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Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI: BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. Announces Q3-24 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Q3-24 Revenue of € 156.6 Million and Net Income of € 46.8 Million Up 27.0% and 33.7%, Respectively, vs. Q3-23
    Orders of € 151.8 Million Up 19.2% vs. Q3-23. Hybrid Bonding Adoption Continues

    YTD-24 Revenue of € 454.1 Million and Net Income of € 122.7 Million
    Orders of € 464.8 Million Up 21.7% vs. YTD-23

    DUIVEN, the Netherlands, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. (the “Company” or “Besi”) (Euronext Amsterdam: BESI; OTC markets: BESIY), a leading manufacturer of assembly equipment for the semiconductor industry, today announced its results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2024.

    Key Highlights Q3-24

    • Revenue of € 156.6 million up 3.6% vs. Q2-24 and 27.0% vs. Q3-23 due to increased demand by computing end user markets for hybrid bonding, photonics and other AI applications partially offset by ongoing weakness in automotive and Chinese end user markets
    • Orders of € 151.8 million up 19.2% vs. Q3-23 due to increased hybrid bonding orders. Down 18.0% vs. Q2-24 due primarily to fluctuations in hybrid bonding order patterns by customers
    • Gross margin of 64.7% decreased by 0.3 points vs. Q2-24 but was up 0.1 point vs. Q3-23. Gross margin development in the comparable periods was adversely affected by net forex influences
    • Net income of € 46.8 million increased 11.7% vs. Q2-24 and 33.7% vs. Q3-23 primarily due to higher revenue levels and cost control efforts which limited baseline operating expense growth. Q3-24 net margin rose to 29.9% vs. 27.7% in Q2-24 and 28.4% reported in Q3-23
    • Net cash of € 110.7 million at quarter-end increased by € 36.3 million (48.8%) vs. Q2-24 and € 20.5 million (22.7%) vs. Q3-23

    Key Highlights YTD-24

    • Revenue of € 454.1 million increased 8.3% vs. YTD-23 principally due to higher demand by computing end user markets, particularly for hybrid bonding and photonics applications and by Taiwanese and Korean subcontractors partially offset by weakness in mobile and automotive markets
    • Orders of € 464.8 million increased 21.7% vs. YTD-23 due to increased demand for hybrid bonding and photonics applications partially offset by lower bookings for automotive and, to a lesser extent, mobile applications and ongoing weakness in Chinese end user markets
    • Gross margin of 65.6% increased by 0.8 points vs. YTD-23 due to more favorable AI advanced packaging product mix
    • Net income of € 122.7 million was approximately equal to YTD-23 as higher revenue and gross margins were offset by higher R&D spending and share-based compensation expense. Besi’s net margin decreased to 27.0% vs. 29.1% in YTD-23

    Q4-24 Outlook

    • Revenue expected to be flat plus or minus 10% vs. the € 156.6 million reported in Q3-24 partially due to shipment delays by a customer for certain hybrid bonding systems scheduled for delivery in Q4-24
    • Gross margin expected to range between 63-65% vs. the 64.7% realized in Q3-24
    • Operating expenses expected to be flat to up 5% vs. the € 46.2 million reported in Q3-24
    (€ millions, except EPS) Q3-
    2024    		 Q2-
    2024    		 Δ Q3-
    2023    		 Δ YTD-
    2024    		 YTD-
    2023    		 Δ
    Revenue 156.6 151.2 +3.6% 123.3 +27.0% 454.1 419.2 +8.3%
    Orders 151.8 185.2 -18.0% 127.3 +19.2% 464.8 381.9 +21.7%
    Gross Margin 64.7% 65.0% -0.3 64.6% +0.1 65.6% 64.8% +0.8
    Operating Income 55.1 49.3 +11.8% 42.7 +29.0% 145.0 147.3 -1.6%
    EBITDA 62.4 56.2 +11.0% 48.9 +27.6% 166.2 166.4 -0.1%
    Net Income* 46.8 41.9 +11.7% 35.0 +33.7% 122.7 122.2 +0.4%
    Net Margin* 29.9% 27.7% +2.2 28.4% +1.5 27.0% 29.1% -2.1
    EPS (basic) 0.59 0.53 +11.3% 0.45 +31.1% 1.56 1.57 -0.6%
    EPS (diluted) 0.59 0.53 +11.3% 0.45 +31.1% 1.55 1.54 +0.6%
    Net Cash and Deposits 110.7 74.4 +48.8% 90.2 +22.7% 110.7 90.2 +22.7%

    * Excluding share-based compensation expense, net income (net margin) would have been € 50.2 million (32.1%), € 48.5 million (32.1%) and € 36.6 million (29.7%) in Q3-24, Q2-24 and Q3-23, respectively and € 148.8 million (32.8%) in YTD-24 vs. € 137.6 million (32.8%) in YTD-23

    Richard W. Blickman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Besi, commented:

    “Besi reported significant growth in revenue, orders and net income in Q3-24 versus the comparable quarter of last year as we continue to benefit from strength in our advanced packaging product portfolio for AI applications despite continued headwinds in mainstream and Chinese assembly equipment markets. For the quarter, revenue of € 156.6 million and orders of € 151.8 million grew by 27.0% and 19.2%, respectively, versus Q3-23 due primarily to strong growth by computing end user markets including hybrid bonding, photonics and other AI applications. Such growth was partially offset by weakness in automotive and Chinese end user markets continuing trends we have experienced this year. Net income of € 46.8 million grew by € 11.8 million, or 33.7%, reflecting a number of favorable trends including increased advanced packaging system revenue, increased gross margins related thereto and better than forecast operating expense levels despite continued growth in R&D spending for next generation hybrid bonding and TCB systems.

    For the first nine months of 2024, revenue of € 454.1 million and orders of € 464.8 million increased by 8.3% and 21.7%, respectively. Growth was due to significantly higher demand by computing end user markets, particularly for AI-related hybrid bonding and photonics applications and from Taiwanese and Korean subcontractors. Net income of € 122.7 million was approximately equal to YTD-23 as higher revenue and gross margins this year were offset by higher R&D spending in support of wafer level assembly development and share-based compensation expense.

    Our financial position improved as well in Q3-24 with net cash increasing to € 110.7 million at quarter-end, an improvement of € 36.3 million (+48.8%) versus Q2-24 and € 20.5 million (+22.7%) versus Q3-23 despite increased share buy-back activity. Total cash and deposits at quarter end grew to € 637.4 million including net proceeds from our Senior Note offering in July 2024 which positions us favorably for anticipated growth in the next market upcycle.

    During Q3-24, Besi continued to receive substantial orders for hybrid bonding systems from existing and new customers. At quarter-end, total revenue producing hybrid bonding orders since 2021 exceeded 100 systems highlighting the importance of this new technology for 3-D AI-related assembly applications. We anticipate additional orders in Q4-24 from a variety of customers as adoption continues to expand globally. We have also received increased interest for Besi’s TCB Next system from leading logic and memory customers which positions us favorably for anticipated growth in next generation 2.5D and HBM applications.

    As such, we have taken steps recently to expand our advanced packaging production capacity in anticipation of future growth. In 2025, we intend to approximately double the cleanroom capacity of our Malaysian production facilities and increase R&D and process development for our hybrid bonding and thermo compression bonding capabilities and customer support at our Singapore facility.

    Looking forward to Q4-24, we expect expanded adoption for hybrid bonding applications to be mitigated by ongoing weakness in mainstream assembly markets. For Q4-24, we forecast that revenue will be flat plus or minus 10% versus Q3-24 partially due to shipment delays by a customer for certain hybrid bonding systems scheduled for delivery in Q4-24. In addition, gross margins are anticipated to range between 63-65% based on our projected product mix. Aggregate operating expenses are forecast to be flat to up 5% versus Q3-24.”

    Share Repurchase Activity

    During the quarter, Besi repurchased approximately 230,000 of its ordinary shares at an average price of € 120.45 per share or a total of € 27.8 million. In August 2024, Besi completed its prior € 60 million share repurchase program and initiated a new € 100 million share repurchase program with an anticipated completion date of October 2025. Cumulatively, as of September 30, 2024, a total of € 7.0 million has been purchased under the new share repurchase program at an average price of € 110.55 per share. As of September 30, 2024, Besi held approximately 1.6 million shares in treasury equal to 2.0% of its shares outstanding.

    Investor and media conference call
    A conference call and webcast for investors and media will be held today at 4:00 pm CET (10:00 am EDT). To register for the conference call and/or to access the audio webcast and webinar slides, please visit www.besi.com.
       
    Important Dates  
    •  Publication Q4/Full year 2024 results February 20, 2025
    •  Publication Q1-2025 results April 23, 2025
    •  Besi’s 2025 AGM April 23, 2025
       

    Basis of Presentation

    The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union. Reference is made to the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as included in our 2023 Annual Report, which is available on www.besi.com.

    Contacts:

    Richard W. Blickman, President & CEO
    Andrea Kopp-Battaglia, Senior Vice President Finance        
    Claudia Vissers, Executive Secretary/IR coordinator
    Edmond Franco, VP Corporate Development/US IR coordinator

    Tel. (31) 26 319 4500                
    investor.relations@besi.com   

    About Besi

    Besi is a leading supplier of semiconductor assembly equipment for the global semiconductor and electronics industries offering high levels of accuracy, productivity and reliability at a low cost of ownership. The Company develops leading edge assembly processes and equipment for leadframe, substrate and wafer level packaging applications in a wide range of end-user markets including electronics, mobile internet, cloud server, computing, automotive, industrial, LED and solar energy. Customers are primarily leading semiconductor manufacturers, assembly subcontractors and electronics and industrial companies. Besi’s ordinary shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam (symbol: BESI). Its Level 1 ADRs are listed on the OTC markets (symbol: BESIY) and its headquarters are located in Duiven, the Netherlands. For more information, please visit our website at www.besi.com.

    Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains statements about management’s future expectations, plans and prospects of our business that constitute forward-looking statements, which are found in various places throughout the press release, including, but not limited to, statements relating to expectations of orders, net sales, product shipments, expenses, timing of purchases of assembly equipment by customers, gross margins, operating results and capital expenditures. The use of words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “can”, “intend”, “believes”, “may”, “plan”, “predict”, “project”, “forecast”, “will”, “would”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. The financial guidance set forth under the heading “Outlook” contains such forward-looking statements. While these forward-looking statements represent our judgments and expectations concerning the development of our business, a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors could cause actual developments and results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, including any inability to maintain continued demand for our products; failure of anticipated orders to materialize or postponement or cancellation of orders, generally without charges; the volatility in the demand for semiconductors and our products and services; the extent and duration of the COVID-19 and other global pandemics and the associated adverse impacts on the global economy, financial markets, global supply chains and our operations as well as those of our customers and suppliers; failure to develop new and enhanced products and introduce them at competitive price levels; failure to adequately decrease costs and expenses as revenues decline; loss of significant customers, including through industry consolidation or the emergence of industry alliances; lengthening of the sales cycle; acts of terrorism and violence; disruption or failure of our information technology systems; consolidation activity and industry alliances in the semiconductor industry that may result in further increased customer concentration, inability to forecast demand and inventory levels for our products; the integrity of product pricing and protection of our intellectual property in foreign jurisdictions; risks, such as changes in trade regulations, conflict minerals regulations, currency fluctuations, political instability and war, associated with substantial foreign customers, suppliers and foreign manufacturing operations, particularly to the extent occurring in the Asia Pacific region where we have a substantial portion of our production facilities; potential instability in foreign capital markets; the risk of failure to successfully manage our diverse operations; any inability to attract and retain skilled personnel, including as a result of restrictions on immigration, travel or the availability of visas for skilled technology workers; those additional risk factors set forth in Besi’s annual report for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other key factors that could adversely affect our businesses and financial performance contained in our filings and reports, including our statutory consolidated statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or alter our forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Consolidated Statements of Operations

    (€ thousands, except share and per share data) Three Months Ended
    September 30,
    (unaudited)    		 Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    (unaudited)
      2024 2023 2024 2023
             
    Revenue 156,570 123,320 454,060 419,227
    Cost of sales 55,325 43,709 156,276 147,374
             
    Gross profit 101,245 79,611 297,784 271,853
             
    Selling, general and administrative expenses 27,318 23,310 97,473 81,679
    Research and development expenses 18,874 13,614 55,296 42,907
             
    Total operating expenses 46,192 36,924 152,769 124,586
             
    Operating income 55,053 42,687 145,015 147,267
             
    Financial expense, net 1,560 1,758 3,194 4,974
             
    Income before taxes 53,493 40,929 141,821 142,293
             
    Income tax expense 6,719 5,889 19,123 20,104
             
    Net income 46,774 35,040 122,698 122,189
             
    Net income per share – basic 0.59 0.45 1.56 1.57
    Net income per share – diluted 0.59 0.45 1.55 1.54
             
    Number of shares used in computing per share amounts:        
    – basic 79,630,787 77,374,933 78,701,287 77,656,542
    – diluted1 81,876,505 82,444,358 81,978,112 83,038,212

    ______________________
    1) The calculation of diluted income per share assumes the exercise of equity settled share based payments and the conversion of all Convertible Notes outstanding

    Consolidated Balance Sheets

    (€ thousands) September
    30, 2024
    (unaudited)    		 June
    30, 2024
    (unaudited)    		 March
    31, 2024
    (unaudited)    		 December
    31, 2023
    (audited)
    ASSETS        
             
    Cash and cash equivalents 307,448 127,234 232,053 188,477
    Deposits 330,000 130,000 215,000 225,000
    Trade receivables 169,266 174,601 150,192 143,218
    Inventories 104,103 99,291 99,384 92,505
    Other current assets 44,731 36,346 34,756 39,092
             
    Total current assets 955,548 567,472 731,385 688,292
             
    Property, plant and equipment 44,220 43,571 41,328 37,516
    Right of use assets 16,419 16,821 16,901 18,242
    Goodwill 45,278 45,710 45,613 45,402
    Other intangible assets 94,855 92,627 90,241 93,668
    Deferred tax assets 8,610 9,517 11,444 12,217
    Other non-current assets 1,316 1,239 1,252 1,216
             
    Total non-current assets 210,698 209,485 206,779 208,261
             
    Total assets 1,166,246 776,957 938,164 896,553
             
             
    Current portion of long-term debt 2,241 3,033 984 3,144
    Trade payables 49,211 51,620 52,382 46,889
    Other current liabilities 87,739 73,023 100,606 87,200
             
    Total current liabilities 139,191 127,676 153,972 137,233
             
    Long-term debt 524,527 179,801 265,142 297,353
    Lease liabilities 13,033 13,448 13,625 14,924
    Deferred tax liabilities 11,619 10,396 12,136 12,959
    Other non-current liabilities 12,449 11,352 12,914 12,671
             
    Total non-current liabilities 561,628 214,997 303,817 337,907
             
    Total equity 465,427 434,284 480,375 421,413
             
    Total liabilities and equity 1,166,246 776,957 938,164 896,553

     

    Consolidated Cash Flow Statements

    (€ thousands) Three Months Ended
    September 30,
    (unaudited)    		 Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    (unaudited)
      2024 2023 2024 2023
             
    Cash flows from operating activities:        
    Income before income tax 53,493 40,929 141,821 142,293
             
    Depreciation and amortization 7,388 6,248 21,181 19,155
    Share based payment expense 3,400 1,575 27,216 16,300
    Financial expense, net 1,560 1,758 3,194 4,974
             
    Changes in working capital 6,031 15,697 (43,914) (2,581)
    Interest (paid) received (1,996) (2,649) (19,513) (27,948)
    Income tax paid 2,156 1,582 7,218 3,075
             
    Net cash provided by operating activities 72,032 65,140 137,203 155,268
             
    Cash flows from investing activities:        
    Capital expenditures (2,099) (1,990) (10,965) (5,448)
    Capitalized development expenses (4,415) (4,700) (13,990) (15,341)
    Repayments of (investments in) deposits (200,000) – (105,000) (5,268)
             
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (206,514) (6,690) (129,955) (26,057)
             
    Cash flows from financing activities:        
    Proceeds from notes 350,000 – 350,000 –
    Transaction costs related to notes (6,395) – (6,395) –
    Payments of lease liabilities (1,080) (995) (3,186) (3,207)
    Purchase of treasury shares (27,829) (45,537) (57,418) (190,264)
    Dividends paid to shareholders – – (171,534) (222,109)
             
    Net cash used in financing activities 314,696 (46,532) 111,467 (415,580)
             
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 180,214 11,918 118,715 (286,369)
    Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and
    cash equivalents    		 – 130 256 (292)
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the
    period    		 127,234 192,977 188,477 491,686
             
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period 307,448 205,025 307,448 205,025

      

    Supplemental Information (unaudited)
    (€ millions, unless stated otherwise)

    REVENUE Q3-2024 Q2-2024 Q1-2024 Q4-2023 Q3-2023 Q2-2023 Q1-2023
                                 
    Per geography:                            
    China 45.5 29% 57.5 38% 58.5 40% 62.0 39% 40.8 33% 64.9 40% 37.6 28%
    Asia Pacific (excl. China) 51.6 33% 54.1 36% 43.6 30% 57.9 36% 42.3 34% 59.2 36% 58.2 44%
    EU / USA / Other 59.5 38% 39.6 26% 44.2 30% 39.7 25% 40.2 33% 38.4 24% 37.6 28%
                                 
    Total 156.6 100% 151.2 100% 146.3 100% 159.6 100% 123.3 100% 162.5 100% 133.4 100%
                                 
    ORDERS Q3-2024 Q2-2024 Q1-2024 Q4-2023 Q3-2023 Q2-2023 Q1-2023
                                 
    Per geography:                            
    China 45.4 30% 43.3 23% 51.1 40% 71.1 43% 46.0 36% 51.4 46% 35.5 25%
    Asia Pacific (excl. China) 69.3 46% 72.0 39% 45.0 35% 36.6 22% 40.9 32% 33.2 29% 71.3 50%
    EU / USA / Other 37.1 24% 69.9 38% 31.6 25% 58.7 35% 40.4 32% 28.0 25% 35.2 25%
                                 
    Total 151.8 100% 185.2 100% 127.7 100% 166.4 100% 127.3 100% 112.6 100% 142.0 100%
                                 
    Per customer type:                            
    IDM 84.5 56% 122.4 66% 53.5 42% 82.7 50% 70.5 55% 60.5 54% 74.0 52%
    Subcontractors 67.3 44% 62.8 34% 74.2 58% 83.7 50% 56.8 45% 52.1 46% 68.0 48%
                                 
    Total 151.8 100% 185.2 100% 127.7 100% 166.4 100% 127.3 100% 112.6 100% 142.0 100%
                                 
    HEADCOUNT Sep 30, 2024 Jun 30, 2024 Mar 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Sep 30, 2023 Jun 30, 2023 Mar 31, 2023
                                 
    Fixed staff (FTE) 1,807 87% 1,783 86% 1,760 88% 1,736 93% 1,725 87% 1,689 86% 1,682 84%
    Temporary staff (FTE) 271 13% 279 14% 236 12% 134 7% 248 13% 279 14% 312 16%
                                 
    Total 2,078 100% 2,062 100% 1,996 100% 1,870 100% 1,973 100% 1,968 100% 1,994 100%
                                 
    OTHER FINANCIAL DATA Q3-2024 Q2-2024 Q1-2024 Q4-2023 Q3-2023 Q2-2023 Q1-2023
                                 
    Gross profit 101.2 64.7% 98.3 65.0% 98.3 67.2% 103.9 65.1% 79.6 64.6% 106.6 65.6% 85.7 64.2%
                                 
                                 
    Selling, general and admin expenses:                            
    As reported 27.3 17.4% 30.5 20.2% 39.6 27.1% 24.3 15.2% 23.3 18.9% 29.4 18.1% 29.0 21.7%
    Share-based compensation expense (3.4) -2.1% (6.9) -4.6% (16.9) -11.6% (2.8) -1.7% (1.6) -1.3% (5.5) -3.4% (9.3) -7.0%
                                 
    SG&A expenses as adjusted 23.9 15.3% 23.6 15.6% 22.7 15.5% 21.5 13.5% 21.7 17.6% 23.9 14.7% 19.7 14.8%
                                 
                                 
    Research and development expenses:                            
    As reported 18.9 12.1% 18.5 12.2% 17.9 12.2% 13.5 8.5% 13.6 11.0% 14.3 8.8% 15.0 11.2%
    Capitalization of R&D charges 4.4 2.8% 4.9 3.2% 4.7 3.2% 5.7 3.6% 4.7 3.8% 5.3 3.3% 5.4 4.0%
    Amortization of intangibles (3.9) -2.5% (3.6) -2.3% (3.6) -2.4% (3.3) -2.1% (3.3) -2.6% (3.5) -2.2% (3.5) -2.6%
                                 
    R&D expenses as adjusted 19.4 12.4% 19.8 13.1% 19.0 13.0% 15.9 10.0% 15.0 12.2% 16.1 9.9% 16.9 12.7%
                                 
                                 
    Financial expense (income), net:                            
    Interest income (5.2)   (3.0)   (4.0)   (3.6)   (2.9)   (3.1)   (2.6)  
    Interest expense 5.7   2.1   2.8   3.0   2.8   2.9   2.9  
    Net cost of hedging 1.9   1.4   1.6   1.7   1.7   2.0   1.6  
    Foreign exchange effects, net (0.8)   0.5   0.2   (0.4)   0.2   (0.1)   (0.4)  
                                 
    Total 1.6   1.0   0.6   0.7   1.8   1.7   1.5  
                                 
    Gross cash 637.4   257.2   447.1   413.5   391.2   378.3   644.9  
                                 
                                 
    Operating income (as % of net sales) 55.1 35.2% 49.3 32.6% 40.7 27.8% 66.1 41.4% 42.7 34.6% 62.9 38.7% 41.7 31.3%
                                 
    EBITDA (as % of net sales) 62.4 39.8% 56.2 37.2% 47.5 32.5% 72.7 45.6% 48.9 39.7% 69.3 42.6% 48.2 36.1%
                                 
    Net income (as % of net sales) 46.8 29.9% 41.9 27.7% 34.0 23.2% 54.9 34.4% 35.0 28.4% 52.6 32.4% 34.5 25.9%
                                 
    Effective tax rate 12.6%   13.0%   15.3%   16.1%   14.4%   14.0%   14.0%  
                                 
                                 
    Income per share                            
    Basic 0.59   0.53   0.44   0.71   0.45   0.68   0.44  
    Diluted 0.59   0.53   0.44   0.68   0.45   0.66   0.44  
                                 
    Average shares outstanding (basic) 79,630,787 79,281,533 77,181,326 77,070,082 77,374,933 77,634,197 77,946,873
                                 
    Shares repurchased                            
    Amount 27.8   14.8   14.8   23.1   45.5   66.9   77.7  
    Number of shares 230,807 105,042 101,049 226,572 447,829 761,937 1,120,327
                                 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: eQ Community Properties Fund renewed loans in excess of EUR 400 million – Deutsche Bank as a new lender

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release
    24 October 2024 10:30 am

    eQ Community Properties Fund (AIF) has entered into a EUR 154 million senior secured loan arrangement with Deutsche Bank AG. The collateral portfolio consists of community and healthcare assets in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area and Tampere.

    In June, the fund also extended a EUR 253 million senior secured loan facility with its current lenders Nordea Bank, Danske Bank, Swedbank and Aktia.

    Through the recent successful arrangements, the Fund has broadened and strengthened its lender base, secured a long-term financing as well as extended its loan maturities and fixed interest periods.

    Head of Real Estate Investments at eQ, Tero Estovirta says: “We are very pleased to have an international and prominent financier, Deutsche Bank, as a new lender in eQ Community Properties Fund. We have worked for a long time and systematically to obtain international debt financing and Deutsche Bank has been one of the most interesting ones already for a while. It is great to have now initiated our cooperation. Generally, financiers have shown strong interest and trust towards Finnish real estate and open-ended funds. Access to debt has clearly improved as interest rate levels decrease. It is possible to reach cost-effective and sustainable financing solutions. All the lenders of eQ Community Properties Fund are leading players in the market and together with our latest addition, Deutsche Bank, they facilitate a strong financing platform for the future. We thank all our lenders for pragmatic and solution-orientated processes.”

    eQ Community Properties Fund (AIF) was established in 2012. The market value of the fund’s property portfolio is EUR 1.75 billion as per September 2024. The fund is the largest community properties investor and developer in Finland. The assets are located in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area and selected growth centres in Finland.

    Helsinki 24 October 2024

    eQ Asset Management Ltd

    Further information:
    Tero Estovirta, Head of Real Estate Investments, eQ Asset Management Ltd
    +358 50 593 6194 / tero.estovirta@eQ.fi

    eQ Group is a group of companies that concentrates on asset management and corporate finance business. eQ Asset Management offers a wide range of asset management services (including private equity funds and real estate asset management) for institutions and private individuals. The assets managed by the Group total approximately EUR 13.3 billion. Advium Corporate Finance, which is part of the Group, offers services related to mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions and equity capital markets.

    More information about the Group is available on our website www.eQ.fi.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Get Ready to Trade & Treat: BTCC Exchange Kicks Off Hauntingly Good Halloween Futures Trading Campaign

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VILNIUS, Lithuania, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the Halloween season approaches, BTCC Exchange is excited to announce its Halloween Futures Trading Campaign, inviting users to enter a thrilling crypto haunted dungeon where they can unlock treats worth up to 1,830,000 USDT. This campaign, running until November 1, 2024, promises a hauntingly good time for both seasoned traders and newcomers alike.

    This year, BTCC is offering three enticing treats for participants. The first treat allows users to trade futures and share in a 1,000,000 USDT prize pool. For every 10,000 USDT in futures trading volume, traders will earn 1 USDT in trading funds. There’s no limit to how much can be collected, but users must act quickly as the prize pool rewards will be given out on a first-come first-served basis.

    New traders will find their own special treat with a 3,000 USDT prize pool specifically designed for those who haven’t yet ventured into futures trading on BTCC. The first 1,000 participants to complete a futures trade exceeding 1,000 USDT will receive a 3 USDT coupon.

    Additionally, BTCC is offering free position vouchers of up to 700,000 USDT for users who complete consecutive daily trades. The first 1,000 users to meet the requirements will unlock these rewards.

    “Market sentiment has been buzzing with anticipation for a bull run since we entered ‘Uptober’,” said Alex, Head of Operations at BTCC. “With the upcoming U.S. election potentially adding fuel to crypto prices, this campaign arrives just in time for users to take advantage of the uptrend and profit from it.”

    Alongside the Halloween trading campaign, BTCC recently reduced its futures trading fees from just 0.01% for a limited period. Coupled with the potential to trade futures with up to 500x leverage, users can maximize their strategies while minimizing costs. This not only empowers both traders to capitalize on market movements but also elevates their chances of profiting during this Halloween season.

    About BTCC

    BTCC is a leading exchange that provides traders with a safe and secure platform to trade cryptocurrencies. With a commitment to user satisfaction, BTCC continues to explore new ways to enhance the trading experience for users around the globe.

    Website: https://www.btcc.com    

    X: https://x.com/BTCCexchange

    Contact: press@btcc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government opens applications for £100,000 interim payment to the estates of victims of Infected Blood Scandal

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Estates of people who died as a result of the Infected Blood Scandal can now apply to receive an interim payment of £100,000, in advance of a comprehensive compensation scheme.

    Infected Blood Compensation Scheme: UK Government Update – 24 October 2024

    The estates of people who died as a result of the Infected Blood Scandal can now apply to receive an interim payment of £100,000 from today. This is the first time this group has ever received compensation. 

    Personal representatives of a deceased person’s estate, including partners, parents, siblings and children, are urged to apply by completing a form on gov.uk. 

    Applications will be processed by the Infected Blood Support Schemes, which will administer the payments.

    This interim payment comes in advance of a comprehensive, government-funded compensation scheme for infected and affected victims of infected blood.

    The compensation scheme is UK-wide and will be delivered by the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA), an independent arm’s length body led by Sir Robert Francis KC. The scheme was established in law in August and expects to make payments by the end of this year.

    Today’s announcement marks the first time that this group of the infected blood community has ever received compensation.

    It also fulfils the commitment placed on government by the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 and helps deliver on Recommendation 12 of the Infected Blood Inquiry’s Second Interim Report, which recommended that “an interim payment of £100,000 should be paid to recognise the deaths of people who, to date, hadn’t been recognised.” 

    Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office, the Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, said:

    “I hope that today is seen as another important milestone for victims and campaigners who have waited far too long for justice.

    “We are committed to acting on the recommendations of the Infected Blood Inquiry and these payments are an important step forward in providing substantial compensation to the families of victims of infected blood.

    “No amount of compensation can fully address the suffering as a result of this scandal, but we are doing everything possible to deliver life-changing sums to people infected and affected.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ocean Maid report and flyer published

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Grounding and subsequent loss of a stern trawler on Cairnbulg Point, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

    Image courtesy of Alex Young and www.marinetraffic.com

    Today, we have published our accident investigation report into the grounding of the stern trawler Ocean Maid (BA 55) on Cairnbulg Point near the port of Fraserburgh, Scotland on 24 October 2022. The vessel later broke up and sank.

    The report, available via this link, contains details of what happened, subsequent actions taken and recommendations.

    A safety flyer to the fishing industry has also been produced with this report.

    Media enquiries (telephone only)

    Media enquiries during office hours 01932 440015

    Media enquiries out of hours 0300 7777878

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: World Polio Day: MHRA trains worldwide laboratories in early detection of polio using breakthrough advanced technology

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is highlighting our work training multiple World Health Organisation (WHO) polio laboratories around the world.

    Today, World Polio Day, 24 October 2024, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is highlighting our work training multiple World Health Organisation (WHO) polio laboratories around the world using an advanced molecular direct detection method that can halve detection times – supporting the global effort to eradicate polio and helping save lives.

    In collaboration with Imperial College London, the University of Edinburgh, Biosurv International and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, we have trained 25 countries in just over one year on the use of a technique called Direct Detection by Nanopore Sequencing (DDNS). This method can speed up the detection of polio outbreaks, saving public health authorities crucial time and money. This includes training laboratories in Pakistan, one of the last two countries where polio remains endemic, with the number of cases increasing this year.

    It is vitally important to detect polio early, as the infection moves rapidly within a population. By the time the first signs of polio appear in a country, many hundreds of people are typically already infected and can unknowingly pass on the virus to others who may not be fully vaccinated and protected. The virus – most commonly transmitted through contact with infected faeces via contaminated food and water – multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis.

    Training worldwide in-country laboratories in rapid detection – using the DDNS method –enables samples to be tested in the country where the outbreak originated, rather than being sent to specialist laboratories abroad. This means the costs and delays of transport and testing can be reduced from an average of 42 days to an average of 19 days – a time saving that saves lives.

    A study published in Nature Microbiology last year, showed that our research, jointly conducted with partners, using the DDNS method to detect polio outbreaks can halve the detection time. This research indicated that DDNS tests done locally, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, over a six-month period were an average of 23 days faster than the standard method, with over 99% accuracy.

    Training laboratories in the DDNS method takes one to two weeks and is carried out by scientists from the MHRA, as well as colleagues from Imperial College London. It involves a combination of theoretical and practical sessions covering all aspects of the DDNS method from sample processing, nucleic acid extraction, PCR amplification, sequencing, analysis and interpretation of results.

    The training also encompasses methodological troubleshooting and utility of the detailed quality assurance programme associated with the method. The University of Edinburgh provides the bioinformatics expertise and have created purpose-designed analytical software to process the sequencing data produced by the method. Biosurv International support supply chains and participate in training and quality control review of data. 

    Javier Martin, Principal Scientist in Virology at the MHRA said:

    This worldwide training in the DDNS method for rapid detection of polio is a key strand in the global fight to eradicate polio, alongside vaccination programmes.

    Carrying out this work with our partners, which is the result of years of research, plays an essential part in managing outbreaks that threaten the global eradication effort and will help make polio a disease of the past.

    We are already initiating collaboration with laboratories in Africa training them to monitor different virus threats, such as Hepatitis E. The potential use of this faster detection technique has almost limitless possibilities for the protection of global health.

    Dr Alex Shaw, Research Fellow in the School of Public Health at Imperial College London talked about the potential that this DDNS method has for use with other diseases:

    The WHO has identified delays in detection as one of the major challenges facing their Polio eradication strategy 2022–2026. Training 25 countries in the past year to detect polio faster allows us to identify where outbreaks are and which polio strain is present much more quickly, allowing us to act at the earliest opportunity.

    This advanced sequencing technology is not only being used to strengthen poliovirus surveillance but is also easily adapted for the detection of other organisms. The worldwide training programme will, therefore, provide a foundation of skills and experience that can be redirected to the genomic surveillance of other pathogens, as needed.

    The most recent laboratory training programme was conducted in Angola and Tanzania and included scientists from Angola, Mozambique, Tanzania, Eritrea, Malawi and Rwanda. We conducted training at the MHRA South Mimms site for European laboratories in June 2024 (Germany, France, Finland, Netherlands, Italy and Ukraine).

    Scientists at the MHRA and their partners will continue to support the testing and validation of DDNS as a polio detection technique and to train WHO laboratories around the world in how to use it. We will travel to Thailand in mid-November 2024 to train scientists from Thailand, India and Indonesia. Additional training activities and implementation visits are planned for 2025 onwards.

    Notes to editors 

    1. The ‘Sensitive poliovirus detection using nested PCR and nanopore sequencing: a prospective validation study’ was published in August 2023 in Nature Microbiology. The research was jointly conducted by researchers at the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale in Kinshasa who implemented DDNS in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for the detection of polio outbreaks in collaboration with the MHRA, Imperial College London, the University of Edinburgh and various laboratories of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Polio Laboratory Network (GPLN), with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
    2. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks. 
    3. The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care. 

    For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AAIB Report: Boeing 737-8K5, G-TAWD, 20 October 2023

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Lateral runway excursion, Leeds Bradford Airport, 20 October 2023

    Aircraft final position

    After touching down at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) in stormy weather, the aircraft began to yaw left of the runway centreline. When the pilot flying increased the right rudder input to correct the deviation, both pilots reported feeling a significant judder from the nose gear. This prompted the pilot flying to reduce the right rudder input and, although there were repeated brief right pedal inputs, the aircraft continued to deviate from the centreline and left the runway. The aircraft sustained minor damage and there were no injuries.

    The investigation found that one of the aircraft’s nosewheel bearings had suffered a catastrophic failure, likely during the rollout at LBA. The resultant juddering was unexpected, and the crew were uncertain as to its impact. However, the investigation found that there was in fact no mechanical impediment to the use of additional rudder and braking to prevent the runway excursion.

    Read the report.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Agricultural Census Statistics, June 2024

    Source: Scottish Government

    An Accredited Official Statistics Publication

    The June Agricultural Census 2024 shows a drop in the numbers of livestock in Scotland with the long-term trend in declining cattle numbers continuing.

    In 2024, there were 1.67 million cattle, a decrease of 2.4% when compared with the five year average (2019-2023) and a decrease of 0.9% when compared with 2023. Other livestock results show that the total number of sheep decreased by 3.8% to 6.47 million and the total number of pigs decreased by 6.5% to 315,500 pigs.

    The area of land used for growing cereals (wheat, barley, oats and other cereals) decreased by 0.8% compared with the five year average following a mixed year in 2024. The area used to grow winter crops (wheat, winter barley and winter oats) decreased. Spring planted crops (spring barley and spring oats) increased when compared with the five year average due to an increase in the area used to grow spring barley.

    The agricultural census also showed that the total workforce on agricultural holdings in Scotland increased by 0.5% to 67,400 people in 2024 when compared with the five year average.

    Background

    The June Agricultural Census provides an annual update on trends in agricultural activity across the country. It covers all main types of farming and the number of people working on agricultural holdings in Scotland. The agricultural census in 2024 also included questions on slurry destination and agricultural machinery.

    The full statistical publication is available on the Scottish Government website. 

    Official statistics are produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Watch live: House of Lords debates the contribution of special needs schools to education sector

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    Baroness Monckton of Dallington Forest, chair of Team Domenica, a charity supporting disabled people into work, will put forward the debate.

    Watch live here on YouTube.

    Find out more and see the list of members speaking https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2024/october/contribution-special-needs-schools-to-the-education-sector-focus-of-lords-debate/

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

    Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
    Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

    Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords
    • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament #StateOpening

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LplCpkxtexQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British High Commission celebrates King’s birthday, 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The British High Commission will today (23 October) host the King’s Birthday Party, its annual celebration to mark the British Monarch’s birthday.

    British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron with P Kumaran, Secretary of Economic Relations and Development Partnership Administration, Ministry of External Affairs

    The gala event pays tribute to His Majesty King Charles III as the UK’s Head of State.

    In addition to his official and ceremonial duties in the UK and overseas, His Majesty has championed a wide range of causes relating to the environment and sustainable development, the arts, healthcare and education for decades.

    A wide range of dignitaries from the Government of India, representatives from Commonwealth nations, business leaders, and eminent personalities from the fields of diplomacy, arts, education, research, business, and sports are expected to attend. The celebration will also highlight the vibrant business links that exist between our countries.

    The event reflects the modern partnership between the UK and India with a specially designed food menu of British Indian cuisine from Ambassador for the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland campaign Chef Vineet Bhatia MBE, music by DJ Lush Lata, and interactive displays from some of the UK’s leading businesses operating in India.

    Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said:

    His Majesty The King has an enduring interest in promoting a modern partnership with India and its people. It is such a privilege to celebrate His Majesty’s birthday with friends in India who have been so generous to me since I arrived. I can think of no more interesting country to live in, no better time to be here.

    I also extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone joining the celebration in Delhi; it is the people that make the UK-India partnership come to life, and the deep economic connections through companies like HSBC India that make it thrive.”   

    This year’s King’s Birthday Party celebrations in Delhi were made possible by the gracious support of HSBC India, Reliance Industries Ltd, OMA living – A Hero Motors Company, The Body Shop, bp, Airbus, BAE Systems, Shell India, British Airways, UK India Business Council, Aston Martin New Delhi, Truefitt & Hill, Diageo India, William Grant and Sons, Beam Suntory, Colliers Cheese and Fortune Gourmet Specialities, Nimkish Enterprises.

    Further information

    • free-to-use high resolution images from the event will be uploaded to Flickr
    • the King’s Birthday Party is celebrated by British Embassies and High Commissions around the world
    • the King’s Birthday falls on 14 November, but his official Birthday in 2024 was marked on 15 June, when The King’s Birthday Parade (also known as Trooping the Colour) was held in London
    • His Majesty has undertaken 10 official visits to India, most recently in November 2019 when he visited New Delhi and Mumbai to celebrate British-India connections with a focus on sustainable markets, climate change and social finance
    • His Majesty King Charles III was born in 1948 and became heir apparent on the accession of Queen Elizabeth II in 1952

    Media

    For media queries, contact:

    David Russell, Head of Communications
    Press and Communications, British High Commission,
    Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021. Tel: 24192100

    Media queries: BHCMediaDelhi@fcdo.gov.uk

    Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, Youtube and LinkedIn

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrations mark official opening of new Winchester 3G pitch

    Source: City of Winchester

    The installation of a new community 3G pitch in Winchester has been celebrated at an official opening event.   

    The high-quality pitch, which has replaced the current grass pitch at Hillier Way football ground, is a surface which can be used all year round.

    The Hillier Way ground is the home venue of Winchester City FC, a committee-run members club which has a history dating back to 1884. The club’s first game on the new surface was an FA Cup qualifying game against Weymouth.

    The facility is also used by Winchester City Flyers girls’ and ladies’ teams, and Winchester Youth FC.

    The official opening on 23 October 2024 

    The new pitch has been funded by: a grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation of £1,132,214; Winchester City Council Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding of £300,000; and £16,000 from Winchester City FC.

    It is also available for wider local community activity sessions and private hire, including use by schools, colleges and other clubs.

    Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of The Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country. 

    “Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities. 

    “We’re delighted that the local community in Winchester will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new 3G pitch at The Hillier Way Football Ground.”

    Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Engagement Cllr Kathleen Becker said: “We’re very pleased to celebrate the official opening of this fantastic new surface which cements existing opportunities for community sport. It opens up exciting new ones too, including increased opportunities for female coaches and players in the district.

    “Already being well used by the local community, we also look forward to seeing this pitch benefit schools and other clubs for sessions, holiday activity and private hire.”

    Winchester City FC Chairman Ken Raisbeck said: “The completion of the stadium development represents a significant moment in the history of the football club but also an opportunity for the community of Winchester.

    “Football is a great vehicle to bring people together as well as encourage health and wellbeing. This facility creates a home for the club and from five-year-olds through to the first team, we now have an asset that can be used by everyone.

    “I am delighted that the council supported the vision and through the football club we were able to bring investment to the city to provide this fantastic facility; it’s an exciting moment in the development of the club and our community partners.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement from Constable Simon Crowcroft, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure24 October 2024 Following productive discussions with Deputy David Warr, we have reached an agreement regarding the situation at the Lido. We can confirm that the current occupier will be able to remain on-site until… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    24 October 2024

    Following productive discussions with Deputy David Warr, we have reached an agreement regarding the situation at the Lido. We can confirm that the current occupier will be able to remain on-site until the end of 2025. 

    As part of this arrangement, the occupier will be required to sign a formal contract and cover rent and a portion of utility bills from the end of October. A tender process for the future operation of the Lido will proceed as planned.

    We have always recognised the significant community value of the Lido and we are committed to its future rejuvenation. The Government will continue with its planned maintenance works, which include vital improvements to the pool and surrounding facilities.​

    We want to extend our gratitude to the public for their constructive engagement throughout this process. Together, we are finding a positive way forward for this cherished public landmark, ensuring it remains a vibrant space for generations to come.

    ​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cook up a Witches Brew Stew just in time for Halloween

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Cook up a Witches Brew Stew just in time for Halloween

    24 October 2024

    Strabane Health Improvement Project (SHIP) in the Ballycolman Estate is cooking up a Halloween experience that is sure to tantalise your tastebuds.

    Running on Tuesday, 29th October from 10am-12pm SHIP is hosting the Witches Stew Brew, this is an afternoon cookery session which aims to show locals how to make a tasty meal using vegetables which can be grown locally.

    Jarlath McNulty, SHIP project manager explained: “We were approached by Acorn Farm and Council to look at delivering a project based around cooking from local produce. When we had a think about it, we thought the Witches Brew Stew would be a great way to do it in the run up to Halloween.

    “The event is due to run for about two hours and is all about encouraging people to think about eating healthier and using items they could ultimately grow themselves. Harvest is the perfect time of year to hold an event like this and we are really looking forward to it.”

    Encouraging people to take part in the Witches Brew Stew, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council said: “The event hosted by Strabane Health Improvement Project is the perfect opportunity to learn how to introduce more vegetables into your diet in a fun and practical way. If you’re able to attend please do so, I’m sure you will pick up lots of useful cookery tips and of course come away with the recipe for a perfect Witches Brew Stew.”

    Anyone interested should turn up at 10am on Tuesday, 29 October at Strabane Health Improvement Project in the Ballycolman Estate. Contact: 02871 383557 if you need further information.

    For more information about any of the events taking place in the Strabane District this Halloween, go to www.strabanehalloween.com.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RYANAIR EXTENDS BIRMINGHAM ROUTE FOR WINTER 2024 & CELEBRATES OVER 5 MILLION PASSENGERS THROUGH CIT

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    RYANAIR EXTENDS BIRMINGHAM ROUTE FOR WINTER 2024 & CELEBRATES OVER 5 MILLION PASSENGERS THROUGH CIT

    24 October 2024

    Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, today (23 Oct) launched its Winter 2024 schedule for City of Derry Airport with 2 exciting routes – Birmingham & Manchester – giving Northern Irish citizens/visitors more choice and regular connections at the lowest fares in Europe this Winter.

    Ryanair relaunched its Birmingham route from City of Derry Airport in Summer 2024, which the airline will now extend it into the Winter season. Ryanair has also added an extra return service on its popular Manchester route, which will now operate 6 weekly flights to/from City of Derry Airport for Winter 2024 (Mon, Fri, Sun).

    Today’s launch comes as Ryanair carries 5 million passengers through City of Derry Airport. Ryanair has operated to/from City of Derry Airport for the past 24 years, supporting important regional development and growth, including the airline’s support of over 65 local jobs, and driving of year-round connectivity and tourism.

    To celebrate the launch of Ryanair’s Winter 2024 schedule for City of Derry Airport, the airline has launched a limited-time seat sale with fares available from just £19.99 available only at www.ryanair.com.

     

    Ryanair’s Head of Communications, Jade Kirwan, said:

    “As Europe’s No.1 airline, Ryanair is pleased to announce our Winter 2024 schedule for City of Derry Airport with 2 routes – Birmingham & Manchester. As well as extending our new Birmingham route for the Winter season, we’re also adding extra flights on our popular Manchester route, providing Northern Ireland citizens/visitors with even more choice at the lowest fares in Europe.

    Today’s announcement comes as Ryanair carries our 5 millionth passenger through City of Derry Airport – a significant milestone and reflection of our 24 years of operating to/from City of Derry Airport. This year, Ryanair’s City of Derry Airport traffic will grow +66%, demonstrating Ryanair’s long-term commitment to boost Northern Ireland’s air traffic, tourism, jobs, and economy.”

     

    City of Derry Airport’s Managing Director, Steve Frazer said:

    “We are thrilled to have Ryanair providing much needed air connectivity from the ‘Gateway of the Northwest’ and Birmingham and Manchester for travellers across the region this Winter.

    Passengers will benefit from a new Ryanair Birmingham service on a Monday, in addition to the existing Saturday service. This will be ideal for business travellers departing at the start of the week and returning at the weekend, as well as students who regularly commute, whilst offering leisure passengers a convenient weekend break.

    Ryanair’s Manchester will continue to operate on a Monday, Friday and Sunday, again ideal for both business and leisure travel, with additional services available across the Christmas holiday period to meet the needs of our local catchment area.

    We are extremely proud to have reached the momentous milestone of 5 million Ryanair passengers at City of Derry Airport, and we look forward to growing the airline’s presence in the Northwest for years to come.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Remembrance Sunday in the Lancaster District This year’s Remembrance Sunday falls on 10 November and a number of services have been arranged in the Lancaster district.

    Source: City of Lancaster

    This year’s Remembrance Sunday falls on 10 November and a number of services have been arranged in the Lancaster district.

    Everyone is welcome to attend and remember all who died for their country in the two World Wars and also those who served in more recent operations.

    The Mayor of Lancaster, Councillor Abi Mills, said: “It’s tremendously important that we continue to remember the sacrifices made by so many during times of conflict.

    “Remembrance Sunday allows us to come together as a nation, to honour those who have given so much, and to pay tribute to our armed forces, both past and present.”

    Remembrance Sunday services will take place as follows:

    Lancaster
    This year there will be a service in the Priory Church at 9.15am followed by a procession through the city to Lancaster Town Hall starting at approximately 10.30am. The service in the Garden of Remembrance at the town hall will start at 10.50am.

    Morecambe
    A procession will form up at The Platform, leaving at approximately 10.40am, for a service and two minutes silence at the cenotaph on Marine Road.

    Carnforth
    The procession will leave the council offices on Market Street at approximately 10.25am and then proceed to the war memorial, via North Road and New Street for a remembrance service from 10.50am -11.30am. Market Street will be temporarily closed to traffic during the service.

    To help people to pay their respects, Lancaster City Council has suspended parking charges on its Nelson Street car park in Lancaster and Bay Arena car park in Morecambe.

    Last updated: 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man who funded terrorist fighter in Syria sentenced following a Met counter terrorism investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man who sent money to his nephew in Syria knowing it was to fund his terrorist activity has been sentenced for terrorism offences following an investigation by specialist officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.

    Through their investigation, detectives found that 46-year-old Farhad Mohammad arranged for $350.00 over two payments to be sent to his nephew, Idris Usman. However, the investigation uncovered that Usman was fighting in Syria at the time for the terrorist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, which is a proscribed organisation in the UK.

    On 26 April, Mohammad was found guilty of two terrorism funding offences following a ten-day trial at the Old Bailey. He was sentenced on 23 October to a three year community order, 250 hours unpaid work, three month curfew between 9pm and 8am and a 30 day Rehabilitation Supervision Order.

    During the trial, counter terrorism investigators presented evidence showing Mohammad made two payments to his nephew in the space of three months between November 2017 and January 2018 with the knowledge that his nephew was fighting for an Islamist terrorist group in Syria at the time.

    One of the messages found by officers on Mohammad’s phone from his nephew in May 2017 read: “Uncle forgive me, God willing I am going to participate in a fighting, either I will stay alive or I become a martyr, it is up to God.”

    After initial enquiries were carried out by officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU), the investigation was taken on by specialist investigators within the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit, which is based within the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command. Detectives identified that the money, which was sent between November 2017 and January 2018, was transferred via a third-party to Usman.

    As a result of meticulous investigative work, Counter Terrorism officers were able to prove that Mohammad was fully aware that the money he was sending was supporting his nephew’s terrorist activities.

    Another example of a message found by officers from Usman to Mohammad in June 2017, indicating he was aware of his terrorist activities read: “Uncle for the sake of God send me six and a half waraqa ($650), to buy a weapon, it is the one, which I like it, and may God reward you with good.” Also among the messages sent from Usman to his Uncle was an image sent in August 2017 showing Usman sat on a motorbike with a gun over his shoulder.

    Commander Dominic Murphy, who leads the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Terrorist groups rely on financial support and funding to be able to operate. While Mohammad’s contributions may not have been vast sums, he was well aware his nephew wanted the money to purchase a firearm and to help fund his fighting in Syria.

    “Groups like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham cause huge misery, terror and devastation. If you knowingly fund someone – family member or not – who is part of a group like that, then it is helping a terrorist organisation and it is something we take extremely seriously.”

    On 27 February 2018, Mohammad planned to travel to Turkey from London Stansted airport. However, before he boarded the flight, he was stopped by officers using powers under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, 2000.

    Officers found he had over £4,000 of cash, and three mobile phones – all of which were seized and the contents downloaded by officers, with Mohammad subsequently arrested.

    Detectives recovered messaging app conversations and voice notes, which, after careful piecing together, officers were able to use to produce a timeline of detailing his conversations and fund transfers.

    Commander Murphy added: “The use of counter terrorism powers by officers at the airport was crucial in discovering how Mohammad was knowingly funding his nephew’s terrorist activities in Syria. And it was the specialist skills of officers within our National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit which helped pinpoint the transactions that led to this prosecution.

    “Anyone who might be considering providing financial support to terrorists or terrorist organisations should think twice, as it is a serious offence and, as we’ve shown here, we will investigate those who are involved in this kind of activity.”

    Farhad Mohammad, 46, (21.10.1978) of Colchester, Essex was charged on 10 July 2023.

    He was found guilty on Friday 26 April 2024 of two counts of terrorist fundraising (contrary to section 17 of the Terrorism Act 2000), after a trial at the Old Bailey and was sentenced at the same court on 23 October. Mohammad was found not guilty on two other counts of terrorist fundraising – linked to alleged payments made in May and August 2017. The jury was unable to reach a verdict in respect of a fifth count of terrorist fundraising, relating to an alleged payment made in October 2017. This count will lie on file.

    The National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU) is based within the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and is comprised of specialist investigators, analysts and researchers who investigate suspicious financial activity where they believe it may have links to terrorism.

    Communities defeat terrorism, and information from the public is vital to counter terrorism investigations. If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious and think someone may be engaging in terrorist activity, trust your instincts and act by reporting it in confidence at www.gov.uk/ACT or call the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321.

    In an emergency, always dial 999.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Montreux Capital Management Zug AG Acquires GC Partners Group, a Global Payments FX Provider

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Montreux Capital Management Zug AG (“Montreux”) is pleased to announce the acquisition of GC Partners Group Ltd (“GC Partners”), a specialist financial services provider in the foreign exchange and payments market.

    The foreign exchange market is the largest and most liquid financial market in the world. With a daily trading volume exceeding $5 trillion, it is also the most actively traded market globally.

    GC Partners, a celebrated firm with 20 years of service, has established a strong reputation in the industry for its customer-centric financial solutions tailored to meet client needs. Through their global network of offices, last year they transacted over USD$12.5 billion in foreign currency, providing quick, reliable, and secure solutions to clients around the globe. With offices in the UK, Hong Kong, Dubai, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, GC Partners has a global presence that will complement Montreux’s existing operations.

    “Through the acquisition, GC Partners will be able to accelerate their growth strategy, scale the business, and enhance their global payments infrastructure to complement their expertise in providing efficient and reliable solutions for over 150,000 clients to transfer money to more than 125 markets worldwide,” said Andrew Fundell, CEO of GC Partners.

    One of GC Partners’ key strengths lies in its advanced platform, featuring portals designed for private, corporate, and investment clients. These portals provide an efficient, secure, and adaptable way for clients to transact globally. By leveraging GC Partners’ cutting-edge technology and expertise, Montreux aims to enhance its own capabilities and deliver even greater value to clients.

    “We are pleased to announce the acquisition of GC Partners, a prominent player in the FX and payments market,” said Oliver Harris, CEO of Montreux. “This strategic move aligns with our vision to expand our presence in the financial services industry and positions us to capitalise on this growing market. Leveraging GC Partners’ expertise, we anticipate rapid global growth as we plan to treble the size of the business over the coming years.”

    Contact Information:
    GC Partners
    info@gcpartners.co
    https://www.gcpartners.co/

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Gaston sets the record straight on Commission questions about Michael McMonagle

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV MLA Timothy Gaston:

    “Both during and in the aftermath of yesterday’s disgraceful meeting of the Executive Office Committee, there have been suggestions that I have not explored issues related to the Michael McMonagle’s scandal with the Assembly Commission.

    “In the current session of the Assembly a total of 30 written questions have been submitted to the Commission by all MLAs – 19 of those are mine, almost two thirds of all questions.

    “A total of 25 questions have been asked by all MLAs on issues relating to the Michael McMonagle scandal. All but 7 of those were tabled by myself – over 70% of all questions on the issue.

    “The questions can call be read here.

    “Among the answers I have received is one revealing that just short of £110,000 of public money was paid by the Assembly to convicted child sex offender Michael McMonagle.

    “Other key questions – including whether the Commission will come to the Assembly chamber to answer questions on the issue remain unanswered. This was something I attempted to do by way of an urgent oral some weeks ago only for Alliance deputy speaker John Blair to reject the request. Telling, there are no questions in from any Alliance MLAs on these matters.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Companies House publishes first strategic intelligence assessment

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Analysis aims to help agency’s understanding of the key threats and guide approach to tackling them  

    Companies House has today published its first ever strategic intelligence assessment as the agency steps up its work to help tackle economic crime. 

    The strategic intelligence assessment gives an in-depth analysis of the key threats Companies House faces. It’ll guide future prioritisation, decision making, risk identification and mitigation.

    The assessment will be followed by a new control strategy, which will outline recommendations and action plans.  

    As part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, the company registrars for England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland now have new and enhanced powers.  

    These include the power to proactively share data with other government departments and law enforcement agencies. 

    In her foreword to the assessment, Companies House chief executive Louise Smyth said: 

    “I am pleased to introduce our first ever strategic intelligence assessment. This marks one of the major steps forward for the changes underway at Companies House.  

    “The assessment forms part of our work to more closely align to the National Intelligence Model and will underpin the work of our new and expanding Intelligence team.  

    “I’d like to thank our strategic partners for their valued insights, which have been used to shape our assessment and are helping us to continue our integration into the wider economic crime ecosystem.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Uganda commemorates the International Day for the Girl

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Peace Harriet Elly from Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement, anchors ‘Girls takeovers’ initiative at the British High Commission Kampala in partnership with Plan Uganda.

    Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda, Tiffany Kirlew poses with Peace Harriet Elly and Alim Daudut both Girls rights champions from Bidi Bidi refugee settlement and Phoebe Kasoga, the Plan International Country Director at the International Day of the Girl event,

    ‘Girls takeovers’ is an initiative of Plan International where girls are supported to work with senior leaders, particularly women from a range of sectors. It is intended to inspire girls to pursue their career goals and life aspirations albeit persisting socio-cultural and economic structural barriers. These individually tailored takeovers are created to have lasting impact for both the participating young girls and senior leaders to continue championing gender equality in workplaces. British High Commission Kampala has partnered with Plan International Uganda to host one of the ‘Girls Takeovers’ organised this year.

    As she assumed office of the Deputy High Commissioner in Uganda, Peace noted that refugee girls and girls living in conflict and post conflict areas face multiple deprivations including personal insecurity, poverty, hunger, school dropout inextricably linked to gender based and sexual violence, forced and child marriages and high teenage pregnancy among others.

    Peace however was grateful for such interventions as one delivered by Plan International Uganda which emboldens young girls to stand up to abuses, provide peer support amongst themselves and pursue their dreams.

    Peace Elly who arrived in Uganda together with her family 11 years ago completed her senior six in 2023. She scored 11 points having offered mathematics, physics, entrepreneurship and Computer. She has hopes of joining university soon to pursue her dream of becoming Information Technology Expert. Peace is an active champion of girls’ rights in her community. She is one the beneficiaries of a project implemented by Plan International Uganda with funding from the global programme ‘Education cannot Wait’ focusing on quality, safe and inclusive education in refugee and host districts in Uganda. The programme is geared towards Improving equitable and inclusive access to relevant learning opportunities; strengthening systems for effective delivery; and improving quality of education and training. The UK contributes over 25% of the total budget of the ECW programme globally.

    Peace noted that taking over office of the Deputy British High Commissioner is one of the symbols that girls in conflict still have a chance to utilise respective spaces to speak up on issues affecting them and to create a better world such as addressing insecurity, lack of access safe education, health services, basic needs and stability. 

    She said:

    Conflict threatens our future, but it does not take away our resilience or our hope. Today I am privileged to hold the flag not only for myself but also for the millions of girls around the world who are experiencing the same hardships and to remind the world of our strength and potential to change the world.

    Tiffany Kirlew, the British Deputy High Commissioner said:

    It’s been a privilege spending the day with Peace, and for her to be inspired by the work that senior female diplomats do. My message to her and to other girls is, live your full potential, never let your situation or circumstance define you.  I am hopeful that this experience today will demonstrate that girls have the potential to be anything they want to be, and that roadblocks can just be a mindset.

    Peace called upon Government and agencies like British High Commission who are at the centre of driving humanitarian agenda to:

    • support young girls in every community, in the schools, families and anywhere to rise and speak up and defend their rights to achieve their dreams
    • create safe environments for girls and boys by educating parents on child development
    • provide quality education and life skills for girls

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 16 arrests as police target migrant smuggling across the Sava River

    Source: Europol

    Using overcrowded boats, the suspects willingly put the lives and safety of the migrants at risk. After crossing the river, the migrants were clandestinely transported in various types of vehicles. Hiding them in passenger cars or the cargo areas of transport vehicles, the criminals would move the migrants towards Slovenia, Italy, Germany, and other EU countries. It is estimated that…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK What is the government doing to prevent former prisoners from reoffending? | House of Lords

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    Members quizzed the government on it’s early prison release scheme in this highlight from the chamber. Watch for more.

    Read a transcript of this question https://hansard.parliament.uk/lords/2024-10-21/debates/D30123ED-386C-4BF8-9C41-671133BFB868/PrisonersEarlyReleaseScheme

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

    Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
    Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

    Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords
    • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPpwYTRAOQU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Baby Week comes to York

    Source: City of York

    Published Wednesday, 23 October 2024

    Baby Week is coming to York for the first time this November (14 – 20 November).

    The national initiative celebrates services working with young families and raises awareness of the importance of early childhood.

    As a host city, York will celebrate the work of local maternity and early years services, helping to give every baby the best start in life.

    Organised by Raise York (York’s Family Hub Network) and local health services, parents and carers across the city will be able to find out more about the amazing range of services available to young children and their families. 

    Local events and activities include storytime and stay and play events, under 3’s gym class, a free online baby first aid course and a nearly new sale of children’s toys and clothes.

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

    We know that what happens during the first few months of a child’s life can shape their whole future, so helping parents and carers to nurture their baby’s development during this critical time is really important.

    “By becoming a host city for national Baby Week, we hope to showcase the wide variety of activities, local support and advice available for parents to be and new parents in York, as well as celebrating the amazing work health and early years professionals do across the city.”

    To find out more about what’s happening locally for Baby Week visit the Baby Week website.

    Organisers can add their own events to the programme by visiting the Baby Week website.

    For more information about support for children and families please visit the Raise York website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: White & Associates Insurance Selects Tarmika to Simplify Commercial Lines Remarketing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Chicago, IL., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Applied Systems® today announced that White & Associates Insurance has selected Tarmika, the industry’s leading commercial lines quoting tool, to remain competitive amid challenging market conditions. Tarmika will provide White & Associates Insurance’s agents with a snapshot of carrier appetites for standard commercial lines in one place to help agents stay on top of rapid appetite changes and remove the friction of rekeying data and switching between multiple carrier platforms, allowing for more accounts to be remarketed more quickly.

    “Constantly changing carrier appetites due to today’s hard market have made it imperative for our agents to remarket nearly all our commercial lines clients annually, which has increased the pressure on our staff,” said Cate Robertson, Vice President, Marketing & Training, White & Associates Insurance. “We chose Tarmika because its single-entry capabilities will speed up the commercial quoting process, empowering our people to successfully provide clients with the attention they deserve during renewals regardless of market conditions.”

    Tarmika is a single-entry commercial lines quoting application that enables agencies to simultaneously quote multiple small commercial markets, through their Direct and Market Access carrier appointments. Directly integrated with Applied Epic and EZLynx, agents can easily pass key risk data points between applications to streamline the quoting process in Tarmika while tracking activities and important quoting details directly in the management system. By enabling agents to collect and store data, find in-appetite markets, quote and submit to multiple insurers or MGAs in a single workflow, agents create a simpler, more connected commercial lines quoting experience that improves productivity and speed to market.

    “The insurance industry is entering a new normal where rates are accelerating at a decelerate rate, leaving agencies looking for smarter ways to approach remarketing,” Raghav Tanna, Senior Vice President, Product Management, Commercial Lines, Applied Systems. “By selecting Tarmika, White & Associates Insurance will be able to streamline risk data entry for quicker access to markets, saving staff time and freeing up resources to focus on more strategic initiatives.”  

    # # #

     

    The Applied products and logos are trademarks of Applied Systems, Inc., registered in the U.S.

     

    About Applied Systems
    Applied Systems is the leading global provider of cloud-based software that powers the business of insurance. Recognized as a pioneer in insurance automation and the innovation leader, Applied is the world’s largest provider of agency and brokerage management systems, serving customers throughout the United States, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. By automating the insurance lifecycle, Applied’s people and products enable millions of people around the world to safeguard and protect what matters most.

    About White & Associates Insurance
    Established in 1976, White & Associates Insurance is a locally owned and operated insurance agency with 12 locations in West Tennessee, Missouri and Arkansas. White & Associates strives to provide a “doing more” approach to all aspects of operation, including enhancing employee job satisfaction, providing clients with innovative insurance packages and improving the communities in which they serve.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plaid Cymru demand fairness for Wales in Autumn Statement

    Source: Party of Wales

    Plaid Cymru call on the Labour Welsh Government to put pressure on the UK Labour Government to ensure five key asks are included in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

    Today (Wednesday 23 October 2024) Plaid Cymru will call on the Labour Welsh Government to put pressure on the UK Labour Government to ensure five key asks are included in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

    Plaid Cymru will call for:

    • HS2 to be re-classified as an England-only project, and for Wales to receive the £4 billion it is due from the project.
    • Fair funding for Wales – replacing the Barnett Formula with a needs-based formula that prioritises the needs of the people of Wales
    • Devolution of the Crown Estate to Wales, as has happened in Scotland.
    • An end to the two-child benefit cap which forces thousands of children into poverty in Wales.
    • Restoration of the Winter Fuel Payment.

    Plaid Cymru finance spokesperson, Heledd Fychan MS said:

    “For years in the run up to the UK General election, we were promised that things would be better once we had a UK Labour government. But this so-called ‘partnership in power’ hasn’t yet delivered for Wales.

    “Labour in the Senedd used to agree with Plaid Cymru on HS2 reclassification and the £4bn owed to us in consequential; on replacing Barnett; and on the devolution of the crown estate. But evidently, they are not able to persuade their London bosses on any of these matters.

    “In fact, on HS2, the Welsh Government claim to be making the case for HS2 cash, but only a few hundred million rather than the billions they were previously calling for.”

    She continued:

    “While Welsh pensioners are terrified that they won’t be able to heat their homes this winter; while a third of Welsh children are living in poverty; and while Wales is being robbed of billions of pounds in funding, Welsh Labour are happy enough staying quiet, putting party before country.

    “Our calls today represent the necessary steps towards securing fairness for Wales and the funding owed to us. Plaid Cymru is clear – Labour must now deliver on the promises made to the people of Wales!”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint statement on the human rights situation in Xinjiang and Tibet

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Joint statement delivered by Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Lithuania, Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States of America in the UN Third Committee General Discussion.

    Location:
    United Nations, New York
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    I have the honour of delivering this joint statement on behalf of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Lithuania, Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America, and my own country, Australia.

    These countries are all committed to universal human rights and have ongoing concerns about serious human rights violations in China.

    Two years ago, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ assessment on Xinjiang concluded that serious human rights violations had been committed in Xinjiang, and that the scale of the arbitrary and discriminatory detention of Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities in Xinjiang “may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity”. 

    Subsequently, United Nations Treaty Bodies have taken similar views and made similar recommendations, including the CERD in November 2022 through its concluding observations and Urgent Action Decision on Xinjiang; and the CRPD, CESCR and CEDAW in their September 2022, March 2023 and May 2023 Concluding Observations.

     The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has issued communications concerning multiple cases of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances, and over 20 Special Procedure Mandate Holders have expressed concern about systemic human rights violations in Xinjiang.

    Relying extensively on China’s own records, these comprehensive findings and recommendations by independent human rights experts from all geographic regions detail evidence of large-scale arbitrary detention, family separation, enforced disappearances and forced labour, systematic surveillance on the basis of religion and ethnicity; severe and undue restrictions on cultural, religious, and linguistic identity and expression; torture and sexual and gender-based violence, including forced abortion and sterilisation; and the destruction of religious and cultural sites. 

    China has had many opportunities to meaningfully address the UN’s well-founded concerns.

    Instead, China labelled the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ assessment as “illegal and void” during its Universal Periodic Review adoption in July.

    According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ statement in August, the problematic laws and policies in Xinjiang continue to remain in place. The statement again called on China to undertake a full review, from the human rights perspective, of the legal framework governing national security and counterterrorism.

    Chair, as with our concerns for the situation in Xinjiang, we are also seriously concerned about credible reports detailing human rights abuses in Tibet.  

    United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies and United Nations Special Procedures have detailed the detention of Tibetans for the peaceful expression of political views; restrictions on travel; coercive labour arrangements; separation of children from families in boarding schools; and erosion of linguistic, cultural, educational and religious rights and freedoms in Tibet.

    We urge China to uphold the international human rights obligations that it has voluntarily assumed, and to implement all UN recommendations including from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ assessment, Treaty Bodies and other United Nations human rights mechanisms.

    This includes releasing all individuals arbitrarily detained in both Xinjiang and Tibet, and urgently clarifying the fate and whereabouts of missing family members.

    Transparency and openness are key to allaying concerns, and we call on China to allow unfettered and meaningful access to Xinjiang and Tibet for independent observers, including from the United Nations, to evaluate the human rights situation.

    No country has a perfect human rights record, but no country is above fair scrutiny of its human rights obligations.

    It is incumbent on all of us not to undermine international human rights commitments that benefit us all, and for which all states are accountable.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ACMD advice on reform to hemp licensing fees

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs responds to the government on their proposal to amend the licensing regimen for industrial hemp.

    Documents

    ACMD advice on reform to hemp licensing fee (accessible)

    HTML

    ACMD advice on reform to hemp licensing fee

    PDF, 207 KB, 5 pages

    This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

    Request an accessible format.
    If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

    Details

    On 9 April 2024 the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) was commissioned to provide advice on a proposal to amend the licensing regimen for industrial hemp.

    The ACMD is supportive of the proposed change to increase the maximum THC content of industrial hemp grown outdoors for seed production or in order to use the non-controlled parts of the plant to produce fibre for use in the construction and textile industries from 0.2% to 0.3%, as the potential benefits outweigh an increased risk of harms.

    The ACMD recommends the Home Office to conduct an assessment of the impact of the legislative change after 2 years. The ACMD foresees no issues with applying the lower fee of £580 to a raised level of THC not exceeding 0.3%, to align with other international examples.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 October 2024

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHCLG appoints Mo Baines as MHCLG Lead Non-Executive Director 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Mo Baines confirmed as new Lead Non-Executive Director of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. 

    The Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, has today confirmed that Mo Baines will join the Board of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) as Lead Non-Executive Director (NED) for a one-year term, taking effect from 21st October. 

    Mo Baines is an expert in public policy and local government, with a particular interest in service delivery models, local government finance and research.  She is currently Chief Executive at the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), and visiting professor at the University of Staffordshire’s Centre for Business, Innovation and the Regions. 

    The Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said: 

    “I’m delighted that Mo will be joining the MHCLG Board. Her knowledge and experience of how local government and public services operate will inform the work and direction of the department, and I look forward to working with her to drive forward our ambitious agenda over the next year.” 

    MHCLG Lead Non-Executive Director, Mo Baines said: 

    “I’m honoured to be joining the Department at this time to deliver such an important, challenging and exciting agenda. I look forward to working with the skilled and dedicated team of colleagues from across MHCLG, and wider partners within and across the local government, housing and communities sector.” 

    For more information:

    About Mo Baines

    Mo Baines joined the Board of the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government in October 2024. 

    Mo has extensive experience of working in public policy and local government, with a particular background in service delivery models, local government finance and research.  She is the Chief Executive at the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) and visiting professor at the University of Staffordshire’s Centre for Business, Innovation and the Regions. 

    Mo has served in a number of other public sector roles over the course of her career, including as Head of Communications and Deputy Chief Executive of APSE, prior to her appointment as Chief Executive. Mo has authored and contributed to a number of public policy research papers and publications on service delivery and insourcing, housing and planning, workforce matters and local government finance. Mo has throughout her career worked closely with public sector trade unions, local councils and councillors across the UK and is passionate about the value of local government services to communities. 

    About the MHCLG Board 

    The Departmental Board is chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, and comprises all junior ministers, senior officials, the Lead Non-Executive and non-executive board members (appointed by the Deputy Prime Minister in accordance with Cabinet Office guidelines).  The board meets quarterly, with overarching responsibility for departmental performance and delivery. 

    The Board provides overall leadership for the department’s business, as well as advice, support and challenge on the delivery and performance of key policy areas and programmes against priority outcomes.   

    About the appointment process  

    The Deputy Prime Minister has undertaken this appointment on an interim basis without competition in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments and following consultation with the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The appointment will now ensure that there is NED representation at the first Ministerial Board in November. A competitive recruitment for all other permanent NEDs will take place within the next year and a competitive recruitment for the Lead NED will run once these are in place.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cyber Essentials 10 years on

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A speech by cyber security Minister Feryal Clark at the 10 year anniversary event for the Cyber Essentials scheme.

    Location:
    Cholmondeley Room, House of Lords, London.
    Delivered on:
    (Original script, may differ from delivered version)

    See also:

    Good afternoon everyone.  

    Thank you for joining us to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Cyber Essentials.  

    What an occasion. I’m very excited to be here with all of you today.   

    It’s important we take time to recognise and reflect on the success of Cyber Essentials – and how it plays an important part in making the UK more cyber resilient.  

    Two years ago the government hosted a similar event to mark the award of the one hundred thousandth Cyber Essentials certificate. This represented a significant moment in the growth of the scheme. 

    Since then, we’ve awarded almost ninety thousand more – so it looks like we may have to host yet another celebratory event in a few months time!  

    It is great to see the rapid growth in the scheme, and I firmly believe that with your help, its growth can be accelerated and its impact further reaching.  

    Now – we are often asked about how effective the scheme is.  

    We have always believed Cyber Essentials helps drive better cyber security across the economy.  

    However, we can now prove that it does.  

    Recent insurance data shows us that organisations with Cyber Essentials are 92% less likely to make a claim on their insurance than those without it.  

    Additionally, where organisations require their third parties to get Cyber Essentials, we know they experience fewer third party cyber incidents.  

    We’ll discuss this later in the panel discussion.  

    In short, Cyber Essentials is working. 

    The government has made a concerted effort over the past couple of years to assess the efficacy of the scheme.  

    Today, we have published an [independent impact evaluation report](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cyber-essentials-scheme-impact-evaluation, which I encourage you all to read.  

    It provides fascinating insights into the impact Cyber Essentials is having in many different areas. 

    The evaluation concludes that Cyber Essentials is providing cyber security protection to organisations of all sizes.  

    82% of certified organisations are confident the controls provide protection against common cyber threats.  

    It further concludes that Cyber Essentials is improving organisations’ awareness and understanding of the cyber security risk environment, enabling them to become more informed and confident in mitigating cyber risks.  

    We know it works, and we now need more organisations to embed the Cyber Essentials controls and grasp the economic benefits of secure digital adoption. 

    I’d now like to talk about supply chains.  

    All organisations face cyber security risks, and will benefit from getting the Cyber Essentials controls in place.  

    However, long gone is the time when protecting your own perimeter was sufficient. Supply chain attacks are increasing in prevalence, and their impact can be far reaching. 

    For example, the recent cyber attack on IT provider Synnovis had a devastating impact on London hospitals, with many thousands of appointments and operations cancelled.  

    We know many organisations across the economy are struggling to manage the cyber security risk presented by suppliers.  

    This is clearly reflected in the fact that just 6% of UK businesses are assessing cyber risks in their wider supply chain. 

    This is simply too low and presents a concerning scenario.  

    Supply chain attacks are increasing, while limited efforts are being made to address this increased risk.  

    We know it is difficult – it requires skill and valuable resources to do effectively.  

    Against this backdrop, we firmly believe Cyber Essentials has a more important role to play.  

    By requiring suppliers, or other third parties, to have Cyber Essentials themselves, customers gain tangible assurance that fundamental cyber security controls are in place, and they are protected from common cyber attacks.  

    Such assurance is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it’s a necessity. Embedding Cyber Essentials requirements across supply chains will drive up the cyber maturity of our whole economy. 

    This is a real priority for me.  

    Which is why I’m pleased to announce that my department and the National Cyber Security Centre today published a joint statement with the UK’s largest banks and building societies. These include Santander UK, Nationwide, Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group, TSB and NatWest.  

    I thank them all for their efforts.  

    This collaboration aims to raise the levels of cyber security in critical national supply chains by exploring ways to expand the role of Cyber Essentials within their supplier assurance processes.  

    We will hear more about this shortly, but I wanted to make clear my enthusiasm and support for this collaboration, which we hope to replicate with other sectors across the economy. 

    On that note, I wanted to end with a request.  

    This new government is determined to make the UK safer, more secure and prosperous. To that end, we want to work with you, to partner with you, in raising the cyber security baseline across our economy.  

    We are taking huge strides to improve the cyber resilience of the UK, including through the forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will have a significant impact on enhancing the cyber resilience of the UK.  

    However, the proposed legislation must be complemented by other efforts to improve cyber security across the wider economy.  

    We must do this together.  

    Many of those in attendance today represent large, influential organisations with large supply chains.  

    I invite you all to join us on the journey to embed Cyber Essentials across the UK, by incorporating it within your own supplier requirements.  

    As you do this, we will do our utmost to ensure all organisations, especially SMEs, are supported in their efforts to become certified.  

    Together we can make a huge difference in reducing the economic and social harm impacting our businesses and citizens.  

    Thank you for being here and supporting us today. We look forward to closer collaboration in the future. 

    Thank you. 

    [ends]

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: BFI London Film Festival 2024 – a cinema academic’s look at the year ahead on the big screen

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Louis Bayman, Associate Professor in Department of Film Studies, University of Southampton

    This year’s London Film Festival boasted 254 feature and short films, with an all-time high of 44% of the films screened by female and non-binary directors. But the festival’s most newsworthy event concerned a film that wasn’t screened at all.

    To the dismay of its director, Havana Marking, the documentary Undercover: Exposing the Far Right was cancelled at the last minute with festival staff citing safety concerns in the wake of the summer riots. The documentary seeks to expose the political influence of a shadowy US-UK network that promotes racist scientific views. Although it missed out on its opportunity for a theatrical showing, the film is now airing on Channel 4 and is receiving good reviews.

    Like all festivals, there were prizes to be won and the festival jury awarded best feature film to Memoir of a Snail. This is the first time that a stop-motion animation has won the award. Directed by Adam Elliot and featuring the voice of Succession star Sarah Snook, the jury praised it as “emotionally resonant and constantly surprising”, adding that it “tackles pertinent issues such as bullying, loneliness and grief head-on.”



    Read more:
    Overtly handmade and so very moving: Adam Elliot’s Memoir of A Snail is a stop motion triumph

    This may turn out to be an unpopular decision with critics, given how many of them complained about the emotional nature of the festival’s opening night gala film, Steve McQueen’s wartime drama Blitz. McQueen’s genius for realising the restrictive nature of particular historical moments is always achieved with a special intensity, whether with Irish political prisoners in Hunger or the pre-emancipation US of 12 Years a Slave.

    Blitz takes as its setting three days in London in 1940, featuring a child who manages to flee evacuation and has to find his way through a bombed-out London back home to his mother. The film even alludes to Charles Dickens as the boy tries to dodge the ne’er-do-wells of the city streets.

    The boy is bi-racial and the film’s representation of the Black life of the city is a corrective to more commonplace images of a monocultural wartime Britain. But its family drama conjures more pathos than is usual for McQueen. The film thus revises, if not destroys, the myth of national unity that has grown up around the blitz. It incorporates racial and class divisions but the critical consensus seemed to be that its sentimentality let the film down.

    Alternatively, The Apprentice, the true story of the rise of Donald Trump under the tutelage of cutthroat lawyer Roy Cohn, showed considerable restraint depicting its uniquely polarising protagonist. The film finds Trump dodging lawsuits in the crisis-ridden New York of the 1970s, only to prosper in the greed-is-good real estate boom of the 1980s.

    Sebastian Stan’s Trump avoids caricature, almost garnering affection before eventually becoming the babbling fountain of profound vacuity that we recognise today. With excellent performances from Jeremy Strong as Cohn and Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump the film succeeds most as a revisitation of the iconic images of New York’s modern history through the prism of Trump. This revisitation occurs first in its retro imitation of early Martin Scorsese films and then with the grain of a boardroom melodrama shot on VHS.

    The festival also included some righteously powerful political denunciations.

    The Seed of the Sacred Fig deserves special mention as an acutely powerful portrait of a family undergoing the increasingly suspenseful stirrings of rebellion amid the “women, life, freedom” protests in Iran.

    I’m Still Here, a return to directing from City of God’s Walter Salles, presents the intersection of the personal and the political in a very different way. The film tells the true story of the leftwing congressman Rubens Paiva’s disappearance by the Brazilian military dictatorship in 1971 and the heartbreaking tension of his family’s life-long search for answers.

    Other notable returns from veteran directors included Mike Leigh’s depiction of the struggles of mental illness in Hard Truths, a blend of social realism and fairytale set in Gravesend, and Pedro Almodóvar’s first English-language film The Room Next Door. Two films that achieved a particular buzz among festival attendees and that are set to achieve a wide general release are Anora, Sean Baker’s comedy drama about a mismatched marriage between a lapdancer and a Russian oligarch’s son, and Conclave, set around the choosing of a new Pope starring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci.

    I had some personal favourites of the films that garnered fewer headlines. The first is All We Imagine As Light, an allusive portrait of the dislocating effects of modern city life among three female friends in Mumbai. Another is Four Mothers, a remake of the Italian comedy Mid-August Lunch transposed to Ireland. Featuring an aspiring writer whose friends go on holiday and leave their elderly mothers for him to look after, its blend of humour and sensitivity achieves exquisite delicacy.

    And finally, The Surfer wins my award for the cinema’s potential for delirious incoherence. Set entirely in a car park overlooking a beach, this comedy-thriller-folk horror explores suburban aspirational masculinity through a characteristically demented star turn by Nicolas Cage.


    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

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

    – ref. BFI London Film Festival 2024 – a cinema academic’s look at the year ahead on the big screen – https://theconversation.com/bfi-london-film-festival-2024-a-cinema-academics-look-at-the-year-ahead-on-the-big-screen-242049

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –