop recommendations for reducing the exposure of consumers, and especially EIIs, to rising energy costs, such as by reducing taxes and levies and harmonising network charges, while ensuring public investment in grids;

    5.  Calls for the enhancement of energy system integration, in particular in relation to cross-border interconnections, to ensure clean and resilient energy supply; asks for increased investment in flexibility, such as storage, including pumped storage hydropower and heat and waste heat storage, and demand response, to optimise grid stability; recalls the importance of energy efficiency in bringing costs down;

    6.  Underlines the need to phase out natural gas as soon as possible; stresses that some sectors cannot rely substantially on electrification in the short to medium term; underlines that carbon capture, utilisation and storage plays a key role in the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors and the production of low-carbon products, including low-carbon hydrogen; calls on the Member States – over the same time span and for these limited sectors – to develop measures to address gas price spikes in duly justified cases; calls on the Commission to develop tools to ensure gas supply at a mitigated cost, by enabling demand aggregation, building on AggregateEU, and joint gas purchasing, while keeping decarbonisation objectives; highlights the importance of encouraging stable contracts with gas suppliers, diversifying supply routes and improving market transparency and stability, in line with current legislation; calls for an impact assessment in the upcoming ETS review to analyse the relationship between the gas market and CO2 prices and the role of the market stability reserve and its parameters;

    7.  Calls on the Commission to support EIIs in adopting clean and net-zero technologies, including carbon capture and storage and low-carbon hydrogen, and energy-efficient production methods by strengthening funding mechanisms and ensuring that ETS revenue is used effectively by Member States; calls for EU-level support to be complemented by State aid that allows for targeted technology neutral support to EIIs, while preserving a level playing field within the single market;

    8.  Calls for InvestEU to be topped up before the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) and for leftover Resilience and Recovery Facility loans to support investment in EII decarbonisation; notes that the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform already allows for flexibility within current programmes but that this is insufficient; insists that the upcoming MFF increase funding to support EIIs, building on the Innovation Fund and the Connecting Europe Facility – Energy or through the competitiveness fund; stresses that the European Hydrogen Bank and the carbon contracts for difference programme need to be scaled up; calls on the Commission to build on the Net-Zero Industry Act(1) in the upcoming decarbonisation accelerator act, to streamline the processes for granting permits and strategic project status;

    9.  Stresses the need to simplify bureaucratic procedures to enhance the attractiveness of private investment and support EIIs’ transition; believes that both InvestEU and the EIB are pivotal in catalysing private financing, especially through de-risking measures;

    10.  Emphasises the need to secure access to critical raw materials; stresses that the upcoming circular economy act should improve resource efficiency, including through better waste management of products containing critical raw materials, as well as fostering the demand and availability of secondary raw materials; stresses the need to define those secondary raw materials that are strategic and that should be subject to export monitoring, such as steel and metal scrap, and to tackle any imbalance in their supply and demand, including by exploring export restrictions; insists on the effective enforcement of the Waste Shipment Regulation(2);

    11.  Calls on the Commission to make full and efficient use of trade defence instruments; calls on the Commission to find a permanent solution to address unfair competition and structural overcapacity, before the expiry of current steel safeguard measures in 2026; calls on the Commission to engage with the US in relation to the announced tariffs on EU imports and avoid any harmful escalation;

    12.  Stresses that an effective implementation of the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) is essential to ensure a level playing field for EU industries and prevent carbon leakage, taking into account the impact of the parallel phasing out of the ETS free allowances and the risk of increased production costs; calls on the Commission to address the risks of resource shuffling and circumvention of the CBAM; asks, furthermore, for the implementation of an effective solution for EU exporters and an analysis of the possible extension to further sectors and downstream products, preceded by an impact assessment;

    13.  Calls for the creation of lead markets for clean and circular European products, via non-price criteria in EU public procurement, such as sustainability and resilience and a European preference for strategic sectors, as well as by creating voluntary labelling schemes and minimum EU content requirements in a cost-effective way;

    14.  Highlights the importance of a just transition to assist areas heavily reliant on EIIs, by keeping and creating quality jobs through upskilling and reskilling programmes for workers and through the effective use of regional support mechanisms, such as the Just Transition Fund and the Cohesion Fund; stresses that public support will be pivotal for the transition of EIIs and that this support should be tied to their commitment to safeguarding employment and working conditions and preventing off-shoring; welcomes the Union of Skills initiative to ensure a good match between skills and labour market demands;

    15.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.

    (1) Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 (OJ L, 2024/1735, 28.6.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1735/oj).
    (2) Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 on shipments of waste, amending Regulations (EU) No 1257/2013 and (EU) 2020/1056 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 (OJ L, 2024/1157, 30.4.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1157/oj).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Crane back in business – with a little help from Spot the robot

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Crane back in business – with a little help from Spot the robot

    Spot, the robot “dog,” recently assisted colleagues in Dounreay’s Fuel Cycle Area by reactivating a crucial building crane in a reprocessing plant.

    The crane had been deactivated at the switchboard in 2023 due to concerns about the ageing asset. Safety restrictions prohibited human interaction with the switchboard, which further delayed its reactivation. However, the facility required the crane for waste shipment and for ongoing decommissioning efforts.

    Following consultations with the innovation team, it was decided to use Spot for the task. As the site’s Spot was not equipped with an “arm” handling device, the team asked the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo) for support. RAICo — a collaboration between UK Atomic Energy Authority, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Sellafield Ltd, and the University of Manchester —specialises in solving shared nuclear decommissioning and fusion energy challenges by accelerating the use of robotics and AI in the industry, and has previously worked successfully with Dounreay on various projects.

    Robotics experts from RAICo brought Spot to the site and worked with the Dounreay team to devise the best approach. After conducting a week of trials on a non-live switch mock-up in a nearby substation storeroom, the team confirmed that Spot could push the switch into the “on” position.

    In an unprecedented manoeuvre, Spot used a gripped pole to flip the switch, successfully restoring power to the crane. A loud “clunk” marked the operation’s success.

    Senior Facility Manager Suzy Nellies said:

    Thanks to outstanding teamwork between the decommissioning team, RAICo, our colleagues in Works Control, and the electrical team, we have achieved an excellent outcome. We can now proceed with modernising the crane to bring it back into full service.

    Kate Canning, NDA’s Head of R&D added:

    This is a fantastic example of collaboration through RAICo leading to acceleration of deployment of robotic technology to unlock a real-world challenge in an efficient and safe way. It’s supporting us to keep our people out of harm while developing them, transferring specialist knowledge and skills across our group.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Closing Statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Closing Statement

    UK Closing Statement for the 58th HRC. Delivered in Geneva.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    The UK remains fully committed to implementing the Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights. In respect of the resolution L.7 on the realisation of economic, social and cultural rights, the UK notes that States take different approaches, appropriate to the constitutions of their country, to implement the Covenant. The Covenant binds the UK in international law but is unincorporated. Unincorporated treaties are not justiciable domestically so UK courts would not normally contribute to identifying gaps in legislation in respect of Covenant rights. The UK continues to progressively realise the rights recognised in the Covenant through a combination of legislation and administrative measures, in accordance with Article 2 (1) of the Covenant.

    The UK also notes that Article 2 (1) of the Covenant accommodates different States’ resources through the progressive realisation of Covenant rights. International human rights law does not, however, accommodate the notion of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, which is a concept set out in certain international environmental treaties. Any attempt to imply that concept forms part of international human rights law, in resolution L.26 Rev.1 on the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, is a mischaracterisation of the law. The UK recognises that the Paris Agreement will be implemented to reflect equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances. The UK remains committed to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), the Paris Agreement, and to accelerating action in this critical decade on the basis of the best available science, in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty.

    The UK thanks for the core groups for their constructive engagement on both resolutions.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: University welcomes fifth Entrepreneur in Residence The University of Aberdeen has welcomed it latest Entrepreneur in Residence as part of a prestigious Royal Society programme designed to boost industrial links and provide staff and students with valuable expertise and advice on how to become a successful entrepreneur.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Entrepreneur in Residence, Ian PhillipsThe University of Aberdeen has welcomed it latest Entrepreneur in Residence as part of a prestigious Royal Society programme designed to boost industrial links and provide staff and students with valuable expertise and advice on how to become a successful entrepreneur.
    Ian Phillips has taken up the post with aim of helping to add energy transition knowledge and information to teaching programmes, to present the challenges of the energy transition to researchers to help them identify new research opportunities, and to support individual academics, researchers and students to commercialise ideas and technologies – by licencing or by spinning out companies.
    Having gained an MSc in Petroleum Engineering and an MBA, Ian spent more than 25 years working in the oil and gas industry, rising to the role of Project Director for a large gas field development.
    Ian said: “In 1987 I – along with three colleagues – set up the world’s first company trying to do carbon capture and storage (CCS) while also offering energy transition consultancy to industry. My final role before I retired was as Project Director of the Acorn CCS project based at St Fergus, north of Aberdeen.
    “I am delighted to be able to now share my years of experience with staff and students at the University and am looking forward to helping to support, advise and develop their ideas where ever I can.”

    It is fantastic that we are able to welcome Ian to the University of Aberdeen and I know his considerable knowledge and expertise will be hugely valuable to our community.” Professor Peter Edwards

    The University’s Entrepreneur in Residence scheme has been running for STEM subjects (funded by the Royal Society) for three years, bringing innovators Paddy Collins of Italmatch Chemicals GB Ltd, Steve Aitken of Intelligent Plant and Christine Reynet, a drug discovery consultant to the University.
    The University also recently welcomed Nuno Sacramento as an Entrepreneur in Residence specifically for culture and the arts.
    Professor Peter Edwards, Vice-Principal Regional Engagement at the University of Aberdeen, said: “It is fantastic that we are able to welcome Ian to the University of Aberdeen and I know his considerable knowledge and expertise will be hugely valuable to our community.
    “The University is committed to making an effective contribution to our region’s economy, and it is through initiatives such as our expanding network of Entrepreneurs in Residence – encouraging commercialisation and entrepreneurship among our students and staff – that we aim to create new business opportunities and equip the students of today with the skills to become the entrepreneurs of the future.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester’s trailblazing mobility hub looks ahead to public opening next month

    Source: City of Manchester

    One of the UK’s first-of-its-kind mobility hubs is now welcoming interest to reserve cycle spaces and car parking as the countdown to opening begins.

    Open to the public from Tuesday 6 May, the Ancoats Mobility Hub is a key element of the latest phase of investment in the area – the final chapter of two decades of regeneration in this neighbourhood.  

    This is part of over £40 million investment in Ancoats, funded largely by Homes England, supporting the principles of a low traffic neighbourhood alongside new public realm that will connect with and complement the soon-to-be completed refurbishment of Ancoats Green next door.  

    This investment has helped to unlock 1,500 new homes in its locale, centralising parking, cycle storage and last mile deliveries for a number of adjacent residential developments in the innovative mobility hub, while helping to reduce vehicles in the local area to improve air quality for residents and visitors.  

    The low carbon construction incorporates hundreds of photovoltaic panels on its roof and living green walls, making the building one of the most environmentally friendly in the city – supporting Manchester’s target to become a zero carbon city by 2038 – 

    The green wall scales the entire height of the eight storey building, with plants carefully chosen for their pollution-absorption, urban tolerance and year-round flowering. Just one square metre  of wall planting can extract 2.3kg of carbon dioxide and produce 1.7kg of oxygen, while also filtering dangerous toxins and microparticles. 

    The Ancoats Mobility Hub in numbers 

    • 150 secure bike parking spaces and changing facilities  
    • 102 electric vehicle charging points, with potential for more – one of the largest charging parks in the UK 
    • Spaces for car club/car share schemes   
    • 406 car parking spaces for residents and visitors   
    • Over 400sqm of green wall   
    • 400 rooftop solar panels  
    • Ground floor space for new wellbeing activities. 
    • Over 1300sqm of new public realm, connected to Ancoats Green and the nearby canal and New Islington 
    • Parcel locker hub to centralise how local people can receive post and packages, helping to reduce delivery traffic in the area 
    • A commercial unit is currently in the process of being marketed  

    The public realm investment will also create new connections with adjoining neighbourhoods, making it easier and safer to walk, wheel and cycle in the Ancoats area connecting through to Miles Platting and New Islington – which will also link up with other active travel schemes and the wider Greater Manchester Bee Network.  

    The Ancoats Mobility Hub was designed by Buttress Architects.  

    You can now reserve your bicycle space

    And you can now reserve your car parking space

    Find out more about the wider regeneration of Ancoats, including Ancoats Green, No1 Ancoats Green (a housing development by the Council’s This City housing company), and new residential developments by Manchester Life. 

    Leader of the Council Bev Craig said:

    “The Ancoats Mobility Hub is a central piece of neighbourhood infrastructure that will help to put people at the heart of this community, rather than car traffic.  

    “This is part of over £40m investment in the area’s public realm, which will also unlock1,500 new homes of different types, new walking and cycling routes, and complements beautifully the investment that we are soon to complete at the newly refurbished Ancoats Green.  

    “Rather than being a car park or cycle store, last mile delivery hub and new commercial space, this development is a blueprint for how we can create cleaner, greener communities – with few cars and more space for people to enjoy their space in a more peaceful, safer setting.” 

    Kim Challis, APCOA Regional Managing Director UK&I commented:

    “We are proud to manage this prestigious site in partnership with Manchester City Council. Our proven track record with the design and build of APCOA Urban Hubs in Carmarthenshire, Manchester and Sheffield strengthened our offering, and we are delighted that the outstanding sustainability credentials of the new Ancoats Hub align closely with our own commitment to the environment. We look forward to being an integral part of this unique investment and to collaborating with the Council to incorporate feedback from residents and businesses as the hub becomes an essential part of local life.” 

    Max Wilson, Spokesafe’s founder said:

    “We’re delighted to manage the cycle parking facility within Ancoats Mobility Hub. Best-in-class cycle parking should be as simple to book and access as a train or a plane – and any cyclist can book their rack at Ancoats instantly via the Spokesafe app. This facility is set to be a landmark one for both Manchester & the UK as a whole, and we’re excited to play our part in helping the local community travel by bike more often.” 

    Pauline Schaffer, Director of Infrastructure Funding at Homes England, said:

    “The new Ancoats Mobility Hub is an excellent example of how funding from Homes England is helping to create vital infrastructure to support thriving places people can be proud of. 

    “It’s great to see the Hub setting the tone for a sustainable neighbourhood with a design centred around residents’ needs. The new Hub provides supporting infrastructure to enable sites like Eliza Yard, Jersey Wharf, Phoenix Ironworks and No1 Ancoats Green to begin development, supplying the local area with much needed new homes.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council seeks views on waste and recycling services

    Source: City of Leicester

    LEICESTER City Council has launched a survey to ask residents how they currently manage their bins and recycling.

    The council says it wants people’s views on recycling and bin collections as it prepares for changes to national legislation that come into effect next year.

    The Government has introduced new regulations – called Simpler Recycling – which aim to reduce waste and increase recycling and re-use rates across the country.

    As part of this, all councils in England are being asked to introduce a separate weekly collection for food waste from next year.

     In Leicester, this will mean all homes will be provided with an indoor kitchen caddy to collect food waste, and a separate outdoor bin for just food waste. This will be smaller than the current black bins and is intended to be put out for collection every week.

    On average, food waste accounts for around 40 per cent of black bin waste in Leicester.

    The city council’s waste and recycling contract with Biffa is also due to come to an end in May 2028 and new service arrangements will need to be put in place.

    Deputy city mayor Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, who leads on housing, economy and neighbourhoods, said: “It’s important that we start to think about how our waste and recycling services should work in future as we respond to big changes that will be happening in the coming years.

    “The Government has introduced new rules designed to increase national recycling rates. Initially, this will mean the introduction of a new weekly food waste collection service from next year. This will require new bins for households to separate their food waste and will significantly reduce the amount of food waste going into black bins. – by almost half.

    “With changes to national legislation, we need to consider how we keep bin collections and recycling services simple to use, reliable and cost effective while ensuring that we all do our bit to recycle more and protect the environment.

    “Nothing is going to change for a while, and we are very much in listening mode. We really want to hear people’s views, and answers to our online survey will help inform how we shape waste and recycling services in the future.”

    The survey – which launched today (7 Apr) – is available online at www.leicester.gov.uk/consultations

    Closing date for responses is Monday 19 May.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: BSTDB and Express Leasing Strengthen Partnership to Support Small Business, Green Finance and Women Entrepreneurs in Moldova

    Source: Black Sea Trade and Development Bank

    Press Release | 07-Apr-2025

    Empowering Businesses with Sustainable Finance and Equal Growth Opportunities

    The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) has provided a USD 3 million combined Micro and SME, Green, and Gender Equality Credit Line to the Moldovan microfinance institution Express Leasing and Microcredit SRL.

    The financing will support micro and small businesses across Moldova, including projects with sustainability impact. This initiative reflects BSTDB’s commitment to SMEs and climate-conscious financing, helping to align its operations with the climate priorities of its shareholders and contributing to the broader decarbonization efforts in the region.

    A portion of the funds will be allocated to supporting women entrepreneurs, promoting inclusive economic growth and fostering greater opportunities for women-led businesses in the country.

    “The financing to Express Leasing consists of  three  key components, all aimed at  supporting sustainable market development, a  core objective of BSTDB’s  strategy. By extending funds for green investments and empowering women entrepreneurs, we are not only strengthening Moldova’s SME sector but also enhancing our contribution to a low-carbon and more inclusive regional economy,” said Dr. Serhat Köksal, BSTDB President.

    We are honored to strengthen our collaboration with BSTDB through this credit line that will enable us to reach more entrepreneurs, particularly women and those committed to sustainability,” said Sergiu Rosca, Executive Director of Express Leasing. “This partnership empowers us to continue supporting Moldova’s small businesses—the backbone of our economy—while also driving green innovation and inclusivity in finance.

     

    OCN ICS “Express Leasing & Microcredit” SRL is a limited liability leading non-bank financial institution incorporated in the Republic of Moldova. Owned 100% by Broadhurst Investment Limited (registered in Cyprus), the company’s main activity is loan and lease financing focusing on SMEs and micro-financing sector.

    The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is an international financial institution established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The BSTDB headquarters are in Thessaloniki, Greece. BSTDB supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing loans, credit lines, equity and guarantees for projects and trade financing in the public and private sectors in its member countries. The authorized capital of the Bank is EUR 3.45 billion. For information on BSTDB, visit www.bstdb.org.

     

    Contact: Haroula Christodoulou

    : @BSTDB

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press conference following Council of Ministers meeting no. 122

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    4 Aprile 2025

    Council of Ministers meeting no. 122 was held at Palazzo Chigi today.
    Following the meeting, Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio and Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi held a press conference to illustrate the measures approved.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Hundreds of quangos to be examined for potential closure as Government takes back control

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Hundreds of quangos to be examined for potential closure as Government takes back control

    Every quango across government will be reviewed, with a view to close, merge or bring functions back into departments if its continued existence cannot be justified

    • The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has written to departments to justify every quango otherwise they’ll be closed, merged, or have powers brought back into the department.
    • Changes will drive efficiency and reduce bureaucracy as part of Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, delivering security and renewal for working people.
    • New era of global instability means Government must go further and faster in reform.
    • Government will consider what legislation may be required to deliver these reforms.

    Every quango across government will be reviewed, with a view to close, merge or bring functions back into departments if its continued existence cannot be justified.

    The review, commissioned by the Cabinet Office at the request of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is the latest move to re-wire Whitehall and produce a more productive and agile state. It is part of our Plan for Change, delivering security for working people and national renewal.

    This follows news last month that NHS England will be brought back into the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to put an end to the duplication resulting from two organisations doing the same job in a system currently holding staff back from delivering for patients. 

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden MP said:

    We are taking action to ensure decisions of national importance that affect everyone in this country are made by those who have been elected to do so. 

    Only by fundamentally re-wiring the state, can we deliver our Plan for Change to secure Britain’s future and serve working people; kick-starting economic growth, rebuilding the NHS and strengthening our borders.

    The review will aim to drive out waste and inefficiency across Whitehall, reducing duplication and bureaucracy – saving the taxpayer money and cutting the cost of ‘doing government’. 

    It is expected that quangos with large policy functions could be brought back into departments, bringing ministerial, elected, scrutiny back to major decisions that affect the public. This would also retain the expertise and experience of staff working in these areas. 

    All departments must demonstrate the necessity of each one, operating under the presumption that these bodies will be affected unless there is compelling justification for their separate existence. 

    Where independence from Ministerial decision making is essential, such as quangos which scrutinise government or protect the rule of law, then these will remain unaffected. 

    The Cabinet Secretary and departmental Secretaries of State and Permanent Secretaries will be held directly accountable for the Arms Length Body (ALBs) that continue to exist following the review. 

    The review will consider four key principles:

    • Ministerial policy oversight – if a policy is of national importance then Ministers should have appropriate oversight and control of its development. Major decisions that affect the country and the public should be taken by those elected by the country to do so.
    • Duplication and Efficiency – government should drive out duplication and inefficiency wherever possible, this includes if there is duplication of policy or delivery work between ALBs and Ministerial departments.
    • Stakeholder Management – the fact that government needs to engage stakeholders should not be a reason for an ALB to exist, government itself should be working hard to engage with a variety of partners at every stage.
    • Independent Advice – where there is a clear justification for independent advice, then this should be conducted at arms length.

    Many ALBs are set up in legislation, and previous work to deliver these changes has been hampered by the difficulty in updating and changing individual pieces of ALB legislation. As part of this work, the Government will consider what legislation may be required to ensure the reviews announced today can be implemented and delivered upon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Climate Choices Business Award winners announced

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Businesses from across the Canberra region have been recognised for their sustainability achievements.

    Today, businesses from across the Canberra region were recognised for their sustainability achievements at the annual Climate Choices Business Awards.

    The awards recognise some of Canberra’s most innovative businesses as the city works towards net-zero emissions.

    The awards received high-quality nominations from a diverse range of organisations.

    This demonstrates a strong commitment to climate action and emissions reduction from the Canberra business community.

    Sustainable choices can sometimes come with an upfront cost, such as those associated with appliance upgrades or installation of EV chargers. The success of businesses such as the award recipients shows that such investments will pay off – for businesses and the community.

    Many of the award-winning businesses benefitted from financial assistance and expert advice from the ACT Government’s Sustainable Business Program.

    Through the program, businesses can receive support to improve sustainability and demonstrate climate leadership in their operations.

    2024 Climate Choices Business Award winners

    Category Business/event
    Zero Emissions Early Movers Goodwin Aged Care Services
    Energy Star Canberra Services Club
    Waste Minimisation Les Bistronomes
    Sustainable Event National Folk Festival
    Sustainable Small Business of the Year Embassy of Belgium
    Corporate Climate Leader Waves Carwash
    Innovation Excellence GREN
    Minister’s Award for Leadership Steven Blakemore
    The Canberra Tradesmen’s Union Club (Dickson Tradies)

    Find out more about the Sustainable Business Program.

    For more information visit the Everyday Climate Choices website.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Consultation launched to cut red tape for asset managers and boost growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Consultation launched to cut red tape for asset managers and boost growth

    Red tape will be cut for asset managers, as the Chancellor goes further and faster to drive growth through the Plan for Change.

    • Consultation launched to simplify regulation for Alternative Investment Fund Managers.

    • Changes are expected to save asset managers time and money, while enhancing the UK’s appeal as a premier destination for capital management.

    • Continues action to cut red tape and reduce the burden of regulation on businesses, to go further and faster to drive growth and put more money into people’s pockets through Plan for Change.

    Following the Prime Minister’s commitment to cut the administrative cost of regulation on business by a quarter last month, the Treasury will consult on changes to rules governing Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFMs). 

    It will be focused on removing unnecessary barriers to investment by making rules less onerous for AIFMs. This will save asset managers millions in time, money and resource – while freeing them to help the UK’s most exciting businesses scale up, grow and create jobs. 

    Emma Reynolds, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said: 

    We want to bring security to working people by going further and faster to drive growth through our Plan for Change. 

    That means making Britain the number one place to do business and tearing down unnecessary barriers to investment, such as costly regulation that prevents asset management firms from growing and provide capital for businesses across the country to grow. 

    Simon Walls, Interim Executive Director of Markets at the FCA, said:

    We want rules, better tailored to UK investment managers. These could allow them to operate more efficiently, further supporting competition, competitiveness and economic growth.  

    It’s part of our wider work to streamline the regulatory regime for asset managers, to support the continued competitiveness of our world-leading financial services as outlined in our new strategy. 

    Michael Moore, Chief Executive of the British Venture Capital Association, said: 

    We welcome the government’s consultation on developing a simpler and more competitive system for alternative investment fund managers (AIFMs). More effective, less burdensome regulation will make the UK private capital industry more globally competitive and help it to boost investment from the UK and international investors into growing British businesses.   

    This consultation is an important step in securing the UK’s status as one of the world’s leading private capital hubs. We look forward to engaging on the principles and the detail of the changes, but this provides the opportunity to create a real boost for the Government’s growth mission by developing the UK’s private capital fund ecosystem and increasing inward investment in UK SMEs. 

    Together with the FCA we plan to refresh outdated regulatory thresholds. The consultation will take place over the next 9 weeks, providing hedge funds, private equity firms, and investment trusts the opportunity to contribute to the development of a more streamlined regulatory environment.  

    Currently, firms face a suite of new regulatory burdens once they hold 100 million euros in assets, which can discourage some firms from growing and financing more investment across the country.

    This inadvertent cliff edge means that smaller asset management firms immediately have to sign up to the same rules as the biggest firms once they reach this threshold, bringing about large costs.  

    The consultation aims to create a more graduated regime, where only the largest firms – with the value of over £5 billion are subject to the full scope of requirements, with the majority of firms subject to much less prescriptive rules, helping to reduce admin costs for those businesses. 

    Once the consultation has concluded, feedback from the asset management sector will be used to design draft legislation which will then be shared with asset management businesses next year. 

    Further information

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More than £13 billion generated by public procurement

    Source: Scottish Government

    Procurement contributing to economic growth.

    Scotland’s known public sector procurement spend in 2022-23 delivered an estimated 120,000 full-time equivalent jobs and £7.5 billion to Scottish GDP.

    The sixth annual report on procurement activity in Scotland shows that known procurement spend generated an estimated £13.7 billion in economic activity.

    Small or medium size enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland benefited from more recorded procurement spend compared to the previous year. 61 pence in every pound spent in Scotland was with SMEs, up from 55 pence in every pound the year before.

    Public Finance Minister, Ivan McKee said:

    “Public procurement contributes billions to Scotland’s economy and supports thousands of jobs.

    “The increase in contracts awarded to SMEs is particularly welcome. SMEs are critical to the economic lifeblood of Scotland and can often bring an agility and flexibility that allows them to introduce innovative solutions faster than larger organisations. 

    “Public procurement has a pivotal role to play in delivering a sustainable future for Scotland and with a spend that is now in excess of £16 billion a year, we have an opportunity to make a real difference through using this in even more productive and innovative ways.”

    Background

    Under the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014, public bodies must consider and act on opportunities to achieve economic, social and environmental benefits through spending on goods and services.

    Public bodies include local authorities, universities, NHS health boards and housing associations.

    The report also shows:

    • Known Scottish public sector procurement spend totalled £16.6 billion in 2022-23, of which £8.9 billion was spent in Scotland alone.
    • Suppliers based in the 60% most deprived areas received approximately £500 million more known procurement spend on the previous year, totaling £4.8 billion.
    • Third sector organisations received an estimated £1.2 billion (or 13.3%) of known public procurement spend in Scotland during the reporting year.
    • 107 public bodies reported examples of the ways in which environmental wellbeing and climate change were addressed through procurement.
    • Some 18,079 suppliers were awarded contracts through the Public Contracts Scotland platform. Of these suppliers, 77% were SMEs.

    Annual report on procurement activity in Scotland: An overview of procurement activity 2022 to 2023 – gov.scot

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK assistance reaches 15,000 people after Myanmar earthquake, with further £10 million pledged

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    UK assistance reaches 15,000 people after Myanmar earthquake, with further £10 million pledged

    The UK is now providing up to £25 million for vital humanitarian assistance in Myanmar.

    Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West visiting the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) offices in London.

    • the UK has bolstered its support to Myanmar earthquake, allocating a further £10 million to the ongoing humanitarian response 
    • this brings the UK total to up to £25 million of support, including up to £5 million to match donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal and £10 million announced on 29 March
    • UK-funded supplies are already reaching areas devastated by the quake, helping over 15,000 people so far

    Lifesaving support for those directly affected by the severe earthquake in Myanmar will now go even further, with the UK now providing up to £25 million for vital humanitarian assistance. 

    The increase is the result of an additional £10 million of UK funding directed towards the humanitarian response. 

    It comes as UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, this afternoon (4 April) visited the offices of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) in London, to hear about the realities of delivering aid to the most vulnerable across Myanmar. 

    The UK has already pledged to aid match every pound donated by the British public to the DEC appeal, up to £5 million. 

    UK funds, delivered through partners on the ground, are already helping to provide immediate support to the most vulnerable areas and people, including first aid, emergency and trauma care and primary healthcare, food, water, shelter and hygiene kits.

    The additional £10 million directed to the response will provide a further boost to these efforts, saving lives and supporting livelihoods across Myanmar. No UK support goes to the Myanmar regime.

    Catherine West, Minister for the Indo-Pacific, said:

    Even before this earthquake struck, Myanmar was already facing one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises after four years of conflict.

    It is right that we step up to help. The rapid UK response means lifesaving supplies are already reaching those worst-affected by the quake – and new funding will enable partners on the ground to reach even more people in need.

    We thank the British public who continue to generously support the Myanmar people through the DEC appeal.

    The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works with a network of specialist partner organisations to deliver targeted support on the ground. This means UK support is able to reach those most in need, despite the challenges of operating in Myanmar.

    The UK government has a strong track record of providing humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, with total UK support since the 2021 military coup standing at over £170 million. Our modern approach to aid not only supports some of the world’s most vulnerable people but also helps address global challenges from health to migration, ultimately contributing to the UK’s security and prosperity.

    In addition to humanitarian assistance, the FCDO continues to provide consular assistance to British nationals in both Myanmar and Thailand, which was also affected by last week’s earthquake.

    Background

    Funding the UK has committed to the Myanmar earthquake response includes:

    • an initial package of up to £10m to support the emergency response
    • £5 million to match donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee public appeal for Myanmar, launched Thursday 3 April
    • a further £10 million funding directed for humanitarian assistance, announced today 

    UK humanitarian support for Myanmar’s citizens will not support Myanmar’s military regime.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the deteriorating rule of law situation in Romania – B10-0173/2025

    Source: European Parliament 2

    Friedrich Pürner, Milan Uhrík, Hans Neuhoff, Fernand Kartheiser, Petar Volgin, Claudiu‑Richard Târziu, Filip Turek, Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza, Ľuboš Blaha

    B10‑0173/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the deteriorating rule of law situation in Romania

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the Treaty on European Union,

    – having regard to the decision made by Romania’s Constitutional Court in December 2024,

    – having regard to Rule 149 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the EU is founded on values that include the rule of law;

    B. whereas, in an unprecedented move, Romania’s Constitutional Court annulled the results of the first round of the presidential election in December 2024; whereas Romania is experiencing a deep political crisis;

    C. whereas this shows how quickly undesirable election results can be annulled following baseless accusations;

    D. whereas on 26 February 2025, Călin Georgescu, winner of the first round and leading candidate in the May rerun, was arrested and investigated by the Romanian Prosecutor’s Office;

    1. Expresses concern about the deteriorating rule of law situation in Romania, an EU Member State;

    2. Considers that annulling the election results violates the rule of law and disrespects voters’ wishes;

    3. Considers the investigation of Mr Georgescu to be politically motivated, as there is no solid evidence underpinning the accusations against him;

    4. Calls on the Romanian authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure a fair and equal presidential election in May 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on political repression and fundamental rights in Bulgaria – B10-0198/2025

    Source: European Parliament 2

    pursuant to Rule 149 of the Rules of Procedure

    Stanislav Stoyanov, Rada Laykova, René Aust, Stanisław Tyszka, Christine Anderson, Markus Buchheit, Petr Bystron, Alexander Sell, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, Tomasz Froelich, Marcin Sypniewski, Mary Khan, Milan Mazurek, Arno Bausemer, Anja Arndt, Petras Gražulis, Irmhild Boßdorf, Maximilian Krah, Roman Haider, Gerald Hauser, Ondřej Dostál, Alexander Jungbluth, Petra Steger, Luis‑Vicențiu Lazarus, Ivan David, Marc Jongen

    B10‑0198/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on political repression and fundamental rights in Bulgaria

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Rule 149 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the Bulgarian Parliament rejected a petition for a referendum on postponing Bulgaria’s euro area accession, signed by over 604 000 citizens (10 % of the active population), exceeding the legal threshold;

    B. whereas the Bulgarian President refused to schedule the referendum and the Bulgarian Parliament refused to adopt a resolution calling for a referendum;

    C. whereas this led to widespread protests in Bulgaria, which were met with political repression, undermining democracy and public trust;

    1. Calls on the Bulgarian Parliament to comply with the law and initiate a referendum on postponing Bulgaria’s accession to the euro area until at least 2043;

    2. Condemns the request of the Prosecutor’s Office to arrest and lift the immunity of parliamentarians due to their participation in public protests; notes, with grave concern, that four protesters remain in permanent detention, effectively making them political prisoners in the EU;

    3. Expresses concern over disproportionate inspections by institutions, acting under the influence of the ruling majority, targeting individuals and private enterprises supporting the protests;

    4. Calls on the Bulgarian authorities to refrain from any politically motivated prosecutions aimed at silencing dissenting voices.   

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKHSA launches campaign to tackle misconceptions on antibiotics

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UKHSA launches campaign to tackle misconceptions on antibiotics

    The digital campaign will be headed by a new mascot, ‘Andi Biotic’, who is on a ‘one-pill’ mission to help young adults keep antibiotics working

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has launched a new digital campaign to help keep antibiotics working and tackle the threat of antibiotic resistance.

    Antibiotic resistance is a major public health threat. New attitudinal research by UKHSA highlights that almost half of the UK population (42%) are concerned about how the issue affects them. Yet, over half (54%) are either unsure there’s anything they can individually do to prevent antibiotics becoming less effective at treating infections (28%) or incorrectly believe there’s nothing they can personally do (26%).

    Aiming to bust these misconceptions among young adults aged 18-34, the digital campaign will be led by a new comedic mascot character, ‘Andi Biotic’. ‘Andi’ was developed by UKHSA to take the success of the Keep Antibiotics Working Campaign from 2018 to a new generation. This first stage is a pilot which will test the potential to capture people’s attention and imagination through digital channels.

    Over the course of the 6-week long campaign, ‘Andi Biotic’ will embark on a mission to answer people’s uncertainties about when and how to take antibiotics to help preserve their effectiveness today and for future generations. ‘Andi’ will come to the rescue in a variety of scenarios to make sure people are taking antibiotics in the right way, including:

    • not taking antibiotics for colds and flu, which they don’t work for, and this remains one of the biggest misconceptions about taking antibiotics
    • only taking antibiotics when you have been prescribed them and taking them as directed by a healthcare professional
    • not saving antibiotics for future use

    In this self-reported attitudinal survey, a higher proportion of young adults reported taking antibiotics in the previous 12 months compared to those in the general population (45% compared to 33%).

    The survey also shows that nearly half (41%) of those in these age groups obtain antibiotics incorrectly, compared to 23% in the general population. Incorrect methods include purchasing antibiotics in a shop that was not a pharmacy, obtaining them while abroad without a prescription from a healthcare professional, over the internet, or using medicines originally prescribed for someone else.

    The campaign will launch on UKHSA’s social media channels and at participating GP surgeries and pharmacies throughout April and May.

    Professor Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of UKHSA, said:

    Antibiotic resistance is impacting people every day in this country and is one of the biggest threats to our future health.

    But we can all help tackle the problem. Everyone, especially young people, has the power to help change this by following simple steps to take antibiotics correctly and only when they have been prescribed by a healthcare professional.

    This isn’t just for our own health – it’s about helping protect everyone in our communities and future generations.

    One young adult patient who suffers from recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) has spoken about the impact on their life when the UTIs became resistant to antibiotics.They said:

    The UTI was deeply ingrained trapping me in an endless cycle of recurring infections, resisting one antibiotic after another. It destroyed me and my bladder. Any physical enjoyment in my life, such as dancing and intimacy, was drastically impacted. To keep the UTI under control, I have a strict daily regime, drinking gallons of water, and taking a supplement for days after intimacy. I’m a shell of the person I used to be. I didn’t even know what antibiotic resistance was before this. I live in hope for the day a solution that works can be found, so I can dance and live life freely again.

    Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, said:

    Antimicrobial resistance is a significant public health threat which demands action. By empowering the public with knowledge about when and how to take antibiotics, together we can help preserve their effectiveness.

    Through our National Action Plan, we are taking the necessary action now to ensure antibiotics keep working for us all in the future.

    Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director for NHS England, said:

    Antimicrobial resistance is one of the UK’s biggest health threats, with tens of thousands of people developing antibiotic resistance each year.

    This makes it harder to treat conditions that were once easily managed and could even send us back to a pre-antibiotic era where routine surgeries like C-sections, hip replacements, and cancer treatments would become risky.

    That’s why it’s crucial young people understand the proper use of antibiotics to help prevent drug-resistant ‘superbugs’ now and in the future.

    Antibiotic-resistant bacteria of any kind are less likely to respond to some treatments, which can cause serious complications, including bloodstream infections, sepsis and hospitalisation. People who get a bacterial infection that is resistant to one or more antibiotics are more likely to die from their infection compared to those who have an antibiotic sensitive infection.

    Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally but misuse, including underuse, overuse, and inappropriate use, of antimicrobial medicines is one of the major drivers of drug-resistant infections.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Residents asked what they’d like to see at potential new watersports centre

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    A watersports centre would create a hub for sports like kiteboarding, kitesurfing, rowing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. It could include changing facilities, lockers, and showers. Anything built would need to blend in and help enhance the unique surrounding environment.

    This ambition was set out in the Seafront Masterplan in 2013 and 2021. The eastern part of the seafront has since become a hotspot for kiteboarding and kitesurfing over the past decade, leading to the city hosting the Formula Kite European Championships in 2023.

    The consultation seeks to discover what sports the public would like to see catered for at the site, along with what else the Council should try to incorporate. For example, would they like to see a café, a restaurant, creative studios, or even retail space for relevant businesses?

    The importance of the unique natural environment is explored, with opinions sought on improving the ecology in the area, and what green features should be incorporated into any new building.

    Residents will be asked about their attitudes towards historic features on the site. For example, it could enable access to the listed World War II pillbox currently hidden on the site and sensitively incorporate the World War II anti-tank defences. There is also an opportunity to provide ideas that would enhance the accessibility of the facility.

    Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “It has been an ambition of the Council to provide a facility like this for many years, so it’s great news that we can start to move forward on this project.

    “We have a real opportunity to create something that enhances this very unique environment, so we need to make sure we get this right. This is why we are consulting early, so we can get a clear understanding of what sports should be provided for and what other facilities should be provided in any new centre. “

    The forthcoming demolition of Eastney Swimming Pool, closed permanently since 2020, frees up a site that could enable this potential new centre to be built. Brand-new swimming facilities will be available 800 metres away in Bransbury Park, when the new health and wellbeing hub opens in 2027.

    This is all part of Portsmouth City Council’s commitment to investment in sport. £20 million has been invested into sports facilities across the city since 2017, with a further £27 million committed in the coming years to help residents live happy and healthy lives.

    The survey can be accessed here: https://www.research.net/r/Eastneywatersports_g

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Gut health links to frailty in old age explored The role gut health plays in contributing to frailty in our old age is the subject of a new study which has been awarded a share of £7.6 million.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Dr Candice QuinThe role gut health plays in contributing to frailty in our old age is the subject of a new study which has been awarded a share of £7.6 million.
    Researchers at the University of Aberdeen will try to pinpoint what change occurs in gut microbiota as we get older which may lead to us suffering more illnesses.
    Frailty can increase the risk of vulnerability to infections and inflammatory diseases including cancers, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
    Older people with frailty are significantly more likely to die or experience disability, yet the factors which contribute to some people becoming frail while others do not are poorly understood.
    The microbiota – bacteria, viruses, fungi etc. – that live in our intestine play a critical role in regulating our immune systems and as we age, the composition of this microbiota changes.
    The Aberdeen researchers will attempt to zero-in on the specific changes which occur in later life.
    The research project is one of 62 across 41 UK universities receiving a share of £7.6 million through the Academy for Medical Science’s Springboard programme, in its largest ever funding initiative. The funding for early-career researchers aims to tackle urgent health challenges.
    Lecturer in Immunology at the University of Aberdeen Dr Candice Quin, who will lead the project, received £125,000 to further her research on frailty in older adults.
    “There is an urgent need to reduce the economic, societal and individual costs of frailty in our ageing population, yet we currently do not have any effective therapeutic strategies,” said Dr Quin. We have shown that age-related changes in the intestinal microbiome contribute to the development of frailty, providing an exciting new avenue for therapeutic intervention.

    There is an urgent need to reduce the economic, societal and individual costs of frailty in our ageing population, yet we currently do not have any effective therapeutic strategies.” Dr Candice Quin

    “The proposed experiments in this Springboard application will identify novel microbial targets that contribute to frailty with age, which we can selectively deplete in future intervention studies and clinical trials. Vaccination with the microbiota has already been shown to improve metabolism and reduce diet-induced obesity.
    “This research will pave the way for similar cutting-edge interventions against frailty and ultimately provide older people with more years of healthy, independent living.”
    Dr Quin will conduct the research in collaboration with Dr Marius Wenzel from the School of Biological Sciences and Dr Huan Cao from the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition.
    Professor James Naismith FRS FRSE FMedSci, Vice-President (Non-Clinical) at the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: “This record investment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting the next generation of research leaders. By backing these talented early-career researchers, we’re not only addressing today’s urgent health challenges but also strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in medical research.
    The breadth and ambition of projects funded by the Academy’s Springboard programme is remarkable–from understanding teenage drinking behaviours to investigating why women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Each Springboard awardee brings fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that will ultimately translate to improved health outcomes for patients and the public.
    “The Academy is proud to provide the financial resources and career development support needed to help these outstanding scientists establish their independent research careers.”
    UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “Research supported by the Springboard programme can help to address some of the most pressing health challenges, like antimicrobial resistance and cancer, by giving early-career researchers across the UK the opportunity to test their ideas. “Through this programme we are supporting the next generation of researchers to lead their own groundbreaking research so that the UK can continue to be a pioneer in medical science.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New hydrogen power projects to boost growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    New hydrogen power projects to boost growth

    A new wave of hydrogen powered projects have been shortlisted today to help cut emissions and create thousands of jobs in the UK’s industrial heartlands.

    • 27 hydrogen projects advance to next stage of government’s flagship hydrogen programme
    • innovative projects support hydrogen use in new clean power generation, glass manufacturing, brick making, and sustainable aviation fuel production
    • paves way for thousands of clean energy jobs in manufacturing communities, delivering on the Plan for Change by unlocking growth

    A new wave of hydrogen powered projects have been shortlisted today (Monday 7 April) to help cut emissions and create thousands of jobs in the UK’s industrial heartlands – driving growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Twenty-seven hydrogen projects have been selected for the next stage of the Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2) – supporting low-carbon hydrogen production in the UK. The industry has the potential to attract over £1 billion of private sector investment into the UK by 2029, supporting the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower.

    Hydrogen will help deliver a new era of clean energy across the UK and decarbonise emission-intensive industries. It has already attracted £400 million of private sector investment in towns and cities such as Milford Haven in Wales and High Marnham in Nottinghamshire, and is creating over 700 direct jobs in construction and operations.  

    Government support for hydrogen will help create thousands more jobs in the sector and reindustrialising the UK’s proud manufacturing regions. This includes roles for apprentices, graduates and technically trained professionals, such as engineers, welders, skilled construction workers, pipefitters and operations specialists.  

    Today’s shortlist includes projects that could use hydrogen to help tackle the climate crisis by decarbonising their manufacturing and industrial practices, including ammonia production, new clean power generation, glass manufacturing, brick making, and sustainable aviation fuel production.

    Industry Minister Sarah Jones, said: 

     We are deploying hydrogen at a commercial scale for the first time – not just investing in a technology – but investing in British jobs, our proud manufacturing communities and our energy security.  

    From distilleries and sustainable aviation fuel to public transport and clean energy  generation, hydrogen can power our everyday life and unlock clean energy growth across the country as part of our Plan for Change.

    Green hydrogen is produced by using renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in a zero-carbon fuel that can be used for power generation, transport  and industrial processes.  

    This builds on the success of the First Hydrogen Allocation Round which saw 11 projects being allocated over £2 billion in government funding. One recipient, Whitelee Green Hydrogen in Scotland, will produce hydrogen for the Inchdairnie Whiskey distillery which intends to sustainably distil whisky by 2027.  

    Stretching across England, Scotland, and Wales, this latest wave of shortlisted HAR2 projects showcases the government’s commitment to create skilled jobs and establish clean energy hubs across Great Britain. The HAR2 shortlist could lead to projects that help support strong supply chains and the delivery of the clean energy superpower mission.

    Dr Emma Guthrie, CEO of the Hydrogen Energy Association, said:  

    This much-anticipated announcement brings vital clarity to the UK’s hydrogen sector, providing a crucial boost for projects that will drive forward the country’s low-carbon transition. 

    The funding support offered through HAR2 gives our members and the wider industry the confidence to gear up for delivery, unlocking investment, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. 

    This is great news – not just for the hydrogen sector but for the UK’s ambition to become energy secure and a global leader in clean energy.

    Clare Jackson, CEO of Hydrogen UK, said: 

    We’re thrilled to see many Hydrogen UK members succeed in the second Hydrogen Allocation Round, marking a crucial step for scaling electrolytic hydrogen.  

    This progress builds on valuable lessons from past rounds and strengthens UK leadership in clean energy – reinforcing the sector’s crucial role in economic growth and energy security.

    Case studies

    In December 2023, the government announced an initial 11 projects from the First Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1), totalling 124 MW of production capacity. 

    Five of these projects have signed their contracts, including the Bradford Low Carbon project in Yorkshire and the Cromarty Hydrogen Project in northeast Scotland. 

    The Bradford Low Carbon project, in the heart of the city centre, will use renewable electricity to power a 10.6 MW alkaline electrolyser. Being developed by Hygen and Ryze, it will supply the mobility sector, including JCB diggers and Wrightbus – which developed the world’s first hydrogen powered bus. 

    The Cromarty Hydrogen Project is being developed by Scottish Power and Storegga. It will use electricity from nearby wind farms to power an 11 MW electrolyser, supplying hydrogen to local industries, including distilleries. 

    Notes to editors

    The full list of shortlisted projects can be found here: Hydrogen Allocation Round 2 (HAR2): shortlisted projects.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two teenagers charged with murder following fatal stabbing in Shepherd’s Bush

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two teenage boys have been charged following the murder of 17-year-old Keiron Charles

    Two 16-year-old boys – who cannot be named for legal reasons – have been charged with murder.

    The pair were charged on Monday, 7 April following an investigation by Met detectives.

    They have been remanded and are due to appear at Highbury Corner Youth Court on Monday, 7 April from 9:45hrs.

    Around 13:10hrs on Saturday, 5 April, police were called to reports of a stabbing in Erconwald Street, Shepherd’s Bush. Officers and paramedics attended, but very sadly and despite their best efforts, 17-year-old Keiron Charles, from East Acton, was pronounced dead at the scene.

    Keiron’s family continue to receive support from specially trained officers.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Panama: Greg Houston

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Panama: Greg Houston

    Mr Greg Houston has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Panama

    Mr Greg Houston has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Panama in succession to Mr James Dauris.  Mr Houston will take up his appointment during July 2025.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Greg Houston

    Year Role
    2022 to present Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Deputy Director and Head of Migration Department
    2020 to 2022 FCDO, Deputy Head North America Department
    2017 to 2020 Bogotá, Deputy Head of Mission
    2013 to 2017 Rome, Political Counsellor
    2011 to 2013 Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), Head of EU Strategy
    2007 to 2011 UK Representation to the EU in Brussels, First Secretary, EU Budget
    2006 to 2007 UK Representation to the EU in Brussels, Second Secretary, EU Customs
    2005 to 2006 Brussels, European Commission, Intern
    2005 Joined FCO

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two teenagers charged with murder following fatal stabbing in Shepard’s Bush

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two teenage boys have been charged following the murder of 17-year-old Keiron Charles

    Two 16-year-old boys – who cannot be named for legal reasons – have been charged with murder.

    The pair were charged on Monday, 7 April following an investigation by Met detectives.

    They have been remanded and are due to appear at Highbury Corner Youth Court on Monday, 7 April from 9:45hrs.

    Around 13:10hrs on Saturday, 5 April, police were called to reports of a stabbing in Erconwald Street, Shepherd’s Bush. Officers and paramedics attended, but very sadly and despite their best efforts, 17-year-old Keiron Charles, from East Acton, was pronounced dead at the scene.

    Keiron’s family continue to receive support from specially trained officers.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Sydbank share buyback programme: transactions in week 14

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company Announcement No 14/2025

    		 Peberlyk 4
    6200 Aabenraa
    Denmark

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

    Sydbank A/S
    CVR No DK 12626509, Aabenraa
    sydbank.dk
    7 April 2025  

    Dear Sirs

    Sydbank share buyback programme: transactions in week 14
    On 26 February 2025 Sydbank announced a share buyback programme of DKK 1,350m. The share buyback programme commenced on 3 March 2025 and will be completed by 31 January 2026.

    The purpose of the share buyback programme is to reduce the share capital of Sydbank and the programme is executed in compliance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016, collectively referred to as the Safe Harbour rules.

    The following transactions have been made under the share buyback programme:

      Number of shares VWAP Gross value (DKK)
    Accumulated, most recent
    Announcement    		 251,000   110,614,650.00
    31 March 2025
    01 April 2025
    02 April 2025
    03 April 2025
    04 April 2025    		 19,000
    20,000
    20,000
    22,000
    28,000    		 433.49
    433.51
    430.99
    424.99
    389.97    		 8,236,310.00
    8,670,200.00
    8,619,800.00
    9,349,780.00
    10,919,160.00
    Total over week 14 109,000   45,795,250.00
    Total accumulated during the
    share buyback programme    		 360,000   156,409,900.00

    All transactions were made under ISIN DK 0010311471 and effected by Danske Bank A/S on behalf of Sydbank A/S.

    Further information about the transactions, cf Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on market abuse and Commission delegated regulation, is available in the attachment.

    Following the above transactions, Sydbank holds a total of 3,754,446 own shares, equal to 6.87% of the Bank’s share capital.

    Yours sincerely
            
    Mark Luscombe        Jørn Adam Møller
    CEO        Deputy Group Chief Executive

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Passenger experience put first in multimillion pound competition driving rail innovation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Passenger experience put first in multimillion pound competition driving rail innovation

    The First of a Kind competition boosts innovation on the railways, improving passenger experience through cutting-edge technology.

    • £5 million government funding drives pioneering technology to improve passenger experience, encouraging more people to choose rail and supporting economic growth as part of the Plan for Change
    • First of a Kind competition will support projects that can offer level boarding, greener transport, passenger safety and AI solutions
    • previous winners’ projects are already being used on the railways improving efficiency, safety and reliability

    Delivering on its promise to put passengers first, the Department for Transport (DfT) has made £5 million funding available to winning projects as part of the First of a Kind (FOAK) competition.

    Opening today (7 April 2025), in partnership with Innovate UK, the First of a Kind competition offers grant funding for innovative projects to be tested on the railway, to give them a better chance at being bought by train operators, freight companies and Network Rail. This will help to deliver better services for passengers, encouraging more people to take the train and supporting growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    For the first time since starting the competition, Innovate UK consulted closely with industry to identify the top challenges it faces. Given the clear direction of the Transport Secretary to put passengers at the heart of every journey, this year’s competition will be funding projects that focus on:

    • passenger experience, particularly improving safety through reporting tools that could help reduce violence against women and girls and anti-social behaviour
    • accessibility, including level boarding
    • artificial intelligence (AI) and data collection, for example, prevention and recovery of rail bridge crash incidents
    • greener railways, using AI to drive sustainability and reduce waste

    Level boarding – meaning passengers who need assistance can board unaided – is one of the key issues that mean disabled people need assistance to get from street to seat. Accessibility is a core priority for this government and will be a central mission for Great British Railways and FOAK funding will help make these improvements happen.

    Everyone should feel confident they will be safe when travelling by train. The government’s Plan for Change commits to cracking down on anti-social behaviour, raising standards and driving up confidence in the police. DfT is driving this forward by funding projects that will address safety on the railways, for example, tools to report anti-social behaviour, or addressing challenges that influence travel choices for example violence against women and girls stopping women from taking trains late at night.

    Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:

    This competition addresses the biggest challenges facing the rail industry, taking cutting-edge technology and bringing it onto the railways by turning ideas into reality.

    This funding builds a platform for boosting innovation on the railway, giving new technologies a chance to succeed, supporting economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.

    We are creating a railway that works better for the people who use it and making lasting progress for passengers and freight by improving accessibility, safety and reliability to prevent disruption before it happens.

    This £5 million of government funding will help to address one of the key challenges organisations with new innovative ideas face, which is securing funding and being able to demonstrate that their projects work. The First of a Kind competition, over the 8 years it has been running, has provided £58 million of funding to 179 successful projects.

    For example, one successful project that’s already been widely taken up on the railways is Trains with Brains, an AI sensor onboard trains that monitors where maintenance on the tracks is needed and reports on infrastructure defects that need fixing, making the network safer, more efficient and more reliable.

    Another project, One Big Circle, using AI allowing users to monitor things like track conditions and electrical faults online, won the King’s Award for Innovation.

    The Secretary of State has also made strategic innovation one of the 5 areas of focus for Shadow Great British Railways, bringing together leaders of DfT, Department for Transport Operator and Network Rail. Work has already started with GBRX, an innovation body sitting under Network Rail challenging and changing the historically slow adoption of new innovations. GBRX is already convening industry and academia to collaborate more effectively and embrace new technology.

    Mike Biddle, Executive Director for Net Zero at Innovate UK, said

    The innovations sought through this competition will help create a more accessible, safer and efficient railway system throughout the UK.

    The competition highlights the importance of collaboration with industry partners to deliver high-maturity demonstration to ensure seamless integration into the existing railway infrastructure.

    Delivered by Innovate UK on behalf of the Department for Transport, the competition aims to identify and support outstanding, innovative solutions. In previous rounds, companies from across the UK have demonstrated the creativity and impact of their ideas through live demonstrations.

    The competition opens today and organisations will have until 28 May to submit their projects.

    Innovate UK will be hosting an online briefing event for potential participants tomorrow (8 April 2025) to explain how the competition works and how to apply.

    Rail media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CMA to boost consumer and business confidence as new consumer protection regime comes into force

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    CMA to boost consumer and business confidence as new consumer protection regime comes into force

    CMA now able to act more swiftly and directly to protect UK consumers and foster a level playing field for businesses to invest and grow.

    • New regime will help the CMA tackle poor corporate practices, protecting consumers and boosting trust and confidence to support economic growth
    • CMA will support businesses to do the right thing by their customers, by helping them understand how to comply
    • CMA commits to focusing early action on more egregious practices, including aggressive sales tactics, hidden fees and unfair contract terms

    Landmark new consumer protection provisions are now in force under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA), giving the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) the ability to deliver more effective consumer protection.

    The CMA will now be able to decide whether consumer protection laws have been infringed (rather than litigating through the courts) and to tackle any breaches directly and proportionately, including through consumer redress and fines. 

    The new regime will help the CMA to safeguard consumer interests while also enhancing trust – which supports spending and the adoption of new products and services across the economy. The CMA also emphasised the importance of fostering a level playing field for fair-dealing businesses – so they can grow and invest, confident that competitors cannot gain an advantage by breaking the law. Both of these ambitions reflect the contribution consumer protection can make to economic growth, as laid out in the government’s strategic steer to the CMA.  

    The CMA is clear that it intends to take a proportionate approach, supporting businesses to do the right thing by their customers while minimising compliance burdens – because when businesses get it right, customers benefit. To ensure businesses – large and small – have clarity and predictability around implementation of the new regime, the CMA has today published an ‘Approach to Consumer Protection’.

    The document sets out:

    • likely priority areas of enforcement and compliance activity
    • how the CMA will reflect the government’s strategic steer and its own planned improvements to key aspects of the way it works (pace, predictability, proportionality and process – the ‘4Ps’ framework)
    • what stakeholders can expect from the CMA

    The CMA and the UK government also published a joint statement today, reinforcing the CMA’s intended approach and the role of robust consumer protection in helping to grow the economy by promoting trust and confidence, while deterring poor corporate practices.

    Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said:

    Consumers deserve to know that the CMA has their back; and fair-dealing businesses looking to grow and invest deserve to know that their competitors are playing by the same rules. We will use the new regime to strengthen the trust and confidence of consumers and businesses – supporting economic growth and incentivising good corporate practice.

    Most businesses work hard to serve their customers and do the right thing. We recognise the importance, particularly for small businesses, of any new rules being clear and proportionate to comply with – and that this is a period of change when they may need help to understand their legal obligations. We’re working hard to support them with that and keep burdens to a minimum – through accessible guidance and communications, as well as direct engagement – alongside listening and responding to feedback.

    Justin Madders, Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets, said:  

    These measures mean consumers can confidently make purchases knowing they are protected against fake reviews and dripped pricing.  

    These changes will give consumers more power and control over their hard-earned cash, as well as help to establish a level playing field by deterring bad actors that undercut compliant businesses, helping to deliver economic stability as part of our Plan for Change.

    The DMCCA includes an explicit ban on the posting and commissioning of fake reviews – which has been added to the banned practices list [link]. The CMA has previously taken action in this area and will be focused on ensuring compliance with the new provisions.

    The DMCCA also updates the law on pricing information businesses must show to customers. This includes a ban on ‘drip pricing’ – where shoppers are shown an initial price for a product, but more fees are added (‘dripped’) as they proceed with their purchase.

    The CMA has now issued guidance to ensure businesses understand how to comply with those aspects of the law which are already well established and largely unchanged. Before enforcing new provisions, and following clear feedback, the CMA has said it will consult further on newer aspects which have created some uncertainty – such as fixed-term periodic contracts – with the aim of publishing final guidance in the autumn.

    Action: The first 12 months

    The CMA will target behaviour that is particularly harmful to consumers and represents clear infringements of the law, such as:

    • aggressive sales practices that prey on consumers in vulnerable positions
    • fees that are hidden until late in the buying process
    • information being given to consumers that is objectively false
    • unfair and unbalanced contract terms
    • behaviour where the CMA has already put down a clear marker through its previous enforcement work, such as on drip pricing and fake reviews

    The 4Ps: Proportionality, predictability, process and pace

    In November 2024, the CMA committed to meaningful changes across four key aspects of how it works – proportionality, predictability, process and pace. The changes are designed to ensure that the CMA contributes to a regulatory environment which supports growth, whilst continuing to fulfil its statutory mandate to promote competition and protect consumers.

    The CMA’s Approach document sets out how this framework will be embedded into the CMA’s consumer protection work. This includes commitments to streamline cases, minimise uncertainty, engage regularly with business, resolve cases as early as possible and ensure fines are proportionate (reflecting the seriousness of the behaviour).

    Next steps

    The CMA has outlined its immediate next steps. They include:

    • opening its first enforcement cases under the new regime, focusing on more egregious breaches of the law
    • working with stakeholders to understand what areas or issues most require consumer law advice to remove barriers to growth
    • setting out how businesses can bring forward evidence of competitors that are potentially infringing the law
    • exploring new opportunities for businesses to get advice from the CMA where a lack of legal precedent could be impacting innovation

    Businesses who are concerned about a company’s behaviour can report directly to the CMA online: Report a competition or market problem.

    Notes to editors

    1. All media enquiries should be directed to the CMA Press Office by email on press@cma.gov.uk or by phone on 020 3738 6460.
    2. Under the new consumer regime, if a company infringes consumer protection law, the CMA can fine them up to 10% of their global turnover. If a company breaches undertakings it has given the CMA, it could face fines of up to 5% of its global turnover – with additional daily penalties for continued non-compliance. Failure to provide information when requested (without a legitimate reason), concealing evidence, or providing false information can likewise result in a fine, with penalties of up to 1% of a business’ global turnover and additional daily penalties.
    3. Given the CMA’s powers cannot be applied retrospectively, it is likely that any fines for breaches of the law in the first 12 months will be lower than in the years to follow.
    4. Fixed-term periodic contracts are contracts that lock consumers in for a minimum period of time, such as a 6-month gym membership.
    5. To help businesses comply with the changes introduced by the new consumer regime, the CMA issued 3 pieces of guidance last week:
      • Direct consumer enforcement guidance CMA200: which sets out how the CMA will use its direct enforcement powers under the DMCCA.
      • Consumer protection: enforcement guidance CMA58: which provides an updated summary of the CMA’s consumer investigatory and enforcement powers and functions.
      • Unfair commercial practices guidance CMA207: The unfair commercial practices (UCP) provisions in Chapter 1 of Part 4 of the DMCC Act prohibit unfair commercial practices, replacing and updating the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. This draft guidance illustrates how the UCP provisions may apply in practice and is intended to help traders to comply with them.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini to establish AI Center of Excellence in Egypt to accelerate AI-driven innovation for global clients

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Mollie Mellows
    Tel.: + 44 (0)7342 709384
    E-mail: mollie.mellows@capgemini.com

    Capgemini to establish AI Center of Excellence in Egypt to accelerate AI-driven innovation for global clients

    Cairo, April 7, 2025 – Capgemini today announced it will establish an AI Center of Excellence (CoE) in Egypt focused on accelerating the generative and agentic AI transformation journeys of clients worldwide. Through this new cutting-edge AI hub, Capgemini will invest in research and development, collaborate with local academic institutions, and leverage technology partnerships to help accelerate client adoption of AI at scale. This initiative bolsters Capgemini’s strong ties with Egypt as a strategic innovation hub for global organizations. It also further cements Capgemini’s leadership in AI, reinforcing its commitment to developing talent, leveraging strategic industry partnerships, and accelerating AI-driven innovation to unlock significant value for clients.

    Capgemini is committed to driving continued growth and innovation in Egypt. By the end of 2025, it plans to double the number of employees in the country, reaching approximately 1200 highly talented professionals in the fields of digital transformation and innovation.

    The new AI hub will house a diverse team of architects, data scientists, product engineers, and project managers, expert in delivering transformative projects from business operations and design to engineering. Clients will benefit from the advantages of time zone alignment, multi-lingual skills, and ease of travel to this conveniently located Global Delivery Center.

    “The AI Center of Excellence in this strategic location allows us to support our clients in scaling AI within their own businesses, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation,” said Aiman Ezzat, CEO of Capgemini, on the occasion of the France-Egypt Investment Forum. “By investing in the region’s impressive talent and establishing this dedicated AI hub, we are not only fostering significant technological advancements but also creating a robust ecosystem for AI development. Our clients will benefit from enhanced service delivery, industry-specific solutions, and the unique advantages of being supported from Egypt.”

    With implementation starting in May 2025, the new AI hub will apply Capgemini’s deep industry-specific expertise to develop intelligent agents that are bespoke to highly regulated industries, such as energy, life sciences and aerospace. It is designed for clients to explore, design and implement cutting-edge technologies that can optimize operations and strategically transform their business, including supply chain and product innovation. By applying advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques, Capgemini will help clients across Europe, America, the Middle East, and Asia elevate customer experience to a strategic value driver.

    Hossam Seifeldin, CEO of Capgemini in Egypt, said “Egypt is experiencing an impressive growth trajectory, fueled by digitalization and exceptional talent in AI. I am excited to build on the strong foundation we have established in the region. Doubling our workforce and establishing this new AI Center of Excellence will not only drive cutting-edge innovation but also create valuable opportunities for local talent to thrive in a global arena.”

    About Capgemini

    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.

    Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Former NFU President and farmer Baroness Minette Batters appointed by Defra to lead Farm Profitability Review

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Former NFU President and farmer Baroness Minette Batters appointed by Defra to lead Farm Profitability Review

    Crossbench peer, Baroness Batters appointed by the Secretary of State to provide recommendations on farm profitability.

    Baroness Minette Batters and Secretary of State Steve Reed

    Former NFU President and farmer, Baroness Minette Batters has been appointed to lead a review of farm profitability.  

    The new appointment by Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed will see Baroness Batters providing recommendations on farm profitability both to him and the Farming Minister.  

    Listening to farmers and growers will be at the heart of Baroness Batters’ work, covering all land areas and sectors of the industry, as well as engaging with other government departments whose work impacts farmers. 

    She will provide short, medium and long term recommendations and propose actions for government and industry that will support farming profitability as part of this government’s New Deal for Farmers.  

    This work will be supported by the newly formed Profitability Unit within Defra.  

    Baroness Batters’ review will also help the development of the food strategy, farming roadmap and the Land Use Framework, and build on other work such as the review of Defra’s regulatory landscape led by Dan Corry. 

    Her aim is to help ensure our farming sector is more viable, self-sustaining and competitive in the long-term.

    Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, said:   

    Backing British farmers is the backbone of all work to support rural economic growth and boost Britain’s food security.  

    We have taken strong action to protect the future of the sector with the New Deal for Farmers. But we must go further and faster as part of our Plan for Change to put money into the pockets of farmers and drive growth. 

    That is why I am delighted to appoint Baroness Batters, and her years of experience as a leader during a time of great change in British agriculture make her uniquely placed to provide recommendations on tackling the deep-rooted problems holding the sector back and support farmers’ long-term profits.

    Baroness Minette Batters said:  

    I will leave no stone unturned in trying to find solutions to boost farm profitability. But we should be under no illusions how difficult this work will be. There will not be one ‘silver bullet’ to fire but I’m hopeful this review can make a difference to a sector that produces the nation’s food, underpins the rural economy and delivers so much for the environment.   

    I’m pleased to be appointed to lead this review and look forward to working with farmers and growers to provide recommendations to government, food retailers, processors and manufacturers.

    The appointment is one of a number of actions that the government is taking to improve the profitability of farmers, including through fair competition in the supply chain, ensuring planning reforms make it quicker for farmers to build the buildings they need on their farms, and helping farmer diversify income streams and make additional money from selling surplus energy from solar panels and wind turbines by accelerating connections to the grid. 

    As set out in the Plan for Change, the government is focused on supporting our farmers, rural economic growth and boosting Britain’s food security and are going further to develop a 25-year farming roadmap to make the sector more profitable in the decades to come.

    Notes to editors

    • Baroness Batters will begin her role on 7 April 2025. 
    • The appointment will be for a period of six months with recommendations provided to the Secretary of State within that timeline.

    About Baroness Minette Batters

    Baroness Batters joined the NFU when she started farming, and rose to be county chair and a member of several NFU committees.  As the first woman president of NFU, Minette has been a positive force within the agricultural industry. She served as President of the National Farmers Union from 2018 to 2024, having previously served as Deputy President from 2014 to 2018.  

    In her role as deputy president and then president, Batters has represented the farming community at a time of great change, during the agricultural transition. Batters has supported orderly change and maintenance of high standards in UK agriculture. 

    She was appointed as a crossbench member of the House of Lords in 2024 and was made a Deputy Lieutenant to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 2021.

    She was brought up on a tenanted farm in Wiltshire and now runs the tenanted family farm in Wiltshire, a mixed farming business including a 100-cow continental cross suckler herd, as well as sheep and arable. Diversification on the farm includes the conversion of a 17th Century barn into a wedding and events venue, and horse liveries.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Defence Secretary meets family of the late Agnes Wanjiru in Kenya

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Defence Secretary meets family of the late Agnes Wanjiru in Kenya

    The UK Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, met family members of the late Agnes Wanjiru,to express his condolences.

    The Defence Secretary meets the family of the late Agnes Wanjiru in Kenya.

    The UK Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, today met family members of the late Agnes Wanjiru, who was killed in Nanyuki, Kenya in 2012 to express his condolences. Fulfilling the commitment he made soon after entering office. 

    This is the first time a UK Government Minister has met with Agnes Wanjiru’s family.  

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said: 

    It was deeply humbling to meet the family of Agnes Wanjiru today. In the 13 years since her death, they have shown such strength in their long fight for justice. I reiterated my determination to see a resolution to the still unresolved case.  

    We will continue to offer our full support to the Kenyan investigatory authorities, which has included visits by Kenyan investigators to the UK to interview witnesses and of the Provost Marshal (Serious Crime) to Kenya. In my meeting with President Ruto later today, I will emphasise the need to accelerate progress in this case. Our Government will continue to do everything we can to help the family secure the justice they deserve.

    The family of Agnes Wanjiru also made a statement after the meeting with the Defence Secretary. They said: 

    The death of our beloved Agnes has had a profound and devastating impact on our family. It was not only the shock of losing Agnes at such a young age, but also the horrific circumstances in which her body was found and all the trauma and struggle our family has been put through in trying to seek justice and accountability for her death that has taken a very heavy toll on all of us. 

    It is now more than 13 years since Agnes was killed and almost 6 years since a Kenyan inquest found that she had been murdered by British soldiers, yet so little progress appears to have been made since then. 

    We are grateful to the Secretary of State for Defence agreeing to meet with us, but we have waited for too many years and been offered too many empty promises. We hope that our meeting with the Secretary of State marks the beginning of the UK government and Ministry of Defence taking decision action to ensure that what happened to Agnes is properly investigated in Kenya and in the UK and to make sure that what happened to Agnes never happens again. We expect the UK and Kenyan governments to act and bring closure to this matter.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Be tick aware and stay safe this spring

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Ticks are small, spiderlike creatures that feed on the blood of animals, including people.

    They can be found in many different outdoor environments, but they are particularly common in grassy and wooded areas. People are more likely to be bitten if they take part in activities such as hiking, cycling or camping, but ticks can also sometimes be found in urban gardens and bought into homes by pets who may pick them up while out or on a walk.

    Ticks can carry infections including Lyme disease and, very rarely, tick borne encephalitis. Tick bites can occur at any time of the year but are more prevalent from April to June.

    Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Ticks are a nuisance and can also cause serious illness, so we’re asking everyone to be tick aware this spring.

    “You can reduce the chance of getting a tick bite by regularly checking your clothing and exposed skin for ticks that might be crawling on you and brushing them off immediately.

    “Walking on clearly defined paths will help you avoid brushing against vegetation where ticks may be present, while wearing light coloured clothing will help you spot them more easily.

    “You can also use insect repellent to ward off ticks, while wearing long trousers and long sleeved tops will reduce the direct exposure of ticks to your skin, making it more difficult for them to find a suitable area to attach.

    “If you spot a tick, you must remove is as soon as possible using a tick removal tool or fine tipped tweezers which are available from pharmacies. You need to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards slowly and firmly.”

    If you are concerned about a tick bite, please seek medical advice. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if you become unwell within a few weeks of being bitten by a tick.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –