Carers in full and part-time education could be entitled to over £4,900 a year in financial support from Social Security Scotland.
It is estimated that there are over 30,000 students at college or university in Scotland providing unpaid care for a family member, friend or neighbour. Research from Carers Trust Scotland shows student carers are four times more likely to drop out of their studies with a key reason being financial struggles.
Together, Carer Support Payment and Carer’s Allowance Supplement could provide over £4,900 a year to unpaid carers.
Carer Support Payment replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland, which was delivered by the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Unlike its predecessor, Carer Support Payment is available to many student carers in full-time education.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement, only available in Scotland, is paid twice a year to people receiving Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance.
Students aged 16, 17 or 18 may be able to get Young Carer Grant if they aren’t eligible for Carer Support Payment.
Speaking to student carers and staff at Edinburgh College today (Wednesday 19 March), Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said:
“We worked with carers and support organisations in designing Carer Support Payment to ensure it worked better for the people who receive it. Extending Carer Support Payment to more carers in education is an example of doing just that.
“I recognise the challenges many students face juggling their studies with caring responsibilities and hope the increased support available provides additional financial security and helps them to complete their course.”
Anna Vogt, Assistant Principal Student Experience at Edinburgh College said:
“We are committed to supporting our student carers to be able to come to Edinburgh College and achieve their educational ambitions. We do this by individualising support for carers, engaging with carer organisations in our region and by designing systems that acknowledge our students have responsibilities and communities outside of college.
“Colleges change lives and we are pleased that this new benefit will support more carers to think about becoming a student at any institution across Scotland.”
Josh, a student at Edinburgh College, added: “The support from Edinburgh College has made a real difference to me and is very different from the support I received at school. It has been particularly helpful to be linked up with my local carer’s association – I didn’t know about them. Now I know about this new benefit, I’m going to explore a bit more about it.”
Background
The £4,900 a year calculation is based on a carer receiving a full year entitlement for Carer Support Payment (52 weeks) and Carer’s Allowance Supplement (a payment in June and then in December) at the 2025-26 rates coming into effect from 1 April 2025.
Carer Support Payment is a payment of £81.90 a week (increasing to £83.30 from 1 April 2025) and is available to carers who are aged 16 or over and who provide unpaid care for 35 hours or more a week to someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit. Carers need to earn £151 a week (increasing to £196 a week from 1 April 2025) or less after tax, National Insurance and certain expenses. Carers in education who may be eligible include:
Part time students – those who spend less than 21 hours a week in class or doing coursework for any course
Students aged 20 and over and who study full time for any course
Students aged 16-19, who study full time in advanced education at university or for a college course such as a Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma
There are also some circumstances where students aged 16-19 studying over 21 hours a week in non-advanced education, such as studying for National Certificates and Scottish Highers, may also be eligible if they meet certain criteria. Find out more at If you study – mygov.scot
Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for eligible unpaid carers who are getting Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on two qualifying dates. The payment is made twice a year and is unique to Scotland. Each payment of Carer’s Allowance Supplement is £288.60 (increasing to £293.50 from 1 April 2025). It is paid automatically without the need to apply.
Young Carer Grant is available for carers aged 16, 17 or 18 who provide support for an average of 16 hours a week to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit. It is a yearly payment of £383.75 (increasing to £390.25 from 1 April 2025) and the money can be spent on whatever the young person wants.
Information on other support for carers, such as financial support, wellbeing support and short breaks from caring, can be found at Help if you’re a carer – mygov.scot
Tickets for Coventry’s Godiva Festival are to go on sale on Monday 31 March – and prices have been frozen at the same level as last year.
The announcement means music lovers and families can enjoy an amazing three days of music and fun at affordable prices and ensures the Festival remains one of the best value-for-money events across the region.
The 26th Festival will be held at the War Memorial Park over three days in the summer from Friday 4 – Sunday 6 July 2025.
Details of the eagerly awaited line-up will be announced soon, along with everything festival-goers need to plan a fantastic weekend in the city.
As usual, there will be a diverse line-up of musical acts and attractions, with food stalls, exhibitions, and family-friendly activities, making it the perfect summer outing for the whole family.
Coventry City Council, organisers of the annual event, have always kept ticket prices as low as possible to ensure Godiva remains a fun family event that is open and accessible to everyone.
Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council and Cabinet Member for Events, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to hold ticket prices at the same level as in 2024 and keep our Godiva Festival an event that everyone can enjoy.
“Every year we see thousands of people from the city and beyond enjoy an amazing three days of top music acts, local talent and family fun, and I’m already looking forward to this year and another incredible line-up.
“Also this year we have extra security measures and new entry conditions designed to help people feel at ease and able to enjoy everything that is on offer.
“The prices really do offer great value for money and I would advise everyone to book quickly and make sure they don’t miss out.”
Early Bird prices mean tickets to this year’s festival can be bought for as little as £26 for a Standard Weekend Ticket and £79 for a Family Weekend Ticket which covers two adults and two children/teens.
News of the ticket price freeze comes with the announcement of increased security measures and a change of entry conditions.
This year, the minimum age for teenagers attending without an accompanying adult will rise from 16 to 18 years, and there must also be one responsible adult aged 21 or over for every two accompanied minors instead of the previous number of four.
A new ‘Teen Ticket’ category has been introduced for those aged from 13-17 at a lower rate than an adult 18+ ticket, and a child’s ticket for those aged five to 12 years, which is at a lower cost than last year.
Family ticket prices will allow for any combination of teens and children at no extra cost and a new single parent family ticket is being introduced. In all cases, under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 21 or above.
There will also be increased security around the perimeter of the Festival site, and those seen not wearing a wristband will be asked to leave.
Last year’s super concession rate ticket for validated Go CV+ members to purchase will also remain this year. The Go CV+ Super Concession Weekend Ticket will be available for just £15.50 in the Early Bird category before gradually increasing once Early Bird tickets have sold out. Go CV+ Super Concession Day Tickets cost £6.50 for a Friday ticket, £7 for Saturday and just £4 to attend on Sunday when bought at Early Bird prices. Go CV+ members can buy a maximum of four tickets per person at super concession prices.
Those eligible for Go CV+ must live in Coventry and either be in receipt of a qualifying benefit, a carer registered with Carers Trust Heart of England, a Coventry City Council foster carer, a student with an NUS card, a young person aged 16 – 19 years old in fulltime education or a resident with asylum seeker status.
Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, said: “The introduction of the Go CV+ offer last year really helped many residents and families who might otherwise struggle with finances to attend and enjoy the amazing atmosphere of Godiva.
“In line with our city’s beliefs of equality and giving a little extra help to those who need it, we are again offering some support to ensure people such as carers, students, those on benefit and those newly arrived in our city can enjoy the weekend at a price they can afford.
“Please make sure your Go CV+ accounts are validated and you’re ready to take advantage of this great offer when tickets go on sale.”
To find out more about Go CV+ and to register, visit the Go CV website. Go CV+ accounts must be validated in order to access these ticket prices.
Management Board of Coop Pank has compiled 2024 audited Annual Report. There are no differences in the audited accounts as regards the financial results, compared to the unaudited financial results published on 13 February 2025.
The consolidated annual report 2024 of Coop Pank AS has been enclosed to the announcement and will be made available on the bank’s homepage https://www.cooppank.ee/en/financial-reports
Annual report will be presented for approval to general meeting of shareholders.
Coop Pank’s business results for 2024 were positively impacted by solid business volume growth – both the number of customers and the loan portfolio showed strong growth. The overall economic and interest rate environment had a negative impact on business results.
By the end of 2024, the number of Coop Pank customers reached 208,000, of which 99,400 were active customers. Over the year, the number of Coop Pank customers increased by 26,000 (+14%) and the number of active customers increased by 17,400 (+21%).
By the end of 2024, deposits of Coop Pank reached 1.89 billion euros, increased by 164 million euros (+10%) over the year. The market share of the bank’s deposits increased from 6.0% to 6.1% over the year.
By the end of 2024, loan portfolio of Coop Pank reached 1.77 billion euros, increased by 283 million euros (+19%) over the year. The market share of the bank’s loans increased from 6.0% to 6.3% over the year.
Net profit of Coop Pank in 2024 was 32.2 million euros, decreased by 18% over the year.
Over the year the bank’s cost / income ratio increased from 41% to 50% and the return on equity decreased from the level from 23.5% to 16.2%.
Coop Pank, based on Estonian capital, is one of the five universal banks operating in Estonia. The number of clients using Coop Pank for their daily banking reached 211,000. Coop Pank aims to put the synergy generated by the interaction of retail business and banking to good use and to bring everyday banking services closer to people’s homes. The strategic shareholder of the bank is the domestic retail chain Coop Eesti, comprising of 320 stores.
The Management Board of Coop Pank AS (registry code 10237832, address Maakri 30, Tallinn, Estonia, 15014; hereinafter the Company) calls the annual General Meeting of Company’s shareholders on 16 April 2025 at 1:00 pm (Estonian time) held at Mövenpick Hotel Tallinn (previous L’Embitu hotel) conference room “Leiger” (Lembitu str 12, Tallinn, Estonia).
According to the resolution of Company’s Supervisory Board, dated 19 March 2025, the agenda of Company’s annual General Meeting of shareholders with the proposals of Company’s Management Board and Supervisory Board to be adopted are as follows (whereas the Supervisory Board has proposed to vote for the submitted draft decisions of each item that requires voting in the agenda):
Approval of the consolidated Annual Report 2024 of Coop Pank AS
To approve the Annual Report 2024 of Coop Pank AS, as submitted to the General Meeting.
Profit allocation of Coop Pank AS for the financial year 2024
To approve the proposal of the Management Board for allocating the net profit of Coop Pank AS in the amount of 32 178 thousand euros as follows:
To transfer 1 609 thousand euros to the legal reserve.
To pay dividends in the net amount of 7,00 eurocents per share. The list of shareholders entitled to receive dividends will be established as at 02.05.2025 COB. Consequently, the day of change of the rights related to the shares (ex-dividend date) is set to 30.04.2025. For shares acquired from this day onwards, the shareholder is not entitled to receive a dividend for the Company’s 2024 financial year. Dividends shall be disbursed to the shareholders on 06.05.2025.
To transfer the remaining part of the profit to retained earnings.
Overview of the Chairman of the Management Board of the business environment and of the financial results for the first two months of 2025
Chairman of the Management Board’s overview to the shareholders of the business environment and Company’s financial results for the first two months of 2025.
Approval of Company’s share option program
To approve the share option program of the Company for the period of 2025 – 2026 as submitted to the General Meeting.
5.Exclusion of pre-emptive subscription rights The pre-emptive right to subscribe for new shares, issued under Article 3.3.5 of the Articles of Association, belongs to Company employees covered by the share option program, approved by the resolution of the 13 April 2022 general meeting of the Company, and with whom the Company has entered into relevant option agreements (Option Holders). To exclude the pre-emptive subscription rights of the existing shareholders for the shares issued to Option Holders in accordance with section 3.3.5 of the Articles of Association for the purpose of executing the share option program of Coop Pank AS.
The circle of shareholders entitled to participate in the General Meeting is determined as of 7 days prior to the General Meeting, i.e. at the end of the working day of the Nasdaq CSD Estonian settlement system on 09 April 2025. Registration of participants will start an hour before the beginning of the meeting, i.e. at 12:00. We ask the shareholders and their representatives to arrive in good time, taking into account the time required to register the participants.
For participating in the General Meeting:
Individual shareholders should submit an identity document, their representatives should also hold a valid written authorisation;
legal representatives of corporate shareholders should submit their identity document; the authorised representative should also hold a valid written authorisation document. In case the corporate shareholder is not registered in the Estonian Commercial Register, we ask to provide a valid extract from the relevant register where the legal person is registered and from which the representative’s right to represent the shareholder arises. The extract must be in English or translated into Estonian or English by a sworn translator or an official equivalent to sworn translator. The documents of a foreign shareholder must be legalised or authenticated by apostille, unless otherwise provided by an international agreement.
The shareholder may notify the Company of the appointment of a representative and the revocation of the proxy by sending the documents to Company’s e-mail address info@cooppank.ee or take the above documents to the Company’s office at Maakri 30, Tallinn, weekdays between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm no later than 14 April 2025 at 5:00 pm (Estonian time). The authorisation document templates are available on the Company´s website at https://www.cooppank.ee/en/general-meetings. If so desired, CEO of the Company Margus Rink may be appointed as a representative to vote at the General Meeting.
Documents, concerning the General Meeting, draft decisions of the General Meeting and other documents submitted to the General Meeting pursuant to law (incl. the notice of calling the General Meeting, draft decisions, Annual Report 2024 of the Company, report of the supervisory board and Remuneration Report 2024), as well as other information subject to disclosure, are available for examination on the Company´s website https://www.cooppank.ee/en/general-meetings as well as on prior notice beginning from the notification of the General Meeting until the day of the General Meeting at Company’s headquarters in Tallinn, Maakri 30 on working days from 9:00 am till 5:00 pm. Please contact us in advance at info@cooppank.ee to request access to the documents.
Shareholders, whose shares represent at least 1/20 of the share capital of the Company, may demand the inclusion of additional items on the agenda of the annual General Meeting, if the corresponding request is filed in writing at least 15 days prior to the General Meeting, i.e. at the latest by 11:59 pm on 01 April 2025, at the e-mail address info@cooppank.ee or to the Company’s location at Maakri 30,Tallinn. A draft decision or rationale must be submitted at the same time as the proposal to supplement the agenda.
Shareholders, whose shares represent at least 1/20 of the share capital of the Company, may submit to the Company in writing a draft resolution on each agenda item, by posting the draft to the e-mail address info@cooppank.ee or to the Company’s location at Maakri 30, Tallinn. The draft must be submitted in electronic form or by post so that it would be delivered to and received by the Company no later than 3 days before the General Meeting, i.e. by 11:59 pm on 13 April 2025 at the latest.
At the General Meeting, shareholders are entitled to receive information on the activities of the Company from the management board. Management board may refuse to provide information if there are reasonable grounds for assuming that it may cause significant damage to the interests of the Company. In case the board refuses to provide information, the shareholder may require the General Meeting to decide on the lawfulness of the request or to submit within two weeks an application to the court in petition proceedings, to oblige the management board to disclose information.
Questions on other organisational issues of the General Meeting are expected on the phone +372 669 0900 on working days or at e-mail address info@cooppank.ee.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Chancellor’s National Wealth Fund to deliver growth and boost security
Chancellor sets new strategy for National Wealth Fund to reflect our Plan for Change, unlocking billions of pounds of private investment into the UK.
New strategic steer will see National Wealth Fund take on higher risk projects as government goes further and faster to kickstart economic growth, make Britain a clean energy superpower and boost security.
Government also launches recruitment for a new National Wealth Fund CEO to build on the £1.8 billion unlocked in private investment since July.
The National Wealth Fund will unlock over £70 billion in private investment to help deliver economic growth, make Britain a clean energy superpower, and strengthen the defence sector, the Chancellor has confirmed today [19 March].
The new strategic direction sets clean energy, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and transport as new priority sectors for the National Wealth Fund. Money will be invested across the United Kingdom in projects like carbon capture, green hydrogen, gigafactories, green steel, and ports.
Crucially, the Chancellor’s steer will help direct investment to the industries our defence sector relies on – advanced manufacturing and digital and dual-use technologies – working with industry to keep Britain safe and building on the Government’s commitment to increase spending on defence and national security to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027.
The National Wealth Fund’s economic capital limit will also be increased from £4.5 billion to £7 billion, allowing it take on greater risk. This means it has more flexibility over its investments and can support more projects that struggle to access private finance.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, said:
My number one mission is kickstarting economic growth through our Plan for Change to make Great Britain a stronger, more resilient country and put more money into the pockets of working people.
I am determined to go further and faster to get our economy growing. By directing tens of billions of pounds into the UK’s industrial strengths, we’ll deliver the high-skilled, high-paid jobs of the future in every corner of the country.
Since July last year, the National Wealth Fund has unlocked 9,900 jobs and nearly £1.8 billion of private investment in growth-driving industries like green energy and technology.
Investment has already started flowing into priority sectors including £55 million for Connected Kerb to increase coverage of EV charging networks and a £28.6 million investment into Cornish Metals.
The Chancellor’s strategic steer comes as a new £9.6 million National Wealth Fund investment was announced today for Solihull Council to improve the area’s heating infrastructure and reduce bills, providing low carbon heating, hot water and power to town centre buildings.
To lead this new chapter for the UK’s flagship public investor, the Government has also launched a recruitment campaign for the National Wealth Fund’s next CEO.
John Flint will step down from the role of CEO in the summer after successfully seeing through the National Wealth Fund’s transition from the UK Infrastructure Bank.
The Chancellor will also establish a new UK Strategic Public Investment Forum joining up the UK’s leading policymakers and public financial institutions including the CEOs of the National Wealth Fund, British Business Bank, UK Export Finance, Homes England, Innovate UK, and Great British Energy and The Crown Estate.
The forum – the first of its kind – will cooperate on delivering investments to the priority areas set out by the Chancellor and will be tasked with ensuring the Government is getting maximum impact for its investments.
Stemming from this, the National Wealth Fund will work closely with Great British Energy to support its quick establishment as a publicly owned clean energy company that will boost Britain’s energy security making it a clean energy superpower, lower bills, create jobs, and grow the economy.
Investing in homegrown clean energy industries is an essential part of the government’s drive to replace the UK’s dependency on fossil fuel markets controlled by petrostates and dictators with clean, homegrown power.
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, said:
Clean power is the economic opportunity of the 21st century – and through the National Wealth Fund we will seize this opportunity to invest in British industries and workers.
We are delivering our clean energy superpower mission to make our country energy secure and deliver the good jobs that the British people deserve.
More details on Great British Energy’s developer mandate have also been released today.
The partnership between Great British Energy and the National Wealth Fund will see the former bringing project development expertise as well as investment, and the latter providing finance, a model already being deployed in Japan and Denmark.
Harnessing private investment via the National Wealth Fund is part of the Government’s wider efforts to kickstart economic growth and deliver a new era of security and renewal through our Plan for Change.
Cutting red tape so major infrastructure projects can progress, removing unnecessary hurdles in the planning system so more homes can be built, and progressing new economic partnerships with international partners like Japan and India is part of the work being undertaken to grow the economy and put more money in people’s pockets.
Flamingo Land’s plans would be a scar on Loch Lomond.
More in Nature
Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer has urged the Scottish Government’s business agency, Scottish Enterprise, to withdraw its support for Flamingo Land’s controversial proposals for a mega-resort on the banks of Loch Lomond.
The call comes after revelations that, despite continuing to publicly back the plans, agency bosses privately acknowledged the proposal has “no clear alignment with Scottish Enterprise’s mission focus.”
The admission was found in minutes of a Scottish Enterprise Enterprise Executive Leadership Team meeting, obtained via a Freedom of Information request by Nick Kempe of Park Watch Scotland. [1]
Flamingo Land’s application for a sprawling tourist resort on the southern shore of Loch Lomond at Balloch was unanimously rejected by the board of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park in September.
This came after an almost decade-long campaign led by Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer collected a record 155,000 individual objections. Opposition to the plans also came from the Woodland Trust, Ramblers Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland and environmental watchdog SEPA.
After the plans were rejected, Scottish Enterprise, which owns most of the land, extended their exclusive agreement with Flamingo Land. This was done in order to support the developer lodging an appeal against the Park’s decision. That appeal is now sitting with the Scottish Government awaiting a decision.
Mr Greer said:
“Flamingo Land’s proposed mega-resort is the most unpopular planning application in Scottish history. For almost a decade they have ignored Balloch residents and tried to force these daft plans on Loch Lomond – but we have beaten them at every stage.
“Scottish Enterprise knows how ridiculous, damaging and widely opposed the proposals are. Their own leadership team have admitted that it doesn’t match their mission, but they’ve decided to continue backing it out of a misguided sense of obligation.
“By extending Flamingo Land’s exclusive contract for the site, they are stopping others from putting forward different proposals which would actually benefit the community and protect the world famous local environment.
“The community is absolutely exhausted by all of this. Balloch residents will continue to defend Loch Lomond but they shouldn’t have to. It’s time for Scottish Enterprise to finally pull the plug on Flamingo Land and end this whole sorry saga.”
Participants at the working group meeting on intelligence-led policing, Chisinau, Moldova, 18 March 2025. (General Police Inspectorate) Photo details
The OSCE supported a working group meeting on intelligence-led policing (ILP) for representatives of the Moldovan General Police Inspectorate (GPI) in Chisinau, Moldova, on 18 March. Participants discussed recent developments and the next steps in implementing ILP across the police force to enhance intelligence-driven decision-making and operational effectiveness in combating crime in Moldova.
Participants outlined the development of specialized training materials and planned upcoming ILP training courses tailored to the needs of the GPI. Discussions focused on strengthening data-driven policing strategies, improving analytical capabilities and fostering interagency co-operation.
The OSCE also donated three analysis software licenses to the GPI to boost the agency’s ability to analyse and visualize complex data and improve decision-making processes for effective crime prevention and response.
The OSCE is committed to working closely with our Moldovan counterparts to establish a culture of analysis that embraces the use of analytical findings in decision-making and prioritisation, said Sascha Strupp, OSCE Senior Programme and Analysis Officer and Project Manager. This complements the support given to the national law enforcement authorities in the implementation of the ILP model through equipment and training provision.
This initiative is part of broader OSCE efforts to support Moldova in adopting modern policing practices aligned with international standards. By integrating ILP principles, law enforcement agencies can enhance their ability to identify, assess and mitigate security threats as well as criminal activities more effectively.
This meeting and the donation were funded by the UK Government and are part of the extrabudgetary project “Support to the Law Enforcement Agencies in Moldova in Response to the Security Challenges in the Region”, funded by France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, aimed to bolster Moldova’s law enforcement capabilities in countering transnational threats.
The city council has become only the second local authority in England to be officially recognised as an Endometriosis Friendly Employer.
The city council has signed up to the national scheme – run by leading charity Endometriosis UK – to pledge its support to colleagues impacted by the chronic condition.
The move highlights the council’s commitment to creating a more inclusive, supportive workplace.
Endometriosis affects around 1.5 million people across the UK. The condition occurs when cells similar to the lining of the womb grow elsewhere in the body.
These cells can grow and change in response to hormones in the menstrual cycle and can cause inflammation, pain and scar tissue.
Symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, painful bowel movements and pain when urinating. It can take on average nearly nine years to get a diagnosis, showing the lack of understanding of the condition.
As part of the scheme, the council will appoint Endometriosis Champions. These staff – who will be trained by Endometriosis UK – will provide guidance, raise awareness, and offer practical support to colleagues living with the condition.
Councillor Lynn Watkins, cabinet member of health and wellbeing, said: “I am proud that the city council has become only the second local authority in England to be an Endometriosis Friendly Employer. Joining this scheme is a significant step towards creating a more understanding and supportive workplace to support our employees who live with endometriosis.
“This condition can take a physical and mental toll on those diagnosed, but we are committed to making our staff feel supported as they navigate balancing the condition with their work.
“We look forward to working with Endometriosis UK and hope that it inspires others in the city and others in local government to take this step and join the scheme as well.”
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK said: “I’m delighted to welcome the Stoke-on-Trent City Council to the diverse range of organisations tackling taboos around menstrual health and endometriosis through the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme.
“By showing its team that they are valued and can expect support and reasonable adjustments to help those with endometriosis and menstrual conditions succeed at work, they will be increasing engagement across the whole of their workforce, ultimately making the organisation more successful.”
As well as providing support services, reliable information and a sense of community, Endometriosis UK works to ensure that everyone with the condition gets a prompt diagnosis and the best treatment and support, whilst raising awareness to the wider public.
An average 1,150 motorists a day are parking at on-street parking bays in Harpenden following the introduction of charges.
The data suggests a high turnover of spaces with each of the 243 bays being used almost five times a day.
The charges were introduced a month ago with one of the aims being to encourage broader use of these slots.
An update on charges was given to a meeting of St Albans City and District Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee on Monday 17 March.
Councillor Paul de Kort, Leader and Committee Chair, revealed that during the first four weeks there were 27,887 parking sessions booked in Harpenden.
Of these, 19,606 were for the free parking sessions of up to 30 minutes and 8,281 involved payment.
The PayByPhone app was the most popular booking method with 78% of the sessions authorised that way and the other 22% made using the payment machines.
In St Albans, charges were introduced at a further 70 bays and these have clocked up 2,043 sessions in the first four weeks.
Cllr de Kort, speaking after the meeting, said:
We have been closely monitoring the data given the considerable public attention the parking bay changes received.
This shows that the new regime is settling in with more than 1,000 motorists a day booking sessions in these on-street bays in Harpenden, the majority for the free half-hour.
The turnover of spaces is now high, meaning that people are not having to circle around the centre of town looking for an available bay should they prefer to visit without using the local car parks.
Access Permit
Cllr de Kort also revealed the latest data for another Council initiative – a car parking Access Permit for older residents.
The permit was introduced last month for residents aged over 70, providing parking for up to three hours a day for £190 a year at all Council car parks.
A total of 294 Access Permits have been issued so far and Cllr de Kort added:
I am very pleased with the take up to date and encourage people to pass on to other eligible residence its existence.
TEMPORARY parking restrictions will be in place on some residential streets in Leicester next week as part of a rolling programme of street cleaning and gully clearance.
The city council will be targeting 30 roads in parts of Belgrave, Rushey Mead, Spinney Hills and Westcotes, where heavy parking makes routine gully – or street drain – clearance difficult.
Each of the roads will have all parking suspended for up to two days while works are carried out.
Work will begin on Monday 24 March on Arbour Road, Kings Newton Street and parts of Eggington Street, Harrison Road and Olphin Street.
The teams will then move on to other busy roads over the next four days.
The work will be complete, and all temporary parking restrictions lifted, by the end of Friday 28 March.
Martin Fletcher, Leicester City Council director of highways, said: “This weeklong programme of targeted street cleaning and gully, or street drain clearance will focus on those roads where heavily parked up roads can make it difficult to carry out this work as part of our routine maintenance programme.
“It’s part of a rolling programme that helps to provide safer and cleaner roads and highways as well as minimising the risk of flooding in the city.
“We have written to all residents in the roads affected to inform them that parking will be temporarily suspended for up to two days while we undertake this work.”
TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — InitVerse, the next-generation Web3 SaaS platform, has rapidly expanded its footprint across nine countries, including Japan, Vietnam, France, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Turkey, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand. With over 20 localized Telegram and Discord communities, InitVerse now boasts a global user base exceeding 400,000 users.
On March 17th, InitVerse celebrates its 2nd anniversary, marking an exciting Web3 carnival where technology, profitability, and exclusivity converge. To express gratitude to the global community, InitVerse is generously distributing 500,000 $INI tokens through various activities, including NFT minting, on-chain tasks, staking and mining, and community KOL recruitment. Each activity incorporates limited-edition elements and high-reward mechanisms, creating a thrilling event that blends innovation with financial rewards.
This article will dive deep into the anniversary celebration, focusing on technological empowerment, revenue strategies, and effective participation methods, helping you seize this golden opportunity to achieve high returns at zero cost.
Tech at the Core: How INIChain Redefines Blockchain with Privacy Computing and Dynamic Block Partitioning
From its inception to the upcoming 2025 mainnet launch, INIChain has established a foundational privacy computing infrastructure. Coupled with the InitVerse SaaS platform, which provides streamlined developer tools, the ecosystem covers the entire lifecycle of blockchain application development—from core privacy infrastructure to rapid dApp deployment. Together, INIChain and InitVerse have built a comprehensive ecosystem catering to miners, developers, and blockchain builders. At the core of this vibrant InitVerse ecosystem lies INIChain’s innovative technology, transforming traditional Proof-of-Work (PoW) from an “energy-intensive competition” into a collaborative privacy-computing infrastructure. The recent 2nd-anniversary event prominently showcased these groundbreaking technical capabilities:
TfhEVM: The “Invisibility Cloak” for Private Smart Contracts
Technology Overview: TfhEVM integrates Fully Homomorphic Encryption (TFHE) with Ethereum’s EVM, enabling real-time computations on encrypted data. Input data is transformed into randomized polynomial ciphertexts, ensuring results are verifiable without decrypting sensitive information.
Developer Advantages: Through the InitVerse SaaS platform, Ethereum developers can easily deploy or migrate dApps with just one click, significantly reducing costs while providing robust privacy protection.
DDA Mechanism: The “Hash Power Regulator” for Miners
Dynamic Block Partitioning: Blocks are segmented into high-privacy blocks (requiring TFHE computation) and standard blocks (traditional PoW). High-privacy blocks offer higher rewards but have a higher computational barrier, whereas standard blocks enable participation from regular CPU miners.
VersaHash Algorithm: A more equitable mining approach that dynamically adjusts computational difficulty, ensuring balanced earnings across miners of varying capabilities.
Miner Rewards Model:
Base Reward: Each block consistently yields 727.39 $INI, distributed proportionally based on mining contributions.
Privacy Computing Bonus: Miners participating in high-privacy block validation receive an additional 15% reward boost.
Earn 500,000 $INI Risk-Free: Events You Shouldn’t Miss!
The anniversary event offers a series of mini-challenges that caters to users of all levels, allowing you to get high returns and unique rewards. Participate via the official event page.
Event 1: Limited NFT Minting – Guaranteed 5 $INI for First 10,000 Participants + Exclusive Epic Cards!
Total Rewards: 50,000 $INI + Limited Edition INIBoo NFTs
Event Period: From March 17th to April 13th. Split into 4 batches, each batch lasting 7 days (the first batch ends on March 13th).
Participation Steps: Log in to the Candy platform → Complete verification → Select the batch → Pay 0.5 $INI → Mint NFT and claim $INI.
How It Works:
Step-by-Step Participation:
Follow InitVerse on X, join the Telegram and Discord groups—this grants eligibility for a free NFT mint.
$INI back immediately — even after deducting the 0.5 $INI mint cost, yielding a net profit of 4.5 $INI per mint.
Guaranteed Earnings: Each mint directly returns rewards—every user will profit at least 4.5 $INI per NFT minted.
Scarcity and Benefits:
The NFT collection “INIBoo” is limited, featuring epic cards whose availability decreases daily.
NFT holders get perks such as merchandise, early testing access, whitelist airdrops, exclusive event tickets, VIP privileges, and governance rights, with benefits expanding alongside ecosystem growth.
Event Window: March 28 – April 16 (UTC), limited to the first 10,000 participants.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Follow the InitVerse X account and retweet the pinned tweet.
Join the Telegram and Discord communities.
Perform 10 mainnet transactions (e.g., token transfers between your addresses).
Mine on C-Mining Pool via provided tutorials (only 5 hours required).
After completing these tasks, claim your guaranteed 10 $INI reward.
Extra Benefits: Double your earnings by stacking mining rewards and the 10 $INI task reward.
Event 3: High-Yield Staking—Earn up to 50% APR!
Total Prize Pool: 300,000 $INI
Event Duration: March 28–April 16 (UTC). The staking period is fixed at 20 days, after which participation closes.
Eligibility: Must first complete Event 2.
Participation Details:
Stake at least 10 $INI on the event page.
Rewards released after completing a 20-day staking period.
Open to all, making it accessible even to small token holders.
Dynamic Reward:
If ≥50,000 participants join, staking rewards increase to 50%, encouraging collective community participation.
Guaranteed Minimum: Even if fewer than 20,000 users join, participants will still earn a guaranteed 10% return, far exceeding typical DeFi standards.
Low Barrier to Entry: Participation starts from just 10 $INI, with straightforward staking rules, ensuring inclusivity for small-scale holders.
Ideal for: Long-term holders, community governance participants, and those seeking to maximize returns.
Event 4: 50,000 $INI Partnership Program
Details: Seeking partnerships and influencers who can bring additional traffic and collaborate with InitVerse.
Application: Directly message on Telegram: @samylmz
Final Thoughts:
InitVerse’s 2nd anniversary emphasizes universal community engagement, attractive rewards, and unique privileges, distributing 450,000 $INI directly to participants, with an additional 50,000 $INI allocated to strategic partnerships. This celebration isn’t just about rewards—it’s a decentralized initiative showcasing the power of community-driven innovation, paving the way for blockchain’s future.
About InitVerse:
InitVerse is an automated Web3 SaaS platform designed for streamlined DApp development and deployment, backed by INIChain and INICloud. It simplifies blockchain app creation, enhancing development efficiency through comprehensive, user-friendly tools.
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Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Government response
Update on the Business Secretary’s meeting with US administration
A meeting between the UK Business and Trade Secretary and US Administration took place in Washington DC on Tuesday 18 March.
Yesterday (Tuesday 18 March), the UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and US Special Envoy Mark Burnett in Washington DC.
The meeting followed last month’s agreement between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump that teams would start working together on an Economic Prosperity Deal, building on our shared strengths and commitment to economic security.
The UK looks forward to developing this deal over the coming weeks and months.
Dodoma, Tanzania – On 3-4, March 2025, a delegation from Mozambique visited Tanzania’s Emergency Operations and Communication Centre (EOCC) National Situation Room in Dodoma. This visit was part of a technical advisory mission co-organized by UNDRR, the CIMA Foundation and the African Union Commission as part of the African Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Action System (AMHEWAS) programme.
Tanzania and Mozambique face similar and often transboundary threats, such as droughts, floods and cyclones. Strengthening cooperation between their respective disaster risk management authorities is critical for improving coordination in early warning and early action efforts within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
During the visit, Mozambique’s National Disaster Management Institute had the opportunity to engage with Tanzania’s Disaster Management Department counterparts and observe the operational framework of Tanzania’s National Situation Room, which was inaugurated in June 2024, supported by the Government of Italy.
The insights gained from this exchange will be instrumental in the ongoing modernization of Mozambique’s own National Situation Room in Maputo. Within the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation funded Ready2Act project in Mozambique, the situation room will be refurbished and better connected with AMHEWAS.
Additionally, the exchange will inform the installation of a pilot province-level situation room in Beira, set to further strengthen Mozambique’s disaster risk management infrastructure. Mozambique also hosts the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) in Nacala that is connected to AMHEWAS.
“This event in Dodoma is a practical example of what AMHEWAS can and should be, a network for exchanging risk information, but also, and above all, knowledge and experience, between experts and institutions.” said Mr. Luca Ferraris, President of CIMA Research Foundation
The mission highlighted the value of South-South cooperation in disaster risk reduction, showcasing how shared experiences and collaborative learning can enhance national and regional capacities. By leveraging Tanzania’s experience, Mozambique aims to refine its own institutional mechanisms, improve connectivity with AMHEWAS, and ensure timely and coordinated disaster response.
“The technical exchange mission with ourTanzanian counterparts was timely as Mozambique is working towards upgrading its own Situation Room. As Tanzania launched its own Situation Room in 2024, they already have some valuable experience and lessons that Mozambique can learn from. More so, Mozambique and Tanzania are neighbours, with similar risk profiles and often experience transboundary risk. This exchange builds the foundation for information sharing for better transboundary risk management.” Mr. Alberto Armando, head of the Mozambique Delegation.
Through the AMHEWAS network, disaster risk management authorities of both countries can strengthen their relations, enabling experience and information sharing for a more coordinated management of warnings and emergencies.
“Natural phenomena become disasters without adequate prevention. AICS works with stakeholders to enhance early warning and early action systems at all levels. Italy, renowned for its expertise in risk management and civil protection, has contributed to establishing Situation Rooms in Addis Ababa (continental level), regional centers in Niamey, Nairobi, and Abuja, and a national office in Dodoma. This know-how strengthens Partner Countries’ resilience and response capacity.” Marco Riccardo Rusconi, Director of the Italian Development Cooperation Agency.
This visit marks an important step in fostering resilience against climate-related disasters in the region. Through continued cooperation and knowledge sharing, both Mozambique and Tanzania are setting a precedent for effective and coordinated disaster risk management in Africa.
“This technical exchange represents a learning opportunity, and an opportunity to reinforce the partnership among different AMHEWAS stakeholders. It is from such events that we can collectively take stock of our progress and identify priorities for further investment in early warning systems.” Tsitsi Magadza, Programme Management Officer for Early Warning Systems, UNDRR.
Headline: Thales to provide high-performance sonar suite for
future Orka-class submarines in the Netherlands
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Under an agreement signed by Thales and Naval Group, Thales will supply the sonar suite for the Orka-class submarines to be deployed by the Royal Netherlands Navy under the RNSC (Replacement Netherlands Submarine Capability) programme.
The sonar suite will provide a comprehensive picture of the underwater acoustic environment to support the future submarines’ capacity to thwart increasingly silent threats.
Thales is a world leader in the underwater systems market, equipping more than 50 submarines of various types — SSBNs1, SSNs2 and conventionally powered attack submarines — in service today.
Thales, a long-standing partner of both Naval Group and the Royal Netherlands Navy, will provide a comprehensive suite of high-performance sonar systems for the future class of submarines that will replace the Walrus-class vessels in service today. The contract will provide the submarines with a comprehensive picture of the underwater acoustic environment, helping the Netherlands to guarantee operational superiority.
The sonar suite features high-performance acoustic sensors, including bow, flank and obstacle-avoidance sonars, an intercept array, a passive towed-array sonar, an underwater voice communication system, an echo-sounder and signal processing racks. This cohesive suite of equipment will provide an unprecedented panoramic view of the underwater environment, making it possible to detect, locate and classify all types of threats at short, medium and long range across a wide range of frequencies.
Sylvain Perrier, RNSC Programme Director for Naval Group, said: “The highly capable Thales sonar suite was a key component of Naval Group’s bid for this programme, and will make a significant contribution to the acoustic superiority of the Orka-class submarines. We know we can count on Thales to meet the demanding requirements of the COMMIT3and to work hand in hand with Dutch industry on the RNSC programme.”
This programme is an opportunity for Thales to align with the Dutch government’s policy of support and empowerment of strategic national industries. It will consolidate the company’s engagement with the naval defence ecosystem in the Netherlands, within the framework of the RNSC programme, as illustrated by a recent contract with the Dutch company Optics11, to use its OptiArray technology in the passive towed-array sonar.
“We are proud that Thales’s advanced sonar suite has been selected to equip the Royal Netherlands Navy’s Orka-class submarines. This partnership will enhance the technological superiority of the Dutch armed forces, and reflects our ongoing commitment to providing innovative, dependable solutions in support of the defence capabilities of allied nations,” said Sébastien Guérémy, Vice President, Underwater Systems, Thales.
1Ballistic missile submarines
2Nuclear-powered attack submarines
3COMMIT (Commando Materieel en IT / Materiel and IT Command) is part of the Dutch Ministry of Defence and responsible for the Orka-class submarines tendering process and project management.
The pace of globalization has slowed since the global financial crisis, and recent events have sparked fears of a more widespread deglobalization and market fragmentation. This paper aims to better understand the effects of deglobalization events in a globalized world, and the role that financial and economic integration play in this regard. We explore how an event implying a turn towards deglobalization affects a highly integrated economy as well as other economies, which are economically and financially connected.
Contribution
We use the unexpected outcome of the Brexit referendum in June 2016, a major deglobalization shock of the last decade, and investigate its impact on bank credit supply, international spillovers, and real economic outcomes. Leveraging a unique dataset that combines a credit register with foreign direct investment (FDI) data, we are able to observe both domestic and cross-border credit exposures of German banks as well as internal capital market dynamics within multinational corporations (MNCs) – a feature rarely available in other countries’ data. Our analysis consists of three parts. First, we investigate the effect of the deglobalization shock on cross-border bank lending. In the second part of our analysis, we investigate whether the credit supply shock amplifies the deglobalization shock’s immediate adverse effects to the real economy and the role of firms’ internal capital markets. In the last part of our analysis, we investigate whether banks shift their lending to borrowers outside the UK after the shock.
Results
German banks reduced lending to United Kingdom (UK) firms following the shock due to increased uncertainty about future losses. More prudent banks reduced their credit more extensively, and less profitable subsidiaries experienced greater reductions. However, UK subsidiaries of large MNCs, with access to internal capital markets, offset this credit supply shock through internal funding, shielding them from negative real effects. We find that non-UK subsidiaries play a crucial role in internal capital markets by securing external financing and reallocating funds to support UK affiliates. Well capitalized banks reallocated lending to firms outside the UK, particularly those of German MNCs. Our findings underscore that while international financial frictions following deglobalization shocks can imply negative real effects, firms integrated into global networks mitigate these impacts through internal capital markets.
This letter includes information confirming future ways of working after the current functions of the Education and Skills Funding Agency transfer into the Department for Education on 1 April 2025.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Bedfordshire director banned after failing to provide company accounts to liquidator
The company entered liquidation with liabilities estimated at more than £300,000
Jenna Lennon was the director of Hope & Pride Limited when it went into liquidation in September 2023
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) estimated the company owed more than £300,000 in unpaid corporation tax at the time of liquidation
Lennon failed in her duties as a company director to preserve or maintain adequate accounting records and deliver them to the liquidator
A Bedfordshire company director has been disqualified after failing to provide accounting records when her company went into liquidation owing an estimated £319,000 in corporation tax.
Jenna Lennon was the sole director of Hope & Pride Limited, which was incorporated in March 2019 and described its business on Companies House as “other information service activities not elsewhere classified”.
Hope & Pride entered liquidation in September 2023 but Lennon had failed in her duties as a company director to preserve or maintain adequate accounting records.
Indeed, no accounts for Hope & Pride were ever filed at Companies House.
The 39-year-old also failed to deliver accounting records to the liquidator as she was required to do.
Lennon, whose listed correspondence address for Hope & Pride was Bramingham Business & Conference Centre on Enterprise Way in Luton, has been disqualified as a company director for seven years.
An Insolvency Service spokesperson said:
Directors are legally required to maintain adequate books and records which show and explain their company’s transactions. This is first and foremost to protect consumers and other businesses who have dealings with the company.
Jenna Lennon did not preserve or maintain adequate accounting records for Hope & Pride. This has meant the liquidator has been unable to properly investigate the company’s accounts and accurately establish how much was owed to HMRC and other creditors.
This disqualification should serve as a reminder to company directors that they are required by law to keep proper accounts. The Insolvency Service will not hesitate to take action against directors who do not comply with these crucial legal requirements.
Lennon’s failure to maintain adequate accounting records meant the liquidator was unable to verify the nature of the company’s income and expenditure.
This included payments into Hope & Pride’s account of £1,178,364.
Additional payments of £151,000, listed on bank accounts as “J Lennon dividends” between July 2019 and March 2022, were similarly not verified.
Payments of £1,133,964 out of Hope & Pride’s account were also not explained and the liquidator was unable to establish if this money was used for legitimate trading purposes.
The company entered liquidation with total liabilities, which Lennon has not disputed, of £327,923.
Due to her failure to provide accounting records, the liquidator could not however establish the company’s true liabilities in relation to unpaid corporation tax – which HMRC estimates at £319,423 – and debts to other creditors.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade accepted a disqualification undertaking from Lennon, and her ban started on Wednesday 19 March.
The undertaking prevents her from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.
Children in Derby will once again have access to an exciting schedule of activities over the Easter break, as the Derby Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) returns with a new booking system.
Derby City Council is once again partnering with Community Action Derby to provide free holiday club places during the school holidays, after the Department for Education announced the programme would be extended for another year.
The scheme is designed for children aged 5 to 16 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals, offering them the chance to learn new skills, stay active, and enjoy time socialising with friends in a fun and engaging environment.
Participants will receive a healthy meal daily and have opportunities to learn about nutritious food through family food experiences and cookery sessions. This initiative aims to support families while encouraging healthier lifestyles.
If your child is in receipt of benefits-related free school meals and would like to book a place, you will need a unique voucher code. A new, user-friendly booking system has been introduced ahead of the Easter programme, which will see voucher codes sent directly to parents by email or text.
Registered families will receive an email or text from ‘Holiday Activities’ this week with their child’s voucher code and a link to the booking system. The new voucher codes will replace any that have been issued previously.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:
Derby’s Holiday Activities and Food programme returns this Easter, providing free fun, nutritious meals, and experiences for thousands of children. Bookings are now easier with our new system so make sure you have you new voucher code to secure your child’s place. The HAF programme is always really popular, so spaces will fill up fast!
There are 39 clubs running during the holiday, offering a range of activities in all wards across the city, including seven special educational needs and disability (SEND) specialists. The holiday clubs will offer the chance to try new and enriching activities including animal handling, climbing, music and performing arts as well as sports like football, cricket, judo, dodgeball, archery and wheelchair basketball!
This Easter, providers include Derbyshire Institute of Sport, who will be offering a new specialist SEND club at Derby Arena, offering gym sessions, inspirational talks from an elite athlete and the chance to try out new sports like Padel.
New providers include Roll With Us CIC, who will be introducing young people to Dungeons and Dragons, one of the world’s favourite Table Top Role Playing Games. Not only is it a lot of fun, it develops life and wellbeing skills such as communication, adaptation and perseverance.
In the early hours of March 18, Israeli forces attacked multiple areas in the Gaza Strip, killing hundreds of people, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. These attacks come nearly two months after the ceasefire was announced on January 19.
Following the attacks, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams received mass casualties at Nasser and Al-Aqsa hospitals, the MSF field hospital, and MSF’s Attar clinic.
“We received many bodies and body parts, most of them children and women,” said Dr. Mohammed Qishta of Nasser Hospital. “The bodies were everywhere in the emergency room, with complete confusion.”
Claire Magone, general director of MSF France, gave the following statement today:
“We are horrified by the attacks launched by Israel today on the people of Gaza, shattering the nearly two-month-old ceasefire. Out of the hundreds killed, according to the Ministry of Health, MSF received 75 dead on arrival and scores of wounded in just three of the facilities we support.
“Our staff were completely taken by surprise and found themselves once again having to deal with influxes of mass casualties, many of whom were children.
Palestinians in Gaza will simply not be able to withstand this, neither physically nor mentally. Their hopes of recovering at least part of their previous lives are being shattered.
Claire Magone, general director of MSF France
“In line with the tactics that the Israeli authorities have applied since October 2023, they have once again chosen to collectively punish the people of Gaza—with the explicit approval of their closest ally, the United States—striking with an intensity not seen since the early stages of the war. For over 15 months before the ceasefire, people in Gaza were indiscriminately killed, mutilated, wounded, and displaced.
“Israeli forces undertaking these latest ruthless attacks and evacuation orders make us fear that a new phase of military operations in Gaza is about to begin. Palestinians in Gaza will simply not be able to withstand this, neither physically nor mentally. Their hopes of recovering at least part of their previous lives are being shattered.
Voice notes from Gaza: “We received many bodies and body parts”
“Since the ceasefire came into effect on January 19, people have been struggling to restore the basics of their day-to-day lives after a drawn out, devastating military campaign, which has annihilated the very fabric of society in Gaza. Israel has once again cut access to humanitarian aid and basic goods.
“MSF calls for the ceasefire to be immediately restored and for Israel to not restart its campaign of destruction and the nightmarish, massive bombing on the people of Gaza. MSF also calls for the blockade to be lifted, and for people to regain unrestricted access to basic supplies and aid. Injured people and patients requiring urgent medical care should be allowed to seek care outside of Gaza, provided their right to a safe and dignified return is granted.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
UK science uncovers mysteries of dark universe with Euclid data
Cutting-edge UK research is benefiting the European Space Agency’s Euclid mission, with new data released today (19 March) set to uncover the secrets of dark energy and matter.
Euclid visual: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA. Background galaxies: NASA, ESA, and S. Beckwith (STScI) and the HUDF Team Euclid observations: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by J.-C. Cuillandre, E. Bertin, G. Anselmi
The wealth of new data from the mission – described as the ultimate discovery machine – includes details of 500 galaxies that seem to experience a phenomenon known as strong lensing.
This is where light from more distant galaxies is bent around closer galaxies due to gravity, like how light is focused through a glass lens on Earth.
The way the light bends indicates the total mass, which includes both visible matter and, potentially, dark matter – so scientists can analyse this, begin to identify where dark matter is located, and understand its properties.
Euclid’s data is revolutionising the study of strong lensing. New techniques using machine learning and AI have been developed to find these rare objects. Citizen science has also contributed significantly, with over 1000 volunteers participating in visual inspections.
This image shows examples of gravitational lenses that Euclid captured in its first observations of the Deep Field areas. Credit: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by M. Walmsley, M. Huertas-Company, J.-C. Cuillandre
UK Science Minister, Lord Vallance said:
The UK space sector is playing a leading role in the Euclid mission which, as this new data shows, is revealing more about the role of gravity in our Universe, and the nature of dark energy and matter. The British-made visible imager and data processing tools are central to these observations.
The technological advances achieved in missions like this will not only benefit our understanding of the universe, but may help us to better process data here on Earth, helping us to grow our economy and support our Plan for Change.
The Euclid mission, launched in July 2023, carries a visible imager (VIS) from the UK, funded by £37 million from the UK Space Agency. The VIS, designed and built by a UCL-led team, is a super high-resolution camera (609 million pixels), with a focal plane about the size of a large pizza box, that can take incredibly detailed pictures of the sky. It is currently observing billions of galaxies up to 10 billion light years away.
The new data release includes observations of distant regions of space, displaying hundreds of thousands of galaxies and many transient phenomena—astronomical events that are temporary or short-lived relative to cosmic history. These include supernovae (explosions of stars at the end of their life cycles), gamma-ray bursts (extremely energetic explosions observed in distant galaxies), and fast radio bursts (brief but intense bursts of radio waves from unknown sources in space).
All of this allows scientists to gain insights into the dynamic processes occurring in the universe. The release classifies over 380,000 galaxies and 500 gravitational lens candidates.
This is a zoom-in of Euclid’s Deep Field North, showing the Cat’s Eye Nebula in the centre of the image, around 3000 light-years away. Also known as NGC 6543, this nebula is a visual ‘fossil record’ of the dynamics and late evolution of a dying star. This dying star is shedding its outer colourful shells. Credit: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by J.-C. Cuillandre, E. Bertin, G. Anselmi
ESA’s Director of Science, Prof. Carole Mundell, said:
Euclid shows itself once again to be the ultimate discovery machine. It is surveying galaxies on the grandest scale, enabling us to explore our cosmic history and the invisible forces shaping our Universe.
The ‘quick’ data release
Euclid ‘quick’ releases, such as this one, are of selected areas, intended to demonstrate the data products to be expected in the major data releases that follow, and to allow scientists to sharpen their data analysis tools in preparation. The mission’s first cosmology data will be released to the community in October 2026.
Aprajita Verma, a Senior Researcher at the University of Oxford, said:
This early data release showcases the amazing images that we will receive from the Euclid telescope. Even in this tiny area (less than 0.5% of the Euclid survey), Euclid has revealed millions of galaxies in exquisite detail.
Nestled among these galaxies are strong gravitational lenses. This rare phenomenon is seen around massive galaxies that can distort or warp space-time so much that light from objects behind them can be brought into view as rings, arcs or multiple images.
Verma said:
This is exactly what has been revealed in this early Euclid data, and at a higher frequency than we’ve seen from surveys with ground-based telescopes.
The team used a combination of machine learning with visual inspection from citizen scientists and the team to develop an efficient discovery engine.
Phil Holloway, PhD student at the University of Oxford said:
Incredibly, over 1000 citizen scientists volunteered to hunt for the strong lenses through the Space Warps project on the Zooniverse platform. We are amazed by the interest, dedication and skill of the citizen scientists, we wouldn’t have been able to find 500 of these rare gems without them! This was a huge collaborative effort and this early data signposts that there will be many discoveries to be made with the Euclid Wide Survey – there are exciting times ahead!
Space Warps is a dedicated project to discover strong gravitational lenses co-founded by Phil Marshall, Anupreeta More, and Aprajita Verma on the Zooniverse citizen science platform.
Professor Thomas Collett, from the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, said:
Euclid has provided spectacular image quality across a huge area of the sky, which is critical to discovering small, rare objects. We’ve found 500 new strong gravitational lenses in the Euclid dataset.
These are galaxies distorted into rings of light by the mass of another foreground galaxy. We have combined the strengths of machine learning and citizen scientists to sift out these rare objects from the millions of other galaxies in Euclid. These new lenses will allow us to make new measurements of the mysterious dark matter and dark energy that make up 95% of our Universe but which are poorly understood.
Euclid’s transformative capabilities
Before Euclid, astronomers had to choose between wide-field images from lower resolution telescopes like the Dark Energy Survey in Chile, or detailed zoomed-in images from telescopes like Hubble, but only on small regions. Euclid, with its 609 megapixel camera led by the UK, combines both panoramic mode and detailed imaging. The area mapped in this release is already a significant fraction of all the sky covered by Hubble since 1990.
This innovation is transformative for strong lensing studies, which require large panoramic images to locate rare objects and detailed views to analyse them.
Professor Adam Amara, Chief Scientist at the UK Space Agency, who first proposed the idea for Euclid, said:
Previously, astronomers like me used wide low-resolution surveys to find strong lenses and then requested Hubble for follow-up observations. Now, Euclid accomplishes both tasks in one shot.
This data release is the first clear evidence that Euclid will be a unique rare object finder (as well as an exquisite dark energy measuring machine). In terms of rare objects in the universe, I’m excited to see what ‘unknown-unknowns’ it will discover – it’s been a long wait.
Professor Mark Cropper (Mullard Space Science Laboratory at UCL), who led on designing and developing Euclid’s VIS optical camera over 16 years, working with teams at UCL, Open University and across Europe, said:
Euclid is allowing us to understand the universe on another level entirely. It gives us fine detail over a vast scale. To pick one example, Euclid found 70,000 globular clusters – very old, tightly packed groups of stars – in the Perseus Cluster of galaxies. And it has found 500 strong gravitational lenses, where light from distant galaxies has been bent by intervening matter – that doubles the number we knew about previously. All this and much more in just two days of data.
Dr James Nightingale , Research Fellow, Newcastle University School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics said:
For the past decade, my research has been defined by painstakingly analysing the same 50 strong gravitational lenses, but with the Q1 data release, I was handed 500 new strong lenses in under a week. It’s a seismic shift — transforming how I do science practically overnight.
UK involvement and contributions
The UK has played a pivotal role in the Euclid mission, contributing significantly to the development of both the mission’s instruments and data processing capabilities.
Marie-Claire Perkinson, Chair of UKSpace Space Science and Exploration Committee said:
The UKSpace Space Science and Exploration committee is delighted to see this data release and the knowledge generated by this exciting mission. We are pleased to see a strong UK contribution – including UKspace member Teledyne who are providing the instrument detectors.
Mullard Space Science Laboratory and XCAM Ltd. have also made significant contributions to the development of the mission, providing leadership of the VIS instrument, and the Charge-Coupled Device test bench (CCD) test bench for the Euclid visible channel.
Daniel Waller, General Manager and Vice-President of Teledyne Space Imaging in Chelmsford Essex said:
Teledyne Space Imaging delivered the detectors for both the VIS and NISP instruments for Euclid. We are humbled by the astonishing detailed results that has been returned so far. The teams here in Chelmsford and in California feel privileged to have made their contribution to this scientific endeavour of understanding our Universe.
In addition to the VIS instrument UK scientists and institutions around the country have developed bespoke data processing tools for Euclid and are analysing the wealth of data being returned by the mission. Five key papers led by UK researchers are shared as part of this data release.
Professor Mike Lockwood, President of the Royal Astronomical Society, said:
To see UK astronomers, space scientists and engineers playing key roles in this extraordinary scientific endeavour is truly inspiring – and what’s even better is that this is just the beginning.
We can look forward to Euclid giving us the most detailed ever 3D map of the cosmos, helping to solve the biggest cosmic mysteries – what the universe is made of, how it evolved, and what its future holds.
The wider benefits of space science
The ripple effects of technological advances in space science extend far beyond the realm of space exploration, driving advances and growth across multiple sectors in the UK. The need for compact and efficient technology in space missions has led to advancements in miniaturisation, which benefit consumer electronics such as smartphones and laptops.
In healthcare, machine learning techniques developed for imaging technologies used in space exploration are being adapted to create more precise medical imaging techniques, potentially improving diagnosis and patient outcomes. The vast amounts of data collected by missions like Euclid are processed using advanced algorithms, which are now being used in healthcare to analyse patient data and predict disease outbreaks.
Minister Dirk Beljaarts of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands will host the D9+ Ministerial Meeting in Amsterdam on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 March 2025. Ministers from the thirteen most digitalized EU Member States and EU Commissioner Henna Virkkunen (Executive Vice-President of the European Commission) will meet at this summit. The D9+ Group of countries have joint ambitions to strengthen their digital economy, infrastructure and technologies and to better protect consumers on digital markets all based on a common EU digital technology strategy.
The Ministerial Meeting in Amsterdam includes meetings to ensure more EU private investments in digital technologies and to improve access to financing for startups and scale-ups. The ministers will also discuss challenges regarding connectivity. Such as increasing the supercomputing capacity within the EU to be able to develop innovations in the field of both digital infrastructure and technology. During the D9+ the participating Ministers will also have meetings on artificial intelligence. Discussions will be held on topics like developing innovative AI technology and AI infrastructure within the EU and the use of AI in public services. During these meetings various guest speakers will also provide insight into how business investments can be stimulated.
The following Ministers from the D9+ Group will be in Amsterdam for the summit: Caroline Stage (Minister for Digital Affairs; Denmark), Liisa-Ly Pakosta (Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs; Estonia), Niamh Smyth (Minister of State for Trade, Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation; Ireland), Elisabeth Margue (Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Media and Connectivity; Luxembourg), Dariusz Standerski, Secretary of State for Digital Affairs; Poland); Margarida Balseiro Lopes (Minister for Youth and Modernization; Portugal), Ksenija Klampfer (Minister of Digital Transformation; Slovenia), Oscar Lopez Águada (Minister for Digital Transformation and Civil Service; Spain), Marian Jurečka, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs; Czech Republic), Erik Slottner (Minister for Public Administration; Sweden). The representatives from Belgium and Finland have to be confirmed yet.
The participating ministers have the ambition to deliver a final declaration which Minister Beljaarts will hand over to EU Commissioner Virkkunen. At the same time as the D9+ Ministerial Meeting both business federations (B9+) and start-up and scale-up organizations (S9+) from the thirteen countries involved will meet in Amsterdam.
Origin of D9+
In 2016, Sweden launched an initiative called ‘Digital Frontrunners’ following a report in which nine EU member states were designated as frontrunners. Four additional countries have since become members of the D9+. The Ministers meet informally twice a year to work together on their ambitions in the field of digital economy and technology. There is a rotating presidency. After the Netherlands, Portugal will organize the next D9+ in the second half of 2025.
The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has availed over €1.2 million (over Ksh 166 million) in technical assistance support to cities in East Africa for preparation of climate resilient urban development projects.
The cities set to benefit from this technical assistance are Kericho, Nyamira, Kisumu, Embu, Eldoret and Malindi in Kenya as well as Zanzibar in Tanzania and Makindye in Uganda.
EIB Global’s support to cities is financed through the City Climate Finance Gap Fund – a multi-donor trust fund supported by Germany and Luxembourg and implemented jointly with the World Bank and in close partnership with German Development Cooperation (GIZ). The technical assistance program focuses on early-stage project preparation with an aim of facilitating access to finance for urban projects that would otherwise potentially remain at idea stage.
Most of the support for the cities in the region will revolve around assessing options for managing solid waste and faecal sludge, waste to energy solutions through production of biogas and wastewater treatment. Preliminary proposed solutions have recommended integrated solid waste management plans that encompass segregation of waste at source, separation of waste collections, waste recovery and proper disposal.
Further technical assistance promotes active mobility through evaluating non-motorised transport options, implementing urban flood proofing measures to mitigate flood risks and enhancing environmental sustainability by establishment of green public parks as well as expansion of urban forestry and biodiversity.
In Kenya, EIB Global’s support is geared towards helping the cities access further financing support from an ongoing infrastructure investment programme known as the Kenya Urban Support Programme II, upon completion of the Gap Fund technical assistance.
EIB Vice President Thomas Ostros said, “Cities and local governments play a key role in fighting climate change because they experience its effects the most. However, they often struggle to develop climate-resilient infrastructure, mainly due to a lack of resources and expertise to create strong, investment-ready projects. Through its support for the Gap Fund, the EIB helps cities bridge these gaps and prepare effective climate projects.”
Technical assistance for project preparation plays a vital role in facilitating the implementation and financing of climate action projects by availing bankable opportunities. This is particularly true at urban or sub-national level where local authorities sometimes do not have enough in-house capacity to prepare robust projects that can attract public and private finance providers at an international level.
The European Investment Bank is very active in urban climate finance especially through the City Climate Finance Gap Fund. The Bank works with other partners to advise on projects that will place cities on a path to net zero.
Background information
About EIB Global
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives.
EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. We aim to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 — around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world. High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
About City Climate Finance Gap Fund:
Cities are key to creating a climate-smart future. Over half the global population lives in cities, generating 80% of total economic output and accounting for 70% of global CO2 emissions. While urbanization is a key driver of growth, unplanned, rapid urbanization and urban sprawl threaten to increase greenhouse gas emissions and vulnerability to climate change and other shocks. As many cities and local governments take steps to become low-carbon and climate-resilient, they face barriers in accessing finance as well as difficulties in planning and project preparation, due to insufficient capacity or resources — particularly in the early stages of the project cycle. The Gap Fund supports cities in addressing this specific challenges.
On 20th September 2023, the governments of Germany and Luxembourg announced new funding of €50 million for the City Climate Finance Gap Fund (Gap Fund), a multi-donor fund, implemented by the World Bank and the European Investment Bank with partners. These resources will support the development of low-carbon and climate-resilient urban investments and will nearly than double the fund’s capitalization, bringing it to €105 million, one of the largest early-stage technical assistance funds for cities and climate.
It provides much-needed funding for early-stage technical assistance and capacity building so that cities from low- and middle-income countries can operationalize their climate action plans, develop robust project concepts, and access climate finance resources. Since its establishment in 2020, EIB has supported 137 cities in developing and emerging economies through the Gap Fund.
The EIB is providing €320 million in loans for the construction of the Ebensee pumped storage power plant.
Energie AG plans to invest more than €600 million to expand hydropower in Upper Austria, with a €400 million financing package for this objective approved by the EIB.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted Energie AG Oberösterreich in Upper Austria a financing package of up to €400 million to expand hydropower. Energie AG plans to invest a total of over €600 million in a new pumped storage power plant in Ebensee and a planned run-of-river hydropower plant in Roitham/Traunfall.
The Ebensee pumped storage power plant will act as a green battery, compensating for fluctuations in the power generation from wind and solar plants and ensuring security of supply. Financing agreements for the Ebensee project encompassing €320 million were signed at EIB headquarters in Luxembourg.
The Ebensee project is the single largest investment by Energie AG Oberösterreich to date, and is a milestone in the transformation of the energy supply in Upper Austria. An additional €80 million in financing for the Traunfall run-of-river power plant, intended to replace three hydropower plants at the end of their useful life, has also been given advance EIB approval. The relevant financing contracts are set to be signed in 2025, subject to the pending approval of the project by the Supervisory Board of Energie AG Oberösterreich.
“Rapidly expanding renewable energy is crucial for decarbonising the economy. The hydropower plants by Energie AG Oberösterreich are another important step on the road to a climate-neutral energy supply, and will help reduce Europe’s dependence on oil and gas imports,” said EIB Vice-PresidentThomas Östros.
“Our strategy at Energie AG Oberösterreich has set a course for maximum carbon reduction throughout the entire company. All told, we will be investing €4 billion by 2035 to expand renewable energy and grids. We are also making major investments in green hydrogen production,” said Leonhard Schitter, Chair and CEO of Energie AG Oberösterreich.
“In the coming decades, the energy sector – including Energie AG Oberösterreich – will be influenced by high investment requirements for the process of transformation needed to develop a sustainable energy system. A key success factor in this process will be providing for future financing requirements early, with optimal borrowing and framework conditions. With the EIB, we are delighted to have a strong partner on board for this challenge,” said Andreas Kolar, CFO of Energie AG Oberösterreich.
This project is part of REPowerEU, the EU plan to rapidly reduce Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels. Thanks to REPowerEU, the EIB is able to finance a higher share of the total project costs than the usual 30-50%.
The investment also furthers the objectives of Austria’s National Energy and Climate Plan, which plans to convert all electricity generation to renewables by 2030.
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union. The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security. All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment. Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.
In 2024, the EIB Group signed financing of €1.7 billion in Austria. This primarily promoted countercyclical investments in energy-intensive sectors like steel and renewable energy.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
Energie AG Oberösterreich is a leader in the sustainable future of energy. As the largest energy provider in Austria’s main industrial region, it is doing everything it can to cut emissions throughout the cycle of generation, distribution and recycling – sustainably reducing the CO2 produced by the entire organisation. The goal: to be climate neutral and energy independent by 2035, ensuring security of supply and safe disposal. By 2035, renewable energy sources like water, wind and solar should generate a total of 1.2 TWh per year. That’s the average electricity consumption of around 330 000 households – meaning more than 700 000 people. With the construction of the Ebensee pumped storage power plant, Energie AG Oberösterreich is taking yet another important step towards a sustainable energy future.
Detectives investigating the murder of Junior George Nelson, whose remains were found nine years ago in Northolt, are appealing for witnesses and information to identify whoever is responsible.
The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the identification and prosecution of those responsible for Junior’s murder.
A murder investigation was launched after Junior’s remains were found in undergrowth near railway lines at the back of Rabournmead Drive in Northolt on 14 March 2016.
Junior had been reported missing after last being seen on 15 August 2015 in Kilburn.
Detective Constable Iain McDonald from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said:
“It’s been ten years since Junior disappeared – years in which his family and friends have been left without the answers they deserve.
“We remain committed to finding those responsible for Juniors’s death but need the public’s help. There are people amongst the community, in particularly the Kilburn area, who know what happened to Junior.
“A lot can happen in ten years. Allegiances can change and maybe you felt unable to talk to us at the time, for whatever reason, but you are now in a position to do so. Now is the time to come forward.
“We understand that those with information may be concerned, but I would urge anyone who can help to come forward and help give Junior’s family the justice they deserve.
“A substantial reward is available from Crimestoppers, who are a charity, independent of to the police. – They will not ask for your personal details when you contact them, just for any information that could help identify who is responsible for Junior’s murder. To qualify for this reward, you must provide information directly to them.
“You can also speak to our investigation team. Any information you have, no matter how small, could be significant and will be treated with the strictest confidence.”
Alexa Loukas, Crimestoppers’ London Regional Manager, said:
“We know that coming forward and speaking up can be incredibly daunting. Crimestoppers provides a safe and anonymous way for anyone with information to help, without ever having to involve the police. Even though ten years have passed since Junior’s tragic murder, what you know could be the key to bringing justice for Junior and providing his family with the answers they so desperately need. We cannot identify telephone numbers or IP addresses, and we never record calls. Since our charity was founded in 1988, we have always upheld our promise of anonymity.”
Anyone with information is asked submit this online to police via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) at this link.
You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org. The reward will only be payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers and not to the police. A reward code must be asked for when calling the charity on 0800 555 111. If you contact Crimestoppers via the online form anonymously, the ‘keeping in contact’ facility must be used and a reward code must be requested on your initial contact with the charity.
An investigation was initially launched after Junior Nelson was reported missing on 21 August 2015 – he had last been seen at his home address in Aldershot Road, NW6 at around midday on Saturday 15 August. Police believe he remained in the vicinity of his home until that evening before he travelled from Kilburn towards Wembley. This was not a usual journey he would take.
Mobile phone analysis subsequently confirmed his phone was in use in the Stonebridge Park area of Wembley at around 22:00hrs that evening – however, his phone has never been recovered.
Junior was well known in the Kilburn area. Police believe that prior to his disappearance he was being taken advantage of by those involved in dealing illegal drugs in the area.
Police initially investigated Junior as a missing person but this was changed to a murder investigation following the discovery of his remains.
Four people were arrested following an initial investigation but all were released without charge.
Children with disabilities face significant challenges in South Africa. Firstly there are delayed diagnoses which can lead to complications. The high cost of healthcare and little financial support for their families can limit their access to healthcare services altogether.
There is also little access to rehabilitation services. Inadequate facilities and a shortage of trained personnel are just some of the obstacles.
I started thinking about ways to get over these obstacles when I noticed that people with disabilities weren’t well represented in my sport.
As a competitive surfer and instructor, I had always celebrated the ocean’s ability to inspire confidence and resilience.
Every day, the beach was alive with activity – surfers, families and ocean lovers. Yet among them, I rarely saw people with disabilities in the water.
I began to notice that the beachfront itself, the infrastructure, the culture, and even my own surf school, weren’t actively creating space for inclusivity.
This would eventually become the cornerstone of the Roxy Davis Foundation, established in 2019, and later my doctoral research focusing on ocean-based therapy for children with disabilities.
I found surf therapy enhanced the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of these children.
New therapy
Surf therapy teaches people with disabilities to surf to promote psychological, physical and psychosocial well-being.
The first peer reviewed publication on surf therapy appeared in 2010 and focused on Aboriginal children in Australia. It was about mitigating the inter-generational trauma suffered as a result of the government-sanctioned removal of Aboriginal children from their families, a policy that only ended in the 1970s.
In 2020 a review of a 10-year period included 29 studies into war veterans and young adult cancer survivors, among others.
One such study focused on children with autism spectrum disorder. The study took place in the north-west of Ireland. Children said they felt happier and free, while their parents said they were more relaxed and confident.
A South African study with children with autism spectrum disorder explored the feasibility and unique benefits of an existing surf therapy programme and reported largely positive results.
My own research involved an adapted surf therapy programme for children with a range of disabilities.
Five children aged between 12 and 16 were enrolled. Altogether there were 35 participants including parents, counsellors, volunteers, physiotherapists and surf instructors.
Four of the five children were from under-resourced communities in South Africa’s Western Cape province and all had either a physical, sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment.
None of the children had taken part in ocean sports before.
Getting into the water
For six weeks the children took part in a three-hour surf therapy session on a Friday afternoon.
The first goal was to get the kids in the water. We used mobility mats, surfboards with handles and amphibious beach wheelchairs to help.
Each child was taught now to surf according to their pace of learning and ability.
There was also a “surfers’ circle” with a discussion topic for each session.
After six weeks we conducted follow-up interviews to see what changes the children had experienced, and if these had any influence on their lives outside surfing.
We also asked parents and counsellors to identify the most significant changes in the children.
‘I felt free and confident’
Final interviews were completed one year later.
Charlie, aged 12, with cerebral palsy: “If my brothers want to go surfing I don’t have to stay behind and just watch them, I can go surf with them. It is so cool to surf with my dad and my brothers.”
Charlie’s teacher: “His self-awareness level and how he sees himself in the world has really improved.”
Tala, aged 15, with cerebal palsy: “Once I started surfing, I felt free and confident. Even in other spaces, when I’m not surfing, like, ‘Yeah I can surf, I can do something like surfing that I didn’t know that I could do before.’ ”
Tala’s school psychologist: “She went into this feeling very insecure, nervous and anxious. She said she will always remember who she was and how she felt before she went to the programme and how she came out of it … to be able to use that feeling and apply it to a different situation, that’s huge for her.”
Princess, aged 15, with spina bifida: was determined to “wean” herself off using nappies after gaining confidence through surf therapy.
Princess’s guardian described her experience as similar to “winning a gold medal … She was more confident in herself than ever. She is off that nappy completely now.”
Thabo, aged 14, a leg amputee: “Before session one, I was feeling nervous and excited, but as soon as I got in the sea, the nerves disappeared. You look and realise you can actually do that. I feel like I belong in the ocean.”
After the final session he said: “I can relax, I can be in control of my urges and my temper. I’m now not always thinking about what people think about me. I can be myself in many ways.”
Rowan, aged 15, a quadruple amputee: “Before I started surfing, I was thinking I can’t do it until I tried it and just being there was like beyond being able to speak in my wildest dreams. I couldn’t believe I could surf in the ocean riding some waves.
“On my first session, I was like ‘If I can do it, I can do it for the rest of my life’.”
In his second interview he said: “My goal is to become a national champion and to become a Paralympic champion.”
One year after the surf therapy programme he entered a provincial parasurfing competition, which he won. He was then selected to participate in the South African Para Surfing Championships in 2022, where he came second. Later that year he was selected to represent South Africa at the World Para Surfing Championships in California. Nineteen months after starting surfing, in December, on his 16th birthday, he competed in the World Championships and was placed 17th.
Surf therapy demonstrates what’s possible when we focus on ability rather than limitation.
– Surf therapy for children with disabilities: how it’s changing lives in South Africa – https://theconversation.com/surf-therapy-for-children-with-disabilities-how-its-changing-lives-in-south-africa-245290
The Danish economy is fundamentally balanced and there are prospects for good growth, continued high employment and low, stable inflation in the coming years.
Growth in the Danish economy is expected to be fuelled by developments in the domestic economy to a greater extent than in recent years. Further progress in the activities abroad of large, global Danish companies, which are recognised in Danish value added, will also contribute to growth.
“The relatively high growth in the projection of 3.6 per cent this year includes the development of Danish production abroad and the reopening of the Tyra field. Without these two factors, we estimate that the Danish economy will grow more moderately at 1.4 per cent this year,” says Christian Kettel Thomsen, Governor of Danmarks Nationalbank.
“Behind the positive picture of the Danish economy, there are factors that can paint a less attractive picture. The Danish economy has adapted to new challenges in the past, most recently during the pandemic, and this will be needed again if trade conflicts and increased defence spending become commonplace,” says Thomsen.
If global trade conflicts or the implementation of tariff barriers escalate, it could have a major impact on world trade.
“Our analyses indicate that increased fragmentation of the global economy or a sharp decline in world trade could mean lower growth and higher prices domestically and globally,” says Thomsen.
Denmark and Europe are also facing a significant increase in defence spending, which could increase capacity pressure in the economy.
“If capacity pressure in Denmark increases significantly, it should be offset by fiscal measures that reduce it accordingly. This should be seen in light of the fact that Denmark is currently considered to be in a neutral economic situation,” says Thomsen.
Danmarks Nationalbank’s expectations in a new projection:
In our new projection, we expect HICP inflation in Denmark to be 2.0 per cent this year, 1.7 per cent in 2026 and 2027. We expect GDP growth to be 3.6 per cent this year, 2.3 per cent in 2026 and 2.0 per cent in 2027.
Danmarks Nationalbank’s new analyses of the Danish economy and the new annual report for 2024 can be found on the bank’s website, nationalbanken.dk.
Enquiries and registrations for the press conference can be directed to press advisor Peter Levring on 2620 1809 and pnbl@nationalbanken.dk.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (19 March 2025) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will hold its 58th Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy, on 4-7 May 2025 under the theme “Sharing Experience, Building Tomorrow”.
Media are invited to cover the Annual Meeting and should email [email protected] to apply for an invitation. Media representatives include journalists, photographers, camera persons, and media technical crews.
The Annual Meeting is a unique gathering of Governors from ADB’s 69 members to consider development issues and challenges facing Asia and the Pacific. Several thousand participants, including finance ministers, central bank governors, senior government officials, members of the private sector, representatives of international organizations, civil society, and the media regularly join the meeting.
A program of seminars is open to the media featuring finance ministers, central bankers, development and industry experts, and ADB Management.
For more information, visit the Annual Meeting website and the seminars page.
Follow #ADBAnnualMeeting and #ADBMilan on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X for regular updates.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.
Anas Sarwar and his Scottish Labour colleagues have been urged to stand against the cruel welfare cuts being made by their Westminster counterparts.
Scottish Green Co-Leader Lorna Slater has urged Mr Sarwar to live up to his promise to end austerity and reject Keir Starmer’s decision to plunge vulnerable people into poverty.
Ms Slater said:
“Anas Sarwar promised an end to austerity, but the cuts being made by his Labour colleagues are the very definition of austerity.
“Social security in the UK is among the lowest in Europe. These cuts will cause great harm to disabled people in particular who rely on this financial support as a lifeline.
“There will be a severe humanitarian cost. It will mean people going hungry or being cut-off, trapped in their homes.
“Every Scottish Labour MSP represents constituents and communities who will suffer as a direct result.
“From cutting vital Winter Fuel Payments and plunging pensioners into fuel poverty to betraying WASPI women and from keeping the cruel two child cap to punishing disabled people, this is a Labour government that has shown it cannot be trusted to stand up for the communities they represent.
“There is a choice. By taxing the super wealthy we can raise billions of pounds for the services that people rely on.
“People in Scotland waited 14 long years to get rid of the Tories only to get a Labour government that is doubling down on their most punishing policies. I urge Anas Sarwar to live up to the promises he made during the election and to oppose these devastating cuts.”
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Analogical Research recently commissioned LucidTalk to conduct a short survey consisting
of three questions to establish whether there was a “chill factor” among Unionists and Protestants when Irish signage is erected.
The figures shown in this article are based on a representative sample of 1050 people in Northern Ireland selected by LucidTalk from 3001 who completed the survey.
The first question asked about people’s reaction if the local council put up Irish language street signs in the road where they lived. Respondents were asked if that would make them more likely to move, less likely to move or whether it would make no difference. Some 71% of those who voted for a Unionist party and 63% of those who identified as Protestant said that it would make them more likely to move. There were variations between the Unionist parties. For the TUV voters the figure was 84%, DUP 71%, and UUP 57%. It is noteworthy that a clear majority of UUP voters, who would normally be regarded as more moderate, thought that they would be more likely to move if Irish street signs went up.
The second question asked respondents to imagine that they were house hunting. If a road had Irish language street signs would that make them more likely to move there, less likely to move there, or would it make no difference? This time 88% of Unionist voters and 82% of Protestants said they were less likely to move there. The responses from different Unionist party supporters were very similar: DUP 89%, TUV 86%; UUP 84%. Middle class voters (socio-economic groups ABC1) had a very similar negative reaction to working class voters (C2DE).
This question identified 26% of Alliance voters who were less likely to move to such a street. Irish street signs therefore brought a negative response from a proportion of those considered very moderate. At the same time, although the majority of Nationalists-Republicans said the presence of Irish street signs would make no difference to them, there were 38% who said they were more likely to move to a road if it had Irish street signs.
It has often been considered acceptable to erect Irish street signs if a majority of people in a road support such a move. However it is likely, in the light of these results, to have a significant negative effect if there is a Unionist and/or Protestant minority in that street.
The results for the first question suggest that Unionists and Protestants become more likely to move when Irish street signs go up. Of course, they could be replaced by people of the same political and religious persuasion. However, the results for the second question suggest this is more and more unlikely. The strong negative reaction indicates Unionists and Protestants will avoid roads with Irish street signs when house hunting.
At the same time, there are those of a Nationalist-Republican persuasion who are positively attracted to roads with Irish street signs. The probable effect of these preferences is to cause the Unionist and Protestant population to fall and the Nationalist-Republican presence to increase in those streets. The likely outcome, if not the intent, indicates that the erection of Irish street signs will become a non-violent form of ethnic cleansing. Local people will certainly be able to identify areas of North and South Belfast where this is likely to be an issue.
The third question in the survey related to council-run leisure centres. Survey participants were asked, if their leisure centre had Irish signage, would it make them more or less likely to use the facility, or would it make no difference.
Some 75% of Unionists and 69% of Protestants said the Irish signage would make them less likely to use the leisure centre. The party figures were TUV 83%; DUP 79%; and UUP 59%. At the same time 39% of Nationalists and Republicans stated that they would be more likely to use such a facility.
This strongly suggests that the introduction of Irish signage in places like Olympia Leisure Centre would reduce Unionist and Protestant attendance. The chill factor, which was speculated about in some Equality Impact Assessments (EQIAs), is now confirmed by empirical evidence.
I suggest there are a number of lessons to be learned. 1. The chill factor introduced by Irish street signs is likely to lead to the non-violent ethnic cleansing of Unionists and Protestants in certain areas. 2. Councils of all persuasions should make sure that the findings of this opinion poll are taken into account during EQIAs and call-ins. 3. Pressure should be brought to bear on the Equality Commission to stop saying that the use of Irish is a “neutral act”. There are many situations, such as the use of Irish on street signs and in leisure centres where it is not neutral at all.
Ordinary Unionists and Protestants clearly have an understanding of the symbolic significance of Irish as a political weapon which has quite escaped many in the equality and human rights industries.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
World news story
Call for in-kind sponsorship in relation to co-hosted events with the British Embassy in Tokyo
The British Embassy Tokyo welcomes proposals for in-kind sponsorship in relation to co-hosted events with partner organisations.
The British Embassy in Tokyo occupies a prestigious location in central Tokyo, and includes the historic Ambassador’s Residence. The Embassy seeks to maximise the return to the UK taxpayer of this valuable asset by making full use of the Embassy, and the Residence in particular, as a professional events space through which we can engage with our stakeholders in Japan to promote and advance UK interests and HM Government priorities. Such activity includes providing the opportunity for British businesses and organisations to apply to use the Residence for their own events, on commercial terms, if we consider that such an event would contribute to advancing the UK’s wider interests in Japan.
In some cases, where partners are able to make a unique in-kind contribution (for example, through a cultural performance or attendance of a keynote speaker), we will provide use of the Residence and associated services (such as catering and security) on discounted terms, where they would normally be subject to commercial terms. We are particularly interested in proposals for sponsorship arrangements from British cultural institutions, not-for-profit organisations, and UK-Japan cultural organisations. The specific terms of any such arrangement will be subject to discussion on a case-by-case basis.
The British Embassy Tokyo would welcome proposals for in-kind sponsorship in relation to co-hosted events for April 2025 to March 2026.
Any organisation wishing to register an expression of interest to provide sponsorship should contact the Embassy at public-enquiries.tokyo@fcdo.gov.uk, marked for the attention of the Ambassador’s Chief of Staff.