NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Canadian investigation linked to the Government of India

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Statement by Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office on the ongoing Canadian investigation linked to the Government of India

    A FCDO spokesperson said:

    We are in contact with our Canadian partners about the serious developments outlined in the independent investigations in Canada. The UK has full confidence in Canada’s judicial system. Respect for sovereignty and the rule of law is essential.

    The Government of India’s cooperation with Canada’s legal process is the right next step.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary General praises Latvia for its contributions to NATO

    Source: NATO

    On Wednesday (16 October 2024), at his official residence in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with the Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Siliņa, to discuss further strengthening NATO’s defences and NATO’s continued support to Ukraine.

    Mr. Rutte praised Latvia for its many contributions to the Alliance. “You spend almost 3 percent of GDP on defence, you host a multinational battlegroup where Allies work side by side to defend NATO’s eastern flank, as well as military exercises to ensure that Latvian and Allied armed forces maintain a high level of readiness and interoperability,” said Mr Rutte at the joint press conference with Prime Minister Siliņa. He referred to Latvia’s commitment to increase defence spending to 3 percent of GDP and noted Riga’s ambition to reach this goal even sooner than expected. Mr. Rutte also commended Latvia for its contributions to NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo and NATO’s training mission in Iraq.

    On Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Secretary General reiterated that “we must deliver on the commitments we made at the Washington Summit,” noting that Russia has relentlessly attacked Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure with winter just around the corner. He recalled that “Latvia has provided extensive military training for Ukrainian soldiers” and leads a coalition that works with industry to supply drones.  “I welcome your recent announcement of a new military aid package, including armoured personnel vehicles,” added Mr. Rutte.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Virtune announces its collaboration with Polkadot, aimed at achieving extensive visibility and awareness of its Virtune Staked Polkadot ETP in the Nordics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Stockholm, October 16th, 2024 – Virtune, a Swedish regulated digital asset manager and issuer of crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs), is announcing a collaboration with the Polkadot Network, funded through the Polkadot OpenGov Decentralized Treasury. Through this partnership, Virtune aims to promote and raise awareness of its Virtune Staked Polkadot ETP throughout the Nordics. Since its inception, Virtune has rapidly grown in the Nordic market, earning recognition for its educational initiatives, regulated status, and transparency.

    The company has also swiftly expanded its product portfolio. One of these products, Virtune Staked Polkadot ETP, was listed on Nasdaq Stockholm on January 10, 2024. The product is 100% physically backed by DOT and offers investors exposure to Polkadot through a regulated structure, along with the benefits of staking, providing an additional 4% annual yield before fees on top of Polkadot’s own performance. It is accessible for both institutional and retail investors in Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark through banks and brokers, including Avanza and Nordnet, among others.

    About Polkadot
    Explore the transformative potential of Polkadot, the next-generation blockchain platform designed to power a fully interconnected digital future. Polkadot stands out by enabling seamless interoperability across various blockchains, allowing for secure message and value transfers without relying on third parties.

    About Virtune Staked Polkadot
    Virtune Staked Polkadot ETP provides exposure to Polkadot with enhanced returns through staking. This product includes secure and efficient staking directly from cold-storage with Virtune’s custodian Coinbase, with staking rewards providing 4% annual yield continuously being added to the ETP which is reflected in the daily price of the ETP.

    • 1:1 exposure: Easy and secure 1:1 exposure to Polkadot
    • Passive Income: Earn staking rewards from the included staking without any efforts required
    • Security: Non-custodial staking from cold-storage, the DOT tokens are never sent to any third party
    • Liquidity: The product can be traded freely without lock-up periods
    • Physical backing: Fully backed by DOT stored securely with Virtune’s custodian Coinbase
    • Regulated and accessible: Traded on a regulated market in the form of Nasdaq Stockholm as straightforwardly as trading a stock and can be held in ISK or capital insurance accounts for tax benefits

    About staking
    Staking is the process of actively participating in transaction validation on a blockchain that uses a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. Participants lock up a certain amount of crypto assets to support the network’s security and operations. In return, they earn rewards in the form of additional crypto assets.

    Polkadot OpenGov
    Polkadot OpenGov is a fully decentralized governance system designed to serve the Polkadot Network and all holders of the DOT token, Polkadot’s native crypto asset. Within OpenGov, any DOT holder can submit a referenda (proposal) requesting funds from the Polkadot Treasury to aid the ecosystem’s evolution and growth. The fate of each proposal is determined by a vote from all DOT token holders. OpenGov allocates its Treasury Funds, which are accumulated through worldwide network usage, to proposals that are successfully submitted and approved by the Polkadot community.

    Christopher Kock, CEO of Virtune:
    “Following a long and collaborative process with Polkadot Opengov, we are both pleased and humbled to have earned the trust of the Polkadot community to lead Polkadot adoption in the Nordic financial market. We recognize a significant knowledge gap in this region regarding Polkadot’s great capabilities, and we are committed to bridging this gap through a comprehensive campaign. This campaign will include educational content, as well as outdoor and digital advertising, and events aimed at educating about Polkadot’s fundamentals and the opportunities it presents, particularly how investments can be made into Polkadot’s native token DOT combined with staking rewards via a regulated exchange-traded product. We launched our Virtune Staked Polkadot earlier in 2024, and we are encouraged by the growing interest from investors across the Nordics.”

    The purpose of the campaign
    The goal of this campaign is to enhance awareness of Polkadot’s technology, its potential, and its suitability as an investment when integrated into traditional portfolios. Through the campaign and Virtune’s regulated exchange-traded product, Virtune Staked Polkadot ETP, both institutional and private investors will be informed and enlightened about Polkadot and its vibrant ecosystem, which includes all the projects building on-chain. The campaign aims to attract a significant number of new investors to Polkadot across the Nordics, while also providing educational content about Polkadot to the financial industry.

    The content of the campaign
    The campaign will introduce a new scale of marketing efforts, combining outdoor advertising in high-visibility areas such as Stockholm’s financial district, subway stations, and the Arlanda Express, among other prominent locations. This approach is designed to significantly boost the visibility of Polkadot and Virtune’s Staked Polkadot ETP. In addition, digital advertising will feature Polkadot across various digital channels. Furthermore, the campaign will include large-scale events focused on educating attendees about Polkadot both as a blockchain technology and as an investment opportunity.

    The campaign aims to showcase a range of dynamic technologies that demonstrate Polkadot’s valuable role in the evolution of web3, where it has made significant strides. Polkadot is exhibiting substantial progress in various sectors, including gaming, with companies like Mythical Games migrating their platforms to the Polkadot blockchain. Furthermore, Polkadot supports fast and cost-effective transactions with stablecoins and is continuing to show its strengths in other emerging areas within decentralized finance, real-world assets, data storage, and artificial intelligence (AI).

    Press contact

    Christopher Kock, CEO Virtune AB (Publ)
    Christopher@virtune.com
    +46 70 073 45 64

    Virtune with its headquarters in Stockholm is a fully regulated Swedish digital asset manager and issuer of crypto exchange traded products on regulated European exchanges. With regulatory compliance, strategic collaborations with industry leaders and our proficient team, we empower investors on a global level to access innovative and sophisticated investment products that are aligned with the evolving landscape of the global crypto market.

    Cryptocurrency investments are associated with high risk. Virtune does not provide investment advice. Investments are made at your own risk. Securities may increase or decrease in value, and there is no guarantee that you will recover your invested capital. Please read the prospectus, KID, terms at http://www.virtune.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Employers invited to participate in careers fair supporting Changing Futures Navigators

    Source: City of Preston

    On Friday 15 November, 11am – 3pm, Preston Town Hall will host a Careers Fair designed to support Navigators from the Changing Futures programme.

    This Careers Fair will feature a broad range of employers from both the public and private sectors, providing job opportunities, career advice, and valuable insights. Navigators will have the opportunity to meet with recruiters and explore a variety of roles tailored to their skills and experiences.

    Changing Futures is funded by the UK Government’s Shared Outcomes Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.

    The programme and the Navigators are dedicated to improving the lives of adults facing multiple disadvantages, including homelessness, substance misuse, mental health issues, domestic abuse, and involvement with the criminal justice system.

    Most of the Navigators from the Changing Futures programme have battled and overcome similar issues in their own lives which makes them uniquely equipped to support other people. Their skills, experience and perspective can be of great benefit to other organisations which support the most vulnerable people in society.

    Councillor Zafar Coupland, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

    Navigators from the Changing Futures programme have been instrumental in supporting people across Preston, offering guidance and a helping hand as they navigate the next stage of their lives. 

    This Careers Fair is an opportunity to return the support they’ve given to others, helping them make valuable connections and open doors to future employment as many approach the end of their time on the programme.

    If you are an employer interested in participating in the careers fair, please do get in touch with us.”

    Employers interested in participating in the event and supporting this important initiative are encouraged to email p.griffiths@preston.gov.uk for further details.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: University unveils strategy to boost innovation and drive new business creation A new approach to fostering an enhanced spin-out culture at the University of Aberdeen will now see the institution reduce its equity stake, in favour of increasing innovation and accelerating the commercialisation of intellectual property.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    The move seeks to make staff, students and investors excited about the ideas and opportunities coming out of the UniversityA new approach to fostering an enhanced spin-out culture at the University of Aberdeen will now see the institution reduce its equity stake, in favour of increasing innovation and accelerating the commercialisation of intellectual property.

    Spin-outs are crucial to improving economic growth and they play a pivotal role in helping to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing society.” Dr Heather Morgan, Dean for Enterprise & Innovation

    The move makes Aberdeen one of the first universities in Scotland and the UK to introduce key recommendations that emerged from a recent independent review of university spin-outs that was commissioned by HM Treasury. 

    Under the new policy, the University’s equity share in new businesses could be as low as 5%, compared to the previous 21% minimum rate. Future equity arrangements will also take a sector-specific approach that considers the level of University investment in the underpinning research and nature or extent of the intellectual property. 

    “An independent review commissioned by the UK Treasury looked at the most successful university spin-out ecosystems across the world and within the UK, to identify best practice and opportunities to support spin-outs to attract greater investment and grow faster,” said Professor Peter Edwards, the University’s Vice-Principal for Regional Engagement. 

    “The independent review reported criticism from spin-out founders that universities have been taking too great a share, with some taking 40% or even 50% equity, well above levels that investors would see as encouraging the level of investment needed to support the company and founders would consider fair. As a result, they have effectively been stifling these businesses’ ability to grow. 

    “The University of Aberdeen has an excellent track record and reputation for life sciences spin-outs with firms such as Elasmogen, TauRx and NCIMB in our portfolio. We want to replicate this success across other sectors from green energy to digital technology and, in producing a more nuanced approach, we will be able to provide clarity for founders and improved opportunities for investors which we believe will stimulate future growth and development.” 

    The new policy is just one element within a much broader set of measures being implemented by the University to support new company creation and economic growth. 

    These range from changes to academic promotion criteria to recognise commercialisation of academic research, to involvement in initiatives like the recent ICURe Discover North East programme in which the University partnered with Innovate UK, Opportunity North East and The Helix Way. The programme saw 10 teams of university entrepreneurs complete an eight-week journey to equip them with invaluable market understanding and customer discovery skills.  

    “It’s been particularly pleasing to see these teams continue on their commercialisation journey after ICURe Discover, working with the team in Research & Innovation to take the next steps towards spinning out,” said Dr Ann Lewendon, Commercialisation Manager. 

    “Spin-outs are crucial to improving economic growth and they play a pivotal role in helping to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing society,” added Dr Heather Morgan, Dean for Enterprise & Innovation.  

    “They aren’t created overnight however and another of the areas we’ve been working hard to cultivate as part of this strategic review is our pre-spin-out pipeline. Understanding market interest and commercial potential is critical to transforming research and innovation into successful start-up businesses capable of maximising their impact and delivering tangible results. 

    “We want to encourage staff and students to feel supported and empowered to take the next step and investors to feel excited about the ideas and opportunities coming out of the University.” 

    Professor Ross Tuffee, co-author of the Scottish Government’s ‘Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint’, commented: “The University of Aberdeen is taking a clear position in creating the conditions for more spin outs to be established, to grow and succeed. Taking a transparent and open approach including equity stakes that are practical and workable outside of the institution is a huge step forward. 

    “This directly aligns with our recommendations. I believe it will encourage more academics to consider translating their research to achieve even greater impact via the spin-out process and will facilitate follow-on investment from external investors, ensuring that the founder’s shareholding remains a motivation for them to continue to grow their company.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from areas in Hungary suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (October 16) that in view of a notification from the Ministry of Agriculture of Hungary about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Fejér County and Hajdú-Bihar County in Hungary, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

         A CFS spokesman said that Hong Kong has currently established a protocol with Hungary for the import of poultry meat but not for poultry eggs. According to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 40 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Hungary in the first six months of this year.

         “The CFS has contacted the Hungarian authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the World Organisation for Animal Health and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Repatriation assistance

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Repatriation assistance – Government.se

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    Article from Ministry of Justice

    Published

    In the Budget Bill for 2025, the Government presented measures to stimulate voluntary repatriation that include increased financial assistance in 2026. This repatriation assistance will be aimed at certain individuals who already have the legal right to reside in Sweden. It will not apply to those who may obtain legal right in the future or people with a return decision.

    The current system 

    Individuals already in possession of a Swedish residence permit who wish to leave Sweden to take up residence in another country are, under certain conditions, eligible for financial support in the form of repatriation assistance. This support is only available to certain individuals with a legal right to reside in Sweden, including those who have been granted a residence permit as a refugee or person eligible for subsidiary protection, and their family members. Individuals who have received a refusal-of-entry or expulsion order do not have a right to repatriation assistance. 

    Those who are currently entitled to financial support can receive assistance to cover travel expenses. In addition to, repatriation assistance of up to SEK 10 000 per adult and SEK 5 000 per child under 18 years can be granted. A family can currently receive a maximum of SEK 40 000.

    Government intends to increase repatriation assistance

    In the Budget Bill for 2025, the Government presented measures to stimulate voluntary repatriation. These measures include increasing repatriation assistance in 2026. The current system needs to be reviewed in order to enable an increased repatriation assistance up to a maximum of SEK 350 000. At the same time, the system must be reviewed to minimise the risk for fraud and abuse. The Government will present proposals to this effect at a later date. 

    The repatriation assistance will continue to be aimed at individuals already with a legal right to live in Sweden who wish to leave the country voluntarily. As today, it will not apply to individuals who have received a refusal-of-entry or expulsion order. 

    Additional information

    For more detailed information about the current process for voluntary repatriation, including how to apply and what assistance is available, please visit the Swedish Migration Agency’s website. 

    Volun­tary repat­ri­a­tion

    Leaving Sweden

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK boosts Somalia security with additional £7.5 Million to ATMIS

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The United Kingdom announces a further funding to support the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to bolster Somalia’s security.

    The United Kingdom has provided a further £7.5 million to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). This latest round of funding builds on earlier contributions and increases the total amount of financial support from the United Kingdom to both ATMIS and AMISOM since 2021 to £77 million. ATMIS plays a vital role in Somalia’s security, protecting key areas including population centres, supply routes and infrastructure. It continues to support the Somali National Army in joint operations, facilitating humanitarian aid, and safeguarding political processes including elections. 

    UK funds have enabled ATMIS to improve Somalia’s security by combatting al-Shabaab and reducing the group’s influence. ATMIS troops also provide protection for Somali civilians as they work to ensure a more stable and secure Somalia to the benefit of its people and the region. The new funding will fund military stipends for troops from the five troop-contributing countries (Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda), and will help ATMIS to complete its mandate of a phased handover of security responsibilities to the Somali Security Forces. The activities of ATMIS are crucial to Somalia’s journey towards security and stability, but these require consistent international support.

    British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, said of the new funding:

    The UK is a close and longstanding partner of Somalia and a leading donor to ATMIS. By supporting ATMIS, we are not only investing in Somalia’s security today but also in its stability and prosperity tomorrow. I encourage traditional and non-traditional partners to financially support the successor mission to ATMIS to ensure a secure and stable future for all Somalis and the region.

    Somalia’s Defence Minister, Abdikadir Mohamed Nur, welcomed UK support, noting:

    This funding is critical in supporting the efforts of ATMIS and Somali security forces. We appreciate the UK’s continued partnership in rebuilding a safer and secure Somalia. The continued support of our partners will remain vital as we work towards a sustainable security environment in our country.

    The African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye also expressed gratitude for the UK’s contribution and emphasised the importance of continued international support:

    I wish to sincerely thank the British Embassy for its continued support to the AU and for this generous and timely £7.5 million contribution to ATMIS. We urge other partners to follow the UK’s example and invest in Somalia’s security to ensure lasting peace and stability in Somalia and the wider region.

    This latest contribution reinforces the UK’s continued commitment to Somalia’s security and stability for a safer and more prosperous future, while also ensuring regional stability.

    Note to Editors

    • UN Security Council Resolution (2748) adopted on 16 August 2024 authorises African Union Member States to continue to deploy up to 12,626 uniformed personnel – inclusive of 1,040 police personnel, to ATMIS until 31 December 2024.

    • You can follow UK activity in Somalia on X and Facebook and at British Embassy Mogadishu.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Appeal for witnesses following fatal collision in Newham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigation a fatal road traffic collision in Newham are appealing for witnesses and anyone with footage to come forward.

    Police were called at 15:44hrs on Tuesday, 15 October, to reports of a collision at Barking Road, E16.

    Officers and London Ambulance Service attended. At the scene, a Nissan Juke had been in collision with an 18-year-old female pedestrian and another car.

    Despite the efforts of emergency services the pedestrian was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been notified.

    The driver of the Nissan Juke – a 45-year-old man – was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was taken to hospital for treatment before being taken into police custody where he remains at this time.

    Cordons and closures were established while emergency services accessed the scene. These have since been lifted.

    Anyone who witnessed this incident or has footage should call police on 101 or on X @MetCC, quoting CAD 4765/15OCT.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    Source: European Union 2

    “Don’t miss a single screening – not even by a month,” says Maria, vice-president of a volunteer cancer support group in her workplace in Brussels. Maria was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 at the age of 38 through a routine check. “I was on sickness leave for a year and required heavy surgery. I was the youngest person in the hospital where I was treated – the age at which you can develop cancer is dropping dramatically.”

    October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, an opportunity to raise awareness of the disease, provide support to women with breast cancer and to highlight how early screening can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome.  

    The EU plays an active part in this battle to beat breast cancer. As part of its European Health Union strategy, it has put in place a Beating Cancer Plan. Through it, it is working on meaningful change in EU countries to achieve better cancer prevention, treatment, care and quality of life for all EU citizens. In 2022, new updated screening guidelines were adopted based on the latest scientific evidence for breast, colorectal and cervical cancer. The EU’s goal is to offer screening to 90% of the eligible target population across the EU.  

    Currently, breast cancer accounts for almost 30% of all diagnosed cancers in women in the EU. There are, however, marked differences in screening participation among countries and population groups. In 2022, the EU set up the first-ever European Cancer Inequalities Registry, to identify trends, disparities, and inequalities between and within EU countries and regions. The results feed into the EU’s future policies and investment in breast cancer treatment. 

     “I was on my own when I was diagnosed,” says Valentina, who is a member of Maria’s cancer support group.  “The support group became like a second family to me. Life is made easier when you share with other people. Just a nice word from a colleague can make all the difference.” The group has 200 members, who have either had or have cancer or caregivers to people with cancer. 

    “Everyone should try to organise such a group,” says Valentina. The group provides support from advice on how to navigate “the sea of procedures” surrounding getting cancer treatment to laying on yoga classes and walks in the woods. Valentina stresses the importance of physical activity in improving energy levels following cancer treatment. “I was not really sporty before cancer,” she says with a laugh, “but now I’m exercising every weekend.” 

    As part of her recovery, Valentina signed up to a local scheme in Belgium which encourages women with breast cancer to engage in group physical activity to help them heal and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Valentina walked just over 100km in Iceland with a group of 10 women. “Even with a very heavy workload, I felt so energised when I found out I could take part.” The group called themselves Les Amazones. “We discovered only afterwards that the Greeks had made up an etymology, claiming it derived from a-mazos – without a breast.  These fearsome women cut off their right breasts to remove an obstruction to the bowstring,” explains Valentina.

    A fellow cancer support group member, Alice, was initially diagnosed with breast cancer while working in Niger. “I had just finished breast feeding my 15-month-old daughter and it was the beginning of COVID. The doctor told me to go back to Europe to get a biopsy and I took the last flight before the airport was closed for several weeks. Unfortunately, the biopsy was positive and my treatment began. In Niger, women do not have the same opportunities.” How does she feel about the experience now? “I’m lucky I was born in Europe,” she says. 

    For more information 

    A cancer plan for Europe 

    European Health Union 

    #GetScreenedEU campaign, with information about cancer screening programmes in EU countries 

    Cancer Screening, Diagnosis and Care

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK House Price Index for August 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

    The August data shows:

    • on average, house prices have risen 1.5% since July 2024
    • there has been an annual price rise of 2.8% which makes the average property in the UK valued at £293,000

    England

    In England the August data shows, on average, house prices have risen by 1.6% since July 2024. The annual price rise of 2.3% takes the average property value to £310,000.

    • Yorkshire and the Humber experienced the most significant monthly increase with a movement of 2.7%
    • The South West saw the greatest monthly price fall, with a fall of -0.3%
    • The North West experienced the greatest annual price rise, up by 4.6%
    • The South West saw the lowest annual price growth, with a rise of 0.8%

    The regional data for England indicates that:

    Price change by region for England

    Region Average price Aug 2024 Annual change % since Aug 2023 Monthly change % since July  2024
    East Midlands £250,000 2.1 1.4
    East of England £344,000 1.4 1
    London £531,000 1.4 2.2
    North East £166,000 1.7 1.5
    North West £225,000 4.6 2.4
    South East £385,000 1.6 1.4
    South West £321,000 0.8 -0.3
    West Midlands £255,000 2.6 1.1
    Yorkshire and the Humber £219,000 4.4 2.7

    Repossession sales by volume for England

    The lowest number of repossession sales in June 2024 was in the East of England.

    The highest number of repossession sales in June 2024 was in the North East.

    Repossession sales June 2024
    East Midlands 12
    East of England 0
    London 8
    North East 18
    North West 6
    South East 8
    South West 6
    West Midlands 7
    Yorkshire and the Humber 7
    England 72

    Average price by property type for England

    Property type Aug 2024 Aug  2023 Difference %
    Detached £466,000 £463,000 0.8
    Semi-detached £299,000 £290,000 3.3
    Terraced £258,000 £251,000 2.5
    Flat/maisonette £257,000 £251,000 2.4
    All £310,000 £303,000 2.3

    Funding and buyer status for England

    Transaction type Average price Aug 2024 Annual price change % since Aug 2023 Monthly price change % since Jul 2024
    Cash £290,000 1.7 1.5
    Mortgage £320,000 2.6 1.6
    First-time buyer £260,000 3.1 2.1
    Former owner occupier £350,000 1.5 1

    Building status for England

    Building status* Average price June 2024 Annual price change % since June 2023 Monthly price change % since May 2024
    New build £443,000 25.9 -1.2
    Existing resold property £300,000 1.1 0.4

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    London

    London shows, on average, house prices increased by 2.2% since July 2024. An annual price fall of 1.4% takes the average property value to £531,000.

    Average price by property type for London

    Property type Aug 2024 Aug 2023 Difference %
    Detached £1,036,000 £1,058,000 -2.1
    Semi-detached £687,000 £677,000 1.5
    Terraced £580,000 £573,000 1.1
    Flat/maisonette £443,000 £434,000 2
    All £531,000 £524,000 1.4

    Funding and buyer status for London

    Transaction type Average price Aug 2024 Annual price change % since Aug 2023 Monthly price change % since Jul 2024
    Cash £545,000 0.6 3.2
    Mortgage £526,000 1.7 1.9
    First-time buyer £461,000 2.3 2.8
    Former owner occupier £604,000 0 1.1

    Building status for London

    Building status* Average price June 2024 Annual price change % since June 2023 Monthly price change % since May 2024
    New build £618,000 23 0.2
    Existing resold property £525,000 0 1.1

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    Wales

    Wales shows, on average, house prices rose by 2.6% since Jul 2024. An annual price increase of 3.5% takes the average property value to £223,000

    There were 9 repossession sales for Wales in Jun 2024.

    Average price by property type for Wales

    Property type Aug 2024 Aug 2023 Difference %
    Detached £328,000 £323,000 1.7
    Semi-detached £217,000 £208,000 4.1
    Terraced £177,000 £170,000 4.2
    Flat/maisonette £147,000 £140,000 4.7
    All £223,000 £215,000 3.5

    Funding and buyer status for Wales

    Transaction type Average price Aug 2024 Annual price change % since Aug 2023 Monthly price change % since Jul 2024
    Cash £216,000 3.1 3.1
    Mortgage £227,000 3.8 2.4
    First-time buyer £194,000 4.4 2.8
    Former owner occupier £256,000 2.6 2.4

    Building status for Wales

    Building status* Average price June 2024 Annual price change % since June 2023 Monthly price change % since May 2024
    New build £336,000 25.7 -0.9
    Existing resold property £211,000 0.9 0.6

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    UK house prices

    UK house prices rose by 2.8% in the year to Aug 2024, up from the revised estimate of 1.8% in the 12 months to July 2024. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, average house prices in the UK increased by 1.5% between July 2024 and Aug 2024, up 0.5% from the same period 12 months ago (July and Aug 2023).

    The UK Property Transactions Statistics showed that in Aug 2024, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the estimated number of transactions of residential properties with a value of £40,000 or greater was 90,000. This is 5.4% higher than a year ago (Aug 2023). Between July 2024 and Aug 2024, UK transactions decreased by 0.4% on a seasonally adjusted basis.

    House price monthly increase was highest in Yorkshire & The Humber where prices increased by 2.7% in the year to Aug 2024. The highest annual growth was in the The North West, where prices increased by 4.6% in the year to Aug 2024.

    See the economic statement.

    The UK HPI is based on completed housing transactions. Typically, a house purchase can take 6 to 8 weeks to reach completion. As with other indicators in the housing market, which typically fluctuate from month to month, it is important not to put too much weight on one month’s set of house price data.

    Access the full UK HPI

    Background

    1. We publish the UK House Price Index (HPI) on the second or third Wednesday of each month with Northern Ireland figures updated quarterly. We will publish the September 2024 UK HPI at 9:30am on Wednesday 20 Novemeber 2024. See calendar of release dates.
    2. We have made some changes to improve the accuracy of the UK HPI. We are not publishing average price and percentage change for new builds and existing resold property as done previously because there are not currently enough new build transactions to provide a reliable result. This means that in this month’s UK HPI reports, new builds and existing resold property are reported in line with the sales volumes currently available.
    3. The UK HPI revision period has been extended to 13 months, following a review of the revision policy (see calculating the UK HPI section 4.4). This ensures the data used is more comprehensive.
    4. Sales volume data is available by property status (new build and existing property) and funding status (cash and mortgage) in our downloadable data tables. Transactions that require us to create a new register, such as new builds, are more complex and require more time to process. Read revisions to the UK HPI data.
    5. Revision tables are available for England and Wales within the downloadable data in CSV format. See about the UK HPI for more information.
    6. HM Land Registry, Registers of Scotland, Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and the Valuation Office Agency supply data for the UK HPI.
    7. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency calculate the UK HPI. It applies a hedonic regression model that uses the various sources of data on property price, including HM Land Registry’s Price Paid Dataset, and attributes to produce estimates of the change in house prices each month. Find out more about the methodology used from the ONS and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency.
    8. We take the UK Property Transaction statistics  from the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) monthly estimates of the number of residential and non-residential property transactions in the UK and its constituent countries. The number of property transactions in the UK is highly seasonal, with more activity in the summer months and less in the winter. This regular annual pattern can sometimes mask the underlying movements and trends in the data series. HMRC presents the UK aggregate transaction figures on a seasonally adjusted basis. We make adjustments for both the time of year and the construction of the calendar, including corrections for the position of Easter and the number of trading days in a particular month.
    9. UK HPI seasonally adjusted series are calculated at regional and national levels only. See data tables.
    10. The first estimate for new build average price (April 2016 report) was based on a small sample which can cause volatility. A three-month moving average has been applied to the latest estimate to remove some of this volatility.
    11. The UK HPI reflects the final transaction price for sales of residential property. Using the geometric mean, it covers purchases at market value for owner-occupation and buy-to-let, excluding those purchases not at market value (such as re-mortgages), where the ‘price’ represents a valuation.
    12. HM Land Registry provides information on residential property transactions for England and Wales, collected as part of the official registration process for properties that are sold for full market value.
    13. The HM Land Registry dataset contains the sale price of the property, the date when the sale was completed, full address details, the type of property (detached, semi-detached, terraced or flat), if it is a newly built property or an established residential building and a variable to indicate if the property has been purchased as a financed transaction (using a mortgage) or as a non-financed transaction (cash purchase).
    14. Repossession sales data is based on the number of transactions lodged with HM Land Registry by lenders exercising their power of sale.
    15. For England, we show repossession sales volume recorded by government office region. For Wales, we provide repossession sales volume for the number of repossession sales.
    16. Repossession sales data is available from April 2016 in CSV format. Find out more information about repossession sales.
    17. We publish CSV files of the raw and cleansed aggregated data every month for England, Scotland and Wales. We publish Northern Ireland data on a quarterly basis. They are available for free use and re-use under the Open Government Licence.
    18. HM Land Registry is a government department created in 1862. Its vision is: “A world-leading property market as part of a thriving economy and a sustainable future.”
    19. HM Land Registry’s purpose is: “We protect your land ownership and provide services and data that underpin an efficient and informed property market.”
    20. HM Land Registry safeguards land and property ownership valued at £8 trillion, enabling over £1 trillion worth of personal and commercial lending to be secured against property across England and Wales. The Land Register contains more than 26.5 million titles showing evidence of ownership for more than 89% of the land mass of England and Wales.
    21. For further information about HM Land Registry visit http://www.gov.uk/land-registry.
    22. Follow us on @HMLandRegistry, our blog, LinkedIn and Facebook.

    Contact

    Press Office

    Trafalgar House
    1 Bedford Park
    Croydon
    CR0 2AQ

    Email HMLRPressOffice@landregistry.gov.uk

    Phone (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm) 0300 006 3365

    Mobile (5:30pm to 8:30am weekdays, all weekend and public holidays) 07864 689 344

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Regulator of Social Housing publishes first C4 grading for the London Borough of Newham

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Regulator of Social Housing has today issued its first C4 grading to the London Borough of Newham, meaning there are very serious failings and fundamental changes are needed.

    During an inspection of the council, RSH found:

    • Over 9,000 overdue fire safety remedial actions, of which over 8,000 were overdue by more than 12 months and more than 4,000 categorised as high risk.
    • 40% of its 16,000 homes had not had an electrical condition test for more than 11 years.
    • Lack of evidence that it is meeting the smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements for any of its homes.
    • A lack of accurate information on stock quality, with 60% of its homes without a survey within the last five years.
    • At least 20% of its homes do not meet the requirements of the Decent Homes Standard.
    • Around 5,400 open repairs, nearly half of which were overdue.
    • Tenant Satisfaction Measure (TSM) surveys not completed on time
    • Very limited meaningful opportunities for tenants to influence and scrutinise the landlord’s strategies, policies and services.

    Although LB Newham has indicated a willingness to address these issues, they failed to refer themselves over key issues and RSH has not yet seen sufficient evidence to assure the regulator of their ability to put matters right.

    Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said:

    The breadth and scale of these failings, including very serious health and safety issues, pose an unacceptable risk to tenants’ well-being.

    Taking accountability is a critical part of the co-regulatory approach and it is extremely concerning that, despite the gravity of these failings, the landlord failed to refer themselves to us over key issues.

    We are now engaging intensively with LB Newham as they work to resolve these issues. While we are not proposing to use our enforcement powers at this stage, this will be kept under review.

    RSH has awarded 35 consumer grades since its new proactive consumer began in April, including 9 C1 grades (the highest grade), 13 C2 grades, 12 C3 grades (of which 10 were self-referrals) and 1 C4 (the lowest grade).

    RSH is carrying out planned inspections of all large social landlords (those with over 1,000 homes) over a four-year cycle. RSH has started to publish the outcomes of these first inspections and will continue to do so over the coming months.

    Notes to editors

    1. On 1 April 2024 RSH introduced new consumer standards for social housing landlords, designed to drive long-term improvements in the sector. It also began a programme of landlord inspections. The changes are a result of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 and include stronger powers to hold landlords to account. More information about RSH’s approach is available in its document Reshaping Consumer Regulation.
    2. More information about RSH’s responsive engagement, programmed inspections and consumer gradings is also available on its website.
    3. RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. It does this by setting standards and carrying out robust regulation focusing on driving improvement in social landlords, including local authorities, and ensuring that housing associations are well-governed, financially viable and offer value for money. It takes appropriate action if the outcomes of the standards are not being delivered.
    4. Where we have published C3 judgements, the ten landlords who self-referred themselves were Ashford Borough Council, Bristol City Council, Guildford Borough Council, London Borough of Hackney, North Yorkshire Council, Octavia Housing, Sheffield City Council, South Derbyshire District Council, and Warwick District Council.

    For general enquiries email enquiries@rsh.gov.uk. For media enquiries please see our Media Enquiries page.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grave of missing World War Two soldier identified in Italy 80 years after his death

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The grave of a soldier of the Middlesex Regiment who lost his life in Italy during World War Two has been identified and rededicated 80 years after his death.

    Padre David Anderson leads the rededication service for Cpl Owens (Crown Copyright)

    Today’s rededication service for Corporal (Cpl) John Owens was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’. The service was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Anzio War Cemetery in Italy. 

    John Alfred Owens was born in Southwark, London on 16 December 1911 to Harry Owens, a milkman, and his wife Louisa. In 1912 John’s sister Amy was born, and a younger brother – Alfred – followed in 1919.  

    John joined the Territorial Army in 1929; he was 18 years old and working as a tool maker. His army records describe him as having a fresh complexion with brown eyes and dark hair.   

    In 1933 he married Violet Maud Dennis in Brentford, and they had three children – Doreen, Sidney and Barbara. He left the Territorial Army in 1935.  

    Cpl John Alfred Owens with his wife and children (supplied courtesy of his family)

    In 1938 John re-joined the army, and in 1939 following the outbreak of war he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal, and then Corporal. He was on home defence duties during the early years of the war, until in May 1943 he embarked for North Africa in preparation for the invasion of Italy. His unit, Middlesex Regiment’s 2/7 Battalion were machine gunners supporting infantry troops.    

    By January 1944, John had arrived in Italy, and by the end of the month he was in the Anzio area. On the night of 3 to 4 February 1944 there was a German counterattack during which a small armoured vehicle and gun stores were left behind so the men could safely escape. Early on the morning of the 4th, Cpl Owens, along with another man, Private (Pte) Harris volunteered to recover the gun carrier and other items but went missing in the process. 

    Pte Harris was taken prisoner by the Germans during this action. An Army investigation concluded Cpl Owens had been wounded and taken prisoner, dying in enemy hands on or shortly after the 4 February.  

    Following his death, he was buried near Campoleone station at Aprilla alongside two other men. In August 1944, all three were recovered and moved to the Anzio War Cemetery. The other two men both had personal artefacts which allowed them to be identified, but John could only be identified as a Corporal of the Middlesex Regiment.  

    Recently a team of independent researchers submitted evidence to the CWGC hoping to have located the final resting place of Cpl Owens. This research was reviewed, and extra work was conducted by the National Army Museum and JCCC which concluded that now, 80 years after his death, it was possible to clearly identify where he was buried. 

    Tracy, the granddaughter of Cpl Owens, stands behind his headstone with members of the military party and other dignitaries (Crown Copyright)

    JCCC Caseworker, Alexia Clark, said: 

    Researching Cpl Owens and getting to know his war story has been a fascinating journey. It has been a privilege to have played a part in the conclusion of that stories and to know that his family finally have answers to what happened to him all those years ago.

    Director for Central and Southern Europe at the CWGC, Geert Bekaert, said:  

    We give our heartfelt thanks to the team of researchers, the National Army Museum and of course the JCCC, in working with us to help identify this brave soldier’s grave. We will care for his grave and commemorate all who are buried in the beautiful grounds of Anzio War Cemetery.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SNP must provide concessionary ferry rates for young islanders

    Source: Scottish Greens

    16 Oct 2024 Rural Affairs Transport

    Green MSP Ariane Burgess calls on SNP to fulfil promise to young islanders.

    More in Rural Affairs

    SNP ministers must fulfil their promise and provide young people across island communities reduced ferry fares, says Scottish Greens Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess.

    Last year, Scottish Green MSPs secured a commitment to extend the age range for concessions to all those under 22 in Scottish island communities.

    Under the current scheme previously secured by the Greens, 16-18 year olds have access to ferry concessions on West Coast and Northern Isles services.  

    This scheme currently equates to four free ferry vouchers per year.

    Earlier this week, the Scottish Government announced they would be ending a “fare freeze” on CalMac services with a 10% hike on ticket prices from January 2025.

    Scottish Greens Rural Affairs spokesperson Ariane Burgess said:

    “The increase in ferry fares will further penalise the islanders who rely heavily on these services, making daily commutes expensive and for some, completely unachievable.  

    “The rising cost of living on Scottish islands has seen populations dwindling. Many young islanders are moving from their communities as they cannot afford to rent or buy in their home towns, and commuting to the mainland is becoming impossible.

    “Tourists may budget for increased ferry rates as part of their holiday to bring welcomed custom to our islands, but the locals bear the unseen load on a daily basis. Reform is urgently required to show that the government has not forsaken islanders.  

    “The Bute House Agreement ensured a commitment from the Government to work with ferry operators to create discount and concessionary schemes.  

    “Young people receive free bus travel in Scotland thanks to Scottish Greens and this model has positively impacted their lives socially and financially. Young islanders deserve this positive impact too.

    “Ferries are a vital lifeline for islanders. Provision of an affordable, reliable service will ensure young people feel they can remain living in their community and still have access to opportunity.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: The new version of the Articles of Association of UAB Urbo bankas was registered

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Urbo bankas UAB (hereinafter – “the Bank”), company code 112027077, address: Konstitucijos pr.18B, Vilnius.

    We hereby inform you that on 15 October 2024, a new version of the Articles of Association of the Bank was registered in the Register of Legal Entities. The new version of the Articles of Association was approved on 30 September 2024 by the Board ot the Bank.

    In addition, we inform you that the reorganization of the Bank and UAB “Saugus Kreditas” was completed after the above-mentioned version of the Bank’s Articles of Association was registered. UAB “Saugus Kreditas” was merged with the Bank.

    The reorganization of the Bank and UAB “Saugus Kreditas” was implemented in accordance with the procedure and deadlines established by the Law on Joint-Stock Companies of the Republic of Lithuania.

    After the reorganization, the Bank took over all the rights and obligations and assets of UAB “Saugus Kreditas”, as well as rights and obligations under the transactions. They are included in the accounting records of the Bank.

    After the reorganization, the authorized capital of the Bank, which continues its activities, the value of shares, their number, the goals and object of the company’s activities, the company’s bodies and their competence have not changed.

    For more information please contact: Julius Ivaška, Head of Business Division, tel. +370 601 04 453, e-mail media@urbo.lt

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Supporting inclusive education in Africa

    Source: Scottish Government

    Funding to help women and girls as well as children with disabilities.

    Scotland intends to support inclusive education in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia with funding of up to £12.5 million over the next five years, First Minister John Swinney has announced.

    The funding will support two programmes, the first of which aims to remove barriers to quality education for out-of-school children with disabilities and additional support needs. The second programme will support girls and women to complete secondary education and transition to tertiary or technical education.

    The First Minister met the High Commissioners of Malawi and Zambia, and the Deputy High Commissioner of Rwanda during a series of engagements in London yesterday (15 October), where he re-affirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to collaborative international development with its partner countries.  

    The First Minister said:

    “This funding aims to help overcome some of the persistent barriers faced by women, girls and children with disabilities, to ensure they have equal access to education, and are fully included in the social and economic life of their communities.

    “The Scottish Government has prioritised this work as part of our commitment to international development and good global citizenship, working in partnership with our counterparts in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia to meet the aims of the UN Sustainable Development goals.

    “So I am very pleased to confirm this additional funding in support of those efforts. I am also grateful for the work of Oxfam, Link Education International and local partners in all three countries who are delivering these programmes to help some of the world’s most marginalised learners, who have the same right to a quality education as anyone else.”

    H.E. Macenje Mazoka, Zambia High Commissioner to the United Kingdom said:

    “The Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to inclusive education in Zambia is a testament to the strong bonds between our nations. Their support for programs that enhance access to quality education for all, especially for marginalised groups, aligns perfectly with Zambia’s vision for equitable development. We look forward to strengthening the positive impact this partnership will continue to have on our education system and the lives of Zambian students, particularly those who are the most vulnerable.”

    Background

    Inclusive education – International development – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

    Subject to the annual budget approval process by the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government intends to provide funding of up to £12.5 million for Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia, comprising up to £7.5 million over five years to support for disabled learners and learners with additional needs and up to £5 million over five years to support Scholarships for Women and girls to complete secondary and transition to tertiary education or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). 

    1. Realising Inclusive and Safer Education (RISE)  This programme, which is being delivered by Link Education International between July 2024 and March 2029, aims to remove barriers to quality education for out-of-school children with disabilities and additional support needs. The programme is worth up to £1.5m a year, and is implemented through partnerships with Link Community Development Malawi, School to School International in Zambia and Chance for Childhood in Rwanda.  
    2. Scholarships for Women and Girls in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia  

      This programme, which is being delivered by Oxfam between July 2024 and March 2029, aims to support girls and women to complete secondary education and to support their transition to tertiary education and TVET. The programme is worth up to £1m a year, and is implemented through partnerships with the Young Women’s Christian Association in Zambia and Rwanda, and Concerned Youth Organisation in Malawi.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tackling illegal content online and implementation of the Online Safety Act

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Letter from the Secretary of State, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to Ofcom.

    Documents

    Tackling illegal content online and implementation of the Online Safety Act: letter from DSIT Secretary of State

    HTML

    Details

    Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology has written to Dame Melanie Dawes, CEO of Ofcom, regarding Ofcom’s implementation of the Online Safety Act.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TfL bad debt increases by almost £300m in three years

    Source: Mayor of London

    With Transport for London’s (TfL) bad debt levels climbing almost £300m in three years, the Mayor has been urged to increase collection levels for road user charging schemes.
    In 2020-21, figures showed TfL’s bad debt expenses to be c.£160m.1 At a recent Budget and Performance Committee meeting, the Committee was told that bad debts are now in the region of £450m.2
     
    The sharp increase coincides with the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to the North and South Circular in October 2021, and London-wide in August 2023. In September 2024, The London Assembly was informed that TfL was now owed £376 million in unpaid Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) for the ULEZ.
     
    The London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee has today published a letter to the Mayor, calling on him to consider increasing collection levels for road user charging schemes, to ensure money owed can be spent on improving London’s transport network.
     
    Key recommendations include:

    • TfL should review the causes of the increase in its bad debt charge since 2021-22 and look at appropriate measures to increase collection levels for all road user charging. TfL should seek to conclude this exercise in time for it to be reflected in the 2025-26 Budget and break it down for each type of road user charge.
    • TfL should set out in its 2025-26 budget submission and 2024-25 performance reporting the level of contingency it holds for exceptional items such as handling the recent cyber attack, recent applications of such contingencies and the actions it is taking to address any lower than anticipated operating surplus levels.
    • The 2025-26 Budget proposals should explicitly confirm whether the Mayor will continue to provide ongoing funding from GLA funds for the current fares freeze, and be clear on the source of the funds.

    Neil Garratt AM, Chairman of the Budget and Performance Committee, said:

    “The Ultra Low Emission Zone appears to have contributed to a near £300m increase in bad debt in three years, an urgent financial problem for TfL.
     
    “Such large sums of money being owed to TfL, which may not be recoverable, means that much-needed transport investment projects might be scrapped.
     
    “That is why we have today called on the Mayor to look at appropriate measures to increase collection levels for road user charging schemes, and also to provide details on the ratio of bad debt charges before and after the ULEZ expansion into outer London in 2023.

    “It is important for Londoners to know whether the ULEZ expansion is delivering as expected on the financial side, as well as the public health side.
     
    “If TfL’s finances and the Mayor’s plans are not based on reality, they cannot be delivered.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Creating opportunities for Canadian industry through an enabling Canada–European Space Agency partnership

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    Longueuil, Quebec, October 16, 2024 — Today, while representing Canada at the 2024 International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Lisa Campbell announced that Toronto-based Kepler Communications Inc. has been selected as the prime contractor for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) HydRON-DS mission.

    Consisting of a ring of 10 satellites around Earth, HydRON-DS will use laser communications to provide high-performance Internet in space at unprecedented speeds for government and commercial users. This opportunity has been made possible thanks to Canada’s long-standing and fruitful partnership with ESA, that allows Canadian companies from the space sector to leverage their expertise and skills on the European market. Since 1979, Canada has held the privileged position of being the only non-European cooperating state of ESA.

    President Campbell also highlighted other concrete outcomes of this agreement for Canadian companies, such as:

    • Sherbrooke-based SBQuantum will assess the viability of its quantum diamond magnetometer in space. ESA will evaluate both the reliability and precision of the sensor, and explore its potential deployment on satellites for various purposes, like assisting in the monitoring of magnetic storms or mapping minerals under the surface of the Moon.
    • C-CORE, based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, will design and build a calibration transponder for the Biomass mission, which will deliver crucial information about the state of the world’s forests and how they are changing, and further our knowledge of the role forests play in the carbon cycle.
    • Québec-based ABB Analytical Business Unit in Canada will provide the Laser Unit for the interferometer of the Forum mission, ESA’s ninth Earth Explorer satellite mission. Data from the mission will be used to evaluate the role that the far-infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum plays in shaping our climate.

    Quotes

    “Canada’s continued participation in European Space Agency programs will further position our space sector for significant growth, generating highly skilled employment, and providing essential opportunities to access European markets. This collaboration allows us to engage in international space missions, while ensuring Canada’s space industry remains innovative, vibrant, and competitive in the fast-evolving global landscape.”

    – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

    “For 45 years now, Canada’s collaboration with ESA has resulted in opportunities to participate in European space program projects that would otherwise be out of reach. For Canadian companies, having this unique access to the European space market means commercialization prospects and concrete sales, job creation and knowledge-sharing, and international partnership opportunities. We look forward to continuing this partnership to further strengthen the synergies between our industrial, academic and government sectors as we advance space science and technology together.”

    – Lisa Campbell, President of the CSA

    “ESA is proud of the HydRON project, which exemplifies the power of European and Canadian collaboration in advancing space technology. With its laser satellite network for lightning-fast Internet communications, HydRON has the potential to transform how we connect globally, bridging digital divides and enabling secure communications on Earth and beyond.”

    – Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General

    Quick facts

    • The Cooperation Agreement between Canada and ESA was first signed in 1979, most recently renewed in 2019.

    • Europe is the second-largest trading partner for Canada’s space sector after the U.S. ESA is among the largest space agencies in the world and undertakes a wide range of space missions and activities that the Canadian space sector is well positioned to engage in.

    • Between April 2018 and March 2022, 44 Canadian organizations received 125 contracts valued at approximately €59 million, which would otherwise not have been accessible without the Canada–ESA Cooperation Agreement.

    • From October 14 to 18, the CSA is attending the 75th edition of the IAC organized in Milan, Italy. The IAC is the largest space-related conference worldwide offering the latest space information and developments in academia and industry, networking opportunities, contacts and potential partnerships.

    Contacts

    Canadian Space Agency
    Media Relations Office
    Telephone: 450-926-4370
    Email: asc.medias-media.csa@asc-csa.gc.ca
    Website: http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca
    Follow us on social media

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions with British Sign Language (BSL) – 16 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

    In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

    The Leader of the Opposition, Rishi Sunak MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

    Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45vnYwdYunk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ending rough sleeping in London

    Source: Mayor of London

    How can the Mayor and Government work together to make sure nobody has to sleep on London’s streets?

    Latest figures show an increase in the number of people sleeping rough for at least one night in Autumn 2023. The Mayor’s election manifesto included a commitment to ending rough sleeping in London by 2030.

    The Housing Committee will tomorrow ask what needs to be done if the Mayor is to meet his commitment and how at-risk groups such as young people and refugees can be better supported.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1 – Sector experts: 10am – 11:15am

    • Molly Bishop, Head of Implementation, Centre for Homelessness Impact
    • Jasmine Basran, Head of Policy and Campaigns, Crisis;
    • Alexia Murphy, CEO, Depaul UK
    • Simone Strachan, London Hub Strategic Lead, Shelter
    • Michelle Binfield, Rough Sleeping Programme Director at London Councils

    Panel 2 – GLA – 11:30am – 12:45pm

    • Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development
    • Megan Life, Head of Specialist Housing and Services, Greater London Authority
    • David Eastwood, Lead Manager, Rough Sleeping

    The meeting will take place on Thursday 17 October from 10am, in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) – 16 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Watch PMQs with British Sign Language (BSL) – https://youtube.com/live/45vnYwdYunk

    Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

    In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

    The Leader of the Opposition, Rishi Sunak MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

    Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUngrvSwnE8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sony Acquires KinaTrax, Inc. to Expand Its Sports Data Business into Player Performance

    Source: Sony

    October 16, 2024

    Marking a new expansion into the biomechanics and player performance space

    Sony Corporation
    Hawk-Eye Innovations Limited

    Tokyo, Japan / Basingstoke, United Kingdom – Oct. 16, 2024 – Sony Corporation (“Sony”) today announced that Sony welcomed KinaTrax, Inc. (“KinaTrax”), a leader in research-grade markerless motion capture technology for sports that collects in-game biomechanical performance data on athletes, into Sony’s sports businesses through a recent acquisition.

    Joining forces with Hawk-Eye Innovations Limited (“Hawk-Eye”), a Sony group company that forms an integral part of Sony’s sports businesses, KinaTrax will bring its trusted biomechanical and analytical expertise, as well as its markerless motion capture technology to Sony’s portfolio and is expected to further create synergy to maximize the use of sports data for athletes, teams, leagues and fans alike.

    Hawk-Eye, Beyond Sports and Pulselive form the core foundation of Sony’s sports businesses, with a shared commitment to deliver best-in-class officiating, broadcast and digital solutions to the sports world around sports data technologies. Welcoming KinaTrax bolsters Sony’s capability to serve important use cases for sports data, such as analysis and biomechanics for coaching, scouting and athletes’ performance.

    Rufus Hack, CEO of Hawk-Eye, Pulselive and Beyond Sports stated: “By welcoming KinaTrax into the family, we are excited to further expand our offering, under our mission of unlocking the power and emotion of sport through data. We are incredibly privileged to partner with an overwhelming majority of the top global sports leagues, and this acquisition allows us to broaden our proposition through new biomechanical insights in the critical and growing field of player performance.”

    Steven Cadavid, President of KinaTrax also said: “We’re excited to become part of Sony and its sports businesses, and to bring our know-how to complement the powerful tech Hawk-Eye, Pulselive, and Beyond Sports have developed and are delivering today. The future of sports is in deeper data tracking and the creation of smarter insights through innovative technology. With Sony, by enhancing KinaTrax’s expertise in capturing and delivering biomechanical performance data, we aim to contribute to provide sports leagues, teams and players with the best insights to improve performance and pursue success.”

    KinaTrax, Inc.

    KinaTrax provides professional and collegiate teams with game-changing insights focusing on teams’ most valuable asset: their athletes. The company delivers research-grade markerless motion capture technology that allows teams to collect in-game biomechanical performance data. The camera systems are currently deployed in over 75 stadiums and labs across MLB, MiLB, and NCAA organizations, and are expanding into other sports leagues.

    The comprehensive sets of tools for data capture and analysis are operationalized for daily use by players, GMs, coaches, trainers, medical staff, and researchers, providing value that goes beyond traditional scouting, training, and rostering.

    About Sony Corporation

    Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the mission to “create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators,” we aim to continue to deliver Kando* to people around the world.
    For more information, visit: Sony Corporation – Home

    • *Kando is a Japanese word that roughly translates to the sense of awe and emotion you feel when experiencing something beautiful and amazing for the first time.

    About Hawk-Eye Innovations Limited

    Hawk-Eye has been at the forefront of sports officiating and broadcast enhancement technology since 2001. The world’s biggest sporting events trust Hawk-Eye to make the right call when it matters most.

    Hawk-Eye’s vision-processing, video replay and creative graphic technologies make sport fairer, safer, more engaging and better informed. Hawk-Eye’s innovations are constantly changing the face of sports officiating, production, content management, and fan engagement in every sport.

    Hawk-Eye forms a key part of Sony’s sports businesses with a shared mission to deliver best-in-class officiating, broadcast and digital solutions to the sports world.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detectives offer £20,000 reward in relation to 2004 murder of Camille Gordon in Soho

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives are offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of the person responsible for brutally stabbing a student to death at the club she worked at in Soho.

    Camille Gordon, 23, who was training to be a nursery assistant, was brutally murdered on the doorstep of her workplace on 1 March 2004.

    Despite extensive enquiries by the Met over the past 20 years, her killer has not yet been brought to justice.

    Today (Wednesday, 16 October), detectives appeared on the BBC’s Crimewatch Live with a re-newed appeal to catch Camille’s murderer.

    Detective Inspector Amanda Greig from the Met’s Specialist Casework Team, who is leading the investigation, said:     “It may have been more than 20 years since Camille was brutally murdered, but her family remain just as heartbroken today. They want answers and they want the person responsible for Camille’s death brought to justice – this is something we want too and we have not given up trying to get that for them. This is why we are now offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the successful charge and conviction of the person responsible.

    “A lot can happen in 20 years, allegiances can change. Maybe you felt unable to talk to us at the time, for whatever reason, but you are now in a position to do so. Maybe you saw the attack or you were at the club or in the area at the time of the murder? Maybe the person responsible has since confided in you? I would urge you to share whatever information you have with us – it will be treated in the strictest confidence and could bring much needed closure to Camille’s family.”

    Camille was born in Jamaica and came to the UK in 2001 to study as a nursery assistant in Birmingham. She moved to London in August 2003 to find better career prospects and at the time of her death she was living in South Norwood.

    She started working part-time as a hostess at the Blue Bunny Club in Archer Street, Soho, to help fund her training.

    The club offered female company for a short period of time, but no sexual activity took place.

    At about 18:30hrs on 1 March 2004, Camille was working on the door of the club when a man approached her.

    He entered the club, paying an admission fee of £5, and went to a private area with Camille.

    After a short while, another member of staff presented the male customer with a bill for £375. He was unable to pay the full amount, so he paid £80 and was escorted to the exit by the other member of staff.

    The customer left the venue and walked along Archer Street towards the junction with Rupert Street. He returned to the venue shortly after, but upon seeing a different member of staff he raised both hands in a submissive manner and went off towards Rupert Street.

    At about 19:10hrs Camille returned to the door of the club when a man was seen to enter the doorway before very quickly leaving, walking at pace along Archer Street towards Great Windmill Street.

    Camille screamed and staggered down the stairs into the club where she told colleagues she had been stabbed in the chest.

    Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, she died from her injuries about an hour later.

    A post-mortem examination revealed that she had died from a single stab wound to the heart.

    Detectives are keen to speak to the unknown customer in relation to Camille’s murder

    We have today released enhanced CCTV footage and images of this unknown customer, whom officers believe to be responsible for Camille’s murder, entering Piccadilly Circus Tube station shortly after the murder. He is described as black, aged 20-25 and 5’5″-5’8″. He was wearing a dark jacket with a large ‘Cleveland Indians’ logo on the front, dark jeans, white trainers and a hat believed to be a baseball cap.

    Two days after the murder, on 3 March 2024, a man attended Kennington Police Station and asked to speak to a CID officer about a murder at the Blue Bunny Club. However, he left before CID got there and he never returned.

    Detectives are urging this man to get in touch so he can share the information he has. He is described as white, about 35 years old, about 5’8″, of skinny build with defined cheek bones and light brown hair.

    Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8785 8267. Information can also be submitted online here Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

    Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK bolsters support to tackle mpox and Marburg in central Africa

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK has announced a package of measures to tackle the outbreaks of mpox and Marburg in central Africa

    • Support to bolster partners’ efforts to tackle mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and other affected countries.
    • UK Public Health Rapid Support Team sent to the region will also provide technical expertise on mpox to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
    • The UK is separately working with Rwanda to deliver its response plan to the Marburg virus outbreak and reduce the virus’ spread.

    The UK has announced a package of measures to tackle the outbreak of mpox in central Africa, including up to £9m in support and the deployment of UK-based experts to provide technical expertise in the region.

    The financial package, unlocked from the existing Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget, will bolster the national response to mpox in DRC, the epicentre of the outbreak, and across the wider affected region. This includes additional funds to strengthen the UK’s existing partnership with UNICEF in DRC.

    Funds will assist partners to strengthen surveillance systems, reinforce health services and work with communities to raise awareness of risks and personal protective measures, in line with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Continental Preparedness and Response Plan.

    The Minister for Development, Anneliese Dodds said:

    Across the DRC, dedicated healthcare workers and communities are doing all they can to prevent the spread of mpox. But the reality is they cannot do it alone.

    The UK is working in partnership with others to bolster the national and wider regional response. This vital support will help stem the spread of this deadly disease, protecting communities in DRC, the wider Africa region, and at home in the UK.

    To support the leadership and coordination of the African continent’s response to mpox, the UK has deployed experts from the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST), an innovative partnership between the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), to DRC to support the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, who is jointly leading the continental response with the WHO.

    These two experts – a field epidemiologist and an Infection Prevention and Control specialist – will use their technical expertise to assist the joint WHO Africa-CDC continental incident management team.

    Dr Ed Newman, UK-PHRST Director said:

    The UK Public Health Rapid Support team ensures that our expertise in tackling infectious disease outbreaks is rapidly available to support countries who are responding to public health emergencies.

    Our staff will provide specialist support to colleagues at Africa-CDC and the joint continental incident management team as they work to manage the ongoing mpox epidemic, as well as using this learning to further strengthen UK preparedness.

    The UK is also supporting Rwanda to deliver its response plan to the Marburg virus outbreak, including through mobilising £1.9m from existing ODA budgets to provide UK expertise and outbreak response.

    UK experts in viral haemorrhagic fevers and researchers leading therapeutic trials have already arrived in Kigali to support the response in coordination with the WHO and Rwandan Ministry of Health.

    Through a continued close partnership, the UK and Rwanda are working together to save lives and reduce the Marburg virus’ spread.

    Africa CDC Director General, H.E Dr. Jean Kaseya said:

    Africa is facing significant public health challenges with the mpox and Marburg virus outbreaks. The UK’s vital support—through both financial assistance and technical expertise—comes at a crucial moment.

    This partnership will bolster our efforts to contain these outbreaks, enhance disease surveillance, and strengthen healthcare systems in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and beyond.

    Together, we are not just responding to immediate threats, but building stronger, more resilient systems to safeguard the health of millions across the continent.

    UNICEF DRC Representative, Grant Leaity said:

    Children affected by mpox in DRC are facing other serious challenges including measles, cholera and other infectious diseases, acute malnutrition, and lack of access to essential services.

    The generous UK funds will help in reducing the spread of mpox, providing comprehensive treatment to these vulnerable children and reinforcing the health system over the longer term, especially at community level.

    Background:

    • The announcement of further support to tackle mpox follows the declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security by Africa-CDC and a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO in August.

    • A recent report from the WHO estimated that there have been more than 30,000 suspected cases of mpox in Africa since the beginning of 2024, resulting in more than 800 deaths.

    • In August, the Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, announced £3.1m in UK funding for a new partnership with UNICEF in DRC to tackle mpox and cholera outbreaks. The UK’s partnership with UNICEF will benefit over 4.4 million people in affected communities and prevent the further spread of mpox to neighbouring countries.

    • As the largest flexible donor to the WHO globally (£340m 2020-2024), the UK supports the WHO to prepare for health emergencies and respond to them quickly, directing funding to where it’s most needed.

    • The UK is also one of the largest donors to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance – providing £1.65bn over the 2021-2025 period. Gavi is critical to ensuring a sustainable and effective vaccine response to mpox. Gavi has unlocked $2.9m to support the DRC’s vaccination efforts and has secured 500,000 doses of MVA-BN vaccine for Africa.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Business Tendency Survey results published16 October 2024 ​​​Statistics Jersey have today published the results of the Business Tendency Survey for September 2024. Chief executives and managing directors were asked for their opinions on the current situation… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    16 October 2024

    ​​Statistics Jersey have today published the results of the Business Tendency Survey for September 2024.

    Chief executives and managing directors were asked for their opinions on the current situation of their business compared to three months earlier and their expectations for the next three months.​

    Please note that the Business Tendency Survey was discontinued in September 2024; please see the statement from the Chief Statistician for further details. The statistical publication calendar​ has been updated to remove previously planned release dates after October 2024. 

    We would like to thank all respondents for their valuable participation over the years.

    Business activity indicator

    • The headline all-sector business activity indicator was moderately positive, at +10 percentage points (pp); this means the proportion of businesses that reported an increase was 10 pp higher than those that reported a decrease.
      • the business activity indicator was strongly positive for the finance sector (+28 pp) and neutral for the non-finance sector (+2 pp)

    Current indicators

    • One of the eight current indicators was extremely negative (input costs), one indicator was moderately negative (profitability), and two indicators were moderately positive (product prices and business activity), while the other four current indicators were neutral.
      • for the finance sector, there were five positive current indicators: two strongly positive and three moderately positive, whilst there was one strongly negative indicator (input costs) and two were neutral
      • for the non-finance sector, one of the eight current indicators was extremely negative (input costs), one was strongly negative (profitability), and one was moderately negative (business optimism); in contrast, one indicator was strongly positive (product prices) and the other four were neutral
    • The overall picture was essentially the same as last quarter; the only notable changes being a moderate increase in the employment indicator and a moderate decrease in the product prices indicator.

    Outlook for next quarter – the three months to December 2024

    • The outlook for future business activity was moderately positive (+19 pp). 
      • the indicator was strongly positive for finance (+46 pp) and neutral for non finance (+7 pp)
    • The overall future employment outlook was moderately positive (+10 pp).
      • the indicator was strongly positive for finance (+40 pp) and neutral for non finance (-3 pp)
    • The overall future input costs outlook was extremely negative (-51 pp).
      • the indicator was strongly negative for finance (-35 pp) and extremely negative for non finance (-58 pp)
    • The overall future product prices outlook was strongly positive (+30 pp).
      • the indicator was moderately positive for finance (+20 pp) and strongly positive for non finance (+35 pp) 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Get set for Yo! Wolves October half term fun

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    It promises another school holiday packed with a huge array of activities at venues across the city from Monday 28 October until Friday 1 November, 2024. To book places, please visit Yo! Wolverhampton Young Opportunities.

    Highlights include dance, music and drama with the Curiosity Club, an adventure camp with UK S Futures, the chance to enjoy the wonderful world of VR and PlayStation with Learnplay Foundation, and Halloween baking with Let Us Play.

    This October’s Yo! Wolves half term programme follows a fantastic summer which saw nearly 4,000 children, young people and families enjoy over 30,000 activities and a daily meal during the 6 week school holidays.

    The City of Wolverhampton Council’s Director of Children’s Services, Alison Hinds, said: “We’re really excited to announce our Yo! Wolves October half term programme. Places are limited so please book your activities as soon as you can – and we are busy planning for the Christmas holidays too.”

    For full details of events for October half term go to Yo! Wolverhampton Young Opportunities or follow the council on social media at X, Facebook and Instagram.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cost of living support for Plymouth residents this winter

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Residents struggling with the cost of living crisis will be given extra support this winter, which includes help to pay for food and energy bills.

    Plymouth City Council has been given a further £2.2 million from the Department of Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund to help local people during the next six months.

    The funding will be used to support residents, with a particular focus on:

    • Families with children that are in crisis, facing a cash shortfall or in debt
    • Preventing homelessness and supporting those who are affected by homelessness
    • Energy grants, supporting older people with fuel payments.

    Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities, said: “We’re pleased to have received a further six months of funding from the Household Support Fund, and I would like to thank the Government for this funding. This provides a lifeline to residents struggling with the cost of living which is extra important during the cold winter months.

    “We will be targeting our support to the most vulnerable groups in our community, including those unable to afford food and fuel, or people at risk of homelessness, making sure that there is help available for those who need it.”

    The way the funding will be distributed in Plymouth has been confirmed following an executive decision signed today.

    Grants will be given to community organisations to run warm, welcoming spaces during the colder months, with an application process due to open. The Welcoming Spaces scheme has been running since 2022 to provide people with warm and safe spaces to spend time in. Many of the spaces offer extras such as free Wi-Fi, refreshments or group activities.

    The funding will be used to provide food vouchers during school holidays to families with children that are eligible for Free School Meals. This will include the upcoming October half-term, Christmas holiday and February 2025 half-term.

    The scheme will be distributed directly to residents by Citizens Advice Plymouth via an application process. Eligible applicants will receive food and fuel vouchers, as well as help to purchase essential household goods. There will be a phased approach when the funding opens, determining who is eligible to apply, details of the application process and key dates will be shared on the Council’s website.

    Applications will reopen in November, for more information: Household support fund | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK

    Local organisations and charities will also receive funds to help their work, including Plymouth Energy Community (PEC), who support people on a referral basis.

    Grants for energy will be available through Plymouth Energy Community, with a particular focus on supporting older people with fuel payments over the winter.

    Distributing the bulk of energy support through PEC will bring significant added values as people will have access to their on-going core offers of support, information and guidance through the winter months.

    If you need support, please visit the cost of living hub:  Cost of living | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN holds discussions with the Dutch Ambassador-at-large for cybersecurity

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with H.E. Ernst Noorman, the Dutch Ambassador-at-large for cybersecurity. They exchanged views on the potential cooperation activities to advance mutual priorities on cybersecurity within the framework of the ASEAN-Netherlands Development Partnership.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN holds discussions with the Dutch Ambassador-at-large for cybersecurity appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Operation Narsil disrupts network of child abuse websites designed to generate profits from advertising

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    3 August 2023

    Tracking the money made by perpetrators and preventing the revictimization of children

    LYON, France — INTERPOL has concluded a two-year global operation to bring to justice criminals operating networks of child sexual abuse websites designed to generate profits from advertising.

    Running from December 2021 to July 2023, Operation Narsil also targeted the finance mechanisms used by the website administrators to conduct their online advertising campaigns.

    Over two years, INTERPOL member countries worked together using INTERPOL’s Worst of List (IWOL), sharing targeted intelligence, pinpointing suspects and coordinating arrests of the people managing the websites.

    Created in 2010, IWOL contains a watchlist of websites containing extreme child abuse material.  The General Secretariat headquarters works with law enforcement in all regions so that national Internet service providers close down these websites.

    “Operation Narsil sends a strong message to the criminals making money from these websites that INTERPOL, and its alliance of police forces in 195 member countries, know where they are, what they are doing, and how to find them,” said Jürgen Stock, INTERPOL Secretary General.

    “Every time a person clicks on these images, they are effectively entering a crime scene. Identifying and removing these websites reduces the availability and potential normalization of online child abuse material, and, most importantly, reduces the re-victimization of the children abused,” added Secretary General Stock.

    Worldwide crime trend

    In one case, a brother and sister, both in their early thirties, were arrested as a result of IWOL digital clues and intelligence provided by the global police community pointing investigators to the suspects in Argentina.

    Investigations by Argentina’s Victim Identification Office in the Anti Cyber Crimes against Minors Division and the Specialised Cybercrime Prosecution Unit (UFECI), working with Federal Courts in Mendoza Province, led to the identification and arrest of the two suspects.

    Fourteen electronic devices were seized from their home as well as cash and credit cards. The siblings are thought to have created, maintained and financially benefitted for more than a decade from websites featuring child sexual abuse material and associated advertising campaigns.

    “Given the technological complexities of this case and the degree to which the criminal activity went undetected, these arrests highlight the importance of police cooperation across regional, national, and international borders,” said the Head of Argentina’s Federal Police, Juan Carlos Hernandez, who also serves as delegate for the Americas on INTERPOL’s Executive Committee.

    Argentina’s Federal Police search electronic devices seized during Operation Narsil for child abuse images

    Officers of Argentina’s Federal Police review materials seized during Operation Narsil

    Argentina’s Federal Police reviewing seized materials

    Officers of Argentina’s Federal Police review visitor statistics to the suspect’s sites

    “With synchronized arrests across continents, this operation confronted global networks that profit from child abuse images and videos. INTERPOL is a strong global network of officers fully committed to putting an end to the online abuse of children, and we applaud the action and incredible results countries have achieved in Operation Narsil,” added Argentina’s Police Chief.

    Local crime, global cooperation

    Working with the Prosecutor’s Office, Bulgarian law enforcement identified and arrested a 34-year-old man who made his living operating an online forum that facilitated the sharing of child sexual abuse materials.

    Bulgarian Police closed the online forum he had been running since 2020 and which is thought to have facilitated access to thousands of media files depicting serious child sexual abuse material.

    Following the arrest, investigations are ongoing to identify forum users.

    In one case during the Russian leg of Operation Narsil, police authorities arrested two 24-year-old citizens for the production and online circulation of materials depicting the sexual violation of minors. Authorities searched the suspects’ homes, seizing computer equipment containing specialized software for creating and administrating websites, and removable hard drives containing child sexual abuse material.

    With the support of US Homeland Security Investigations, Thai police arrested a 45-year-old Thai national for the possession and online distribution of child sexual abuse material. His arrest came after police executed a search warrant at his residence, uncovering large amounts of child sexual abuse material and financial transaction records associated with online distribution of the abuse photos.

    Narsil – meaning a longsword which tackles all evil – is one of the first INTERPOL operations to focus on identifying, locating and arresting the people receiving advertising revenues from website visitors interested in viewing the site’s child sexual abuse content.

    INTERPOL has been monitoring websites disseminating child sexual abuse imagery for more than 13 years and, in collaboration with law enforcement partners across the world, has seized more than 20,000 domains.

    Operation Narsil involved investigations triggered by law enforcement in Austria, Argentina, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States.

    MIL Security OSI –