NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Taking on Trump

    Source: Liberal Democrats UK

    Amendments

    Drafting Amendments

    The FCC has agreed to make the following drafting amendments to the motion: 

    Delete iii) (lines 12-13) and insert:

    iii) Trump’s suspension of military aid to Ukraine, and lack of commitment to NATO. 

    In iv) (line 15) after ‘Greenland’ insert: ‘…and his threat to annexe Canada as the US 51st state.’ 

    After line 15, insert new v): 

    v) Trump’s reckless comments proposing that Palestinians be removed from Gaza and ‘resettled’ elsewhere – which would constitute a grave violation of international law – undermining the already fragile ceasefire and disregarding the legitimate right of Palestinians for their own state. 

    After line 28, insert new x), xi) and xii): 

    x) Trump’s cancellation of USAID, which could lead to China increasing its influence in the Global South. 

    xi) The disgraceful verbal assault by Trump and Vance on President Zelensky in the Oval Office on 28 February 2025. 

    xii) The Trump Administration’s actions to roll back the rights of LGBTQ+ people in the US, in particular towards trans people, as well as those of women and ethnic minorities.

    Amendment One

    Submitted by: 12 members
    Mover: Helen Maguire MP (Spokesperson for Defence)
    Summation: Baroness Smith of Newnham (Lords Spokesperson for Defence) 

    After line 37, insert:

    Conference welcomes the Government’s decision to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, but expresses concern that doing so by cutting Official Development Assistance will ultimately make the UK less secure. 

    Delete E. b) (lines 69-70) and insert: 

    b) Committing to spending 2.5% of GDP as soon as possible – to be funded by raising the Digital Services Tax from 2% to 10% – and holding cross-party talks to agree a consensus on how to reach spending 3% of GDP on defence. 

    After line 84, insert: 

    d) Support the creation of a Rearmament Bank, together with our European and other allies, to enable greater access to finance for defence programmes.

    Amendment Two

    Submitted by: 12 members
    Mover: James McCleary MP (Spokesperson for Europe) 
    Summation: David Chalmers (Chair of the Federal International Relations Committee)

    At end of line 39, insert: ‘…and that enhancing economic ties with the EU, including by cutting red tape and boosting trade links, is essential for insulating the UK from Trump’s unpredictability as well as growing our economy’. 

    At end of line 57, insert: ‘…and, as the culmination of the third stage in our roadmap, negotiate a new UK-EU Customs Union by 2030 at the latest.’

    Amendment Three

    Submitted by: Yorkshire and Humber 
    Mover: Samuel Jackson 
    Summation: Adrian Ramsdale

    After line 53, insert new B.: 

    B. Ensure Ukraine’s participation in peace negotiations as an equal partner to safeguard against a coerced and detrimental peace settlement.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Making Britain a science superpower

    Source: Liberal Democrats UK

    British scientists and researchers already punch above their weight. This technological innovation is essential to tackling the major challenges of our time; climate breakdown, conflict, economic stagnation, crumbling public services, and social unrest.

    The last Conservative government utterly failed UK science and innovation with a total lack of strategy and interest. From their hostile attitude towards international collaboration and ideological hostility to sensible regulation, to the shambolic adoption of technology in the public sector and chaotic management of the economy putting off investment.

    Now the new Labour Government risks making the same mistakes. Already they have cancelled the exascale supercomputer in Edinburgh, a short-sighted cost-saving measure, symbolic of their lack of vision and understanding of how science and technology works.

    Liberal Democrats take a different approach, one grounded in our values of internationalism, respect for individual rights, and challenging concentrations of power. 

    Today we’re setting out the rescue plan that science and innovation in the UK needs:

    • A national and international science and technology strategy that raises R&D spending to 3.5% of GDP.
    • Measures to invest in education, including through a teacher workforce strategy to ensure every secondary school child is taught STEM subjects by a specialist.
    • A National People Strategy alongside an industrial strategy to ensure the UK workforce has the necessary skills and people are protected from disruption.
    • Measures to strengthen UK universities as world leaders in research including by fully participating in Horizon Europe, and enacting a decade-long program of increasing and improving research funding with a package of measures to improve spin-outs.
    • Sensible regulation of AI, including a National AI Strategy.
    • A comprehensive public sector technology policy and investment plan.
    • Tackling regional inequality through a digital inclusion strategy, national investment in digital infrastructure and investing in local government.
    • Investing in green technologies to help mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free To Be Who You Are

    Source: Liberal Democrats UK

    The freedom to live your life as the person that you are, secure in the knowledge that their fundamental rights will be protected is not a lot to ask.

    But in our country there are still too many people for whom that is an aspiration.

    Our  LGBTQ+ community face prejudice, discrimination and hostility simply because of who they are. 

    Their health care, their housing, even their education can all be affected. 

    But today I believe  we have taken an important step forward in protecting vital rights and setting out how our government should deliver a positive future for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community.

    Our policy paper: ‘Free To Be Who You Are’  sets out how we will continue to pursue that Liberal Democrat goal of a society where nobody’s life chances are limited or constrained because of who they are.

    Liberal Democrats have been at the forefront of  each of the great strides the UK has made towards LGBTQ+ equality. It was Ed Davey in 2003 who proposed the clause which finally repealed “Section 28”, the Conservatives’ law which prohibited the “promotion of homosexuality” by local authorities. 

    Lynne Featherstone – the first ever Liberal Democrat Equalities Minister – was the driving force behind the legislation that made Same Sex marriage happen. 

    And it was the former Liberal Democrat MP John Leech who spearheaded the campaign to pardon Alan Turing and Lib Dem peer Lord Sharkey, tabled the amendment to the Policing and Crime Act 2017 which posthumously pardoned thousands of gay men who had been criminalised for their sexuality.

    Our party had been pushing to lift the ban on men who have sex with men’s ability to donate blood for over 15 years by the time it finally happened in 2021. 

    That is the proud tradition of which we are the keepers.

    We know there is still a lot to do but each step is important to progress in achieving that free and fair society.

    The measures we voted through today will mean:

    • Ensuring LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse and hate crime get the support they deserve, including by delivering training for police and support services
    • Ending anti-LGBTQ+ abuse in social care, by commissioning an urgent investigation into anti-LGBTQ+ abuse in social care with recommendations on how to prevent it.
    • Banning medically unnecessary, non-consensual treatments or surgeries for intersex infants and children.
    • Pushing for all integrated care boards in England to immediately remove the requirement for lesbian couples to pay for artificial insemination before accessing NHS-funded IVF services.
    • Banning all forms of conversion “therapies” and practices.
    • Implementing a new LGBTQ+ Action Plan to coordinate cross-government work on delivering LGBTQ+ equality.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NESO to investigate Heathrow power loss

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    NESO to investigate Heathrow power loss

    The Energy Secretary has commissioned the independent National Energy System Operator to investigate the power outage that affected Heathrow Airport

    The Energy Secretary has today (Saturday 22 March) commissioned the independent National Energy System Operator to urgently investigate the power outage incident that impacted Heathrow Airport and the surrounding area. 

    Working with Ofgem, Ed Miliband is using Energy Act powers to formally launch the investigation. This follows the action taken yesterday to restore power to all affected customers.  

    NESO’s investigation will support efforts to build a clear picture of the circumstances surrounding this incident and the UK’s energy resilience more broadly so that it’s prevented from ever happening again.  

    The government’s Plan for Change is rebuilding Britain’s resilience, including boosting the country’s energy security with homegrown power. Separately, the resilience review led by the Cabinet Office is ongoing and is due to conclude in the Spring. 

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 

    The loss of power to the Heathrow area has caused major disruption to thousands of people and many businesses. We are determined to properly understand what happened and what lessons need to be learned. 

    That is why working with Ofgem, I have today commissioned the National Energy System Operator to carry out an investigation into this specific incident and to understand any wider lessons to be learned on energy resilience for critical national infrastructure, both now and in the future. 

    The government is determined to do everything it can to prevent a repeat of what happened at Heathrow. This review will be an important step in helping us to do so, as we deliver our Plan for Change.

    Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: 

    This incident caused significant disruption but Heathrow, National Grid, and our emergency services have worked swiftly to get people travelling again. 

    Heathrow is a massive airport that uses the energy of a small city, so it’s imperative we identify how this power failure happened and learn from this to ensure a vital piece of national infrastructure remains strong. 

    Whilst Heathrow is back to business, some disruption is expected over coming days as things get back to normal so I encourage anyone travelling to check with their airlines and plan their journeys.

    Akshay Kaul, Director General for Infrastructure at Ofgem, said: 

    We saw yesterday the huge disruption that comes when energy supply is disrupted, and it’s important we now understand how that happened. Households and businesses should be able to have confidence in the resilience of critical national infrastructure, and Ofgem will work with the government and others to ensure NESO’s review goes as far as possible to ensuring steps are put in place to avoid any repeat of an incident of this scale in the future. 

    To the extent the review finds any breaches of standards or licence obligations, we will not hesitate to take action.

    NESO chief executive Fintan Slye said:  

    NESO welcomes the government’s commission to review the power outage incident impacting Heathrow and surrounding areas. We will now work with all relevant stakeholders to understand the lessons that can be learned to improve future resilience of Great Britain’s energy system.

    NESO will work with other bodies, including Heathrow Airport, to ensure the investigation is comprehensive and thoroughly examines the causes of the incident.  

    Further details on the scope of the investigation and its Terms of Reference will be agreed by the Energy Secretary, Ofgem and NESO and published in the coming days.  

    NESO are expected to report to DESNZ and Ofgem with initial findings within six weeks.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Victim of fatal Tottenham shooting named as detectives continue to appeal for information

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Officers continue to appeal for information following a murder in Tottenham.

    Police were called to an address in Waverley Road, N17 at 20:45hrs on Thursday, 20 March following reports that two men had suffered gunshot injuries.

    Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service who treated one man, aged 27, for a gunshot wound to the head and another man, aged 25, for a gunshot wound to the leg.

    Despite the efforts of the emergency services, the 27-year-old man died as a result of his injuries. He has been formally identified as Mahad Abdi Mohamed. His family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

    His family have released a tribute:

    “Our family is grieving the profound loss of a son, a brother, a father and a friend. We kindly ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time. We are grateful for your understanding and support.”

    Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, of the Met’s Specialist Crime North team, said:

    “Two men were shot on a residential street on Thursday, with one man sadly losing his life. My thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends at this time.

    “We recognise the impact this will have on the local community. My team are working diligently to gather evidence and establish what led to this tragedy. I would ask any local residents with concerns to speak to officers at the scene, or to their local neighbourhood policing teams.

    “I continue to ask for anyone who was in the area, past 20:00hrs on Thursday, 20 March, to please contact police if you heard or saw something suspicious. Your knowledge is critical to this investigation, and it may help us locate the suspects. Please do the right thing and come forward, you will be supported.”

    The 25-year-old man remains in hospital, and is stable condition following surgery.

    No arrests have been made and a crime scene remains in place whilst enquiries are ongoing.

    If you know, or have any information then please come forward to police by stating CAD7426/20March or to remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, your identity will be protected.

    You can also report any information via our MIPP link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X55-PO1

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foot and Mouth disease detected in Slovakia

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Foot and Mouth disease detected in Slovakia

    The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is urging livestock keepers to remain vigilant to the clinical signs of FMD following the recent outbreaks in Europe

    The Slovak Government has reported three cases of Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) close to the Slovakian – Hungarian border. The cases were identified in three separate premises housing cattle.

    The UK Government had already taken action to prevent the commercial import from Slovakia of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other non- domestic ruminants and porcines such as deer and their untreated products, such as fresh meat and dairy. This will protect farmers and their livestock. 

    Since 8 March, travellers to GB have not been able to bring meat, meat products, milk and dairy products, certain composite products and animal by products of pigs and ruminants, or hay or straw, from Hungary and Slovakia after a case on the Hungarian border with Slovakia. 

    The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is urging livestock keepers to remain vigilant to the clinical signs of FMD following the recent outbreaks in Hungary, Germany and now Slovakia. There are no cases in the UK currently.   

    FMD poses no risk to human or food safety, but is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals such as wild boar, deer, llamas, and alpacas. Livestock keepers should therefore be absolutely rigorous about their biosecurity.   

    FMD causes significant economic losses due to production losses in the affected animals as well as loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat, and milk for affected countries.  

    UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said:

    Foot and Mouth disease has now been confirmed in Slovakia, we remain in contact with our European counterparts to understand the latest situation. 

    We have seen a disturbing number of foot and mouth cases on the continent, and we need to stay on high alert to the risk of disease incursion – as a government, at the border and on our farms.

    Protecting animal health and minimising the risk of disease incursion remains our top priority. Livestock keepers are reminded to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow scrupulous biosecurity and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

    Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said:

    With disease now confirmed in Slovakia , it is clear the Government’s precautionary approach to ban Slovakian imports was the right one.  

    The confirmation of a Foot and Mouth disease in a third European country is a serious concern, the government will take whatever action is necessary to prevent the further spread of disease.   

    Ensuring the safety of our livestock sector and protecting our farmers will always be a top priority.

    This comes as the government announced a £200 million investment in the UK’s main research and laboratory testing facilities at Weybridge to bolster protection against animal disease.   

    What you can do   

    If you’re an animal keeper, read about how to spot foot and mouth disease and report it.   

    If you’re an importer or exporter, read about the import restrictions for foot and mouth disease.    

    Clinical signs to be aware of vary depending on the animals, but in cattle the main signs are sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and tongue with potentially a fever, lameness and a reluctance to feed. In sheep and pigs, signs tend to manifest with lameness with potential for blistering.     

    While horses and companion animals are not susceptible to FMD, hay feed or straw bedding, if sourced from an infected area, could act as a fomite and therefore also prevented from entering GB. 

    Maintaining good biosecurity is essential to protecting the health and welfare of herds and critical to preventing the spread of diseases such as FMD and preventing an outbreak spreading.   

    Foot and mouth disease is a notifiable disease and must be reported. If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling:   

    • 03000 200 301 in England    
    • 0300 303 8268 in Wales    
    • your local  Field Services Office in Scotland

    For more information, visit: Imports, exports and EU trade of animals and animal products: topical issues – GOV.UK

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Green Party’s Swarbrick calls for urgent NZ action over Israel’s ‘crazy’ Gaza slaughter

    Asia Pacific Report

    Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick called on New Zealand government MPs today to support her Member’s Bill to sanction Israel over its “crazy slaughter” of Palestinians in Gaza.

    Speaking at a large pro-Palestinian solidarity rally in the heart of New Zealand’s largest city Auckland, she said Aotearoa New Zealand could no longer “remain a bystander to the slaughter of innocent people in Gaza”.

    In the fifth day since Israel broke the two-month-old ceasefire and refused to begin negotiations on phase two of the truce — which was supposed to lead to a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the besieged enclave and an exchange of hostages — health officials reported that the death toll had risen above 630, mostly children and women.

    Five children were killed in a major overnight air attack on Gaza City and at least eight members of the family remained trapped under the rubble as Israeli attacks continued in the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

    Confirmed casualty figures in Gaza since October 7, 2023, now stand at 49,747 with 113,213 wounded, the Gaza Health Ministry said.

    For more than two weeks, Israel has sealed off border crossings and barred food, water and electricity and today it blew up the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, the only medical institution in Gaza able to provide cancer treatment.

    “The research has said it from libraries, libraries and libraries. And what is it doing in Gaza?” said Swarbrick.

    ‘Ethnic cleansing . . . on livestream’
    “It is ethnic cleansing. It is apartheid. It is genocide. And we have that delivered to us by  livestream to each one of us every single day on our cellphones,” she said.

    “That is crazy. It is crazy to wake up every single day to that.”

    Swarbrick said Aotearoa New Zealand must act now to sanction Israel for its crimes — “just like we did with Russia for its illegal action in Ukraine.”

    She said that with the Green Party, Te Pāti Māori and Labour’s committed support, they now needed just six of the 68 government MPs to “pass my Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill into law”.

    “There’s no more time for talk. If we stand for human rights and peace and justice, our Parliament must act,” she said.

    “Action for Gaza Now” banner heads a march protesting against Israel’s resumed attacks on the besieged Strip in Auckland today. Image: APR

    In September, Aotearoa had joined 123 UN member states to support a resolution calling for sanctions against those responsible for Israel’s “unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in relation to settler violence”.

    “Our government has since done nothing to fulfil that commitment. Our Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill starts that very basic process.

    “No party leader or whip can stop a Member of Parliament exercising their democratic right to vote how they know they need to on this Bill,” she said to resounding cheers.

    ‘No hiding behind party lines’
    “There is no more hiding behind party lines. All 123 Members of Parliament are each individually, personally responsible.”

    Several Palestinian women spoke of the terror with the new wave of Israeli bombings and of their families’ personal connections with the suffering in Gaza, saying it was vitally important to “hear our stories”. Some spoke of the New Zealand government’s “cowardice” for not speaking out in opposition like many other countries.

    About 1000 people took part in the protest in a part of Britomart’s Te Komititanga Square in a section now popularly known as “Palestine Corner”.

    Amid a sea of banners and Palestinian flags there were placards declaring “Stop the genocide”, “Jews for tangata whenua from Aotearoa to Palestine”, “Hands off West Bank End the occupation” , “The people united will never be defeated”, “Decolonise your mind, stand with Palestine,” “Genocide — made in USA”, and “Toitū Te Tiriti Free Palestine”.

    “Genocide – Made in USA” poster at today’s Palestinian solidarity rally. Image: APR

    The ceasefire-breaking Israeli attacks on Gaza have shocked the world and led to three UN General Assembly debates this week on the Middle East.

    France, Germany and Britain are among the latest countries to condemn Israel for breaching the ceasefire — describing it as a “dramatic step backwards”, and France has told the UN that it is opposed to any form of annexation by Israel of any Palestinian territory.

    Meanwhile, Sultan Barakat, a professor at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, told Al Jazeera in an interview that the more atrocities Israel committed in Gaza, the more young Palestinian men and women would join Hamas.

    “So it’s not going to disappear any time soon,” he said.

    With Israel killing more than 630 people in five days and cutting off all aid to the Strip for weeks, there was no trust on the part of Hamas to restart the ceasefire, Professor Barakat said.

    “Jews for tangata whenua from Aotearoa to Palestine” . . . a decolonisation placard at today’s Palestine solidarity rally in Auckland. Image: APR

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A Plaid Cymru government would “cut taxes to support small Welsh businesses”

    Source: Party of Wales

    Plaid Cymru economy spokesperson Luke Fletcher to announce plans to help local businesses.

    A Plaid Cymru government would cut taxes for small, independent Welsh businesses.

    Plaid Cymru’s economy spokesperson Luke Fletcher is expected to outline his party’s plans during his Spring Conference speech.

    In his speech, Mr Fletcher is expected to highlight the struggles that independent businesses face in Wales, saying that there are “countless examples the length and breadth of Wales where the full potential of our domestic businesses is going unfulfilled”, with “too many independent shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants having to close” which has led to the decline of town centres.

    The Plaid Cymru Economy spokesperson will say that Wales needs to change how it taxes our town centre businesses to realise the potential of town centres and independent businesses.

    He will outline Plaid Cymru’s plans to use the business rate multiplier to “reduce rates for independent businesses in retail or hospitality”.

    According to Mr Fletcher, the policy would be cost-neutral, as a Plaid Cymru-led Government in 2026 would “look at how we charge rates so that those who can afford to pay more, contribute more”.

    In his speech to the Plaid Cymru Spring Conference, Plaid Cymru Economy Spokesperson, Luke Fletcher MS will say,

    “Our high streets provide a lens on the challenges facing Welsh businesses – challenges that Labour in Wales has failed to address or made actively worse over a quarter of a century in power.

    “It’s a story we’re all too familiar with, isn’t it? On high streets across Wales there are empty buildings and shuttered shop fronts where thriving local businesses should be. Pubs, cafés and restaurants, all struggling with a cost-of-doing business crisis – a crisis made worse by sky-high taxes on businesses and Labour’s scrapping of business rates relief.

    “An independent store owner on the high street in Aberystwyth pays nearly ten times more than a major chain on the town’s outskirts, and significantly more than would an equivalent business in England. In Bridgend, a locally owned and managed coffee shop and bakery pays the same level of non-domestic rates as its multinational competitors. Instead of being able to grow and develop as a business, investing locally in the supply chain, training and jobs, it is a business simply looking to survive.

    “There are countless examples the length and breadth of Wales of businesses’ full potential going unfulfilled – too many of what should be successful businesses going to the wall. And the result? Town centres in decline, instead of on the up.

    “I am proud that more and more businesses are looking to Plaid Cymru for the solution. And I am even more proud that we are able to offer one.

    “If we want our town centres to thrive, then we need to change how we tax the businesses on our high streets, to better support the kinds of successful Welsh-owned shops, cafés, bars and restaurants we all go to our town centres for.

    “There’s a solution that is well within our grasp.

    “Through varying the multiplier, we have the power to reduce rates for independent businesses in retail, leisure and hospitality. It really is that simple. And by looking at how we charge rates so that those who can afford to pay contribute more, it would also be cost-neutral.

    Mr Fletcher will also say,

    “In the coming weeks, I will formally be launching ‘Making Wales Work: Plaid Cymru’s new economic plan’. I am proud of the amount of hard work that has gone into this plan, and the new and ambitious vision for the Welsh economy that it represents.

    “That vision and that ambition extends from our seabed to our high streets, and covers everywhere in between.

    “Our plan will see capital built, retained and recycling in our communities, instead of it leaking – and in some cases flooding – out of Wales. It will grow and sustain Welsh-owned businesses, delivering good jobs, reviving our town centres, and boosting living standards.

    “I am clearer now than ever that Wales needs a Government with real vision and with fire in its belly.

    “Wales needs a Plaid Cymru Government – and next year we will have an historic opportunity to deliver one. “

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plans to boost skills and diversity in UK cyber backed by tech giant IBM

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Plans to boost skills and diversity in UK cyber backed by tech giant IBM

    Technology giant IBM have backed plans to diversify the UK’s cyber sector and encourage young people into cyber careers.

    IBM to host 2025 CyberFirst Girls Competition Platform.

    • Global tech giant IBM to provide platform for flagship cyber skills programme for girls – boosting diversity in the booming £13 billion cyber sector as more young people explore careers in cyber
    • girls between 12-13 to be supported in developing new computing and cyber skills
    • partnership comes as best and brightest cyber minds gear up to represent UK Cyber Team in a series of international challenges

    Technology giant IBM have backed plans to diversify the UK’s cyber sector and encourage young people into cyber careers, as the government safeguards online services which deliver economic growth – central to the Plan for Change. 

    In new support being announced today (Saturday 22 March), IBM have agreed to partner with the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), to provide the online platform for the CyberFirst Girls competition – a UK-wide programme open to girls between the ages of 12 and 13. 

    The CyberFirst Girls Competition, currently run by the NCSC, is the UK’s flagship cyber security programme for schools, with more than 85,000 students across the country having taken part since its launch in 2017. It puts students through a series of cyber challenges from cryptography and networking to artificial intelligence, building up their skills and encouraging them to consider future careers in the field. To support the next generation of cyber talent, IBM will provide the platform for the 2025 edition of the competition. 

    Improving the diversity of the UK’s cyber sector is a key priority for the government, with women currently accounting for just 17% of our cyber workforce. Though average salaries in the sector exceed £56,000 – with the top 20% of earners receiving salaries between £73,000 and £350,000 – almost half of UK businesses (44%) also report having cyber security skills gaps, meaning it’s more pressing than ever to ensure the next generation of cyber security leaders are joining the ranks. 

    Minister for Cyber Security Feryal Clark said: 

    If we’re going to keep the UK safe from the threats we face online, then we need to build a diverse workforce which is reflective of every community in the country.

    By partnering with IBM to deliver the next edition of the CyberFirst Girls Competition, we’re driving forward our plans to do exactly that – building up the skills of young girls across the country and nurturing the next generation of UK cyber leaders.

    The girls who will benefit from this support could even go on to represent the UK Cyber Team – the cream of the crop of British cyber talent who will fly the flag for us across the world – and I’ll be proudly cheering the team on today as they head to Dublin for their first international competition.

    Chris Ensor, NCSC Deputy Director for Cyber Growth, said:

    Over the past decade, the CyberFirst Girls Competition has offered tens of thousands of young women a fun opportunity to test their cyber skills against real-world cyber problems.

    I’m delighted that a new partnership across government and the private sector will be taking forward the delivery of this vital initiative which is inspiring the next generation of cyber security professionals.

    We need a cyber industry which reflects our diverse society and encourages the most talented individuals to keep our digital lives secure.

    Today’s partnership comes as some of the country’s best and brightest cyber minds prepare to represent the UK Cyber Team in their first international competition – putting their skills to the test against Ireland, Germany, and Denmark. 

    The UK Cyber Team programme is an e-sports style cyber security competition launched in collaboration with SANS, which looks to identify the next generation of cyber talent. Competitors have gone through a rigorous set of challenges to showcase their skills, with 30 18-25 year olds from across the country qualifying to represent the UK Cyber Team. 

    These competitors are drawn from across the country, representing their home communities across London, the South Wast, Wales, Scotland, the North of England, West Midlands, and the South West.  With 37% of the team being female, 57% being male, and 3% identifying as non-binary, the UK Cyber Team is a true representation of communities and backgrounds up and down the country. 

     Mark Hughes, IBM Global Managing Partner for Cyber Security, said:

    IBM is delighted to build upon our partnership with the National Cyber Security Centre by supporting the CyberFirst Girls competition with DSIT. Our commitment to fostering diversity in cybersecurity remains unwavering, as highlighted in our ‘Diversity & Inclusion in Cybersecurity’ initiative.

    This new collaboration is a significant step towards nurturing the next generation of cyber leaders, ensuring a more inclusive and robust industry. We are confident that this partnership will make a substantial impact in encouraging more young girls to pursue rewarding careers in cybersecurity.

    The move to boost cyber skills is part of the government’s wider work to grow the economy and develop the successful UK cyber security sector, which is now worth £13.2 billion, up 12% on the previous year.

    Notes to editors

    1. The 2024 Cyber security skills in the UK labour market report shows strong demand for cyber skills in the UK, with 44% of businesses reporting a skills gap. Salary data is also sourced from this report
       2. The 2025 Cyber Security Sectoral Analysis shows the UK cyber security sector generated revenue of £13.2 billion, up 12% since last year. 2,165 companies employ 67,300 people (full time equivalents), up 11% since last year, an increase of around 6,600 jobs
    3. The total gross value added (GVA) for the sector has reached c. £7.8 billion, an increase of 21% since last year
    4. The 2025/2026 CyberFirst Girls Competition will be run as a partnership between DSIT, NCSC and IBM.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 300

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with King Abdullah II of Jordan: 22 March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM call with King Abdullah II of Jordan: 22 March 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke to His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan this morning.

    The Prime Minister spoke to His Majesty the King of Jordan, Abdullah II this morning.

    The Prime Minister expressed his deep concern about the renewed Israeli military action in Gaza and the lack of humanitarian aid.

    He thanked His Majesty for his country’s leadership and work towards a political solution. He welcomed the Arab Plan for Gaza and commended the efforts of Jordan and partners in the region in developing it. The leaders agreed that they must continue to urge both sides to return to the ceasefire.

    The Prime Minister reiterated that the UK is a strong partner to Jordan and they agreed to keep in close touch.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Appeal following stabbing in Hackney

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating a stabbing in Hackney that left a man with a serious arm injury are appealing for witnesses and information.

    The incident happened at around 16:05hrs on Saturday, 22 February in Evering Road, N16. It is believed a music video was being filmed at the time of the attack and may have captured some of the events that took place.

    The victim, an 18-year-old man, was taken to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery; he is now recovering from his injury.

    Detective Sergeant Andy Rice from the Central East Command Unit said: “Our enquiries have established that a music video was being filmed at the time of the attack. I am keen to speak to anyone who has this footage as it could contain information that could assist this investigation.

    “I would also urge anyone who has information that could help identify whoever is responsible to come forward and speak to us in confidence.”

    Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD4542/22Feb. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    There has been no arrest and enquiries into the circumstances continue.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Germany: Volume of counterfeits in Germany up again | Total loss arising from counterfeits down

    Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English

    In 2024, the Bundesbank registered approximately 72,400 counterfeit euro banknotes with a nominal value of €4.5 million in German payments. The number of counterfeits was thus up by 28% on the year. 
    “The number of counterfeits detected rose in 2024 but, at the same time, the loss arising from counterfeiting went down. This is because perpetrators have again tended increasingly towards introducing simple counterfeits of low denomination into transactions,” said Burkhard Balz, the Bundesbank Executive Board member whose remit includes cash management. As a result, the total loss arising from counterfeits in 2024 was 12% lower than in the previous year. “Overall, the incidence of counterfeit money remains moderate in scale: statistically speaking, in 2024 there were nine counterfeit banknotes per 10,000 inhabitants,” Mr Balz added.
    The table below shows the distribution of counterfeits across the various denominations in 2024 and changes compared with 2023.
        

    Banknotes

    Number

    Share (rounded)

    Year-on-year change

    €5

    1,020

    1%

    +47%

    €10

    4,759

    7%

    +37%

    €20

    20,552

    28%

    +66%

    €50

    29,103

    40%

    +35%

    €100

    10,385

    14%

    +47%

    €200

    5,827

    8%

    -34%

    €500

    767

    1%

    -71%

    Total

    72,413

     

     

    At around 33,800, the number of counterfeits detected in the second half of 2024 was lower than the figure for the first half of the year (38,600).
    As in previous years, a large proportion of the counterfeits could easily be recognised as such. The banknotes have the words “MovieMoney” or “Prop copy” printed on them and do not mimic any of the security features found on a genuine banknote. On some of the specimens the label “MovieMoney” had been covered over and replaced with an imitation signature.
    Recognising counterfeit banknotes
    As counterfeit banknotes are not replaced, the Bundesbank strongly recommends checking banknotes using the “feel, look, tilt” method. It is advisable to compare a suspicious banknote with one definitely known to be genuine and to always check more than one security feature. 
    All counterfeits can be identified by checking the following authentication features:
    Feel: 
    Most euro banknotes have paper that is crisp and firm to the touch, which means it is possible to identify simple counterfeits just by feeling the banknote. However, to be on the safe side, the Bundesbank recommends checking other features as well. A coating was applied to €5 and €10 banknotes from the Europa series, as well as some of the Europa series €20 notes; those notes feel smooth and firm. Both coated and uncoated €20 banknotes are in circulation.
    Raised print on the front of the banknotes can be identified by touch. For example, banknotes belonging to the Europa series have the letters “BCE ECB EЦБ EZB EKP EKT EKB BĊE EBC” (and “ESB” on denominations of €50 and above) down their left edge as well as a series of short lines on the left and right-hand edges.

    Look:
    When any banknote is held against the light, the watermark appears as a shadowy image in the unprinted area. 
    On denominations of €20 and above belonging to the Europa series, the upper section of the hologram contains a transparent window showing a portrait of Europa, a figure from Greek mythology.

    Tilt: 
    An emerald number can be seen on the bottom left-hand side on the front of the banknotes belonging to the Europa series. When the banknote is tilted, the emerald number changes colour and the effect of a light stripe moving upand down becomes visible.
    The hologram images change when the banknote is tilted. Rainbow-coloured effects appear around the motifs.
    The €100 and €200 euro banknotes have been equipped with additional security features. The emerald number contains several euro symbols that change in colour. The hologram contains a satellite feature showing two euro symbols that move around the denomination number.

    More counterfeit coins
    In 2024, approximately 141,300 counterfeit coins were detected in German payments, compared with around 115,900 counterfeit coins in the previous year. Statistically, this equates to 17 counterfeit coins per 10,000 inhabitants in Germany. The increase was due to a number of companies accumulating coins that they suspected of being counterfeits over several years and then submitting them to the Bundesbank as a batch in 2024. There was also a rise in the number of counterfeit €2 coins being introduced into the payments system. 
    Counterfeits were identified in only the three highest denominations, and their incidence in 2024 was as follows.
       

    Coins

    Number

    Share (rounded)

    50 cent

    658

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI German News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: GymAware awarded 2023 ACT Exporter of the Year

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    GymAware has been awarded 2023 ACT Exporter of the Year at the Chief Minister’s Export Awards. Image: Canberra Airport.

    A Canberra business success story that developed a product now used in gyms around the world has been recognised as the ACT Exporter of the Year.

    Each year the ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards celebrate the best and brightest in Canberra’s export industry and showcase the success of local businesses in global markets.

    Kinetic Performance Technology (GymAware) was awarded the 2023 ACT Exporter of the Year for their work as a global leader in velocity-based training solutions. A staggering 89 per cent of its sales are exports, with 80 per cent of these to the USA, 10 per cent to the United Kingdom and 6 per cent to France and China.

    The company’s RS and FLEX products are designed to help coaches and athletes of all levels measure and track strength training activities in the weight room. This technology has been a part of weight training for professional athletes across a range of sports, helping hundreds of teams and individuals prepare for their career-defining moments on the field.

    The company’s systems are used in weight rooms across 65 per cent of all professional sporting teams in the USA, all teams in elite Australian leagues like the NRL and Super Rugby, as well as respected international teams, such as the New Zealand All Blacks.

    “I am honoured that GymAware has been recognised as the 2023 ACT Exporter of the Year at the ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards,”  GymAware founder Evan Lawton said.

    “GymAware has been a labour of love, and it’s rewarding to see our commitment to excellence being acknowledged in such a meaningful way by our own community in Canberra.”

    The ACT Exporter of the Year awards showcased several of emerging and established exporting companies. Category winners included:

    • Emerging Exporter – Infinity Avionics Pty Ltd
    • Resources and Energy – Ardexa Pty Limited
    • Sustainability and Green Economy – The Mullion Group (FLINTpro)
    • Advanced Technologies – Kinetic Performance Technology Pty Ltd (GymAware)
    • Small Business – BixeLab
    • Professional Services – Teron Labs Pty Ltd
    • ACT Promising Exporter – Catch the Sun Communications
    • ACT Promising Exporter – Science Skincare International Pty Ltd

    “It was inspiring to see so many businesses with a clear plan for identifying and pursuing valuable export markets – ultimately all Canberrans benefit when local businesses achieve export success,” CEA Technology and ACT Export Awards judge Michael Burton said.

    Businesses who are ready to export have access to support through the TradeStart program. Learn more about exporting and the assistance available on the ACT Business website: act.gov.au/business

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


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: French, German, British FMs call for immediate return to ceasefire in Gaza

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The foreign ministers of France, Germany, and Britain (the E3) called for an immediate return to a ceasefire in Gaza on Friday.

    “The resumption of Israeli strikes in Gaza marks a dramatic step backward for the people of Gaza, the hostages, their families and the entire region,” the ministers said in a joint statement released late evening, calling on “all parties to re-engage with negotiations to ensure the ceasefire is implemented in full and becomes permanent.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Germany: German balance of payments in January 2025

    Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English

    Sharp decrease in current account surplus
    Germany’s current account recorded a surplus of €11.8 billion in January 2025, down €9.1 billion on the previous month’s level. This was attributable to a lower surplus in the goods account and especially in invisible current transactions, which comprises services as well as primary and secondary income.
    The surplus in the goods account fell by €1.3 billion to €9.2 billion in January because expenditure increased more sharply than receipts. The surplus in invisible current transactions declined by €7.9 billion to €2.6 billion. Net receipts in primary income decreased by €5.5 billion to €14.1 billion. This was mainly attributable to the countermovement on the revenue side to the EU agricultural subsidies that were paid out to Germany in December 2024. In addition, in investment income receipts declined more sharply than expenditure. Moreover, the deficit in the services account expanded by €5.5 billion to €6.0 billion. Receipts fell more sharply overall than expenditure, chiefly due to computer services and other business services. Net expenditure on travel also increased. By contrast, the deficit in the secondary income account narrowed by just €3.1 billion to €5.5 billion. In particular, lower general government payments for current transfers relating to international cooperation and smaller payments to the EU budget in connection with financing related to gross national income played a role here.   
    Net capital exports down
    In line with the decline in the current account surplus, German net capital exports were also down in January compared with the previous month (€14.6 billion, following €44.5 billion in December 2024).
    Direct investment generated net capital imports of €3.6 billion in January (following net capital exports of €18.8 billion in December 2024). Foreign enterprises provided their German affiliates with additional direct investment funds (€16.4 billion), issuing additional intra-group loans to the tune of €12.9 billion and raising their equity capital by €3.5 billion. German enterprises stepped up their foreign direct investment by €12.8 billion, boosting equity capital by €9.0 billion and increasing the lending volume to affiliates by €3.8 billion. 
    Germany’s cross-border portfolio investment recorded net capital exports of €15.7 billion in January (after €30.6 billion in December 2024). Domestic investors added €51.3 billion worth of securities issued by non-residents to their portfolios on balance. They purchased foreign bonds (€25.1 billion), mutual fund shares (€20.3 billion) and shares (€6.2 billion), while selling money market paper (€0.4 billion). Foreign investors acquired German securities worth €35.5 billion net, primarily buying bonds (€41.3 billion) as well as a modest volume of shares (€0.9 billion) and mutual fund shares (€0.1 billion). By contrast, they disposed of money market paper (€6.8 billion).
    In January, transactions in financial derivatives resulted in net outflows of €3.8 billion (after inflows of €0.8 billion in December 2024). 
    Other statistically recorded investment – which comprises loans and trade credits (where these do not constitute direct investment), bank deposits and other investments – registered net inflows of capital amounting to €2.5 billion in January (following €2.1 billion in December 2024). Bundesbank account transactions recorded net capital exports (€61.5 billion), with its TARGET claims on the ECB increasing by €21.7 billion, while the Bundesbank’s external liabilities in the form of currency and deposits decreased significantly, as is often the case at the start of the year. By contrast, the other investment account recorded net capital imports of €85.5 billion from cross-border transactions by other monetary financial institutions. Furthermore, general government also recorded net inflows of capital (€0.8 billion). Transactions by enterprises and households led to net capital exports (€22.2 billion).
    The Bundesbank’s reserve assets rose – at transaction values – by €1.2 billion in January.

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI German News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint statement from the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the UK (E3) on Gaza

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Joint statement from the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the UK (E3) on Gaza

    The Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, and the UK (the E3) call for immediate return to a ceasefire

    Joint statement on behalf of the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the UK (E3):

    The resumption of Israeli strikes in Gaza marks a dramatic step backward for the people of Gaza, the hostages, their families and the entire region. We are appalled by the civilian casualties and urgently call for an immediate return to a ceasefire.

    We call on all parties to re-engage with negotiations to ensure the ceasefire is implemented in full and becomes permanent. This must include Hamas releasing the hostages that they have cruelly detained and persistently refuse to release.

    All Israelis and Palestinians have a right to peace and security. We call on all those with influence over Hamas to use that influence to ensure no further attacks against Israel. We are clear that Hamas must neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel anymore. However, this conflict cannot be resolved through military means.  A return to fighting will only result in the deaths of more Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages.

    More bloodshed is in no-one’s interest. Israel should fully respect international law and allow the flow of aid immediately. Civilians should be protected and not be cut off from essential aid or assistance. We call on Israel to restore humanitarian access, including water and electricity, and ensure access to medical care and temporary medical evacuations in accordance with international humanitarian law.

    We are deeply shocked by the deadly incident affecting a UNOPS building in Gaza, which has killed one UN employee and injured several others. Amongst the victims were European citizens. UN personnel and its premises should be protected and never be a target. There must be a full investigation into what happened.

    A long-lasting ceasefire is the only credible pathway towards a sustainable peace, a two-state solution and the reconstruction of Gaza.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: General Assembly Adopts Texts, Marks International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The poison of racism remains in the veins of global institutions, laws and everyday practices and must be fought in all its forms, speakers urged the General Assembly today, as the body commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in addition to taking action on three draft texts.

    One of these, the draft resolution titled “Permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan” (document A/79/L.59), was introduced by that country’s representative.  She affirmed neutrality as a fundamental principle of her nation’s foreign policy — “a beacon of peace, stability and constructive engagement in the international community for three decades”.  The Assembly then adopted the draft resolution without a vote.

    By the text, the Assembly called on Member States to respect and support this status of Turkmenistan and to respect its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.  It further welcomed the decision of the Government of Turkmenistan to host an international forum, in December 2025, devoted to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality and the thirtieth anniversary of the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.

    The Assembly also adopted without a vote the draft decision titled “United Nations Pledging Conference for Development Activities” (document A/79/L.61).  By its terms, the Assembly decided to convene the next such Conference in 2026.  Also adopted without a vote was the draft decision titled “Speakers for the opening segment of the ‘World Social Summit’ under the title ‘the Second World Summit for Social Development’” (document A/79/L.65).

    International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

    At the outset of the meeting, Philémon Yang (Cameroon), President of the General Assembly at its seventy-ninth session, recalled that peaceful protesters stood against injustice in Sharpeville, South Africa, 65 years ago.  While 69 lives were lost that day, “their courage ignited a movement — one that continues today,” he stated.  And, on the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination — to which 182 Member States are party — he said:  “We must recommit to its provisions that prohibit racial discrimination in all its forms.”  Further, he called on the international community to “take decisive action to enforce antidiscrimination laws and ensure they are effective”.

    Urging States to invest in inclusive education, raise public awareness and challenge harmful stereotypes, he emphasized that the fight against racial discrimination is not just a moral duty, but essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  And, while Africa has long carried the weight of historical injustice, he stressed that the continent is also a beacon of resilience and leadership that “has shown the world how to successfully end abhorrent examples of institutional racism and bigotry”.  The international community must therefore listen to African voices and fully integrate their perspective into global anti-racism efforts.  Additionally, he called on the next generation to “carry forward the fight against racial discrimination with hope and determination”.

    Speaking next was Courtenay Rattray, Chef de Cabinet of the Executive Office of the Secretary-General, who said that the poison of racism is the toxic legacy of historic enslavement and colonialism.  Today, it continues to corrupt communities and erode the foundations of justice, stoked by “growing inequalities and algorithms that capitalize on polarizing content”, he stated.  Forged amidst the civil rights and anti-Apartheid movements of the 1960s, the Convention remains a beacon of hope.  Calling for its universal ratification, he urged business leadership, civil society and everyday people to take a stand against racism in all its forms.

    Ilze Brands Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, then emphasized that race, colour, descent or origin must never silence people, block their opportunities, make them targets or endanger their lives.  While the Convention was a milestone treaty, she warned that “we once again find ourselves in a period of turmoil” — with racism still permeating institutions, social structures and everyday life in all societies.  While diversity is profoundly human and enriches societies, “because of it, millions of people are treated as sub-human”, she stated.  Condemning the resurgence of nationalist populism and ideologies of racial superiority, she called today’s gathering an opportunity for States, national human-rights institutions, civil society, the private sector and United Nations entities to commit to concrete steps to combat the scourge.

    Echoing calls for universal ratification, Michał Balcerzak (Poland), Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, also encouraged Member States to recognize the competence of his Committee to receive individual communications to provide effective access to justice for victims.  “Formal ratification is essential, but not sufficient,” he said, noting that various provisions were included in the Convention to address historical injustice and structural racism — such as the obligation to adopt special or affirmative measures.  “We witness today the challenging of these measures in many countries,” he pointed out, calling on States and judicial bodies to protect them.  He added:  “Racist and xenophobic discourse are not only increasing, but also encouraged by some politicians and public figures.  This is not the time to remain silent.”

    For her part, Sarah Lewis, Associate Professor at Harvard University, noted that she is “the descendant of enslaved men and women from, we believe, Ghana and Nigeria, and also from slave owners who came from the United Kingdom”.  While this anniversary is a chance to salute the extraordinary progress made to confront racial discrimination, she emphasized that “much more is needed today in many parts of the world to combat injustice”.  Stressing that the racial divide around the world is built on the fiction of racial superiority, she cited ignorance — for example, that slavery could ever be construed as beneficial for the skills it taught the enslaved.  She recalled the words of civil-rights leader Frederick Douglass, who spoke of internalized narratives that seemed to justify inequity, making the case for the power of culture as an overlooked tool for ending racism.  “He said it might take over 150 years for society here, and around the world, to understand these ideas,” she observed.

    During the ensuing discussion, South Africa’s delegate recalled that, “on this day 65 years ago”, people gathered around police stations in his country without carrying the dompas — the document that restricted the movement of people based on their race.  During this peaceful protest, Apartheid security forces and police opened fire on a crowd in Sharpeville, killing 69 and injuring 130.  “Most were shot in the back,” he said.  While the equal enjoyment of human rights is a basic principle of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights — adopted in 1948 — he noted that, in 1965, “it was obvious that this was not a universal understanding”.  This is why the global community recognized the need to establish international law to protect human rights, regardless of race.  The Convention, he recalled, remains the only active legal instrument against racism and racial discrimination.

    Echoing those sentiments, the representative of Equatorial Guinea, speaking for the African Group, stressed the need to address contemporary forms of racism and new forms of slavery, such as human trafficking.  All States must eliminate systemic barriers and racial discrimination faced by people of African descent in housing, healthcare, education and other sectors.  Further, global reparatory justice is crucial for equitable sustainable development.  In a similar vein, Jamaica’s delegate, speaking for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), said that the injustice of the transatlantic slave trade lingers and affects the lives of people of African descent today.  He also expressed concern about “the growing incitement of hatred and intolerance, including through the use of new and emerging technologies”.

    Echoing that, the representative of Greece, speaking for the Group of Western European and Other States, affirmed the collective “responsibility to address all factors that ignite racist harassment, hate speech, hate crimes and all other forms of incitement”.  Moreover, nationalist and populist ideologies and rhetoric that erode social cohesion have no place in societies.  The representative of Fiji, speaking for the Asia-Pacific Group, strongly condemned racial profiling and negative stereotyping on any grounds and against any persons.  Meanwhile, Suriname’s delegate, speaking for the Group of Latin America and Caribbean Countries, expressed solidarity with all victims of racial discrimination around the world.  He further highlighted the intersection of racial and gender discrimination, calling for gender-responsive policies. 

    However, the representative of the Russian Federation recalled that the international community is far from consensus on fighting racism, with the various documents and decisions adopted by the General Assembly lacking support from Western countries.  “We all know that, in Europe, discrimination flourishes,” she said, spotlighting bans on studies in one’s native language and on participating in elections.  Condemning Western Governments for “turning a blind eye” to their racist, xenophobic and colonialist pasts, she voiced support for the objectives of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: From hempseed gruel to CBD: the curious history of cannabis as a health product

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Lauren Alex O’Hagan, Research Fellow, School of Languages and Applied Linguistics, The Open University

    H_Ko/Shutterstock

    The cannabis-derived product CBD has been hailed “the wonder drug of our age”, offering potential health benefits without the high. From juices and coffee to truffles and ice cream, CBD products have flooded the market for consumers looking for an answer to health problems from anxiety to insomnia.

    But with CBD products in the UK and EU falling under “novel foods” regulations rather than pharmaceutical standards, they aren’t subjected to the same rigorous safety and quality controls as drugs. The UK’s Committee on Toxicology has even flagged potential health risks, such as liver injury, leading the Food Standards Agency to issue safety guidance.

    The regulatory gaps and health concerns of today reflect those of the 19th century when cannabis products were commercialised by the food industry.

    In the 1830s, William Brooke O’Shaughnessy, an Irish doctor, discovered that cannabis was effective in treating muscle spasms and stomach cramps. French psychiatrist Jacques-Joseph Moreau later explored its potential for mental illness. This led many 19th-century doctors to champion cannabis as a cure-all.

    It wasn’t long before patent medicine manufacturers began using cannabis as a common ingredient in their formulas. But soon, cannabis wasn’t just in pharmacies – it was in food.

    Surprisingly, this shift was not driven by the food industry, but by the free church environment in Sweden as part of efforts to combat tuberculosis – a leading cause of death across all social classes in the country at the time.

    Paul Petter Waldenström, leader of the Swedish Mission Covenant, wrote a letter to Svenska Morgonbladet about a woman reportedly cured of tuberculosis by a homebrewed gruel made with hempseed, rye flour and milk. His endorsement helped popularise the remedy and many started making their own “Waldenström gruel”, as it became known.

    Sensing a business opportunity, entrepreneur J. Barthelson developed a powdered commercial version with the elegant French name Extrait Cannabis. He marketed it as a dietary remedy for tuberculosis, chest diseases and low energy. As demand grew, competitors quickly jumped on the bandwagon, using fearmongering tactics to persuade consumers that they were putting their lives at risk without it.

    The rise and fall of Maltos-Cannabis

    The most striking cannabis-infused product of the era came from the Red Cross Technical Factory. Their “health drink”, Maltos-Cannabis, was a maltose and cannabis blend marketed as both nutritious and delicious, especially when mixed with cocoa.

    With an aggressive advertising campaign, the company raked in nearly SEK 290,000 a year (around £775,000 in modern money), opening factories in Chicago, Helsinki, Brussels and Utrecht.

    A particularly dramatic advertisement depicted the Grim Reaper fleeing from the light of science, shining from a lighthouse. Meanwhile, a mother and daughter raised their arms triumphantly, symbolising victory over death thanks to Maltos-Cannabis. The tagline boldly claimed that the product had “a big future”.

    Maltos-Cannabis advertisement, Hälsovännen, 1 February 1894.
    Wikimedia Commons

    However, questions swirled about its legitimacy. Newspapers debated whether the product was a groundbreaking remedy or “a pure scam product”. While some critics called the craze an “epidemic”, others argued coffee was more harmful – a hot topic in Sweden’s parliament at the time.

    In response, Red Cross published a half-page rebuttal signed by its executives, defending the product’s credibility. But scepticism persisted. After various lawsuits and growing concerns over its effectiveness and safety, sales of Maltos-Cannabis began to decline. By the 1930s, the product had disappeared entirely.

    History repeats itself?

    The 19th-century commercial cannabis market was able to thrive due to the absence of marketing regulations for both food and pharmaceutical products. Manufacturers freely advertised their products using pseudo-scientific claims and buzzword-heavy marketing – strategies we’re seeing again today in the thriving CBD industry.

    This is because CBD is a “borderline” product, existing in a regulatory grey area that allows for marketing strategies to flourish without stringent oversight. Much like in the past, brands tap into consumers’ health anxieties with promises of a wellness revolution. Most worryingly, social media influencers are being used to endorse CBD, making it particularly appealing for younger audiences.

    With the global CBD market valued at US$19 billion in 2023 and projected to grow by 16% annually until 2030, looking back at the broader, problematic history of commercial cannabis should serve as a cautionary tale.

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

    – ref. From hempseed gruel to CBD: the curious history of cannabis as a health product – https://theconversation.com/from-hempseed-gruel-to-cbd-the-curious-history-of-cannabis-as-a-health-product-251967

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 21.03.2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Stock Exchange Release
    21 March 2025 at 22:30 EET

    Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 21.03.2025

    Espoo, Finland – On 21 March 2025 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows:

    Trading venue (MIC Code) Number of shares Weighted average price / share, EUR*
    XHEL 2,740,279 4.92
    CEUX 1,298,307 4.91
    BATE – –
    AQEU – –
    TQEX 189,185 4.92
    Total 4,227,771 4.92

    * Rounded to two decimals

    On 22 November 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to offset the dilutive effect of new Nokia shares issued to the shareholders of Infinera Corporation and certain Infinera Corporation share-based incentives. The repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokia’s Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 25 November 2024 and end by 31 December 2025 and target to repurchase 150 million shares for a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 900 million.

    Total cost of transactions executed on 21 March 2025 was EUR 20,782,877. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 190,328,538 treasury shares.

    Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement.

    On behalf of Nokia Corporation

    BofA Securities Europe SA

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

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

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

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 931 580 507
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Press Statement on Attack against United Nations Mission in South Sudan

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Christina Markus Lassen (Denmark):

    The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attack perpetrated on 7 March against the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in Nasir, Upper Nile State, by the White Army.  In the attack, two United Nations helicopters conducting an evacuation came under fire, resulting in the death of a crew member, injuries to two others and the loss of South Sudanese lives.

    The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of the UN personnel killed.  They also expressed their condolences to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.  They further expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and to the people of South Sudan for the lives lost.

    The members of the Security Council reiterated that attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes and reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law.  They called for those responsible for the attacks to be held accountable.  The members of the Security Council called on all parties to the 2018 peace agreement to refrain from further violence and engage in national dialogue to restore and maintain peace.  They underscored that dialogue and negotiation remain the only means for resolving differences and called upon the leadership of all the parties to the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity to immediately de-escalate tensions.

    The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support for UNMISS and further stressed the importance of UNMISS having the necessary capacities, and the support of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity to fulfil its mandate in full and without interference or obstruction, and in line with the status of forces agreement, and promote the safety and security of the United Nations peacekeepers, pursuant to Security Council resolution 2729 (2024).

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Speakers Warn of ‘Gazafication’ of West Bank, Urge Israel to End Illegal Settlements, Occupation

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Israeli West Bank Operations Aimed at Dismantling Iran’s Terror Networks, Says Delegate

    Speakers in the Security Council today warned of the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank and its “Gazafication” amid Israel’s ongoing counter-terrorism operations, which its representative described as efforts to dismantle Iran’s terror networks.

    “The relentless expansion of Israeli settlements is dramatically altering the landscape and demographics of the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, presenting an existential threat to the prospect of a contiguous, viable, independent Palestinian State,” said Sigrid Kaag, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process ad interim.  Presenting the latest Secretary-General’s report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2334 (2016) — a measure calling on Israel to “immediately and completely cease all settlement activity in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem” — she pointed out that settlement activity has nevertheless continued at a high rate, with Israeli planning authorities advancing or approving approximately 10,600 housing units in settlements in the occupied West Bank, including 4,920 in East Jerusalem.

    Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures accelerated across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, she continued, reporting that Israeli authorities demolished 460 structures and displaced 576 people, including 287 children and 149 women, because they did not possess Israeli-issued building permits, which are almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain.  Meanwhile, “alarming levels” of violence continued, with 123 Palestinians, including 6 women and 19 children, killed amidst Israeli forces’ air strikes, operations, armed exchanges and other incidents, she said, adding:  “Most Palestinians were killed in the context of Israeli operations in Area A, including during exchanges of fire with armed Palestinians.”

    Israel’s largest operation in the occupied West Bank since 2002 began on 21 January and has since expanded across the northern West Bank in what Israeli authorities described as a counter-terrorism operation, displacing 40,000 people, she continued.  On 9 February, Israeli operations expanded into Nur Shams Camp in Tulkarem where Israel Defense Forces soldiers shot and killed two Palestinian women, one of whom was pregnant, she said, adding that two Palestinian children were killed by Israeli soldiers in incidents in Jenin and Hebron on 21 February, bringing the total number of children killed to eight across the occupied West Bank since the operation began.  Detailing other developments in the occupied West Bank, including widespread movement restrictions, the arrest of 1,711 Palestinians, settler-related violence in 11 Palestinian towns and villages, and Palestinian attacks against Israelis, she called on both parties to refrain from provocative actions and inflammatory rhetoric, which has, unfortunately continued.

    Echoing the Secretary-General’s observations on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016), she drew attention to the emptying out of refugee camps in the northern West Bank during Israeli operations.  She also voiced concern that any long-term presence of Israeli security forces in the camps would further undermine the Palestinian Authority and contravene Israel’s obligation to end its unlawful continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as affirmed by the International Court of Justice.

    Clear Response Needed at International Conference in June

    “Israel’s goal has always been maximum Palestinian land with minimum Palestinians,” said the Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine, adding:  “Instead of ending its occupation, it is attempting to end the occupied people.”  Pointing to the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the “most massive ethnic-cleansing campaign since 1967” in the northern West Bank, displacing 40,000 Palestinians in weeks, he underscored the need for accountability, emphasizing:  “Confronted with this unprecedented Israeli escalation, there must be an unprecedented escalation of international measures in response.”

    Voicing concern that Israel aims to entrench its occupation, rather than reverse or end it, he spotlighted the International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in June, hoping it would be a platform for mobilization and action.  “Israel’s intentions have never been clearer.  The international response needs to be equally clear,” he emphasized, calling for “unprecedented decisions by States” to change the course of history.

    Israel’s delegate, denouncing “morally obscene” remarks equating Israeli hostages with Palestinian terrorists “legally arrested by Israel”, said his country had “no choice” but to act decisively, considering Hamas’ rejection of the offer to release the remaining hostages for a continued ceasefire.  It has struck targets with precision, eliminating “arch-terrorists” such as Mahmoud Abu Watfa, head of Hamas’ internal security forces and Issam al-Daalis, head of Hamas’ Government in Gaza.  The group has a choice:  “Come back to the table and negotiate or wait and watch as its leadership falls one by one.”

    His country’s operations in “Judea and Samaria” intend to break down Iran’s terror networks there, he continued, citing 2,000 attempted terror attacks originating there over 11 months.  The Palestinian Authority left the job of “taking care of the terror cells” in [refugee] camps in Jenin and Tulkarm to his country, he said, stressing that terrorists will be given no sanctuary, in Gaza, Judea and Samaria, Yemen or Iran.

    United States Dismisses Passage of Resolution 2334 (2016) as ‘Mistake’

    The United States’ delegate, characterizing the passage of the Council resolution 2334 (2016) as “a mistake”, called on the UN Secretary-General to join the United States in putting pressure on Hamas.  Just as Hamas could end the war by releasing the hostages, Iran “could chose to join the community of nations by ending its support for terrorist proxy groups and providing transparency on its nuclear programme”, she added, reiterating her Government’s support for the Israel Defense Forces and the Palestinian Authority Security Forces in rooting out extremists in Jenin and Tulkarm.  “The future of the Middle East must look different.  Fresh thinking is needed for a better tomorrow,” she added.

    France’s representative, however, stated that the reason evoked by Israel to justify its new massive bombardments does not hold water, and delays in the hostages’ release cannot justify the punishment of the entire people.  Noting that settlements in the West Bank are becoming more violent, with active participation of Israeli security forces, he reiterated that France opposes any annexation in the West Bank or Gaza.  To that end, his Government has been working with all countries to find a mechanism and to use ceasefire as a starting point for resuming dialogue.

    Pakistan’s representative warned that “daily military raids, settler violence and illegal land annexations are part of a systematic effort to ethnically cleanse the Palestinian people in the West Bank,” he said.  The Security Council, and the world community, cannot sit back and watch this ongoing ethnic cleansing.  “A failure to halt this brutal war will unleash the worst instinct of powerful and predatory States,” he said, urging the elected Council members to initiate measures to end “this cruel war”.  Somalia’s delegate called on States to present a united front against forced demographic changes, displacement from Palestinian communities or attempts to annex territories in either Gaza or the West Bank, a point echoed by China’s delegate, who urged Israel to “abandon its obsession with the use of force”.

    Unchecked Settlements Darken Prospect of Palestine’s Statehood

    Many speakers echoed alarm over the threat posed by unchecked settlement activities in the West Bank to the prospects for Palestinian statehood, with the representative of Denmark, Council President for March, who spoke in her national capacity, stating that such developments “rob Palestinians of their land, [and] push them into isolated enclaves, making it virtually impossible to form a connected and viable land for a future Palestinian State”.  Any unilateral attempt to change the geography of the occupied Palestinian territories is unacceptable, she said, stating that some settlements come about through settler violence.  She added:  “We have the frameworks.  What is needed is full implementation of resolution 2334 (2016).”

    “We have been witnessing what many are calling the Gazafication of the West Bank,” echoed Slovenia’s delegate, noting that, not only dights, but also dynamics “remind us of Gaza”.  “The one radical solution is a real peace,” he said, calling for the end of occupation and return of displaced persons.  Pages of history already written, including those contained in the reports of accountability mechanisms, must be a wake-up call for a new chapter to take place, he added.

    Greece’s representative, calling the Arab plan for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction “a constructive proposal”, deplored the increase of settlement activity in the West Bank, a concern echoed by the representative of the Republic of Korea, who called the ongoing violence and vandalism by Israeli settlers unacceptable.

    On that, the representative of the United Kingdom highlighted three rounds of sanctions on violent settlers and their supporters imposed by his country to bring accountability for abuses of human rights, in the absence of sufficient Israeli action.  “The level of restrictions on Palestinian movement in the West Bank are crippling,” he observed, underscoring the importance of ensuring that religious freedoms are respected, especially during Ramadan.

    Many speakers emphasized the urgent need for progress towards a political solution, including the delegates of Guyana and Panama, with the latter stating that, in the future, Gaza — free from extremist groups, together with the West Bank and East Jerusalem — can be integrated into a territorial and political structure.  Sierra Leone’s representative, also calling for the political process to be revitalized, expressed hope for the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza, guided by the proposal tabled by the League of Arab States in Egypt.

    Noting that the West Bank “risks repeating the Gaza scenario”, the representative of the Russian Federation underscored that what is happening in the West Bank is a “good illustration” that there is no alternative to political solutions.  Israel’s settlement actions are aimed to undermine a two-State solution, he said, adding that, while Israel is using “crude force” to ensure their security, he said it is not surprising that the radical forces are popular among regular Palestinians.  The only sensible alternative is for Israel to return to negotiations, he noted, stating that the Council can and should play a role in this process.

    Algeria’s delegate said that the Israeli occupying Power’s objective in the West Bank is clear:  total sovereignty over it.  Their modus operandi is also well-known:  killing, forced demolition, displacement, dispossession and settlement.  Over 40,000 people have been forcibly displaced in the past two months in the West Bank.  Striking a note of urgency, he asked:  “When will we rise to the level of our obligations and impose respect and implementation for our collective decision to establish a Palestinian State with Al-Quds al-Sharif as its capital?”

    Rounding out the meeting, the representative of Jordan recalled that the Arab League summit held in Cairo at the beginning of the month confirmed the bloc’s rejection of any attempt to displace the Palestinian people from their occupied lands, and approved the Gaza Early Recovery and Reconstruction Plan presented by Egypt.  This is a comprehensive Arab plan, based on joint Egyptian-Palestinian efforts, to organize an international conference on recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, in cooperation with the UN, he said.  Deploring the dangerous escalation in the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem, marked by recurrent military incursions into Palestinian towns, population displacements and home demolitions, he called on the Council and the international community to address these violations.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: PUBLIC EVENT: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FORESTS 2024

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe celebrated the International Day of Forests with a two-part event.

    I. “Forest Talk: Innovation 4 Climate” (10:00 – 11:30, Auditorium (H.200, ground floor), Building H, Palais des Nations, and online): Experts from diverse industries presented ongoing research on innovative applications of wood components.

    II. “Glacial Threads: From Forests to Future Textiles” (12:00 – 13:00): A symbolic ceremony involving the unrolling and laying of a glacier fleece made from wood-based fibers onto Michelangelo Pistoletto’s iconic sculpture, “Rebirth.” This segment was held outdoors. 

     

    The main event was followed by a reception hosted by the Permanent Mission of Italy. 

     

    For more information contact Secretariat

     

    Event organized with the generous support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland.

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

    **Guest

    Alright.  Good afternoon, everyone.  As you know, tomorrow [22 March] is World Water Day.  I will be joined here shortly by Bhanu Neupane, the Process Coordinator for the UNESCO [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization] World Water Development Report, who will talk to you about the report.

    **Secretary-General’s Travel

    The Secretary-General is about to leave Brussels. Earlier today, he was in Leuven, where he accepted an honorary doctorate given to the United Nations by the universities KU Leuven and UC Louvain.  In his remarks, Mr. [António] Guterres said that by bestowing this honour, the universities are sending a message of support for the mission of the United Nations — a message of solidarity to all those working to make it real — and a message of inspiration for us to keep up the fight.

    He said the universities’ 600th anniversary coincides with a moment of reflection for the United Nations, which marks its own eightieth anniversary as an organization at the epicentre of multilateralism.  Standing here in Europe, the Secretary-General added, we know this same commitment to multilateralism is the beating heart of the European Union – a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to the world’s most vulnerable people, and proof that isolationism is an illusion, never a solution.

    Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Secretary-General renewed his appeal for the ceasefire to be restored, for unimpeded humanitarian assistance to be reestablished and for the remaining hostages to be released immediately and unconditionally.  His full remarks have been shared with you.

    This afternoon, the Secretary-General also had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Bart De Wever.  I believe the readout of this meeting had just been made available. The Secretary-General will be back in the office on Monday morning.

    **Security Council

    Sigrid Kaag, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process ad interim, briefed the Security Council this morning on Israel and Palestine, and she said that hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. She strongly condemned the reported ill-treatment of hostages, as well as the fact that there are reasonable grounds to believe that hostages may be subjected to sexual violence and abuse.

    Ms. Kaag unequivocally condemned the widespread killing and injury of civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza. Nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, she said.  She mourned the UN staff killed in Gaza and strongly condemned the killing of all humanitarian personnel and called for the full investigation of all such incidents.

    The Special Coordinator reiterated her call for a sustained ceasefire and urged the parties to redouble efforts to end human suffering. She rejected the forced displacement of the Palestinian population from any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which would constitute a grave violation of international human rights and humanitarian law.  Ms. Kaag added that the escalation of violence in the occupied West Bank is deeply troubling.  Alongside the rising death toll, Palestine refugee camps in the northern West Bank are being emptied and are sustaining massive infrastructure damage during Israeli operations.

    **Occupied Palestinian Territory

    Turning to Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that as hostilities continue across the Strip, the Israeli closure of all crossings for incoming cargo has entered its twentieth day — the longest shutdown since 7 October 2023.  As a reminder, the crossings were also completely closed for two weeks starting on that date.  This latest closure is having a devastating impact on people already facing catastrophic conditions.  Each passing day further erodes the progress made by the UN and our humanitarian partners during the first six weeks of the ceasefire.

    Beyond the depletion of stocks, OCHA warns that humanitarian operations are now being severely hampered by hostilities.  Civilians, including aid workers, and civilian assets have come under attack.  The UN is seeking concrete assurances for the safety of our staff and operations in Gaza, following the killing of six UN personnel and injury of several others this week, including in the attack on a clearly designated UN compound.  As Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, said Wednesday, we demand answers on their behalf and for those who continue the work.

    As attacks continue across multiple areas of the Gaza Strip, OCHA warns that the steady flow of trauma injuries is putting even more pressure on an already shattered healthcare system.  Our humanitarian partners estimate that more than 120,000 Palestinians have been displaced once again this week, driven by intensified attacks and new Israeli evacuation orders across the Gaza Strip.  That’s about 6 per cent of the surviving population.  A new evacuation order covering areas in northern Gaza was also issued today, following reports of rocket fire by Palestinian armed groups.

    And turning to the West Bank, OCHA has just released the findings of a rapid survey of movement obstacles across the occupied territory. It recorded nearly 850 checkpoints, gates and other physical obstacles — the highest number documented in any of the 16 surveys OCHA has conducted over the past two decades. In just the past three months, three dozen new movement obstacles have been established — most of them following the announcement of the Gaza ceasefire in mid-January.  Road gates account for a third of all obstacles — and most of them are frequently kept closed.

    Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), noted that today marks 60 days since Israeli began its military operations in Jenin Camp in the West Bank.  He said that such large-scale, militarized operations cannot become the new norm in the West Bank.  This trend of escalating violence — which started even before 7 October 2023 — must be reversed.  OCHA adds that it has received just over 4 per cent of the roughly $4 billion required to meet vast needs across the Occupied Palestinian Territory — in the West Bank and Gaza — this year.

    **Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Turning to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that clashes continue in parts of North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri.  In North Kivu Province, fighting continued yesterday in several areas of Walikale Territory, damaging a humanitarian partner’s logistics base and other civilian infrastructure.  We and humanitarian organizations in the area have relocated staff to Kisangani, in the neighbouring Province of Tshopo.

    In South Kivu, people from Burembo and Fizi-Centre have fled fighting among armed groups in several waves since 5 March.  And in Ituri, clashes in the town of Fataki yesterday continued to displace people.  Since 18 March, many humanitarian partners have suspended their activities there due to the ongoing insecurity.  OCHA reiterates that all parties to the conflict must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in military operations.

    **Sudan

    Turning to Sudan:  Today, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has condemned in the strongest terms the looting of vital humanitarian supplies from Al Bashair Hospital in Jabal Awlia in Khartoum.  These supplies are intended to support malnourished children and provide critical healthcare to mothers and newborns.

    The Al Bashir Hospital is one of the last functioning medical facilities in Jabal Awlia.  UNICEF had managed to deliver these critical supplies on 20 December 2024, marking the first successful humanitarian shipment to Jabal Awlia in over 18 months.  The looting of these supplies will compound an already dire humanitarian catastrophe for children and families in the area.  We reiterate our urgent call for an unimpeded humanitarian access to reach children and families in need and we call for the protection of hospitals and other civilian infrastructure in line with international humanitarian law.

    **South Sudan

    Our peacekeeping colleagues in South Sudan have an update on the intensive diplomacy that is under way in the country.  The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom, is working with international and regional partners, including Heads of States, the African Union and others, to try and de-escalate tensions and stop the aerial bombardment of civilian areas in Upper Nile State, which could spill over into wider conflict.

    Mr. Haysom is also engaging with influential national partners to promote a peaceful resolution.  He is urging the parties to adhere to the ceasefire and peace agreement, and to resolve tensions through dialogue rather than military confrontation. Mr. Haysom stresses that the already troubled region cannot afford another war.  And in fact, on Monday, our guest will be Nicholas Haysom.  He will join us virtually to brief on the situation in South Sudan.

    **Ukraine

    Today in Ukraine, authorities and our humanitarian partners confirmed that hostilities across multiple regions killed a dozen civilians and injured many others, with widespread damage to homes.  In Odesa, a large-scale drone attack injured children and damaged shops, warehouses and vehicles.  Most casualties were reported in the Donetsk region, while in the Kharkiv region, local authorities report intensified hostilities and disrupted electricity in Kupiansk town and neighbouring villages.

    Yesterday, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, condemned an attack in the central Ukrainian city of Kropyvnytskyi, in which children were among many civilians injured.  Apartment buildings were also damaged.  Mr. Schmale stressed that international humanitarian law is clear:  Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.

    Amid relentless hostilities, evacuations from high-risk areas continue, with scores of people leaving front-line areas each day.  Humanitarians are supporting the most vulnerable — especially families with children and people with limited mobility — through medical evacuations, psychosocial support and basic items.  Most evacuees have remained within their home regions, while some have been relocated to central and western Ukraine.

    OCHA reports that in the first two months of the year, seven humanitarian staff were injured in six separate incidents near the front line. Attacks also damaged humanitarian assets and facilities in the Kharkiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolai, and Sloviansk regions, further hampering the response.

    **Haiti

    Turning to Haiti, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that the recent United States funding freeze is having a devastating impact on the overall HIV response, including treatment and prevention.  The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) says that, as a result of the freeze, most pre-exposure prophylaxis services, also known as PrEP — which are key to reducing HIV infections — had to be suspended, affecting 80 per cent of interventions.

    The National HIV Programme estimates that at least 35,000 people living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral treatment are being affected by the freeze on USAID-funded health services.  The Programme also foresees an increase between 30 and 50 per cent in new HIV infections in the absence of prevention activities.  HIV/AIDS affects an estimated 140,000 people in Haiti.

    The health sector, as part of the broader humanitarian response, needs $43.5 million to address the urgent needs for healthcare services and support to vulnerable people in Haiti.  The Government, World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS are exploring alternatives to ensure that health services can continue.

    **International Days

    Today we have multiple International Days.  It’s the Day of Days, as we call it.  Starting off with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.  In a message, the Secretary-General says that the poison of racism continues to infect our world.  He urges everybody, including business leadership, civil society and ordinary people to take a stand against racism in all its forms.

    Today is also the International Day of Nowruz.  In his message, Mr. Guterres says that Nowruz celebrates new beginnings and the arrival of spring.

    Today is World Down Syndrome Day.  People with Down syndrome need support to live and be included in the community, like everyone else.

    Today is also World Poetry Day.  On this Day, we celebrate one of humanity’s most treasured forms of cultural and linguistic expression and identity.

    And moving on to environment-related days.  Today is the World Day for Glaciers, and coincidentally, this year was declared the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation.

    And if that’s not enough, today is also the International Day of Forests, and the theme this year is “Forests and Food”.

    And tomorrow is World Water Day and the theme this year is glacier preservation.  Our guests will be here to talk more about this, but I just want to mention that in his message, the Secretary-General said that glaciers may be shrinking, but we cannot shrink from our responsibilities.

    And Sunday is World Meteorological Day and the theme is “Closing the early warning gap together”.  So, those are all the days; anything before we go to our guest?  Yes, Edie.

    **Questions and Answers

    Question:  Thank you, Farhan.  Does the Secretary-General have any comment on the Israeli Defence Minister’s announcement ordering an increase in an intensified military operation in Gaza?

    Deputy Spokesman:  This is completely contrary to what the Secretary-General has been calling for days.  And even today, in Belgium, and in the previous days, he’s said repeatedly that what we need is to get back to a ceasefire.  In what I just read at the first part of this briefing, it’s clear that all of our efforts to help the people of Gaza are at a standstill as long as this goes on.  There are millions of people who need for this to end now.

    Question:  On Sudan, with the Government forces claiming they’re back in the Presidential Palace in Khartoum and other areas, is Mr. [Ramtane] Lamamra going to make any kind of a fresh effort to bring both sides together for peace talks?

    Deputy Spokesman:  Yeah.  On that, regarding Mr. Lamamra’s efforts, he continues to engage the parties with the aim of bringing them closer to a peaceful resolution.  He’s intensifying consultations with the parties and other key stakeholders on modalities to strengthen the protection of civilians and to deescalate the conflict.  A sustainable resolution to this devastating conflict can only be achieved through an inclusive political process.  And from the Secretary-General’s side, I can say that he, the Secretary-General, renews his appeal for the parties to immediately cease the fighting and take steps towards the lasting peace that the people in Sudan demand.  Benno?

    Question:  Thank you, Farhan.  There has been quite a number of stories of people that were either denied entrance to the United States recently or have been arrested and deported or tried to being deported.  I want to focus on these last cases.  In many cases, they were not based on actual crimes, but the authorities said the people were parts of protests that they deemed as antisemitic or dangerous for the United States’ security.  Do you have any comment on this ongoing situation in the United States?

    Deputy Spokesman:  I think it’s important that all of the basic rules in terms of dealing with entrants into the United States, including migrants, including refugees and others, follow the accepted norms of international law.  And part of what you’re saying is that there are many cases where people were moved without sufficient due process, and it’s important that everyone’s due process rights be respected.

    Question:  Do you see that there is an implication for free speech in the United States, especially when we see the Columbia [University] protest and other university protests last year?  Does the UN have an opinion or a standpoint if pro-Palestinian protests are also antisemitic protests at the same time?  This is how the US Government obviously portrays it right now.

    Deputy Spokesman:  Well, certainly for us, it’s important that freedom of speech and freedom of peaceful assembly be protected.  So, obviously, if there are expressions of racial hatred, of actual antisemitism, those are things that authorities need to respond to. But, that shouldn’t impede the rights of people to conduct peaceful protest.  Yes, Denis?

    Question:  So, there are reports that head of UNCTAD [United Nations Conference on Trade and Development), Rebeca Grynspan, will head to Moscow.  So, when will she go to Moscow, and what is her programme in here?

    Deputy Spokesman:  Yes, I can confirm that Rebeca Grynspan and her team will have their next consultation in Moscow on 24 March. That’s part of regular consultations to discuss the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the UN and the Russian Federation on food security.

    Question:  So, will she discuss alleviating sanctions from Russian fertilizers — so, easing the access of Russian fertilizers to world markets?

    Deputy Spokesman:  I think I’ll wait for the discussions to take place before we provide more details.  But, like I said, it’ll concern the various aspects of the memorandum of understanding.  Yes, please?

    Question:  Thank you.  Do you have any updates on the condition of the UN staff who were wounded in Gaza and their whereabouts?  Thank you.

    Deputy Spokesman:  They’re receiving hospital assistance.  As you know, there were five people who were injured. One of them was lightly injured; two of them, I believe, have ever remained in intensive care, and their condition is being monitored.  And we hope that they will all recover.

    Question:  Could you help with the nationality of the two who remain in intensive care, please?

    Deputy Spokesman:  I believe we’ll provide those details further down.  The hiring organization, the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), I believe is in touch with the respective Governments and family members at this stage.  Benny, I think you have a question online, and then we’ll go to Ephrem.  Are you there?  Are you there?

    Question:  Thank you, Farhan.  The ban on UNRWA, it’s been a few weeks now since it entered into effect.  How would you say it is being felt on the ground so far?

    Deputy Spokesman:  It’s affected the ability of UNRWA staff to move in and out in terms of getting visas for UNRWA personnel.  But, to the extent that UNRWA is capable of going about its work, including in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA continues to go about its work.  And Benny, are you online?

    Question:  I have a question, Farhan.  Can you hear me?

    Deputy Spokesman:  I can hear you.

    Question:  Should I go ahead?  Farhan, I want to ask you about the Turkish Palestinian Friendship Hospital in Gaza, which was built by Türkiye, and it was actually operated by local authorities as a cancer treatment centre.  You may have seen images online.  It was completely blown up by Israel.  And Israel argued that it was used being used by Hamas.  But, in fact, you may recall that after 7 October [2023], there are also many images that showed Israel deploying many military vehicles around the hospital.  So, I would just like to ask you, why is there no mention of this in your briefing today?  I mean, have we become so accustomed to Israel blowing up hospitals that we don’t need to bring it up?  And does the Secretary-General have a reaction to this hospital being blown up?  Thank you.

    Deputy Spokesman:  Yes.  On that, we certainly are against any of the attacks on medical infrastructure.  All attacks against medical infrastructure by any of the parties is a violation of international humanitarian law, and we stand opposed to this.  And we have reported, as you know, regularly on the fact that all of the hospitals in Gaza have sustained at least some damage over the course of this conflict, and that is an intolerable situation for the suffering population.  And with that, let me go to our guest.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Queens Man Charged With Perpetrating Visa Fraud Scheme By Pretending to Be a Federal Agent

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Drove a Red Hummer Bearing a Vanity License Plate with the Acronym “ICE”

    Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Tommy Aijie Da Silva Weng, also known as “Tommy Weng Da Silva” and “Jacky,” with wire fraud, mail fraud and impersonating a federal law enforcement officer in connection with a scheme to defraud an individual by claiming that he could assist her in obtaining a green card through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program (the EB-5 Program).  Weng was arrested this morning and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Lara K. Eshkenazi.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Leslie Backschies, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charges.

    “As alleged, Weng falsely represented himself as a member of federal law enforcement to gain the trust of an unsuspecting victim,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “The defendant preyed on the victim’s desire to become a United States citizen and pursue the American dream, then stole not only that dream, but also hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Today, real law enforcement agents put the handcuffs on this fraudster and he will now have to answer for his crimes.”

    “For nearly eight years, Tommy Weng allegedly curated a false persona of a federal law enforcement officer with flashy props and empty assurances of guaranteed lawful status to swindle a vulnerable victim of hundreds of thousands of dollars,” stated FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Backschies. “This alleged imposter twisted a respected profession into an elaborate scheme while violating the public’s trust in law enforcement. The FBI will continue to apprehend any individual who exploits an authoritative position to garner illicit profits.”

    According to court filings, the fraud scheme began in April 2016, shortly thereafter Weng falsely claimed to the victim (Jane Doe) that he was a federal law enforcement agent, explaining that he was able to use his law enforcement connections to assist her with obtaining a green card through the EB-5 Program on an expedited basis if she invested $500,000 with him.  Weng showed Jane Doe a law enforcement badge and gave her a business card from the “Federal Officers Police Association” bearing his name.  On another occasion, Weng told Jane Doe that he worked for the United States Department of Homeland Security and that he was transferring to a new law enforcement position with INTERPOL in Italy. Weng drove a red Hummer vehicle with the vanity license plate that included the acronym “ICE,” an apparent reference to the federal law enforcement agency Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    Based on Weng’s representations, Jane Doe provided Weng with $500,000 for a visa. Instead of investing the money that Jane Doe provided him, or submitting a visa application on her behalf, Weng pocketed the money and strung the victim along with a series of lies about why the process was delayed for approximately eight years.

    The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 43 years’ imprisonment.

    Anyone with information about crimes committed by Weng should contact the FBI at NY_WengTips@fbi.gov

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States  Attorneys Nadia E. Moore and Daniel J. Marcus.

    The Defendant:

    TOMMY AIJIE DA SILVA WENG
    Age:  49
    Queens, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-94 (NGG)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Volta Finance Limited – Net Asset Value(s) as at 28 February 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Volta Finance Limited (VTA / VTAS)
    February 2025 monthly report

    NOT FOR RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION, OR PUBLICATION, IN WHOLE OR PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES

    Guernsey, March 21st, 2025

    AXA IM has published the Volta Finance Limited (the “Company” or “Volta Finance” or “Volta”) monthly report for February 2025. The full report is attached to this release and will be available on Volta’s website shortly (www.voltafinance.com).

    Performance and Portfolio Activity

    Dear Investors,

    Volta Finance’s net performance for the month of February established at +1.6%, taking the Aug 2024-to-date performance at +13.1%. Both our investments in CLO Debt and CLO Equity performed positively over the course of the month, with European CLO Equities benefiting from a strong price appreciation despite market volatility.

    Volatility intensified in February as US policy and mixed economic data releases triggered a repricing of risk across the board. The pursuit of a tariff strategy from the US administration sent a cautionary message regarding the near-term inflation outlook, and raised concerns regarding the sustainability of US growth in the context of current expansion being supported by a steady consumer spending momentum. The interest rate on 10-year U.S. government bonds fluctuated, going up to 4.60% and then dropping back to 4.20%. Additionally, the number of people filing for unemployment benefits hit its highest level this year due to job cuts in companies and federal agencies. Following unsuccessful mediation talks between the US and Ukraine at the White House on February 28th – and the radical shift in US foreign policy strategy – the European Commission suggested allowing countries to spend more on defense without strict budget rules for four years. Germany also announced plans to change its Constitution to borrow €900 billion for defense and infrastructure projects. As a result, European government bond yields changed noticeably, while the Euro and European stock markets improved. The uncertainty in politics and the economy led to increased volatility in credit markets: the European High Yield index (Xover) took a “V” shape over the month and closed around 15bps wide of the tights. On the Loan side, Euro Loans closed c. 30cts up at 98.70px (Morningstar European Leveraged Loan Index) on the back of strong technicals, while US Loans were down 45cts at 97.15px. Primary CLO markets remained busy, although we noticed softer subscription levels. In terms of performance, CLO markets performed in line with broader Credits on a rating adjusted basis: BBs total returns stood at +0.9% while US High Yield returned +0.65% in the same period, Euro High Yield was up +1% and Global Loans gained +0.3%.
    Looking at Volta Finance’s cashflow, the portfolio generated c. €28m equivalent of interests and coupons over the last six months, representing c.20% of February’s NAV on an annualized basis.

    Over the month, Volta’s CLO Equity tranches returned a 2.4% performance** while CLO Debt tranches returned +1.7% performance**, cash representing c. 9.8% of the NAV.

    Volta is around 21% exposed to USD, the February currency moves had no meaningful impact on the overall performance (+0.02%) although we anticipate FX moves to have a greater impact next month.

    As of end of February 2025, Volta’s NAV was €283.5m, i.e. €7.75 per share.

    *It should be noted that approximately 4.49% of Volta’s GAV comprises investments for which the relevant NAVs as at the month-end date are normally available only after Volta’s NAV has already been published. Volta’s policy is to publish its NAV on as timely a basis as possible to provide shareholders with Volta’s appropriately up-to-date NAV information. Consequently, such investments are valued using the most recently available NAV for each fund or quoted price for such subordinated notes. The most recently available fund NAV or quoted price was 4.38% as at 31 January 2025, 0.11% as at 30 September 2024.

    ** “performances” of asset classes are calculated as the Dietz-performance of the assets in each bucket, taking into account the Mark-to-Market of the assets at period ends, payments received from the assets over the period, and ignoring changes in cross-currency rates. Nevertheless, some residual currency effects could impact the aggregate value of the portfolio when aggregating each bucket.

    CONTACTS

    For the Investment Manager
    AXA Investment Managers Paris
    François Touati
    francois.touati@axa-im.com
    +33 (0) 1 44 45 80 22

    Olivier Pons
    Olivier.pons@axa-im.com
    +33 (0) 1 44 45 87 30

    Company Secretary and Administrator
    BNP Paribas S.A, Guernsey Branch
    guernsey.bp2s.volta.cosec@bnpparibas.com 
    +44 (0) 1481 750 853

    Corporate Broker
    Cavendish Securities plc
    Andrew Worne
    Daniel Balabanoff
    +44 (0) 20 7397 8900

    *****
    ABOUT VOLTA FINANCE LIMITED

    Volta Finance Limited is incorporated in Guernsey under The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended) and listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market for listed securities. Volta’s home member state for the purposes of the EU Transparency Directive is the Netherlands. As such, Volta is subject to regulation and supervision by the AFM, being the regulator for financial markets in the Netherlands.

    Volta’s Investment objectives are to preserve its capital across the credit cycle and to provide a stable stream of income to its Shareholders through dividends that it expects to distribute on a quarterly basis. The Company currently seeks to achieve its investment objectives by pursuing exposure predominantly to CLO’s and similar asset classes. A more diversified investment strategy across structured finance assets may be pursued opportunistically. The Company has appointed AXA Investment Managers Paris an investment management company with a division specialised in structured credit, for the investment management of all its assets.

    *****

    ABOUT AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS
    AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) is a multi-expert asset management company within the AXA Group, a global leader in financial protection and wealth management. AXA IM is one of the largest European-based asset managers with 2,700 professionals and €844 billion in assets under management as of the end of December 2023.  

    *****

    This press release is published by AXA Investment Managers Paris (“AXA IM”), in its capacity as alternative investment fund manager (within the meaning of Directive 2011/61/EU, the “AIFM Directive”) of Volta Finance Limited (the “Volta Finance”) whose portfolio is managed by AXA IM.

    This press release is for information only and does not constitute an invitation or inducement to acquire shares in Volta Finance. Its circulation may be prohibited in certain jurisdictions and no recipient may circulate copies of this document in breach of such limitations or restrictions. This document is not an offer for sale of the securities referred to herein in the United States or to persons who are “U.S. persons” for purposes of Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or otherwise in circumstances where such offer would be restricted by applicable law. Such securities may not be sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration from the Securities Act. Volta Finance does not intend to register any portion of the offer of such securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of such securities in the United States.

    *****

    This communication is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). The securities referred to herein are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

    *****
    This press release contains statements that are, or may deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes”, “anticipated”, “expects”, “intends”, “is/are expected”, “may”, “will” or “should”. They include the statements regarding the level of the dividend, the current market context and its impact on the long-term return of Volta Finance’s investments. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Volta Finance’s actual results, portfolio composition and performance may differ materially from the impression created by the forward-looking statements. AXA IM does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements.

    Any target information is based on certain assumptions as to future events which may not prove to be realised. Due to the uncertainty surrounding these future events, the targets are not intended to be and should not be regarded as profits or earnings or any other type of forecasts. There can be no assurance that any of these targets will be achieved. In addition, no assurance can be given that the investment objective will be achieved.

    The figures provided that relate to past months or years and past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance or construed as a reliable indicator as to future performance. Throughout this review, the citation of specific trades or strategies is intended to illustrate some of the investment methodologies and philosophies of Volta Finance, as implemented by AXA IM. The historical success or AXA IM’s belief in the future success, of any of these trades or strategies is not indicative of, and has no bearing on, future results.

    The valuation of financial assets can vary significantly from the prices that the AXA IM could obtain if it sought to liquidate the positions on behalf of the Volta Finance due to market conditions and general economic environment. Such valuations do not constitute a fairness or similar opinion and should not be regarded as such.

    Editor: AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS PARIS, a company incorporated under the laws of France, having its registered office located at Tour Majunga, 6, Place de la Pyramide – 92800 Puteaux. AXA IMP is authorized by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers under registration number GP92008 as an alternative investment fund manager within the meaning of the AIFM Directive.

    *****

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First Minister address to the CBI

    Source: Scottish Government

    Economic growth essential for future prosperity.

    First Minister John Swinney has today set out his commitment to continue working with the business community to grow Scotland’s economy, during a speech to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

    Speaking at an event to mark the CBI’s 60th anniversary, Mr Swinney also called on their representatives to join the mission to deliver a Scottish Graduate Visa and retain top talent in Scotland.

    First Minister John Swinney said:

    “Scotland consistently ranks as the UK’s top investment destination outside of London and the South East of England. We have significant offshore renewables resources, and we’re ranked first amongst the UK’s nations and regions for green growth potential and opportunity.

    “There are many reasons to be optimistic about Scotland’s economic potential and Scotland’s economic performance, but there’s also a need to be realistic about the challenges and the issues that the business community and the Scottish economy faces at this time.

    “Since I came into office, I’ve set out a clear and focused agenda for the government around eradicating child poverty, about supporting the transition to Net Zero, about improving our public services, and particularly our National Health Service, which are fundamentally anchored on delivering higher levels of economic growth within Scotland, because we cannot hope to achieve our objectives on Net Zero, or on eradicating child poverty, or on improving our public services without generating the wealth that is going to be at the heart of future success for our country.”

    He added:

    “We have to act to take steps to boost the working age population in Scotland. The proposals I’ve put forward around a dedicated Scottish graduate visa where we enable international students who come to Scotland to be able to develop longer routes and stay for a longer period, will help to encourage the growth of our working age population and also to boost economic activity within Scotland.

    “And we pursue those proposals with the United Kingdom Government because for Scotland, measures of that type are critical, mission critical, for enabling us to fulfil our growth ambitions and your support in persuading the UK Government within that step would be enormously welcome.”

    Background

    First Minister’s address to the CBI

    Scottish Graduate Visa proposed – gov.scot

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: York schools accredited ‘ADHD friendly’ as part of citywide support for neurodiverse students

    Source: City of York

    8 York schools have been accredited as ‘ADHD friendly’ as part of a citywide commitment to support neurodiverse children and young people.

    Awarded by the ADHD Foundation*, the schools were accredited as ADHD friendly because they committed to making their schools safe, nurturing, welcoming and exciting places, in which all learners with ADHD can achieve their academic potential.

    Schools also had to work with the foundation to achieve six ADHD school friendly pledges, including training school staff, providing opportunities for learners to get access to physical activity, exercise and self-calming strategies throughout the school day and providing information and support to families.

    Funded by City of York Council, as part of its wider Neurodiversity support Programme, Copmanthorpe Primary, Dunnington Church of England Primary School, Lakeside Primary Academy, Haxby Road Enhanced Resource Provision, Millthorpe School, Tang Hall Primary, Wigginton Primary, and York High School have all achieved the ADHD Friendly School Award.

    Cllr Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:

    “Supporting neurodiverse students, their families, and teaching staff, is a key part of our strategy to ensure York is a great place to live and learn for all young people.

    “We want to see inclusion at the heart of Education in York and I’m really pleased that schools have committed their time and energy to promote inclusion and the needs of all learners.

    “I’m delighted that eight schools in York have now received official ADHD accreditation and hope that they will share their expertise and knowledge with others across the city.”

    Luke Dancer, headteacher at Copmanthorpe Primary School, said:

    “We are incredibly proud to be recognised as an ADHD Friendly School.

    “At Copmanthorpe Primary, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where all children can thrive. This accreditation is a testament to the ongoing dedication and hard work of the staff in creating a school where learners with ADHD feel valued, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential. Since joining the school in January, it has been clear to me that the whole team is deeply committed to ensuring that every child receives the support they need to succeed. Working alongside the ADHD Foundation and City of York Council has helped us implement meaningful strategies that benefit all of our pupils.”

    Colin Foley from the ADHD Foundation said:

    “It has been a pleasure to work with a range of schools across the City of York.

    “In each school, there is a commitment to understanding and nurturing children and young people with ADHD. Thank you to all of the professionals involved, these awards are very well deserved.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Green Party Leader welcomes ban of executive parties from Belfast Pride

    Source: The Green Party in Northern Ireland

    Green Party Leader welcomes ban of executive parties from Belfast Pride
    Mal O’Hara, Green Party Leader said “This is a welcome decision by Belfast Pride. LGBTQ+ people have been betrayed and gaslit by the executive parties for too long. An lgbtq+ strategy has been promised since 2007 but never delivered. The most recent Programme for Government fails to mention lgbtq+ inequality beyond a vague commitment to bringing forward ‘social strategies’. Funding for our life saving lgbtq+ organisations has been piecemeal and ad hoc rather than strategic and focused. Almost all progress on lgbtq+ equality has come from Westminster or the Courts. The final straw was the announcement of the puberty blocker ban via tweet, which removes healthcare from trans and non-binary young people meanwhile the Executive have done precious little on the crises of trans healthcare.” 
    Mal continued “Pride started as a riot. It is our biggest public event to demonstrate for liberation, equality and celebration.  If the Executive Parties make progress on trans healthcare, fund our sector organisations, stands up to backlash and bring forward a strategy, then I will be the first to advocate welcoming these parties back.” 
    Mal finished by saying “Pride is not a photo opportunity for political parties who have had power for 27 years and not used that power to make the lives of lgbtq+ people better.”
    ENDS 
    Press enquiries – Mal O’Hara on 07540790663 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Family Hub opening in North Prospect

    Source: City of Plymouth

    The new North Prospect Family Hub is opening this month, with families invited to come along to the official launch event.  

    Located on North Prospect Road, the new Family Hub is celebrating with an afternoon of free games, activities and entertainment for children and young people on Thursday 27 March between 1pm and 4pm.  

    The new hub is run by LARK, which also manages Morice Town Family Hub, and is the eleventh and final hub to open in Plymouth. 

    In 2023, Plymouth City Council was awarded a share of £300 million from the Government to help develop the Family Hubs and establish Start for Life, a programme providing support to parents for the first 1001 days of their child’s life, starting from pregnancy. 

    Family Hubs have developed the support previously offered by children’s centres and help families from conception until children are 19 years old, or up to 25-years-old for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).  

    The aim is to provide a safe, welcoming and friendly environment to families and there’s a range of support on offer including antenatal classes, activity sessions, parenting programmes, breastfeeding support and practical help from a wide range of professionals.  

    Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “Our Family Hubs are so important, providing a supportive environment and professional advice to families with children of all ages within their communities.  

    “I’m delighted about the launch of the new North Prospect Family Hub, which is the final hub to open in the city. We now have eleven hubs across Plymouth and I would encourage all parents and carers to find their local hub and reach out to see what support is available – our Hubs are here to make sure you get the help you need in the right place, at the right time.”   

    Kirsty Mole, Family Hub Lead at LARK, said: “We are so excited after a busy few months with our move from The Beacon, to be opening on North Prospect Road in the heart of our community. 

    “We’d like to thank everyone who has helped us with this move, from volunteers to local councillors, and a huge thank you to our local families for their patience whilst we have been moving. 

    “We welcome children, young people and families into our Hub and have a range of support available as well as providing links with other agencies for help and advice. Our team have lots of knowledge and are experienced in working in our area for many years. We are really proud of our new Hub and hope that you will come along and celebrate with us.” 

    The other Family Hubs in Plymouth are:  

    • Nomony Family Hub, Cattedown  
    • The Barn Family Hub, Barne Barton  
    • Rees Family Hub, Plympton  
    • Four Woods Family Hub, Crownhill Road  
    • Green Ark Family Hub, Devonport   
    • Manor Street Family Hub, Stonehouse 
    • Southway Family Hub  
    • Whitleigh Family Hub at Four Greens Community Trust 
    • Efford Family Hub at High View Primary School 
    • Morice Town Family Hub  
    • Southway Family Hub  

    For more information, please visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/family-hubs or follow Plymouth Family Hubs on Facebook.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Temporary road closures for Wolverhampton 10k

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Please be aware of the following temporary road closures and restrictions on the day of the event Sunday March 23 between 8.30am and 11am:

    Jack Hayward Way closed its entire length in both directions.
    Waterloo Road closed its entire length in both directions.
    Staveley Road closed at its junction with Waterloo Road.
    Stafford Street closed northbound between its junctions with Cannock Road and Waterloo Road/Stafford Road.
    Dunstall Road closed between its junctions with Dunstall Hill and Waterloo Road/Stafford Road.
    Stafford Road closed northbound between its junctions with Stafford Street and Oxley Moor Road.
    South Street closed between its junction with Leverton Rise and Stafford Road.
    Gorsebrook Road closed between its junction with Stafford Road to Opposite 125a.
    Oxley Moor Road closed its entire length in both directions.
    Probert Road closed between its junction for Oxley Day Centre and its junction with Oxley Moor Road.
    Green Lane closed between its junctions with Blakely Rise and Aldersley Road.
    Aldersley Road closed in both directions between its junctions with Green Lane/Oxley Moor Road to side of property 124.
    Hordern Road closed its entire length in both directions.
    Craddock Street closed in both directions between its junctions with Gatis Street and Hordern Road/Hunter Street.
    Hunter Street closed its entire length in both directions.
    Clifford Street closed at its junction with Newhampton Road West.
    Newhampton Road West closed in both directions between its junctions with Denmark Close and Newhampton Road East.
    Kingsland Road closed its entire length in both directions.
    Newhampton Road East closed its entire length in both directions.
    Devon Road closed its entire length in both directions.
    Park Road East / Park Road West closed (anti-clockwise) in both directions between its junction with Dixon Road and Lansdowne Road. (Access/Egress to West Park Hospital to be managed/maintained between Connaught Road and Hospital Entrance via Stop/Go system and operatives on site. Access/Egress between Southgate and Park Avenue to be managed/maintained via Stop/Go system and operatives on site.)
    Lansdowne Road closed its entire length in both directions.

    There will be a vehicular diversion route westbound via Tettenhall Road, Lower Street, Codsall Road, Birches Road, Duck Lane, Pendeford Mill Lane and Wobaston Road.

    A vehicular diversion route for eastbound traffic is via Cannock Road, M54 and Stafford Road.

    Emergency service access will be maintained.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –