Source: Government of Sweden
The action programmes intend to complement the National plan to combat racism, similar forms of hostility and hate crime, and include both measures aimed at bringing to light and combating each form of racism, and measures aimed at combating racism at large.
Source: Government of Sweden
The action programmes intend to complement the National plan to combat racism, similar forms of hostility and hate crime, and include both measures aimed at bringing to light and combating each form of racism, and measures aimed at combating racism at large.
Source: Government of Sweden
From 30 November to 12 December, the world will gather in Dubai for the UN COP28 Climate Change Conference. This year’s meeting will focus on two issues in particular: global stocktake of climate action and phasing out fossil fuels.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
International Petroleum Corporation (IPC) (TSX, Nasdaq Stockholm: IPCO) will publish its financial and operating results and related management’s discussion and analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 07:30 CEST, followed by an audiocast at 09:00 CEST.
Listen to William Lundin, President and CEO, and Christophe Nerguararian, CFO, commenting on the second quarter 2025 financial and operating results and the latest developments from IPC.
Follow the presentation live starting at 09:00 CEST on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 on www.international-petroleum.com or using the link or dial-in details below:
Presentation Link: https://ipc.videosync.fi/2025-08-05
Dial-in numbers
Canada/USA: +1 786 697 3501
UK: +44 33 0551 0200
Sweden: +46 8 5052 0424
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International Petroleum Corp. (IPC) is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with a high quality portfolio of assets located in Canada, Malaysia and France, providing a solid foundation for organic and inorganic growth. IPC is a member of the Lundin Group of Companies. IPC is incorporated in Canada and IPC’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the Nasdaq Stockholm under the symbol “IPCO”.
For further information, please contact:
| Rebecca Gordon SVP Corporate Planning and Investor Relations rebecca.gordon@international-petroleum.com Tel: +41 22 595 10 50 |
Robert Eriksson Media Manager reriksson@rive6.ch Tel: +46 701 11 26 15 |
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements and information which constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable securities legislation). Such statements and information (together, “forward-looking statements”) relate to future events, including the Corporation’s future performance, business prospects or opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, unless otherwise indicated. IPC does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.
All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, forecasts, guidance, budgets, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “forecast”, “predict”, “potential”, “targeting”, “intend”, “could”, “might”, “should”, “believe”, “budget” and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be “forward-looking statements”.
Attachment
Source: Government of Sweden
The action programmes intend to complement the National plan to combat racism, similar forms of hostility and hate crime, and include both measures aimed at bringing to light and combating each form of racism, and measures aimed at combating racism at large.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
The family of a man who was fatally stabbed in Ilford, have paid tribute to their son describing him as having a “remarkable ability to connect with everyone he met.”
Gurjeet Singh, 30 known as Gary, died on Wednesday, 23 July at an address in Felbrigge Road, Ilford.
In a statement, Gary’s family said:
“Gary was a well-loved man who had a remarkable ability to connect with everyone he met. A true social butterfly, nothing brought him more joy than being surrounded by his family. Gary will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in our hearts forever.”
Police were called by the London Ambulance Service to reports of an altercation at a residential address. Officers attended as Gary was treated for stab wounds. Despite the best efforts of the paramedics, he sadly died at the scene.
On Wednesday, 23 July, officers arrested Amardeep Singh, 27 (03.02.1998) of Redbridge, IG3 on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey for trial on Monday, 5 January 2026
Detectives also arrested a 29-year-old man and three women aged 29, 30 and 54. They have all since been bailed until October 2025 while enquiries continue.
Source: Lufthansa Group
On September 1, 2025, Francesco Sciortino will join the Executive Board of Lufthansa Airlines and take over responsibility as Hub Manager for Frankfurt. He will also become Accountable Manager for the Lufthansa airline. Francesco Sciortino is currently a Member of the Executive Board and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Austrian Airlines. Previously, he was Managing Director and Accountable Manager at Germanwings and SunExpress. Francesco Sciortino is also a captain on Airbus A330/340 aircraft at Lufthansa.
The previous Hub Manager for Frankfurt, Klaus Froese, has taken over the role on an interim basis and is transferring to Lufthansa’s Boeing 747 fleet as a captain as planned.
Heiko Reitz, Member of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Airlines, will take over responsibility as Hub Manager for Munich on September 1, 2025. Jens Ritter, who holds this position in addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), will focus on the further development of Lufthansa Airlines as CEO and drive forward the consistent implementation of the turnaround program for the future.
At the beginning of 2025, Lufthansa Airlines introduced two Hub Managers with explicit responsibility for improving operational processes between the Lufthansa teams and their partners at both locations in Frankfurt and Munich. Since then, operational stability and punctuality have improved significantly, as has customer satisfaction.
Source: Republic of France in English
The Republic of France has issued the following statement:
The Anna Politkovskaya-Arman Soldin Prize for Courage in Journalism will be awarded for the third time in early November 2025, to coincide with the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, established in 2013 by the United Nations at France’s initiative, in memory of French journalists Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, assassinated in Mali.
The aim of this prize is to distinguish the work of journalists and photojournalists committed to carrying out their essential role of informing people, in particular in theatres of conflict or during crises.
Through this prize, France reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the defence of freedom of the press and pays tribute to two emblematic figures of journalistic courage, killed in the performance of their duties. First, the Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, whose investigations published in the Novaya Gazeta on corruption, human rights violations and the war in Chechnya cost her her life, along with six of her colleagues. Second, the Franco-Bosnian AFP journalist and photojournalist Arman Soldin, killed on 9 May 2023 in the field, whose work helped inform the entire world of the reality of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
In 2024, the jury decided to recognize the work of Yuval Abraha, Israeli journalist, and Basel Adra, a Palestinian journalist, which focused on Israel’s settlements in the West Bank. Both journalists also belong to the Israeli-Palestinian collective that produced the documentary “No Other Land” last year, which won an Oscar in 2025.
Journalists wishing to apply for the 2025 prize may submit their application to presse.dcp at diplomatie.gouv.fr using this form, until midnight on 30 August 2025: download the form (Word – 37 Ko).
The Prize is accompanied by a lump-sum of €10,000, which must be used to finance a project carried out by the prizewinner.
Source: Government of Sweden
There is a need to further explore the connections between economic empowerment and preventing men’s violence against women, including economic violence. The Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union will therefore arrange a conference on this theme on 1–2 February. Sweden’s Minister for Gender Equality and Deputy Minister for Employment Paulina Brandberg will open the conference. In addition, European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli and Carlien Scheele, European Institute for Gender Equality Director will participate.
Source: Government of Sweden
At a press conference on 16 February, Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health Jakob Forssmed announced that the temporary entry restrictions on travel from China will be lifted. The restrictions meant that travellers from China were required to present a negative COVID-19 test result. The temporary entry restrictions will cease to apply on 18 February 2023.
Source: APO
Accurate and timely payroll impacts costs, tax compliance, and employee morale. Many organisations assume that insourced payroll is inherently superior. Yet in today’s dynamic business environment, this assumption can be more costly. It can burden valuable personnel, increase compliance risks, and saddle organisations with expensive, yet obsolete, software.
Workplaces are becoming more complex through a wide variety of employment conditions, frequent regulation changes, and growth risks (especially when operating in multiple regions). Payroll systems don’t always keep up, which is why over a third of companies are dissatisfied with their internal payroll systems (http://apo-opa.co/45tJ0Ko).
“The importance of accurate and timely payroll is undeniable. But assuming that insourcing payroll is inherently superior misses the mark. In today’s dynamic business environment, clinging to outdated internal systems is costly, diverts valuable personnel, and complicates software management,” says Heinrich Swanepoel, Head of Business Development at Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace.
Outsourced payroll’s strategic advantages
Outsourcing payroll is a strategic move that adds scale and flexibility to an organisation’s operations. Whether it’s for five or five thousand employees, one office or multiple countries, using an experienced and technologically capable outsourced payroll provider creates crucial advantages in workforce management and adaptability.
Here are five key reasons why payroll outsourcing is a game-changer:
Evaluating an outsourced payroll partner
Outsourcing payroll creates huge advantages. But not all outsourced payroll providers are the same. The best candidates combine human expertise with the advantages of modern cloud-native payroll platforms.
To evaluate a provider, test their payroll expertise and compliance knowledge. Security and data protection are non-negotiable, and assess their track record with other clients. Look at what software they use—the capabilities of the software and how well their people can use those features are as important as the staff’s professional capabilities. Are they masters of their tools as well as their craft?
Interrogate their service levels and how they extend capabilities to clients, such as self-service and ad hoc reporting. Evaluate the technology platform in terms of real-time data access, automated calculations, integration with HR and accounting tools, and compliance.
“Outsourcing payroll isn’t just about saving time — it’s a strategic move that positions your business for growth, compliance, and agility,” says Swanepoel. “With the right partner, you can reduce costs, streamline operations, and focus your energy where it matters most: on your people and your business.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace.
For media queries please contact:
Victoria Lindsay:
victoria@innocomm.co.za.
About Deel Local Payroll:
Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace (www.PaySpace.com), revolutionises payroll management. It offers online, multi-country payroll and HR management for businesses from start-ups through to enterprise in over 40 African countries, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Brazil.
Cloud-native, Deel Local Payroll, is scalable, configurable, highly secure, and easy-to-use—delivering anytime, anywhere access. It features payroll automation, self-service features, automatic legislation and feature updates, customised reporting, and more.
Since 2024, Deel Local Payroll has been part of Deel, operating as an independent subsidiary, serving its customers through the PaySpace platform.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Statement of Policy Intent sets out initial thinking on a new Early Access service to help patients benefit sooner from innovative medical devices that address unmet clinical needs.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is setting out its intention to enable earlier access to innovative medical devices that address unmet clinical needs within the NHS. As part of this, capability will be invested to establish a new Early Access service to provide time-limited, conditional access to promising technologies ahead of full regulatory approval, where there is clear clinical need and supporting evidence of benefit for patients.
Designed to support innovators, including small and medium-sized enterprises, the Early Access service aims to help bring safe and effective medical devices to patients more quickly. Focus initially will be on innovative diagnostic devices, particularly those supporting the NHS’s most urgent needs.
This forms part of the MHRA’s wider contribution to the UK Government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan and the 10-Year Health Plan, and supports the UK’s ambition to be a global leader in medical device innovation.
The Early Access service will use learnings from the Unmet Clinical Need Authorisation (UCNA) tool piloted in the Innovative Devices Access Pathway (IDAP), and be shaped by stakeholder engagement with key sector representatives.
The initiative sits within a broader programme of regulatory reform, including strengthened post-market surveillance and increased international collaboration. The MHRA will continue to work with industry, clinicians, NHS leaders and other partners to shape the pathway and support growth across the UK MedTech sector.
For more information on the statement of policy intent, visit [Statement of Policy Intent: Early Access to Innovative Medical Devices] (https://gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-policy-intent-early-access-to-innovative-medical-devices)
For more information on the Innovative Devices Accelerated Pathway (IDAP) visit the MHRA website: The Innovative Devices Access Pathway (IDAP) – GOV.UK
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Awarding body faces £350,000 penalty for breaches that led to incorrect grades and reviews of marking failures that affected nearly 4,000 other exam papers.
Ofqual is to fine awarding organisation WJEC £350,000 in total for breaching exams rules in 2 separate cases – including one that meant over 1,500 students received the wrong GCSE grades on results day.
The 1,527 students who received the incorrect results had taken WJEC’s Eduqas GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition qualification in summer 2024.
WJEC had failed to adjust teachers’ marking of coursework – which made up 50% of the qualification – to ensure results were in line with national standards.
It subsequently found that, while 17,610 results did not need to be changed, 847 students received lower grades and 680 got higher grades than they should have.
The students who received the incorrect lower grades were eventually issued with the correct grade in October 2024. In considering Ofqual guidance, WJEC decided those who received the incorrect higher grades should keep them, to avoid unfairly penalising students who may have already used those results.
Ofqual is set to fine WJEC £175,000 for this case, caused by an error in WJEC’s external moderation of teachers’ marking.
In the second case, WJEC reported that between 2017 and 2023 it had allowed 3,926 exam papers, out of 120,094 reviews of marking across 38 Ofqual-regulated qualifications, to be reviewed by the same assessors who had originally marked at least part of them, breaking regulations.
In this case, WJEC will be fined another £175,000 for breaching its Conditions of Recognition concerning how it conducted ‘reviews of marking’.
One student had their grade increased in 2024 after a fully independent review of marking was conducted. In response to the incident, WJEC issued credit notes as financial compensation to schools and colleges, for all affected reviews, totalling just over £219,000.
Amanda Swann, Ofqual’s Executive Director for General Qualifications, said:
Students must be able to trust that their results accurately reflect their performance, and what they know, understand and can do.
These proposed fines reflect the serious nature of WJEC’s failures and our commitment to protecting the interests of students and maintaining the integrity of our qualifications system. This includes the requirement that GCSE, AS and A levels students are entitled to an independent review of their exam marks.
Ofqual’s enforcement panel concluded a fine was appropriate and also took into account several mitigating factors. These included that WJEC had admitted the breaches, fully accepted responsibility, taken steps to prevent the problems happening again, and engaged fully with Ofqual.
Ofqual has today published 2 Notice of Intention (to accept a settlement proposal) documents for each case against WJEC. The documents give more details of the cases and invite interested parties to make representations ahead of final decisions:
We continue to work closely with WJEC to ensure the mitigations they have put in place for this summer and subsequent exam series are effective.
Ofqual’s Taking Regulatory Action Policy sets out how it will use its powers to take regulatory action.
Source: Scottish Government
Three-year funding commitment supports expanded play and family support.
A charity that supports disabled children and young people and their families can provide 300 more places throughout the year after opening new premises in Glasgow for the first time.
The dedicated play centre, supported with £500,000 from the Scottish Government, joins existing premises in Dundee, Fife and Edinburgh where The Yard supports disabled children and young people, and their families.
The new facility provides children with a sensory room, play hall and outdoor space, while also providing a meeting room for parents and carers to receive family support.
The Scottish Government funding is part of a £2 million commitment over three years from 2024-25 to support The Yard to grow its services, including tailored support, and expand its spaces for disabled children and young people to play and socialise.
Children and Young People’s Minister Natalie Don-Innes officially opened the new facility and joined a family session as part of The Yard’s school holiday programme.
Ms Don-Innes said:
“Working with charities is vital to improving outcomes for disabled children and their families. Our three-year funding will help The Yard to continue to grow and support more families across Scotland.
“This wonderful new facility, backed by £500,000 Scottish Government funding, has allowed the Yard to expand to new premises in Glasgow for the first time. The smiles on the faces of the children and families who rely on The Yard for support show what a difference this service makes to their lives.”
Celine Sinclair, CEO of The Yard said;
“We are incredibly proud to launch our new Glasgow service, building on the success of our centres in Edinburgh, Dundee and Fife. The Yard team provide exemplary, safe, inclusive spaces where children can play, grow and connect, while families feel supported, empowered and included. We are just thrilled to be in the West of Scotland and would like to thank Scottish Government and our funders for helping us realise this ambition.
“Working alongside our partners in Glasgow, this new service builds on our legacy and expands our reach to meet the needs of families and schools. As we continue developing The Yard into a nationally recognised Centre of Excellence, the opening of our Glasgow centre marks a major step forward in our mission to inspire and to help build meaningful inclusion across the country.”
Background
Up to £2 million funding for The Yard over three financial years from 2024-25 was confirmed in October 2023, subject to due diligence and approval of the budget by the Scottish Parliament.
Providing this additional capital and resource funding has enabled The Yard to take forward development of a site in Glasgow and refurbishment in Dundee and to expand their existing services in Edinburgh and Fife.
Source: City of Plymouth
One of the Plymouth’s waterfront locations is set for an exciting future thanks to a long-term agreement with Cattewater Harbour Commissioners.
A 30-year lease on Commercial Wharf on Madeira Road is to be granted to the commissioners who want to invest, improve and manage the location, to continue to grow the visitor economy of marine visitors to our city from the water.
The wharf is already home to 19 boathouses, which are used for a variety of commercial purposes, including marine, storage and leisure. The site includes the quay wall, a 17th century quay from the Mayflower Steps to a public access slipway as well as a public open space.
The commissioner’s plan is to make the area a destination in itself, to create a more welcoming feel to this historic wharf, to attract more tourists, events, visitors and marine tourism including cruise, tall ships, superyacht and leisure passengers embarking or disembarking from the nearby Barbican Landing Stage, and visitor moorings.
Cattewater Harbour Commissioners (CHC) took back ownership and responsibility for managing and maintaining the Barbican Landing Stage from the Council in early 2023 – a decision that not only saved the Council future maintenance costs, but meant that, CHC, as the Statutory Harbour Authority, had better access to resources and expertise to maintain the safe operation of the facility.
Council leader Tudor Evans said: “We constantly review all our assets and as we have said before, try to find creative solutions for some of our properties that can unlock jobs, opportunities and prospects – and this certainly hits the mark.
“It just makes sense for the wider good of the city. We do not have the resources or the expertise to carry out repairs to the sea wall – they do.
“We still retain the long-term interest in the wharf, but this deal will allow the commissioners to create something special and look after this landmark using the expertise they have on tap. I can’t wait to see what they do!”
Captain Richard Allan, CEO and Harbour Master, Cattewater Harbour Commissioners: “As we continue to grow the number of visiting leisure vessels to the Port, and invest in nearby facilities including toilets and showers, it’s a logical next step that we take on the lease of the wharf.
“We have thousands of visitors who’s first experience of Plymouth is coming ashore at Commercial Wharf, we want to make this experience better, and we’re looking forward to ensuring the site provides one of the best step off points in the South West.”
Cattewater Harbour is a trust port, an independent statutory body. There are no shareholders, or owners, and any surplus generated is reinvested into the port for the benefit of its stakeholders.
Since April 2020, the Council’s Facilities Management have spent over £400,000 including over £300,000 on capital repairs to the sea wall. Significant capital expenditure, major repair and maintenance issues remain.
As part of the tenancy agreement CHC will ensure the wharf remains in good repair – including structures, surfaces and sea walls. They will also be responsible for keeping the public spaces neat and tidy and have agreed to invest in critical maintenance and improvements to the site.
Source: City of York
The Get Britain Working Trailblazer programme is aimed at reducing economic inactivity and supporting residents into good jobs, volunteering, and training opportunities.
The funding, totalling £1,038,250, comes from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA) and will support a wide range of local projects targeting groups most affected by long-term unemployment, including young people, disabled residents, unpaid carers, and veterans.
Peter Roderick, Director of Public Health at City of York Council, said:
“This funding is a real opportunity to make a difference in the lives of York residents who face barriers to employment due to health or personal circumstances. We’re proud to be delivering a programme that puts people first—offering tailored support, improving wellbeing, and helping individuals find meaningful work. It’s about building a healthier, more inclusive city.”
Cllr Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy & Culture, added:
“This investment aligns perfectly with our Economic Strategy and our ambition to create good jobs and a thriving local economy. By working with partners across the city, we’re scaling up what works and piloting new, innovative approaches. It’s a bold step forward in unlocking York’s hidden talent and ensuring no one is left behind.”
The funding will support 15 York-specific schemes, including mental health hubs, youth mentoring, workplace health checks, and employer engagement initiatives. It also complements wider regional programmes such as wage subsidies and primary care interventions.
The Council has committed to delivering all projects within the 2025/26 financial year, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact. A report detailing the funding will go to a joint councillor decision session on 5 August.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
UNITED NATIONS, July 30 (Xinhua) — The High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question and the Realization of the “Two-State Solution” concluded its general debate on Wednesday.
The final document was circulated to delegations for consideration, and the conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, will resume its work later to decide on the text of the document.
“States can approve the document before the beginning of September if they wish,” the representative of Saudi Arabia said, closing the session.
The three-day conference, authorized by the UN General Assembly in December 2024, was originally scheduled for June but was postponed due to the outbreak of conflict between Iran and Israel.
Several countries, including the United Kingdom and Singapore, have announced their intention to recognize the State of Palestine.
Malta’s representative told a conference on Wednesday that his country could formally recognise the State of Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly session in September, describing the decision as “a concrete step towards achieving a just and lasting peace.” -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Source: Government of Sweden
Demographic changes in Europe are having an immense impact on our societies and entail challenges, not least for the labour market, pension systems and an increased need for health and social care. The Swedish Presidency has invited EU Member States and other actors to a high-level meeting on active and autonomous ageing, 13 –14 February, where they will discuss how to tackle the issues related to Europe’s ageing population. Minister for Older People and Social Security Anna Tenje will host the conference. Among the participants will be the Estonian Minister of Social Protection, the Danish Minister for Senior Citizens, and the Minister for Active Ageing from Malta.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
RSV vaccines are 82% effective for older people and 72% for newborns when mothers are vaccinated at least 14 days before birth.
A new UK Health Security Agency study – Effectiveness of RSV Vaccine Against RSV Associated Hospitalisation Among Adults Aged 75 to 79 years in England – in partnership with Nottingham University Hospitals and other NHS trusts, shows the RSV vaccine provided strong protection for older people, around 82% effective in preventing hospital admissions with RSV infection.
The study also found that the vaccine is highly effective in preventing hospitalisation for older people with a chronic respiratory condition and those living with immunosuppression.
Two new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programmes were introduced to the NHS Vaccination Schedule in September last year; an older adults programme and a maternal programme.
The programme for older adults offers the vaccine to those turning 75, as well as a one-off catch up campaign for all adults aged 75 to79 years.
The maternal vaccination programme is offered to women from 28 weeks of pregnancy to protect newborns, who are at higher risk of severe illness from RSV.
A separate new study – Vaccination in Pregnancy and RSV Hospitalisation in Infants in the UK, led by NHS paediatricians, published in the Lancet Child and Adolescent Health – found that the maternal RSV vaccine was 72% effective in preventing hospitalisation for infants whose mothers were vaccinated more than 14 days before delivery.
UKHSA has also today published the latest vaccine uptake figures for both RSV programmes, including the:
Greta Hayward, Consultant Midwife at the UK Health Security Agency, said:
Having the RSV vaccine during every pregnancy is the best way for women to protect their newborn against RSV, as the vaccine boosts their immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus, and these then pass through the placenta to help protect their baby from the day they are born. RSV infects around 90% of children in their first 2 years of life.
The RSV season usually starts in October and while there is no risk-free birth month, babies born in late summer or the autumn are most likely to be admitted to hospital. Hundreds of babies attend Emergency Departments each day for bronchiolitis through most of November and December. That is why it is so important that over the summer pregnant women reaching 28 weeks of pregnancy, ensure they are vaccinated as soon as possible.
Dr Conall Watson, Immunisation Consultant at the UK Health Security Agency, said:
The evidence clearly shows the RSV vaccine for pregnant women is highly effective and will give much reassurance to parents, knowing their newborn is protected from birth, when they are at much greater risk from RSV.
As a parent and health professional I can’t stress enough the importance of getting the RSV vaccine during every pregnancy. We recommend vaccination in week 28 or soon after but if you are later on in your pregnancy and still haven’t had your vaccine please contact your maternity service or GP practice to arrange one.
RSV can be a particularly serious infection for older people, so this new evidence will also give much reassurance that having the RSV jab will greatly reduce their chances of ending up in hospital.
While the uptake of the RSV vaccine continues to rise, we want to see every single pregnant woman and eligible older person getting protected. The virus picks up in the autumn, so don’t put if off over the summer – as soon as you reach your 75th birthday or week 28 of pregnancy get the vaccine for healthy peace of mind.
UKHSA has published its first RSV Annual Report, which looks back at the 2024 to 2025 RSV season, providing analysis on disease pattern, vaccine uptake and vaccine impact.
The surveillance shows RSV activity started across all UK nations around week 42 of 2024 (week starting 14 October) and peaked around weeks 47 to 49 2024 (18 November to 8 December), before steadily declining and reaching baseline activity around weeks 7 to 8 2025 (10 to 23 February).
The Report also details UKHSA’s analysis from the primary care surveillance, which involves swabbing in around 300 GP Practices in England when a patient presents with an acute respiratory infection (ARI). This found that by age group, the highest RSV positivity (% of laboratory confirmed RSV cases out of total ARI swabs) was observed in children under 5 years; with positivity peaking at 53.1% in week 46 (11-17 November).
Among those aged 75 years and above, the highest RSV positivity rate was 18.5% reported in week 49 (2 to 8 December).
Surveillance of patients attending hospital emergency departments (ED) in England found that among infants (babies under 1), bronchiolitis peaked in late November. This is the main clinical presentation of infant RSV and RSV is the primary pathogen causing bronchiolitis.
Source: Government of Sweden
This material provides an overview of Sweden’s work to combat men’s violence against women. Stopping men’s violence against women is a priority issue for the Swedish Government. In 2016, a ten-year national strategy to prevent and counter men’s violence against women was adopted. The strategy applies to the period 2017–2026 and particularly emphasises preventive measures.
Source: Government of Sweden
The countries are working together to build economic resiliency and provide new market opportunities for Canadian and Swedish businesses. The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and Ebba Busch, Minister for Energy, Business and Industry and Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden made the following statement.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The company also received a £150,000 fine from the Information Commissioner’s Office
Mohammed Liaqat and Rubani Ghulam were directors of a company which harassed people with nuisance cold-calls in 2020 and 2021
Posh Windows UK Ltd, based in Stoke-on-Trent, made more than 400,000 unsolicited marketing calls trying to sell home improvements within a nine-month period
Both have now been disqualified as company directors following investigations by the Insolvency Service
Two businessmen from Stoke-on-Trent who allowed their home improvements company to make hundreds of thousands of nuisance cold-calls have been banned as directors.
Mohammed Liaqat, 37, and Rubani Ghulam, 55, were directors of Posh Windows UK Ltd, which specialised in a range of products including windows, doors and conservatories.
However, the company made 461,062 unsolicited marketing calls in a nine-month period between August 2020 and April 2021.
The calls were to people who had registered with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), a statutory register of people who have said they do not want to receive marketing calls.
Posh Windows UK Ltd was fined £150,000 by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in 2022 but went into liquidation in the same year without having paid any of the fine.
Liaqat, of Clarke Street, and Ghulam, of Thorndyke Street, have now been disqualified as company directors for four years.
Simon Gillett, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:
Mohammed Liaqat and Rubani Ghulam allowed their company to make nearly half a million nuisance calls to people who had explicitly said they did not want to receive marketing calls, causing significant inconvenience to members of the public.
Many of the victims were also subjected to aggressive pressure tactics and repeated calls.
Directors who ignore privacy regulations and allow their companies to harass the public through relentless cold-calling will face the consequences. In this case, both Liaqat and Ghulam have been banned from running companies for four years, protecting consumers from further misconduct.
Posh Windows UK Ltd was based on Cheapside in Stoke-on-Trent, with Liaqat and Ghulam appointed as directors in 2018.
The company first came to the attention of the ICO in January 2021 when one of its employees received an unsolicited direct marketing call in the evening.
During the call, the caller referred to government grants for home improvements and wanted to book an appointment for the following day.
They only hung up when the recipient told them that the telephone number was registered with the TPS.
Further complaints to the TPS and ICO indicated that pressure tactics were being used and constant calls were made, often outside standard business hours. Some callers were called more than 10 times, even after they had told them to stop.
In total, Posh Windows UK Ltd made 630,971 calls between 1 August 2020 and 30 April 2021. Of those, 461,062 were made to subscribers whose telephone numbers had been registered with the TPS for more than 28 days
All but 84 of the 461,062 calls were made from a withheld number, breaching privacy regulations.
ICO investigations began in March 2021 but Liaqat still allowed the company to trade for more than a year without the ability to adequately screen numbers against the TPS register.
Andy Curry, Head of Investigations at the ICO, said:
We welcome the decision to disqualify Mohammed Liaqat and Rubani Ghulam as directors of Posh Windows UK Ltd.
Nobody should be made to feel uncomfortable or distressed after simply answering the phone, and our investigation found that this company showed complete disregard for both the law and the thousands of people they were aggressively pestering.
Our Financial Investigation Unit works closely with the Insolvency Service to bring companies and directors to account. By disrupting the non-compliant activities of directors such as Mohammed Liaqat and Rubani Ghulam, we can help ensure they can’t easily resurface under a different name and continue to cause further harm to people.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade accepted disqualification undertakings from Liaqat and Ghulam, and their bans started on Thursday 31 July.
The undertakings prevent them from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.
Mohammed Liaqat is of Clarke Street, Stoke-on-Trent. His date of birth is 2 May 1988
Rubani Ghulam is of Thorndyke Street, Stoke-on-Trent. His date of birth is 31 August 1969
Posh Windows UK Ltd (company number 09223929)
Individuals subject to a disqualification order or undertaking are bound by a range of restrictions
The Insolvency Service is a government agency that helps to deliver economic confidence by supporting those in financial distress, tackling financial wrongdoing and maximising returns to creditors.
The Insolvency Service is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade.
Journalists with enquiries can call the Insolvency Service Press Office on 0303 003 1743 or email press.office@insolvency.gov.uk (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
For any out of hours media enquiries, please contact the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) newsdesk on 020 7215 2000.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Prison officers will use artificial intelligence (AI) to stop violence before it breaks out under new plans set out by the Lord Chancellor today (31 July).
Under the Ministry of Justice’s AI Action Plan artificial intelligence predicts the risk an offender could pose and informs decisions to put dangerous prisoners under tighter supervision to cut crime and deliver swifter justice for victims. This will help to cut reoffending and make our streets safe, part of the Plan for Change.
AI will be used across prisons, probation and courts to better track offenders and assess the risk they pose with tools that can predict violence behind bars, uncover secret messages sent by prisoners and connect offender records across different systems.
The AI violence predictor analyses different factors such as a prisoner’s age and previous involvement in violent incidents while in custody. This will help prison officers assess threat levels on wings and intervene or move prisoners before violence escalates.
Another AI tool will be able to digitally scan the contents of mobile phones seized from prisoners to rapidly flag messages that could provide intelligence on potential crimes being committed behind bars, such as secret code words.
This will allow staff to discover potential threats of violence to other inmates or prison officers as well as plans to escape and smuggle in weapons or contraband.
These phones – often used for gang activity, drug trafficking and intimidation – are a major source of violence in prisons.
This technology, which uses AI-driven language analysis, has already been trialled across the prison estate and has analysed over 8.6 million messages from 33,000 seized phones.
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood, said:
Artificial intelligence will transform the justice system. We are embracing its full potential as part of our Plan for Change.
These tools are already fighting violence in prisons, tracking offenders, and releasing our staff to focus on what they do best: cutting crime and making our streets safer.
The AI Action Plan also outlines how the department will create a single digital ID for all offenders with AI helping to link separate records across courts, prisons and probation for the first time.
This will match records that may never be linked through old search systems due to slight typos or missing words, meaning greater monitoring and more effective sentencing.
In the Probation Service, AI pilots have already shown a 50% reduction in note-taking time, allowing officers to focus on risk management, monitoring and face-to-face meetings with offenders.
Building on this success, the tool will be rolled out to all probation officers, and potentially in prisons and courts too.
The AI Action Plan also sets out how technology can ease pressure on courts and improve services for the public. This includes a digital assistant is being developed to help families resolve child arrangement disputes outside of court.
Alexander Iosad, Director of Government Innovation Policy at the Tony Blair Institute, said:
This Action Plan shows exactly the kind of ambition we need across government to embrace AI for a genuine renewal of our public services. If implemented well and at pace, these technologies won’t just ease the pressure on our prisons but also help offenders receive the personalised support they need for effective rehabilitation, making streets safer, and ensuring that victims facing incredibly difficult moments get the justice they deserve. This is what modern, data-driven public service reform to deliver real change for citizens should look like.
Earlier this year, the Lord Chancellor set out her vision for the Probation Service, which included a £8 million pledge to introduce new technology to help risk assess offenders and cut back on admin, increasing focus on those offenders who pose the greatest risk to the public.
In the Spending Review, the Government announced that the Probation Service will receive up to £700 million, an almost 45% increase in funding. This new funding will mean tens of thousands more offenders can be tagged and monitored in the community.
Source: Government of Sweden
The Government will soon begin work on a new action plan to counter and combat men’s violence against women. The action plan will contain concrete measures to ensure that effective steps to combat men’s violence against women are taken.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Compliance Bulletin examines how well defence contractors followed the reporting regulations for non-competitive (also known as single source) defence contracts.
Defence contractors must report information about their single-source defence contracts to the MOD and the Single Source Regulations Office (the SSRO). This is performed using the SSRO’s Defence Contract Analysis and Reporting System (DefCARS).
This information is a key element of the regulatory framework, providing the MOD with ongoing information throughout the contract period to support informed purchasing decisions and effective contract management for vital defence equipment and services.
The Compliance Bulletin presents compliance data relating to reports expected to be submitted between 1 May 2024 and 30 April 2025. Data is also presented against historical compliance records going back to May 2018.
The bulletin indicates that while most expected reports are being made by contractors, there remains scope to improve the quality of initial data. Additionally, the MOD must ensure that the information received is effectively considered and used, by increasing the amount of reported information accessed and reviewed in DefCARS.
The bulletin finds that the majority of expected reports are eventually received, with timeliness (being delivered in line with the timescales set out in the legislation) improving for contract reports and remaining constant for supplier reports when compared to last year. The quality of reports (complying with the legislative requirements) remains similar to last year with 48% of contract and supplier reports meeting the quality threshold on the first attempt. Both timeliness and quality remain below the SSRO’s Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of 75 per cent, but when allowing for additional time, beyond the expected submission date, most of the reports are eventually received and the proportion of all report types correct upon subsequent submission is 75% or greater showing that actions are taken by contractors when issues are raised.
Since 1 April 2024, the legislation has provided a definition of a component of the contract price, and components have their own reporting requirements. Examples of a component are where a contract uses a different contract pricing method to the contract pricing method used in any other part of the contract; has a different contract profit rate to the contract profit rate used in any other part of the contract; or has a price which has been re-determined.
Our review of data also showed that new reporting requirements related to components of contracts were not being followed, with three quarters not submitting the information in time.
The MOD was also only verifying around a quarter of the data submitted in contract reports. This is the lowest rate of MOD reviews since compliance data started to be collected in DefCARS and presents a challenge to data quality.
The SSRO will seek to improve compliance with the Single Source Contract Regulations 2014 (the “Regulations”) by providing:
guidance on Regulations that may benefit from further interpretation;
regular engagement with industry through reporting workshops;
contractors who have many QDCs with monthly management information to assist in tracking required reports;
management information and analysis to the MOD to help prioritise compliance activities; and
an arbitration route for contractors and the MOD to settle compliance disagreements.
The SSRO’s Head of Compliance, Reporting and IT, Akhlaq Shah, said:
“Beyond monitoring and reporting on compliance, the SSRO will continue to support contractors and the MOD in meeting their responsibilities. We will keep investing in efforts to clarify requirements, guide industry in meeting them, and help the MOD use the data effectively and consistently”.
We continue to work with the MOD and industry so that the SSRO is best able to support compliance outcomes to help deliver value for money defence procurement while ensuring fair and reasonable prices are paid to industry.
Take a look at the Compliance Bulletin for more information on contractors are doing in timeliness and quality of their reporting.
Source: City of Manchester
Manchester City Council is set to earmark almost £250,000 to support grassroots music venues in the city and help them share the success of the city’s summer of music.
In recent weeks, hundreds of thousands of music fans have converged on the city to celebrate its music scene – 340,000 at the five Oasis Heaton Park homecoming gigs alone. Other star names appearing in Manchester this summer include Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Charlie XCX, Elbow, Fontaines DC and Robbie Williams.
Over the course of the summer it has been estimated that Manchester will have attracted 1.3 million music tourists – a tremendous boost for the city’s economy as a whole, especially the hospitality industry.
These huge events are also generating income for the Council, either by being hosted in the city’s largest parks – with commercial arrangements for their use – or through the business rates paid by major venues.
As well as reinvesting part of this revenue in parks, the Council is planning to set aside £245,000 to be made available in financial support for Manchester’s grassroots venues.
While exact details are being finalised, the intention is that the scheme will be administered by Music Venue Trust to ensure that the money gets to where it is needed as quickly and effectively as possible.
It comes as small venues across the country face a difficult economic climate, with a combination of increasing costs and reducing incomes leaving some in a precarious position. One particular challenge is an increase in nationally-set business rates. These had been significantly reduced for the sector in response to the impacts of the pandemic, but this financial year (2025/26) – while still being lower than pre-pandemic levels – they have gone back up significantly.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester is a big noise in the music world. This summer all eyes have been on the city as we’ve hosted some huge concerts and seen unprecedented success in our large venues as the EMA MTV Music Awards showed.
“But while the biggest gigs – in the city’s arenas and parks – might dominate the headlines, we know they are only possible because they are part of a wider ecosystem with smaller, grassroots venues providing the launchpads for acts to develop and grow.
“We know that across the country grassroots venues are struggling. That’s why we want to ensure that our grassroots venues can share some of the benefit from the success of those big events.
“We’re blessed in Manchester with an array of great smaller venues. They are there to be enjoyed and I’d encouraged anyone who values them to get out and support them.”
Jay Taylor, Music Venue Trust National Co-ordinator, said: “Music Venue Trust wants to thank and congratulate Manchester City Council for leading on this crucial support for grassroots music venues. It’s inspiring to see Manchester recognise its place as one of the world’s leading music cities, and acknowledge that the fantastic grassroots music venue network in the city is an essential cornerstone of the amazing music being produced by Manchester artists.
“In April, the government reduced business rates relief in England for many grassroots music venues, significantly impacting their long-term sustainability. Manchester City Council has taken the lead with this bold and innovative action and we hope many more cities and towns across the country can join their efforts to secure the future of the UK’s grassroots music venue network.”
Kate Lowes, Director, Brighter Sound (sector lead Manchester Music City) said: “Grassroots venues sit at the heart of our city’s music scene – supporting emerging artists, bringing people together, and enriching local communities.
“Recent research, commissioned by Manchester Music City and delivered by the hub, has shown that business rates relief is one of the sector’s most pressing concerns. We therefore welcome this announcement and are encouraged to see Manchester City Council and Music Venue Trust working in partnership to deliver meaningful and targeted support.
“Manchester Music City is now working with the council to shape a full sector response and action plan, with a further set of actions to be announced this autumn. This type of collaborative approach and investment is essential to ensuring that Manchester remains a city where music and creativity can thrive at every level.”
Source: City of Derby
Derby City Council plans to create a new local supported living provision for young adults aged 18-25 living with learning disabilities, neurodiversity, or autism. The project, in partnership with an external service provider, aims to bridge a gap in local specialist provisions, enabling young people to transition successfully into adulthood.
The service will repurpose two former children’s homes to provide support for up to 12 individuals. The focus is on empowering residents to develop essential skills, maximise their potential, and ultimately move towards independent living.
The proposal to commission an external service provider to deliver, manage and operate the provision in close partnership with the Council will be discussed by Cabinet members at a meeting on Wednesday 6 August.
The Council is committed to enhancing adult social care in Derby by developing innovative care models. This includes integrating Technology-Enabled Care (TEC) to promote independence, improve safety, and provide reassurance to both individuals and their families. This can include a range of devices and apps, from basic community alarms and wearables to more advanced systems like fall detectors and remote monitoring.
Councillor Alison Martin, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said:
This exciting initiative aims to enhance the lives of young adults with additional needs by fostering greater independence and facilitating a smooth transition into adulthood.
Collaborating with an external provider will enable us to strengthen supported living services in Derby, ensuring we deliver high-quality and sustainable solutions that genuinely promote independence.
Currently, Derby City Council supports 366 adults in various Supported Living settings, at an annual cost of approximately £21 million.
Looking ahead, the need for supported accommodation is expected to rise, with the 18-25 age group projected to increase from 13% to 18% of the younger adult population by 2030. Annually, the Council’s Preparing for Adulthood team consistently supports around 40 new entrants to adult social care.
While some young adults currently need out-of-area placements, this project presents an opportunity to expand suitable options within Derby. Many individuals have said they’d prefer to live in the local area, so developing provision in the city will create a positive impact.
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
RSV vaccines are 82% effective for older people and 72% for newborns when mothers are vaccinated at least 14 days before birth.
A new UK Health Security Agency study – Effectiveness of RSV Vaccine Against RSV Associated Hospitalisation Among Adults Aged 75 to 79 years in England – in partnership with Nottingham University Hospitals and other NHS trusts, shows the RSV vaccine provided strong protection for older people, around 82% effective in preventing hospital admissions with RSV infection.
The study also found that the vaccine is highly effective in preventing hospitalisation for older people with a chronic respiratory condition and those living with immunosuppression.
Two new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programmes were introduced to the NHS Vaccination Schedule in September last year; an older adults programme and a maternal programme.
The programme for older adults offers the vaccine to those turning 75, as well as a one-off catch up campaign for all adults aged 75 to79 years.
The maternal vaccination programme is offered to women from 28 weeks of pregnancy to protect newborns, who are at higher risk of severe illness from RSV.
A separate new study – Vaccination in Pregnancy and RSV Hospitalisation in Infants in the UK, led by NHS paediatricians, published in the Lancet Child and Adolescent Health – found that the maternal RSV vaccine was 72% effective in preventing hospitalisation for infants whose mothers were vaccinated more than 14 days before delivery.
UKHSA has also today published the latest vaccine uptake figures for both RSV programmes, including the:
Greta Hayward, Consultant Midwife at the UK Health Security Agency, said:
Having the RSV vaccine during every pregnancy is the best way for women to protect their newborn against RSV, as the vaccine boosts their immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus, and these then pass through the placenta to help protect their baby from the day they are born. RSV infects around 90% of children in their first 2 years of life.
The RSV season usually starts in October and while there is no risk-free birth month, babies born in late summer or the autumn are most likely to be admitted to hospital. Hundreds of babies attend Emergency Departments each day for bronchiolitis through most of November and December. That is why it is so important that over the summer pregnant women reaching 28 weeks of pregnancy, ensure they are vaccinated as soon as possible.
Dr Conall Watson, Immunisation Consultant at the UK Health Security Agency, said:
The evidence clearly shows the RSV vaccine for pregnant women is highly effective and will give much reassurance to parents, knowing their newborn is protected from birth, when they are at much greater risk from RSV.
As a parent and health professional I can’t stress enough the importance of getting the RSV vaccine during every pregnancy. We recommend vaccination in week 28 or soon after but if you are later on in your pregnancy and still haven’t had your vaccine please contact your maternity service or GP practice to arrange one.
RSV can be a particularly serious infection for older people, so this new evidence will also give much reassurance that having the RSV jab will greatly reduce their chances of ending up in hospital.
While the uptake of the RSV vaccine continues to rise, we want to see every single pregnant woman and eligible older person getting protected. The virus picks up in the autumn, so don’t put if off over the summer – as soon as you reach your 75th birthday or week 28 of pregnancy get the vaccine for healthy peace of mind.
UKHSA has published its first RSV Annual Report, which looks back at the 2024 to 2025 RSV season, providing analysis on disease pattern, vaccine uptake and vaccine impact.
The surveillance shows RSV activity started across all UK nations around week 42 of 2024 (week starting 14 October) and peaked around weeks 47 to 49 2024 (18 November to 8 December), before steadily declining and reaching baseline activity around weeks 7 to 8 2025 (10 to 23 February).
The Report also details UKHSA’s analysis from the primary care surveillance, which involves swabbing in around 300 GP Practices in England when a patient presents with an acute respiratory infection (ARI). This found that by age group, the highest RSV positivity (% of laboratory confirmed RSV cases out of total ARI swabs) was observed in children under 5 years; with positivity peaking at 53.1% in week 46 (11-17 November).
Among those aged 75 years and above, the highest RSV positivity rate was 18.5% reported in week 49 (2 to 8 December).
Surveillance of patients attending hospital emergency departments (ED) in England found that among infants (babies under 1), bronchiolitis peaked in late November. This is the main clinical presentation of infant RSV and RSV is the primary pathogen causing bronchiolitis.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Ofsted’s Chief Inspector sets out the intention to invoke the urgent notification process for Oakhill Secure Training Centre, along with findings from recent visits.
This letter was sent from Sir Martyn Oliver to the Secretary of State for Justice, Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP. The letter sets out the intention to invoke the urgent notification process for Oakhill Secure Training Centre.
It also provides a summary of findings from previous visits.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
In response to the serious risk of harm to children, Ofsted, CQC and HMI Prisons have issued an urgent notification about Oakhill STC to the Secretary of State for Justice, Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP.
The urgent notification comes after an inspection earlier this month found a palpable change in culture at Oakhill Secure Training Centre (STC) since its last inspection. Inspectors uncovered serious and systemic failures at the centre, with safeguarding systems in disarray.
Read the letter from Martyn Oliver to the Secretary of State for Justice about Oakhill Secure Training Centre
Inspectors reported that Oakhill is no longer child-centred and staff conduct is of significant concern. Twenty-three staff were suspended between November 2024 and 13 July 2025, including 16 in response to allegations about their conduct with children. Since 14 July 2025, 7 more staff members have been suspended relating to their conduct with children.
Inspectors found a fractured leadership team. The centre director and one of the two deputy directors are suspended from their duties, and the other deputy director was recently dismissed from employment. An interim director and new deputy director have started work at the centre, but have had limited opportunity to make any meaningful impact.
Oakhill was judged inadequate at its last full inspection in October 2024. Since 2017, it has not been judged higher than ‘requires improvement to be good’.
The Secretary of State now has 28 days to respond with an action plan for improvement at the centre.
The inspection of Oakhill Secure Training Centre took place from 21 to 25 July 2025; the full report will be published in line with Ofsted’s usual inspection timelines.
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