NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Half a billion-pound investment in electric buses secured ahead of International Investment Summit

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Communities across the country will benefit from brand new, state-of-the-art green buses.

    • £500 million investment announced to deliver 1,200 UK-made zero emission buses, ensuring greener and better journeys for passengers
    • bus operator Go Ahead’s investment to benefit communities across the country, supporting hundreds of jobs and delivering growth
    • Transport Secretary brings together industry to advance opportunities for investment in the UK ahead of investment summit

    Up to 500 UK manufacturing jobs are set to be supported as bus operator Go Ahead today (8 October 2024) announces a major £500 million investment to decarbonise its fleet, including creating a new dedicated manufacturing line and partnership with Northern Ireland-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus.

    The investment is set to fund the manufacturing of up to 1,200 new zero emission buses over the next 3 years. Built for operator Go Ahead, this investment will accelerate the transition to greener buses across the country including in Plymouth, Gloucestershire, East Yorkshire, London and the Isle of Wight.

    On top of directly supporting 500 manufacturing jobs, the £500 million investment for Wrightbus will also support an additional 2,000 jobs across the wider UK supply chain by 2026, helping to get us back on track for growth.

    The Transport Secretary will also announce plans to create a new UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel. This panel will bring together industry experts and local leaders to explore ways to ensure the UK remains a leader in bus manufacturing, help local authorities deliver on their transport ambitions, and begin to seize opportunities to embrace zero emission transport technologies.

    The Transport Secretary is expected to meet with key industry leaders today including Wrightbus owner Jo Bamford and CEO Jean-Marc Gales, to reaffirm the government’s commitment to decarbonising local transport and fostering an environment for investment in the UK manufacturing industry, bringing sustained economic growth and supporting jobs.

    The announcement comes ahead of the International Investment Summit, which will gather UK leaders, high-profile investors and businesses from across the world to discuss how we can deepen our partnership to drive investment and growth.

    The Transport Secretary is expected to hold several bilateral meetings at the summit with international business leaders and make clear the UK is “open for business” so that she can help attract further investment to support the delivery of our transport priorities across the country.

    The Prime Minister will also convene the first Council of Nations and Regions later this week, bringing together first ministers, Northern Ireland’s First Minister and Deputy First Minister and regional mayors from across England, as the government forges new partnerships, resets relationships to secure long term investment with the aim of boosting growth and living standards in every part of the UK.

    Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh said:

    The number one mission of this government is growing the economy. The half a billion pounds Go Ahead is announcing today shows the confidence industry has in investing in the UK.

    This announcement will see communities across the country benefit from brand new, state-of-the-art green buses – which will deliver cleaner air and better journeys.

    We’re creating the right conditions for businesses to flourish, so we can support jobs and accelerate towards decarbonising the transport sector.

    Under this government, Britain is open for business.

    For every vehicle manufactured, 10 trees will be planted by Go-Ahead and Wrightbus in the towns and cities where the buses are deployed.

    Buses, as the most used form of public transport, have been prioritised by this government from the outset. The Transport Secretary has made improving bus services and delivering greener transport 2 of her 5 core priorities.

    Last month, the Transport Secretary announced a package of measures to empower local leaders to take back control of their bus services and deliver services based on the needs of communities, to grow passenger numbers and deliver better services for all. 

    Building on this, the government’s new buses bill is set to be introduced in Parliament by the end of this year and will bring an end to the current postcode lottery by taking steps to improve bus services no matter where you live.

    Further details on the UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel will be confirmed in due course.

    Go-Ahead Bus CEO, Matt Carney said:

    This multi-million pound investment and partnership with Wrightbus will accelerate the transition to zero-emission fleet across the UK.

    We are proud to be working in partnership with the UK government and local authorities to deliver transformational environmental change for communities, while supporting UK jobs and the growth of the country’s supply chain. 

    Wrightbus CEO, Jean-Marc Gales said:

    The deal with Go-Ahead is hugely significant and represents a huge boost to the UK’s economy. It will support homegrown manufacturing, jobs and skills for the next three years and beyond. We’ve always been proud to support the UK’s supply chain and our Go-Ahead partnership will ensure even more money can be spent securing good green jobs.

    We must also not forget that this deal represents a massive step forward in our ambition to help decarbonise the transport sector with our world-leading products. It was heartening today to hear the government reaffirm its commitment to a green transport sector.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Unchanged loan demand from private customers despite lower interest rates

    Source: Danmarks Nationalbank

    Lending survey

    Statistics period: 3rd quarter 2024

    Banks and mortgage institutions in Danmarks Nationalbank’s lending survey overall report unchanged loan demand from their existing private customers in the third quarter of 2024. This even though interest rates have fallen during the quarter as a result of the central banks’ interest rate cuts. However, roughly one out of four of the institutions surveyed expect loan demand to increase slightly in the 4th quarter. The expectation is justified, among other things with the lower interest rates, which can lead to greater conversion activity and more housing transactions. The remaining institutes expect unchanged loan demand in the 4th quarter. Some of these institutes estimate that interest rates have not fallen sufficiently to have a significant impact on the demand for loans from private customers.

    Change in loan demand from private customers

    Note:

    The Danmarks Nationalbank’s lending survey includes 20 of the largest banks and mortgage credit institutions in Denmark. The net figure is calculated based on the institutes’ response to the loan demand. The responses are based on a 5-point scale ranging from -100 to 100. -100 means “decreased significantly,” -50 is “decreased slightly,” 0 is “unchanged,” 50 is “increased slightly,” and 100 is “increased significantly.” The banks’ responses are weighted according to their respective market shares, resulting in a net figure for the response. Find chart data in the Statbank.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues a USD 1 billion green benchmark under its MTN programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Municipality Finance Plc
    Stock exchange release
    8 October 2024 at 10:00 am (EEST)

    Municipality Finance issues a USD 1 billion green benchmark under its MTN programme

    Municipality Finance Plc issues a USD 1 billion green benchmark on 9 October 2024. The maturity date of the benchmark is 9 October 2029. The benchmark bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.625% per annum.

    The benchmark is issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular, the supplemental offering circular and the final terms of the benchmark are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.

    MuniFin has applied for the benchmark to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki and London Stock Exchange. The public trading is expected to commence on 9 October 2024.

    BofA Securities Europe SA, Nomura International Plc, RBC Capital Markets LLC, TD Global Finance unlimited company act as the Joint Lead Managers for the issue of the benchmark.

    MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

    Further information:

    Joakim Holmström
    Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability
    tel. +358 50 444 3638

    MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The owners of the company include Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the Republic of Finland. The Group’s balance sheet totals over EUR 50 billion.

    MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. Our customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, joint county authorities, corporate entities under the control of the above-mentioned organisations, and affordable social housing. Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

    MuniFin’s customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

    Read more: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/

    Important Information

    The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from Trzebnica District of DolnoÅ›lÄ…skie Region in Poland suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (October 8) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in the Trzebnica District of DolnoÅ›lÄ…skie Region in Poland, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

         A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 1 620 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Poland in the first six months of this year.

         “The CFS has contacted the Polish authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pay and display machines removed for cashless parking

    Source: City of York

    Published Monday, 7 October 2024

    In the coming weeks a number of parking pay and display machines will be removed, as the council moves to cashless parking.

    In February it was agreed at a decision session that the majority of the council’s car parking would go cashless, as the council looked to save money by removing the costs of maintaining machines and also avoiding the risk of thefts.

    This followed a cashless parking consultation held with residents in the summer of 2023, which proposed removing all cash payment machines in council car parks. However, after feedback from the consultation it was agreed that cash payments would still be accepted in 2 council car parks, Bootham Row and Castle Car Park.

    Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport said:

    Ahead of the changes being made as we move to cashless on-street parking we wanted to update residents.

    “While 90% of payments are made by card, we are aware that some still prefer to pay cash so want to support them through this change. After listening to feedback we are keeping machines for people to pay by cash in at Bootham Row and Castle Car Park.”

    Currently out of over 1.5 million transactions in the last year 10% of the parking income was from cash payments. On street parking accounts for 6% of parking income in the city and there would have been a need to upgrade over 50 parking machines at significant cost.

    In the coming weeks on-street car parking machines will be removed. Information stickers will be added to machines to give residents early warning.

    Blue badge holders can continue to park free as per usual.

    See information on how to pay for car parking by phone.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Delight at Wrightbus success

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement from TUV North Antrim MP Jim Allister:
    “I warmly welcome news that Wrightbus has secured the largest deal in its proud history after landing an order to build over 1,000 buses – a contract worth over half a billion.
    “The three year deal with Go-Ahead not only sees the jobs in Ballymena secure but will support an additional 1,500 across the UK in terms of the supply chain.
    “When one considers the grave situation in which Wrightbus found itself just a few short years ago, this deal is a huge credit to the management and workforce who have turned things around and ensured that world leading buses will continue to be produced in Ballymena in massive numbers.”
    Local MLA Timothy Gaston added:

    “When Jim and I met with Wrightbus a few weeks ago, it was clear to me that this was a company on the up. All credit to that goes to the hard work of the owners, management team and employees of a firm which is a backbone of the local economy in North Antrim. That said, it is incumbent on all local politicians to do what they can to ensure that government and officialdom does all within its power to ensure that business thrives in the area and I am happy to commit our TUV team across local government, Stormont and Westminster to work to that end.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free flu vaccinations available to 2 and 3 year olds

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    As in previous years, they are being delivered via GP surgeries. Parents or guardians who have not yet received a letter or text from their GP inviting them for a vaccination are encouraged to contact their surgery as soon as possible to arrange an appointment.

    For the majority of children, the vaccination will be given via a nasal spray, not a needle. For children who require a pork gelatine free alternative, or who are unable to have the nasal spray for medical reasons, an injectable vaccination is available on request.

    John Denley, Wolverhampton’s Director of Public Health, said: “Flu can be deadly and is easily spread by children and adults.

    “The free vaccine is the best way to protect your children and other family members, particularly more vulnerable relatives like grandparents or those with underlying health conditions, from becoming ill because of flu.”

    Meanwhile, free flu vaccinations are being offered to children in local schools again this autumn. This year, all children from Reception to Year 11 are eligible for the vaccination and, as is the case for 2 and 3 year olds, the majority of pupils will receive the nasal spray, with an injectable vaccination is available.

    Children who are home educated are also eligible and will be able to book an appointment at upcoming community catch up clinics from the end of October in various locations around Wolverhampton and the Black Country. For details, please call Vaccination UK on 01902 200077.

    To find out more about the flu vaccine for children, read the answers to frequently asked questions and enjoy the 4 exciting Flu Fighters stories for children, Flu Fighters Versus Chilly, Achy and Snotty, Flu Fighters in The Battle of Planet Bogey, Flu Fighters in Close Encounters of the Germed Kind and Flu Fighters on a Vacc-tastic Voyage, please visit Flu.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Himax Technologies, Inc. Schedules Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results Conference Call on Thursday, November 7 at 8:00 AM EST

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAINAN, Taiwan, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Himax Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: HIMX) (“Himax” or “Company”), a leading supplier and fabless manufacturer of display drivers and other semiconductor products, today announced that it will hold a conference call with investors and analysts on Thursday, November 7 at 8:00 a.m. US Eastern Standard Time and 9:00 p.m. Taiwan Time to discuss the Company’s third quarter 2024 financial results.

    HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES THIRD QUARTER 2024 EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL
    DATE: Thursday, November 7, 2024
    TIME: U.S. 8:00 a.m. EST  
      Taiwan 9:00 p.m.  
     
    Live Webcast (Video and Audio): http://www.zucast.com/webcast/naEJkyEo
    Toll Free Dial-in Number (Audio Only):
      Hong Kong 2112-1444
      Taiwan 0080-119-6666
      Australia 1-800-015-763
      Canada 1-877-252-8508
      China (1) 4008-423-888
      China (2) 4006-786-286
      Singapore 800-492-2072
      UK 0800-068-8186
      United States (1) 1-800-811-0860
      United States (2) 1-866-212-5567
    Dial-in Number (Audio Only):
      Taiwan Domestic Access 02-3396-1191
      International Access +886-2-3396-1191
         
    Participant PIN Code: 1407507 #
       

    If you choose to attend the call by dialing in via phone, please enter the Participant PIN Code 1407507 # after the call is connected. A replay of the webcast will be available beginning two hours after the call on http://www.himax.com.tw. This webcast can be accessed by clicking on this link or Himax’s website, where the webcast can be accessed through November 7, 2025.

    About Himax Technologies, Inc.

    Himax Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIMX) is a leading global fabless semiconductor solution provider dedicated to display imaging processing technologies. The Company’s display driver ICs and timing controllers have been adopted at scale across multiple industries worldwide including TVs, PC monitors, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, automotive, ePaper devices, industrial displays, among others. As the global market share leader in automotive display technology, the Company offers innovative and comprehensive automotive IC solutions, including traditional driver ICs, advanced in-cell Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI), local dimming timing controllers (Local Dimming Tcon), Large Touch and Display Driver Integration (LTDI) and OLED display technologies. Himax is also a pioneer in tinyML visual-AI and optical technology related fields. The Company’s industry-leading WiseEye™ Ultralow Power AI Sensing technology which incorporates Himax proprietary ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm has been widely deployed in consumer electronics and AIoT related applications. Himax optics technologies, such as diffractive wafer level optics, LCoS microdisplays and 3D sensing solutions, are critical for facilitating emerging AR/VR/metaverse technologies. Additionally, Himax designs and provides touch controllers, OLED ICs, LED ICs, EPD ICs, power management ICs, and CMOS image sensors for diverse display application coverage. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Tainan, Taiwan, Himax currently employs around 2,200 people from three Taiwan-based offices in Tainan, Hsinchu and Taipei and country offices in China, Korea, Japan, Germany, and the US. Himax has 2,683 patents granted and 390 patents pending approval worldwide as of September 30, 2024.

    http://www.himax.com.tw

    Forward Looking Statements

    Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in this conference call include, but are not limited to, the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company’s business; general business and economic conditions and the state of the semiconductor industry; market acceptance and competitiveness of the driver and non-driver products developed by the Company; demand for end-use applications products; reliance on a small group of principal customers; the uncertainty of continued success in technological innovations; our ability to develop and protect our intellectual property; pricing pressures including declines in average selling prices; changes in customer order patterns; changes in estimated full-year effective tax rate; shortage in supply of key components; changes in environmental laws and regulations; changes in export license regulated by Export Administration Regulations (EAR); exchange rate fluctuations; regulatory approvals for further investments in our subsidiaries; our ability to collect accounts receivable and manage inventory and other risks described from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings, including those risks identified in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC, as may be amended.

    Company Contacts:

    Eric Li, Chief IR/PR Officer
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-6-505-0880
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    http://www.himax.com.tw

    Karen Tiao, Investor Relations
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-2-2370-3999
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    http://www.himax.com.tw

    Mark Schwalenberg, Director
    Investor Relations – US Representative
    MZ North America
    Tel: +1-312-261-6430
    Email: HIMX@mzgroup.us
    http://www.mzgroup.us

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Early years education too important to be left to chance

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ofsted has today published the final part in its series of Best start in life research reviews relating to early years education.

    Today’s report focuses on what progress looks like for pre-school aged children in the 4 specific areas of learning – literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design.

    The research is clear: early education is too important to be left to chance. A high-quality early years curriculum is particularly important as not all children get the same start in life – for example, due to differences in the level of help they receive at home.

    Read the full report ‘Best start in life part 3: the 4 specific areas of learning’.

    Today’s report highlights how the 4 specific areas of learning give breadth and richness to the early years curriculum, and show how early learning is connected.

    A strong foundation in literacy and mathematics gives children lifelong benefits and is crucial to their future success. Early literacy development helps with children’s language and vocabulary and can support their emotional understanding. Equally, effective early mathematical learning and encouraging positive attitudes to numbers and maths are crucial to children’s later achievement. Expressive arts provide children with opportunities to learn new skills and be creative. Understanding the world is a broad area and, for babies and young children, learning needs to be connected so they can build on their pre-existing knowledge to learn new ideas in the familiar contexts around them.

    To deliver a high-quality early years curriculum, practitioners need to understand how children develop and learn, so they can plan the next steps in their learning. Teaching in the specific areas should also offer children opportunities to develop their executive function skills, which are one of the best predictors of a child’s later success.

    Today’s report draws together all the findings from the research series and suggests the key indicators of an effective early years education include:

    • interactions between children and adults that are high-quality, including both caring interactions and those promoting children’s thinking. Finding out what children know and can do is more useful than standing back and observing
    • carefully considering what we teach our youngest children so that adults can make the best use of available time and ensure all children learn important knowledge, concepts and ideas
    • helping children to learn new things by making links with things that they already know
    • making sure that what children learn is sequenced appropriately for each area of learning. For example, in mathematics children need to build understanding of concepts in a clear hierarchy, but in other areas a different approach to sequencing might be better
    • developing a child’s executive function, such as a child’s ability to hold information in their working memory and work with that information, is not left to chance. These skills are crucial and do not just develop of their own accord
    • ensuring practitioners avoid making tasks too complicated, so that children’s working memory isn’t overwhelmed
    • setting out activities that children might experience is not enough. Practitioners ensure that learning is not left to chance and that all children have the support and guidance they need

    Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, said:

    A high-quality early education benefits all children, particularly the most vulnerable, and is far too important to be left to chance. Learning in the early years is fundamental to providing children with the tools they need to thrive throughout their education, and beyond. That is all the more important for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. If we get early education right for our most vulnerable children, we’ll get it right for all children.

    Early years practitioners deserve our gratitude for their hard work in making sure that every child gets off to the best start in life. I hope that this research series helps them to consider what an excellent early years curriculum for all children might look like.

    Today’s report builds on the findings of part 1 and part 2. The series of early years reviews aims to help practitioners raise the quality of early years education.

    Press office

    8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday 0300 013 0415

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A strong foundation in Reception and key stage 1 sets children up for success

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ofsted has today published a report looking at how schools support children to develop the foundational knowledge and skills they need by the end of key stage 1, to give them the best chance of educational success later on.

    • Not all children are finishing key stage 1 with the foundational skills and knowledge they need – particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.
    • Evidence that teaching of early reading is improving, but weaknesses remain in some schools’ English curriculums.
    • Strong curriculum and teaching have greatest impact on children who begin school with the lowest starting points.

    Schools continue to face significant challenges in dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the behaviour and social skills of children currently in Reception and key stage 1. Today’s report identifies areas it might be particularly important for schools to focus on.

    Read the report ‘Strong foundations in the first years of school’. 

    While all schools recognise the importance of the earliest years of a child’s education, the report finds that disadvantaged children who need the most help to secure strong learning aren’t always finishing key stage 1 with the foundational knowledge and skills they will need throughout the rest of their education – the ability to communicate, read, write and calculate as well as strong physical, emotional and social development. This is making it harder for these children to learn in later key stages.

    The report highlights that the teaching of early reading is improving but notes that, beyond the teaching of phonics, schools’ English curriculums are often not effective. Inspectors found that too often children are asked to complete complex reading and writing tasks before they have been taught and practised the knowledge and skills needed to be successful.

    The report also makes clear that strong curriculum and teaching have the greatest impact on children who begin school with the lowest starting points. As a result, any weaknesses in curriculum, teaching or assessment are widening the gaps that already exist between these children, particularly those with special educational needs, and their peers.

    Inspectors found that one of the main barriers to children’s learning in Reception and key stage 1 is where the foundational knowledge they need to know is not clearly identified in the curriculum. This often leaves teachers unsure about what to prioritise in their teaching and assessment.

    The report also notes that chosen teaching methods are not always helping children learn what they need to know, and assessment sometimes fails to help teachers understand what children are able to do. For example, children may be expected to write a story before they have been taught how to form letters and spell the words they want to write.

    Ofsted identifies several examples of good practice. For example, some schools have adapted their curriculum to emphasise language development in response to an increasing number of children joining Reception with speech, language and communication difficulties.

    The report makes a series of recommendations for schools to ensure children build the foundational knowledge and skills they need by the end of key stage 1, including:

    • making sure that the foundational knowledge and skills that children will need for later learning are clearly set out in the curriculum
    • providing children with sufficient opportunities to practise using their foundational knowledge and skills so they become fully embedded
    • making sure that teaching methods are suited to the subject being taught and what children already know
    • ensuring that assessment can pick up children’s misunderstandings quickly so that teachers are able to support those who need extra help at the earliest possible stage
    • making sure that end of key stage assessments do not disproportionately influence decisions about curriculum and teaching methods

    Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, said:

    A child’s first few years at school are vitally important to their future learning and development. We know that by providing children with an excellent early education, we can set them up with the tools they need to flourish throughout the later stage of their education.

    It’s encouraging that there has been some good progress in improving the teaching of early reading and mathematics in primary schools. But schools are still having to navigate the impact of the pandemic, and many children are still catching up on lost learning. It is those children who are most vulnerable who benefit most from a strong start to their education. I hope this report helps teachers and school leaders in developing a curriculum that provides all children with the knowledge and skills that they need.

    Notes to editors

    1. The report draws on evidence from Ofsted’s previous publications as well as 20 visits by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) to schools.
    2. In light of this report’s findings, Ofsted will be reviewing and updating guidance for inspectors to ensure they focus more on how well curriculum, teaching and assessment is enabling children in Reception and key stage 1 to learn foundational knowledge.

    Press office

    8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday 0300 013 0415

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Trump Tax: private jet levy could raise £250k every time former President visits Scotland

    Source: Scottish Greens

    08 Oct 2024

    The super wealthy are doing terrible damage to our planet.

    A private jet tax could raise £250,000 every time former US President Donald Trump visits Scotland, says Scottish Greens finance spokesperson, Ross Greer.

    The levy would be based on the application of a new ‘super rate’ of Air Departure Tax for private jet passengers. This would be set at 10 times the current top rate of the tax, proportionate to the massively increased level of pollution for private air travel versus regular commercial flights. 

    The distance between Scotland and Trump’s Mar A Lago home in Florida puts it in Band B for Air Passenger Duty, currently set at £581 per passenger at the ‘Higher’ rate. A new Super Rate which reflects the huge damage private jets do to the climate could be set at £5,800. With Trump’s Boeing 757 capable of carrying 43 passengers, a flight to Scotland at this rate would result in a £249,400 fee at the point of departure back to the US.

    All parties agreed to devolve Air Passenger Duty during the Smith Commission ten years ago and an Act of the Scottish Parliament was passed in 2017 to replace it with a Scottish Air Departure Tax. However, this has not yet commenced due to the UK Government’s refusal to allow the exemption for lifeline island flights to continue. Were this to be resolved, the Scottish Government would immediately have the power to implement a super-tax on private jets.

    Ross Greer MSP said: “Most people are trying to play our part in tackling the climate crisis. Our individual efforts are important, but they are totally undermined by the super-rich flying across the world in private jets which are ten times more polluting than regular flights and fifty times worse than trains. It’s time these elites were taxed in line with the massive damage their lifestyle is doing to the planet.

    “Whether it’s Trump jetting between his golf courses, CEOs visiting their yachts or Rishi Sunak flying between parts of the UK with perfectly good rail lines, there’s no justification for it when we can all see the effects of climate breakdown as they devastate communities across the planet.

    “A billionaire uses 820 times as much CO2 as the average person in the UK. They do more damage to the planet before lunch than you do in a whole year. 

    “A private jet tax would raise money for our public services but its real aim would be to keep the super-rich and their destructive toys on the ground. It would of course have the added bonus of keeping the notoriously tight and cash-strapped Donald J Trump out of Scotland. That’s a gift you couldn’t even begin to put a price tag on.”

    NOTES

    Below table is current Air Passenger Duty as set UK-wide, with a new theoretical Super rate which would be applied to private aircraft above a certain size/weight. This Super rate is just ten times the Higher rate, roughly equal to the increased level of emissions per passenger relative to those on regular commercial flights.

    The distance between Orlando (closest major airport to Mar A Lago) and Edinburgh is just under 5,000 miles, so would be band B at £5,800. Trump’s 757 has a capacity of 43 people, so 43 x £5,800 = £249,400.

    Destination

    Reduced Rate

    Standard

    Higher

    New ‘Super’ Rate

    Domestic

    £7

    £14

    £78

    £780

    Band A
    (0 – 2,000 miles)

    £13

    £26

    £78

    £1000

    Band B 

    (2,001 – 5,500 miles)

    £88

    £194

    £581

    £5,800

    Band C

    (5,501 miles and above)

    £92

    £202

    £607

    £6,000

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New job evaluation process to be introduced at Sheffield City Council  A new job evaluation process is to be introduced for all Sheffield City Council employees. Equal pay concerns around the Council’s current job evaluation scheme were raised by the GMB Union in Autumn 2023.    08 October 2024

    Source: City of Sheffield

    A new job evaluation process is to be introduced for all Sheffield City Council employees.  

    Equal pay concerns around the Council’s current job evaluation scheme were raised by the GMB Union in Autumn 2023.    

    Since then, a comprehensive, independent, external review has been undertaken to look into the Council’s scheme, its processes and its data, and to identify where changes should be made.   

    The Council has been working jointly and proactively with the GMB, Unison and Unite unions to confirm a new process for the future.  

    A job evaluation scheme is the process used to assess a role’s level and grade within an organisation’s structure. Large organisations across the country adopt such schemes, including local authorities. The scheme considers a range of factors, depending on the organisation and the processes they adopt, such as level of responsibility and the skills and experience required.  

    Sheffield City Council currently uses the GLPC job evaluation scheme. The independent review found there were no issues with the GLPC scheme, which is used by organisations across the country to evaluate job roles. However, it identified that the way Sheffield City Council had implemented the scheme may have led to disparities in job evaluation.   

    As a result of the independent review, a programme of work known as the Sheffield Role Review Programme, has been established to develop a new system and policy in partnership with trade unions.   

    To ensure these potential disparities are addressed and make the process better for the future, the Council is taking a proactive and comprehensive approach by introducing a new job evaluation process, through the commonly used NJC scheme.   

    Part of the new job evaluation process will require every role in the Council, including senior leaders and directors, to be reassessed to ensure every member of staff is graded appropriately.   

    Employees have been informed about the new job evaluation process this week and will receive regular updates about the progress.  

    Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said:

    “Job evaluation and equal pay are complex areas, and we are taking this matter very seriously.   

    “We’ve looked at this proactively and in depth and have worked positively with our union partners to come up with a solution that is fit for the future. We firmly believe in equity, and we can say with no hesitation that introducing a new job evaluation process is the right thing to do.”   

    GMB, Unison and Unite said in a joint statement:

    “The Council’s decision to introduce the Sheffield Role Review Programme is a welcome one. GMB, Unite and Unison have collectively been working in partnership with the Council to find a way forward and we have agreed to implement a new scheme. We will continue to hold the Council to account on equal pay and we are assured that they are listening to, and acting on, our concerns. Our priority is to ensure that there is a fair and equal scheme for employees in the future, and that anyone who has not been paid equally gets that rectified. We will continue to work with the Council to make sure that happens.”  

    Claire Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, added:

    “We are updating the job evaluation process in partnership with local trade unions. This will take some time, and we know there will be a period of uncertainty for employees.  

    “We’ve taken confident steps to tackle this work. By taking action we are creating a clearer and more improved system for the organisation and our employees. Our priority is supporting them while this comprehensive evaluation takes place.”   

    A report on this matter will be brought to the relevant Council Committee in due course.   

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: NowCM and White & Case established for Haniel the world’s first fully digital, end-to-end automated commercial paper programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Luxembourg/Frankfurt/Duisburg, 8 October 2024 –

    NowCM, global technology leader in digital and automated bond issuance, and leading international law firm White & Case have teamed up to provide breakthrough technology and legal advice to the dated and manual commercial paper (CP) market by creating the NextGenCP for corporates and other CP issuers. Family-owned investment holding Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH (Haniel) has led the way together with NowCM and White & Case in implementing this programme.

    As a long-term, purpose-driven investor, Haniel aims to create value for generations. Led by Dr. Axel Gros, treasurer of Haniel, and Birgit Sommer, head of CP at Haniel, creating the NextGenCP reinforces Haniel’s commitment to digital transformation, marking a significant step in modernizing the CP market.

    The new set-up includes several wide-reaching innovations in technology and law:

    • Fast set-up: NowCM has automated the setup of the NextGenCP based on White & Case’s state-of-the-art legal work. This innovation significantly reduces costs and allows for the establishment of NextGenCP in a matter of days, rather than the traditional months-long process.
    • High-volume facility: NextGenCP offers issuers the ability to conduct transactions with no volume limitations, for example Haniel aiming to reach three transactions per week. This supports high-frequency issuance, even several issuances in parallel, providing a streamlined and efficient process for managing large-scale CP programmes.
    • Arranger-less set-up: The NextGenCP setup requires no arranger bank, addressing a problem in market structure where banks are often reluctant to engage in lengthy, burdensome processes with low or no fees. Instead, NowCM Luxembourg, as a regulated entity, acts as the arranger with support from White & Case, enabling deployment without the need for an arranger bank. This allows issuers and banks to focus on their core businesses while simplifying the process.
    • Multi-dealer capability: Even though no arranger bank is needed, the NextGenCP operates in a traditional intermediated manner with dealer banks. It allows dealer banks to participate either in specific transactions or at the programme level, providing flexibility while maintaining the benefits of traditional market structures.
    • Fully automated: The NextGenCP is fully automated in its operation, allowing dealer banks to simply email their trade confirmation to NowCM. All subsequent steps, including life cycle events such as settlement and repayment, are executed without human intervention, streamlining the entire process for maximum efficiency.
    • Touchless: In the issuance process, there is no need for drafting or sending any documents. Everything is handled seamlessly through NowCM’s cloud-based platform. If the issuer wants, an additional approval step before the issuance can be implemented, adding flexibility without complicating the process.
    • Entirely digital: The CP, like all securities on NowCM’s platform, is represented by a full digital twin in a machine-readable and structured format. This digital twin contains all relevant information about the CP, its lifecycle, and other metadata, which were previously only available in unstructured formats such as PDFs and Word documents.
    • Golden source: NowCM’s structured data and document repository serves as the golden source for all data related to the CP, enabling seamless integration with other stakeholders and IT infrastructure. This ensures error-free data transmission and supports digital issuance, including under the German Electronic Securities Act, further enhancing efficiency and compliance in the issuance process.
    • AI-enabled: The process developed by NowCM incorporates the latest in AI technology, enabling fully automated, real-time handling of data.
    • STEP compliant and ECB eligible: Like traditional CP, NextGenCP is STEP compliant and, consequently, ECB eligible making it suitable for collateral. By using NextGenCP issuers not only future proof their CP issuance but also ensure that all data required under the new ECB “Single Collateral Management Rulebook for Europe” (SCoRE) is readily available in machine-readable form.
    • CP primary marketplace: NowCM operates the world’s first and only fully regulated primary marketplace. The Paris-based multilateral trading facility (MTF), comparable to a German exchange Freiverkehr or the EuroMTF in Luxembourg, offers the possibility to digitalise the only remaining manual step in the value chain. Instead of negotiating trades via phone or chat, issuers and dealers can directly negotiate and transact on the NowCM MTF simplifying the issuance of CP to the push of a button.
    • Optional – use of regulated issuance vehicle: For issuers looking to avoid all the hassle of managing the entire value chain of CP issuance, NowCM offers the use of its fully regulated issuance vehicle in Luxembourg, where NowCM takes over the entire issuance process.

    Haniel is the first issuer making use of NextGenCP and has already transacted several tens of millions in various transactions since the recent go-live using NowCM’s issuance vehicleunder the name “Haniel enkelfaehig”.

    Dr. Axel Gros, treasurer of Haniel, states: “We are very pleased with the implementation of this state-of-the-art CP programme. Leveraging NowCM’s advanced technology and White & Case outstanding legal expertise, NextGenCP offers a process flow beyond straight-through process (STP), ensuring seamless execution from issuance to settlement to repayment, thereby helping us to efficiently manage our liquidity needs”.

    Karsten Woeckener, Head of Germany of White & Case and its DCM practice group leader, adds: “As a global law-firm that is supporting the latest technology we were delighted to support this project and to help unlock the German CP market. We certainly hope that the combination of our legal expertise, Haniel invaluable insights and NowCM’s technology to create NextGenCP will attract many followers and usher a new age of funding in the money markets”.

    NowCM’s founder and CEO, Robert Koller, says: “We are delighted to have brought NextGenCP to life with our exceptional partners at White & Case and the incredible support and innovation leadership of Haniel and, not to forget, the many dealer banks involved. The simplicity of using NextGenCP is based on more than a decade of research and development, a data model of thousands of variables and business rules, a highly secure cloud platform and above all the interaction with our clients who contributed countless hours and ideas. We will see further announcements soon on bringing the funding business into the 21st century.”

    Thanks to the successful collaboration between Haniel, White & Case, and NowCM, the implementation of NextGenCP sets a new benchmark for digital innovation in the industry. As the first of its kind, the touchless NextGenCP is poised to revolutionize the issuance and management of commercial paper and money markets, paving the way for more advanced and efficient funding processes and liquidity management. NextGenCP is also available for CP issuers with an existing programme that want to convert their issuance into a fully digital experience.

    About Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH

    Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH is 100 percent family-owned and has been based in Duisburg since the company was founded in 1756. It manages a portfolio of independent companies with the goal to create value for generations as a leading purpose-driven investor.

    To this end, we align our portfolio strictly “enkelfähig,” that means: along clear performance and sustainability criteria. Currently, the Haniel portfolio comprises ten investments: BauWatch, BekaertDeslee, CWS Cleanrooms, CWS Fire Safety, CWS Hygiene, CWS Workwear, Emma – The Sleep Company, KMK kinderzimmer, ROVEMA and TAKKT. In addition, Haniel manages a financial stake in CECONOMY and minority stakes in high-growth start-ups.

    In 2023, the Haniel Group employed nearly 22,000 people and generated sales of EUR 4.4 billion.

    About White & Case

    White & Case is one of the leading international law firms and is present in the world’s key economic centres at 44 locations in 30 countries. In Germany, around 250 lawyers, tax advisors and notaries work in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main and Hamburg (http://www.whitecase.com).

    About NowCM

    NowCM is the leading market infrastructure and issuance provider within the primary debt capital markets. It offers an unparalleled, highly secure, cloud-native data platform for creating, negotiating, and managing debt, along with an end-to-end digital workflow platform. These tools enable all participants in the primary bond and CP markets to collaborate in real-time, fostering an open and cooperative environment. NowCM facilitate access to primary markets for inaugural and infrequent issuers through its Treasury-as-a-Service (TaaS) facility. This entity is regulated by the CSSF in Luxembourg and operates as a “funding subsidiary” using standardised yet flexible documentation and fully automated digital workflows. NowCM’s 360-degree suite of services is completed by a multi-lateral trading facility (MTF) that NowCM owns and operates. It stands as the world’s first and only regulated primary marketplace, subject to the supervision of the ACPR and AMF in France.

    Connect with:

    Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH:
    Website: http://www.haniel.de   
    LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/franz-haniel-&-cie–gmbh     

    White & Case:
    Website: http://www.whitecase.com  
    LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/white-&-case  

    Media Contact:
    Nils Repke
    Senior Manager, Communications – Germany
    Phone: +49 69 29994-1310
    Email: nils.repke@whitecase.com
                                       
    NowCM:
    Website: http://www.nowcm.eu
    LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/nowcm    
    X (former Twitter): http://www.twitter.com/NowCM_EU    

    Media Contact:
    Kristina Kuzmina,
    Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
    Phone: +351 93247 8202 (PT)
    or +44 7490 373030 (UK)
    Email: kk@nowcm.eu    

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Sea Fisheries Statistics: Unscheduled Corrections

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Marine Management Organisation has published corrections to the UK Sea Fisheries Statistics.

    The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has today (Tuesday 8 October) published corrections to the UK Sea Fisheries Statistics.

    This follows an investigation into the fisheries landing data MMO manages for England and reports for the UK Fisheries Authorities as part of the annual UK Sea Fisheries Statistics after discrepancies were recently discovered in the dataset. Specifically, this related to missing landing records from between 2018 and 2023.

    MMO’s comprehensive investigation, conducted in partnership with Cefas and other UK Fishing Authorities, confirmed the overall impact was small and within an accepted level of tolerance for operational data. However, the missing records mean that final landing weight and values published by MMO since 2018 have been underreported.

    The amended data published by MMO, known as an ‘unscheduled correction’ (a revision of data outside the usual publishing schedule), addresses two key aspects:

    • Landing records submitted correctly by fishers but were not represented in the final processed dataset.
    • An issue with the exchange rates used to convert sales made in non-sterling (GBP) currency.

    MMO’s Chief Statistician Rebekah Paul explained: “Landing data forms an essential part of the marine and fisheries evidence base. It provides information of the amount of sea fish landed by the UK fleet, including the weight of sea fish landed and the value of landings at first point of sale. This data is key to informing activity and policy related to fisheries, including quota negotiations and management, policy development and assessing the economic contribution of the sector. Importantly, this is only one part of any assessment as additional checks are in place to ensure that the data used is as accurate and representative as possible.”

    The amended dataset includes several key revisions:

    • The quantity of landings, as measured by live weight, has been adjusted upwards by an average of 1.0% for each year between 2018 and 2022.
    • The reported value of landings by UK vessels has been adjusted upwards by average of 2.4% in each year between 2018 and 2022.
    • There are adjustments to landing quantity and value by vessel size, gear type and area of capture. These changes are in line with other findings or represent a re-distribution of previously reported landings.

    Notably, these adjustments reflect revisions to earlier reported information. They do not reflect changes in industry or economic conditions, and do not reflect any direct impact on the fishing industry, as the actual quantity of landings, or the value received for any sale, has not changed.

    Rebekah Paul added: “The underlying issues that caused both the underreporting of landing records and the incorrect currency conversion have been resolved, and we have introduced additional checks and processes to ensure there will be no recurrence of these specific issues. MMO and UK Fisheries Authorities are committed to continuous improvement of our statistical products and hold ourselves to the highest standards. As part of this investigation, MMO has identified areas for future development and improvement, and we will continue to offer full transparency of further changes.”

    The full revised dataset and summary of changes can be found on Gov.uk here. Following these amendments, the next annual UK Sea Fisheries Statistics will now be published on 5 December 2024.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Policing protests in London

    Source: Mayor of London

    Policing protests and large-scale events in the capital is putting increased strain on the Metropolitan Police Service, with the Met describing the increased protests since October 2023 as the “greatest period of sustained pressure since the Olympics in 2012”.1

    This coincides with budgetary pressures in the Met, and reduced staffing and officer numbers.2 Officers from local neighbourhood teams are often redeployed to deal with protest and public order activity at short notice, impacting on local services.

    Tomorrow, the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee will hold the first meeting of its investigation into public order policing in London.

    The meeting will explore the challenges the Met is facing with policing large events and protests, as well as the recent Notting Hill Carnival, where police made 334 arrests.3

    The Committee will also look into the impact of new legislation and whether the right balance is being struck between preventing excessive disruption and the right to protest.

    Guests include:

    Panel 1: 10:00am – 11:30am

    • Matt Parr, former Inspector, HMICFRS 
    • Lord Walney, Government Independent Adviser on Political Violence and Disruption
    • Kirsty Brimelow KC, Barrister, Doughty Street Chambers 

    Panel 2: 11:35am – 1:00pm

    • Jodie Beck, Policy and Campaigns Officer, Liberty
    • Professor Geoff Pearson, Professor of Law at the University of Manchester and Academic Director of the N8 Policing Research Partnership
    • Tom Southerden, Programme Director, Law & Human Rights, Amnesty International
    • David Spencer, Head of Crime and Justice, Policy Exchange

    The meeting will take place on Wednesday 9 October 2024 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 Security: Appeal for information on a man following inappropriate behaviour in public in south London

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Police investigating reports of a man exposing and touching himself on a bus near Croydon are appealing for the public’s help to identify him.

    The man was sitting on the upper deck of the SL7 bus from Heathrow to Croydon between approximately 08:15am and 09:00am on Wednesday, 31 July when he committed the offence.

    The man is said to have a long, grey beard, be around 50 years old and was wearing a white t-shirt with a blue turban.

    The case has been linked to another incident on Tuesday, 6 August at approximately 18:55pm when it’s alleged the same man was walking along East Avenue in Southall assaulting women as he walked past them. He was thought to be wearing an orange turban at the time.

    No injuries have been reported in either incident.

    If you recognise this man or if you have any information which could help, please report it to police online or call 101 quoting 1063/01AUG24.

    Alternatively this can be reported to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary’s statement on the Chagos Islands, 7 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy gave a statement on the conclusion of negotiations on the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory.

    Location:
    House of Commons
    Delivered on:

    With permission, Mr Speaker, I will make a statement on the conclusion of negotiations on the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory. 

    On Thursday 3 October, my Right Honourable Friend the Prime Minister and Mauritian Prime Minister Jugnauth made a historic announcement. After 2 years of negotiations, and decades of disagreement, the UK and Mauritius have reached a political agreement on the future of the British Indian Ocean Territory.

    Mr Speaker, the treaty is neither signed nor ratified. But I wanted to update the House on the conclusion of formal negotiations at the earliest opportunity.

    Members will appreciate the context. Since its creation, the Territory and the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia has had a contested existence. In recent years, the threat has risen significantly.

    Coming into office, the status quo was clearly not sustainable. A binding judgement against the UK seemed inevitable. It was just a matter of time before our only choices would have been abandoning the base altogether. Or breaking international law.

    If you oppose the deal, which of these alternatives do you prefer? Doing this deal – on our terms – was the sole way to maintain the full and effective operations of the base into the future.

    Mr Speaker, this must be why, in November 2022, the then Foreign Secretary, the Right Honourable Member for Braintree, initiated sovereignty negotiations. It’s also why my immediate predecessor, Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton, ultimately continued with those talks.

    Under the previous government there were 11 rounds of negotiations, the last one held just weeks before the General Election was called.

    So, in July, this government inherited unfinished business. Where a threat was real, and inaction was not a strategy. Inaction posed several acute risks to the UK.

    First, it threatened the UK-US base. From countering malign Iranian activity in the Middle East to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, it is critical for our national security. Without surety of tenure, no base can operate effectively – nor truly deter our enemies. Critical investment decisions were already being delayed.

    Second, it impacted on our relationship with the US, who neither wanted nor welcomed the legal uncertainty, and strongly encouraged us to strike a deal. I am a trans-Atlanticist. We had to protect this important relationship.

    And third, it undermined our international standing. We are showing that what we mean is what we say on international law and desire for partnerships with the Global South. This strengthens our arguments when it comes to issues like Ukraine or the South China Sea.

    Mr Speaker, further legal wrangling served nobody’s interests but our adversaries’. In a more volatile world, a deal benefited us all, the UK, US and Mauritius. This government therefore made striking the best possible deal a priority.

    We appointed Jonathan Powell. As the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for these negotiations, he has worked closely with a brilliant team of civil servants and lawyers. Their goal was a way forward which serves UK national interests, respects the interests of our partners, and upholds the international rule of law.

    This agreement fulfils these objectives. It is strongly supported by partners, with President Biden going so far as to “applaud” our achievement within minutes of the announcement! Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin have also backed this “successful outcome” which “reaffirms [our] special defence relationship”.

    And the agreement has been welcomed by the Indian government and commended by the UN Secretary-General.

    In return for agreeing to Mauritian sovereignty over the entire islands, including Diego Garcia, the UK-US base has an uncontested long-term future. Base operations will remain under full UK control well into the next century.

    Mauritius will authorise us to exercise their sovereign rights and authorities in respect of Diego Garcia. This is initially for 99 years, but the UK has the right to extend this.

    And we have full Mauritian backing for robust security arrangements including preventing foreign armed forces from accessing or establishing themselves on the outer islands.

    The base’s long-term future is therefore more secure under this agreement than without it. If this were not the case, I doubt the White House, State Department or Pentagon would have praised the deal so effusively.

    This agreement will be underpinned by a financial settlement that is acceptable to both sides. Members will be aware the government does not normally reveal payments for our military bases overseas. And so it would be inappropriate to publicise further details of these arrangements at this stage.

    Mr Speaker, the agreement also recognises the rights and wrongs of the past. The whole House would agree that the manner in which Chagossians were forcibly removed in the 1960s was deeply wrong and regrettable. Mauritius is now free to implement a resettlement programme to islands other than Diego Garcia.

    The UK and Mauritius have also committed to support Chagossians’ welfare, establishing a new Trust Fund capitalised by the UK and providing additional government support to Chagossians in the UK. And the UK will maintain the pathway for Chagossians to obtain British Citizenship.

    Furthermore, Mauritius and the UK will now establish a new programme of visits to the archipelago for Chagossians. 

    This agreement also ushers in a new era in our relations with Mauritius. A Commonwealth nation and Africa’s leading democracy. We have agreed to intensify cooperation on our shared priorities, including security, growth and the environment. 

    The agreement ensures continued protection of these islands’ unique environment, home to over 200 species of coral and over 800 species of fish.

    Finally Mr Speaker, I want to reassure the House, and all members of the UK family worldwide, that this agreement does not signal any change in policy to Britain’s other Overseas Territories.

    British sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar and the Sovereign Base Areas is not up for negotiation. The situations are not comparable.

    This, Mr Speaker, has been acknowledged across our Overseas Territories. Fabian Picardo, Chief Minister of Gibraltar, vocally supported this agreement, stating that there is “no possible read across” to Gibraltar on the issue of sovereignty.

    Similarly, the Governor of the Falklands has confirmed that the historic contexts of the Chagos Archipelago and Falklands are “very different”. The government remains firmly committed to modern partnerships with our Overseas Territories based on mutual consent.

    After Mauritian elections, the government will move towards treaty signature. And it is then our intention to pursue ratification in 2025, by submitting the Treaty and a Bill to this House for scrutiny.

    This is a historic moment, a victory for diplomacy. We have saved the base. We have secured Britain’s national interests for the long-term.

    I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Don’t forget to check this Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Statistics show that around 1 in 7 women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, making it the most common cancer in the UK. It leads to around 11,500 deaths each year – but the NHS breast screening programme is helping to reduce breast cancer mortality by around 20% in women who are regularly screened.

    Anyone registered with a GP as female will be invited for NHS breast screening every 3 years between the ages of 50 and 71. Those over 71 can request screening. If you have not been invited for breast screening by the time you are 53 but think you should have been, please contact the Dudley, Wolverhampton and South West Staffordshire Breast Screening Service – for more details, visit NHS Breast Screening Programme.

    As well as screening, the NHS recommends that people check their breasts once a month. This will help with what is normal for your body therefore it will be easier to detect any changes that may need further examination from a health professional.

    Key symptoms that you should be looking or feeling for include a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit, any changes to the skin of your breast, a change in size or shape, nipple discharge if you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding, a change in the shape or look of how your nipple usually looks, including a rash on it, or sores or ulcers on your chest.

    Some of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by other conditions, but if you do notice anything unusual, make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.

    For help, visit Check your breasts. You can also sign up to a monthly text reminder to check with Breast Cancer UK.

    John Denley, Wolverhampton’s Director of Public Health, said: “Cancer screening and routinely checking your breasts for any changes is essential for early detection, which is critical in improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.

    “Early stage cancers are often more treatable and have a better prognosis than those detected at a later stage, and almost all women diagnosed with breast cancer at the earliest possible stage in England survive their disease for at least 5 years after diagnosis.

    “Screening can also identify precancerous conditions that can be treated before they develop into cancer, further reducing the risk of cancer development. By catching cancer early, screening programmes can reduce the overall burden of cancer, decrease healthcare costs, and improve the quality of life for patients.”

    For more information about breast cancer in women please visit Breast cancer in women.

    Though rare, men can also get breast cancer – for more information, please visit Breast cancer in men.  

    For more information, resources and support, visit Cancer Research UK. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Self Assessment: online help is just a click or a swipe away

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Self Assessment customers urged to use online guidance as top 5 calls to helpline revealed

    • HMRC reveals the most common calls to its Self Assessment helpline, all of which can be answered quickly online
    • Customers can access help online to register for Self Assessment or tell HMRC they no longer need to complete a tax return
    • Anyone new to Self Assessment can register using the quick and easy tool on GOV.UK

    HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reveals the top 5 reasons why people are calling the Self Assessment helpline and reminds them that they can self-serve to quickly access the information online.

    Currently, the most common reason for speaking to an HMRC advisor is about coming out of Self Assessment. Customers don’t need to call HMRC and can instead visit GOV.UK to check if they need to send a Self Assessment tax return. If they no longer need to send one, they can use the online service to tell HMRC without the need to speak to an advisor.

    The 5 most common reasons for calling the helpline are:

    1. I no longer need to complete a Self Assessment tax return
    2. I need to register for Self Assessment
    3. Can you tell me if I still have to complete a tax return?
    4. What’s happening with my Self Assessment registration?
    5. What’s happening with my Self Assessment repayment?

    More than 12 million taxpayers are due to complete Self Assessment for the 2023 to 2024 tax year and pay any tax owed by the 31 January 2025 deadline. HMRC’s Self Assessment helpline and webchat services are available for those who need them but there is lots of help available online.

    Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

    We want to help customers get their tax returns right first time which is why we have produced a wealth of online resources and guidance to support them every step of the way. Just search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more and start your return today.

    Anyone who is new to Self Assessment needs to register to receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference before they can send a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year.

    Taxpayers may need to complete a tax return, even if they pay taxes through PAYE, for example, if they:

    • are self-employed and have earned gross income over £1,000
    • are self-employed and earned up to £1,000 and wish to pay Class 2 NICs voluntarily to protect their entitlement to State Pension and certain benefits
    • are a partner in a business partnership
    • had a total taxable income of more than £150,000
    • have received any untaxed income including pension income over £2,500
    • received income over £1,000 from trading or providing services online
    • have to pay the High Income Child Benefit charge
    • received interest from banks and building societies or investments (more than £10,000)
    • received rental or letting income from UK land and property

    HMRC is encouraging customers to be prepared and have all the information they need ready to file their tax returns early, so they can avoid any last-minute stress and know what they owe sooner. HMRC has a range of online help and support and YouTube videos to assist anyone completing their return, including first-time filers.

    Criminals use emails, phone calls and texts to try to steal information and money from taxpayers. Before sharing their personal or financial details, people should search ‘HMRC tax scams’ on GOV.UK to access a checklist to help them decide if the contact they have received is a scam

    Customers should never share their HMRC login information with anyone. Someone could use them to steal from them or claim benefits or a refund in their name.

    Further Information

    More information on Self Assessment

    A full list of anyone who may need to complete a Self Assessment tax return include those who:

    • are self-employed and have earned gross income over £1,000
    • are self-employed and earned up to £1,000 and wish to pay Class 2 NICs voluntarily to protect their entitlement to State Pension and certain benefits
    • are a partner in a business partnership
    • had a total taxable income of more than £150,000
    • have received any untaxed income including pension income over £2,500
    • received income over £1,000 from trading or providing services online
    • have any gains or income from cryptoassets
    • are claiming Child Benefit and they or their partner had an income above £50,000 for the 2023 to 2024 tax year
    • received interest from banks and building societies or investments (more than £10,000)
    • received income from property that they own and rent out
    • received dividends payments (more than £10,000)
    • claim tax relief for their job expenses if more than £2,500
    • need to pay Capital Gains Tax on gains of more than £6,000 (in 2023 to 2024 tax year)

    The deadlines for tax returns for 2023 to 2024 tax year are 31 October 2024 for paper returns and 31 January 2025 for online returns.

    More than 97% of customers now file their Self Assessment tax returns online.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Embassy of Sweden back in Beirut, Lebanon

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Embassy of Sweden back in Beirut, Lebanon – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    The Government decided on 2 October to resume embassy operations in Beirut, Lebanon. The Embassy is now in place.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool City Region and Homes England invest £51 million in Birkenhead regeneration project

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Homes England and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority funding comes as the two organisations sign Strategic Place Partnership agreement

    Peter Denton, Chief Executive of Homes England and Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region

    Plans to kick-start the regeneration of a former gasworks in Birkenhead has moved a step closer thanks to funding approval from Homes England and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

    Hind Street Urban Garden Village, a major transformation project on the Wirral, will see derelict land around Hind Street turned into a new community of over 1,500 homes, a new park, improved transport links, commercial space and leisure facilities.

    The government’s housing and regeneration agency has today agreed a £29 million investment in the project, following a £22 million commitment from the Combined Authority. This investment will fund vital infrastructure works needed to unlock the site and deliver the first 633 homes.

    The funding approval for Hind Street follows hot on the heels of the establishment of a Strategic Place Partnership (SPP) between Homes England and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

    The SPP model is one of the ways Homes England is advancing locally led housing growth and regeneration. Designed to support regions with the most ambitious proposals for housing growth, the SPP is a long-term commitment, centred around a shared plan for bringing those proposals forward.

    Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

    This is really exciting news which marks a significant milestone in our mission to regenerate Birkenhead and the wider Wirral. Through our Strategic Place Partnership with Homes England, we’re accelerating transformational projects like Hind Street, turning derelict land into vibrant, sustainable communities that our region deserves.

    With over 1,500 new homes being built, alongside improved transport links and green spaces, this project will serve as a blueprint for the type of regeneration we want to see across the Liverpool City Region—regeneration that not only delivers homes but creates jobs, boosts local businesses, and builds stronger communities.

    It’s a prime example of how, by working together, we can unlock opportunities and remove the barriers holding our region back. By delivering key infrastructure and attracting investment, we’re ensuring that local people benefit directly from the improvements, making this a place where everyone has the chance to thrive.

    Peter Denton, Chief Executive of Homes England, said:

    The Strategic Place Partnership model gives us a framework to support local leaders who have a strong vision for housing and regeneration in their area. The Liverpool City Region is undoubtedly an area with huge potential for growth and is somewhere the government has already shown commitment to.

    The funding approved today for Hind Street Urban Village is further evidence of our support for the region and aligns with our mission to work together with the mayor and his team, to develop a pipeline of housing and regeneration development and help the Combined Authority unlock the region’s full potential.

    Building on the collaborative work evidenced with the Hind Street funding, as well as ongoing collaboration with Liverpool City Council at Festival Gardens, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the parties will enhance and expand efforts to improve strategic placemaking through increasing the pace, scale and quality of housing delivery in the Liverpool City Region.

    The funding agreed today will be used to unlock the Hind Street site and remove complex barriers to its development, including moving Birkenhead’s gas supply to a new, improved location. The former Rock Ferry to Bidston Dock railway line will also be brought back to life as Dock Branch Park. The line, thought to be one of the oldest stretches of track in the world, has been closed since the early 1990s but will be given back to the community and transformed into a ‘linear’ park, providing walking and cycling routes and connecting people to local transport links. 

    The project is being delivered by Wirral Council in partnership with developers Ion, who have been commissioned to undertake Development Management services including the design of the scheme, the remediation and infrastructure works required and the submission of the planning application. Subject to planning approval, it is expected to start on site in 2025 and complete in 2027.

    Councillor Paul Stuart, Leader of Wirral Council said:

    This additional funding from Homes England, along with support from the Combined Authority, will really help to accelerate our plans to change this part of Birkenhead for the benefit of local communities.

    I’m pleased our ambitious ideas to transform this key area have this backing, enabling us to get started bringing along new homes, public spaces and better-connected living for our residents.

    Our regeneration strategy looks beyond changes to the built environment to see that in the long term, when regeneration is people-focussed, it reduces inequalities, creates employment opportunities and improves the health and wellbeing of those individuals and families who are making their homes and lives in our borough.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New restrictions to limit impact of Ips typographus tree pest

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments

    Spruce tree planting prohibited in parts of East Anglia and South East England

    Planting of spruce trees in parts of East Anglia and South East England is to be restricted as part of additional new measures announced by the Forestry Commission today (Tuesday 8 October) following further findings this season of Ips typographus, also known as the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle.

    A new spruce tree planting restriction is coming into force in the restricted area, known as the Demarcated Area (DMA). Landowners, businesses and land managers are urged to comply with new requirements and stay vigilant to protect against Ips typographus. Planting spruce trees for ornamental and scientific purposes, growing on nursery sites for trade, or the planting of Christmas trees, will be permitted in specific circumstances detailed in the notice. Christmas tree growers in the affected area can continue to grow an unlimited number of spruce trees up to three metres in height above the root collar before authorisation is required.

    The new restrictions come after further findings this year, including the first UK finding of Ips typographus on Sitka spruce in July, and are part of the continued action being taken to limit the spread of the beetle and protect our nation’s trees, forestry and timber industries.

    Ips typographus is a serious pest of spruce trees in Europe and was first identified in the UK in 2018. These incursions are occurring in England as the beetle is blown over from the continent. The pest prefers stressed or dying trees but, under the right conditions, it can attack healthy trees.

    The new requirements come into force on 29 October across the existing DMA in the South East of England and East Anglia prohibiting the planting of spruce trees (Picea A.Dietr). Areas affected include parts of Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Greater London, Sussex, Kent and Essex.

    Forestry Commission Head of Plant Health Forestry Andrea Deol said:

    Ips typographus can have a serious impact on spruce trees, and so restricting spruce planting in some areas of East and South East England ahead of the tree-planting season will help with our ongoing eradication efforts.

    All landowners, managers and timber processors are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the pest via our Tree Alert Portal.

    Defra Chief Plant Health Officer Professor Nicola Spence said:

    Pest and pathogens present a great risk for our biosecurity and, in particular, Ips typographus has the potential to cause significant damage to Great Britain’s forestry and timber industries.

    These new restrictions are part of continued action to limit the spread of the beetle and protect our nation’s trees and forest industries. All landowners and land managers should check the health of spruce trees on their land and take swift action to deal with any susceptible material.

    Existing restrictions remain in place to limit the spread of the pest through timber movement, by requiring pre-notification and authorisation by the Forestry Commission of any felling and movement of susceptible material within the DMA.

    It is important for landowners to continue to check the health of spruce trees on their land, identifying stressed, fallen, and snapped trees, and taking action to remove them and any surrounding susceptible material. Replacement with non-susceptible tree species is also encouraged to limit the possibility of populations of Ips typographus establishing and to prevent spread to other areas.

    Under the notice, exemptions are available for lower risk scenarios, such as trees grown at nurseries, for ornamental or scientific purposes and for the purpose of trade in large Christmas trees.

    Any sightings should be reported to the Forestry Commission via the TreeAlert online portal. Read the full guidance on the new requirements.

    Additional information:

    A video is available explaining the threat of Ips typographus on spruce trees in the UK, with advice on how woodland owners can help reduce the risk from this pest:

    Watch the video.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council Leader appoints new champions to support Council’s work

    Source: City of Oxford

    Tuesday, 8 October 2024

    Oxford City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of new Champions by Leader Councillor Susan Brown. The Champions role is to assist in key areas of the Council’s work.

    Councillor Mary Clarkson will continue as the Heritage Champion, maintaining her collaboration with Councillor Louise Upton in this vital role.  

    Joining her is Councillor Mark Lygo, who has been appointed as the Armed Forces and Veterans Champion. In his new role, Councillor Lygo will work alongside Councillor Susan Brown as part of the Oxfordshire Civilian Military Partnership, and with Councillor Linda Smith on initiatives involving the wider community. 

    The role of these Champions is to use their expertise and engagement with key residents, businesses, and community groups. By providing insight and advice, they will feed back to the City Council’s Cabinet Members to ensure informed decision-making on important matters. 

    These positions are unpaid, and the appointed Champions will continue to fulfil their responsibilities as local councillors, representing their wards. 

    Comment 

    “The Champions will focus on particular areas that are allied with key priorities, or which cut across Cabinet portfolios. Each Champion is linked with a Cabinet Member who can then lead on any policy issues that arise”  

    “Our Champions play an essential role in raising important issues on behalf of communities and specific groups with various Cabinet Members. They also serve as key links between the Council and the community. I’d like to thank them for their commitment and valuable contributions.” 
    Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Big Boost for Derby Jobs Fair returns!

    Source: City of Derby

    Severn Trent and Derby City Council are proud to announce that Severn Trent’s Big Boost for Derby Jobs Fair is returning! The event will take place on Wednesday 23 October 2024, at Pride Park Stadium from 10am to 2pm and is completely free. The jobs fair is designed to help local people in Derby who are looking to upskill or change careers by providing direct access to a variety of employment opportunities and career development resources.

    Attendees will benefit from on-site CV writing workshops, interview preparation sessions, and career counselling, ensuring they leave equipped with the skills and confidence needed to help secure employment. The event will feature over 20 employers, showcasing roles across sectors like health care, customer service, engineering, and utilities. Some of the employers attending include:

    • Derbyshire Police
    • Balfour Beatty
    • Deventio Housing Trust
    • NHS
    • Everyone Active
    • And many more yet to be announced!

    Severn Trent is introducing innovative tools such as virtual reality interview practice, allowing job seekers to simulate real-life interview experiences. The event will also offer crucial information on cost-of-living support, helping attendees to manage financial challenges while job hunting.

    Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Deputy Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:

    Derby has always been a city of potential, and now more than ever, we want to empower our residents to make bold changes in their careers by enhancing their skills in making a positive impact in job applications and interviews to bolster self-confidence and an ability to “sell themselves” to employers. The Big Boost for Derby Jobs Fair is a fantastic opportunity for people to connect with employers and explore opportunities that can help them build a better- paid future for themselves and their families.

    This event is completely free to attend so that we can ensure that everyone has access to the tools they need to thrive in their careers.”

    Severn Trent said:

    We see you, Derby. We hear you. We want tomorrow to be better than today, for you and the people around you. Whether you are looking to get into work for the first time or would just like a change, Derby is full of new opportunities, new skills, new chances. So, let’s bring everyone together to boost Derby’s potential.”

    Those interested in attending can register for free on the Eventbrite page.

    If you cannot make the event but still want support with developing your skills or finding a new job, contact the Employment and Skills Hub. As part of the Derby Promise, Derby City Council has launched the Employment and Skills Hub to help you gain the confidence, support and skills to move into employment. The Hub is based at the Council House and is open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

    You can learn more about the Employment and Skill Hub by visiting their webpage or get in touch with the team by emailing employmentandskills@derby.gov.uk. You can also subscribe to the Derby Jobs Weekly newsletter.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The future of authorising cell-cultivated products and news on the Food Standards Agency funding from their Chief Scientific Advisor Prof Robin May

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Many people hope and believe that one part of how we get to Net Zero will be by reducing meat eating in our diets. Much has been written about lab based meat but to move from the excitement and ambition we need to do hard science. Science on which kinds of approaches will produce tasty alternatives. Science on how we can ensure those products are safe to eat. And science on how to ensure they are nutritious and as good for our health as they will be for the environment.

    Thanks to a major funding grant to be announced on Tuesday, the FSA will embark on a project to assess and evaluate the science that will ultimately take some of these cell cultivated meats to our supermarket shelves. 

    To coincide with this announcement, the SMC invited the FSA’s Chief Scientific Advisor Professor Robin May to brief journalists on how the FSA will spend the money, and elaborate on the steps the FSA will take in coming years to regulate and license these future foods.

    Speakers included:

    Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Advisor, Food Standards Agency

    Joshua Ravenhill, Head of Policy Priorities, Food Standards Agency

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Experts Find Evidence of Microplastic Pollution in Antarctica from NUTEC Plastics Research Mission

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The NUclear TEChnology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastics) initiative uses nuclear-derived tools and technology to fight global plastic pollution on two fronts: at point of source, by introducing new technologies to improve plastic upcycling; and to monitor plastic pollution in the ocean, where the bulk of plastic waste ends up. IAEA NUTEC experts work for and with countries to address this growing threat and ensure that they have the knowledge and capacity they need to assess, monitor and mitigate plastic pollution.

    Sharing preliminary findings at a side event of the 68th IAEA General Conference last week, NUTEC Plastics experts informed the delegates about the process of developing protocols and analysing these microplastic particles.

    “While microplastics have been studied for a few years now, we are now addressing the presence of microplastics even smaller than what previous research has been able to analyse. As the techniques and protocols have never been harmonized for microplastics of this size, it can take significant time to test or develop these methods and ultimately apply them”, said IAEA Research Scientist Marc Metian. “Preparation and analysis can take up to twenty days for just one sample.”

    Preliminary results show that every sample analysed to date, contained microplastics, namely Teflon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Once the analysis of all samples collected will have been completed, the results will be published and shared with the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research, an interdisciplinary body of the International Science Council which provides scientific advisory to the Antarctic Treaty.

    Speaking at the side event, Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino said: “Our country’s commitment to the Antarctic environment, as well as to international and scientific cooperation, is clearly demonstrated. We believe that the NUTEC Portal will be a valuable and effective tool to support the IAEA’s efforts to address shared challenges through the peaceful applications of nuclear energy”.

    (From right) Deputy Director General Najat Mokhtar, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs H Diana Mondina and Director Luis Longoria Gandara attend the side event “NUTEC Plastics Outlook and the Antarctic Mission” at the 68th General Conference of the IAEA in Vienna, Austria, 16 September 2024.  (Photo: D. Calma/IAEA)

    Representatives of Australia, Malaysia, Peru and the United States of America also made speeches. IAEA experts shared progress made in both aspects of NUTEC, including an updated roadmap for upscaling regional and national capacity to use irradiation technology for recycling and a revamped NUTEC portal for Member States to access up-to-date information.

    The Antarctic mission is part of the IAEA’s ongoing action to build capacity in laboratories worldwide to generate information on plastic pollution levels and sources of plastic pollution through marine microplastic monitoring, and is a key step in advancing an overarching goal of developing a global marine monitoring network.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Consolidating North Macedonia’s institutional framework for circular economy transition

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    8:30 – 9:00

    Registration

    9:00 – 9:20

    Opening

    • H.E. Mr. Kire Ilioski, Ambassador, Director for Multilateral Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, North Macedonia
    • Mr. Blerim Zllatku, State Advisor, Ministry of Economy and Work, North Macedonia
    • Ms. Rita Columbia, Resident Coordinator, United Nations Resident Coordination Office, North Macedonia

    9:20 – 10:25

    North Macedonia’s development landscape: National reforms and future challenges

    • Trade Facilitation

    Mr. Marjan Tasevski, Director of Sector for Customs System, Customs Administration, North Macedonia

    • Environmental sustainability

    Ms. Ana Karanfilova Maznevska, Head of Waste Department, Ministry of Environment, North Macedonia

    • Energy sustainability

    Ms. Valentina Stardelova, Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, North Macedonia

    • Quality Infrastructure

    Ms. Neriman Xheladini, Head of Department Single Market, Ministry of Economy and Work, North Macedonia

    • Construction

    Mr. Toni Arangelovski, Professor, Civil Engineering Faculty, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia (UKIM)

    10:25 – 10:40

    Unpacking the concept of the circular economy: Principles and business models

    • Ms. Hana Daoudi, Economic Affairs Officer, Economic Cooperation and Trade Division, UNECE

    10:40 – 11:00

    Upscaling the textile industry’s circular practices: the role of traceability

    • Ms. Claudia Di Bernardino, Lawyer and UN/CEFACT (United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business) project expert, UNECE Team of Specialists on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Traceability of Supply Value Chains

    11:00 – 11:15

    Coffee Break

    11:15 – 11:50

    Circular stories from North Macedonia’s textiles industry

    • Ms. Natasha Sivevska, Executive Director, Textile Trade Association, North Macedonia
    • Ms. Evgenija Najdska, Manager, Waste Management, Comfy Angel, North Macedonia
    • Ms. Sirma Zheleva, Head of Sustainable Solutions Textile Recovery Solutions, TexCycle, Republic of Bulgaria 

    11:50 – 12:10

    From farm to fork: Circular innovations in the food industry

    • Mr. Shane Ward, Professor Emeritus of Biosystems Engineering, School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin

    12:10 – 13:00

    Circular stories from North Macedonia’s food industry

    • Mr. Petar Georgievski, President, Rural Development Network of the North Macedonia
    • Mr. Abdulezel Dogani, Chief Executive Officer, Vezë Sharri, North Macedonia
    • Mr. Jana Klopcevska, Associate Professor, Department of Food and Biotechnology, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia (UKIM)
    • Mr. Ismail Ferati, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Food Technology and Nutrition, University of Tetova, North Macedonia
    • Ms. Irena Djimrevska, Advisor and Project Coordinator, Deutsche Gesellschaft fürInternationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

    13.00 – 13.20

    Questions and answers

    13:20 – 14:20

    Lunch Break

    14:20 – 14:40

    Closing the loop: Best practices in waste management for circularity

    • Mr. Gergely Hankó, Managing Director, Hungarian Association of Environmental Enterprises (HAEE)

    14:40 – 15:40

    Circular stories from North Macedonia’s waste treatment industry

    • Mr. Filip Ivanov, Deputy President, Macedonian Solid Waste Association
    • Mr. Filip Ivanovski, Managing Director, Pakomak, North Macedonia
    • Mr. Ljubomir Pejovski, Environment Manager, Makstil AD, North Macedonia
    • Mr. Vlado Momirovski, Manager, Ekocentar 97, North Macedonia 
    • Ms. Angelina Taneva-Veshoska, Institute for Research in Environment, Civil Engineering and Energy (IEGE)
    • Ms. Tamara Todorovska, Deputy Chief of Party/ Public-Private Dialogue Lead, USAID Partnerships for Economic Growth, North Macedonia

    15:40 – 15:55

    Questions and answers

    15:55 – 16:25

    Researching circularity: academic perspectives on the transition

    • Mr. Dejan Mirakovski, Rector, Goce Delcev University of Štip, North Macedonia
    • Ms. Emilija Fidanchevski, Full Professor, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia (UKIM)
    • Ms. Aleksandra Martinovska Stojcheska, Full Professor, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKIM)

    16:25 – 16:40

    Coffee Break

    16:40 – 17:30

    Supporting circular economy practices among enterprises: the experience of North Macedonia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry

    • Ms. Daniela Mihajlovska, Manager, Centre for Circular Economy, Economic Chamber of North Macedonia
    • Mr. Edvard Sofevski, President, Small Business Chamber of Commerce, North Macedonia
    • Ms. Elena Miloshevska Jovanovska, Country Representative, Swiss Import Promotion Program (SIPPO), North Macedonia
    • Mr. Goran Damovski, Team Leader, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Increasing Market Employability (IME) Program, North Macedonia
    • Ms. Irina Janevska, President, Organization for Social Innovation (ARNO), North Macedonia

    17:30 – 17:45

    Financing the circular transition

    • Delegation of the European Union to North Macedonia

    17:45 – 18.00

    Questions and answers

    18:00 – 18:15

    Closing remarks: Mapping future cooperation with UNECE

    • Mr. Blerim Zllatku, State Advisor, Ministry of Economy and Work, North Macedonia
    • Mr. Ariel Ivanier, Chief, Market Access Section, Economic Cooperation and Trade Division, UNECE

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The journey of a dreamer from Oaxaca with a Chevening scholarship

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Learn how Chevening transformed the life of Crisna Cuchcatla, a former scholarship recipient from San Pedro Pochutla, a rural community in Oaxaca, Mexico.

    I grew up in San Pedro Pochutla, Oaxaca, a municipality with more than 130 localities and marginalisation. More than 80% of the population have only completed basic education and almost 35% live in poverty.  As a result, I have seen many friends and family members migrate to the United States in search of a better life. Although at one point I thought about leaving, I decided to stay to improve the situation in my village.

    Chevening and rural communities

    When I heard about the Chevening scholarships from a former Chevening scholar. Initially, I did not dare to apply because I thought that indigenous youth from a rural area would not have the same opportunity as others. So, I decided to apply 2 years later, because I wanted to prove to myself, my family and the scholarship coordinators that a person from a rural area can study at a university abroad with a prestigious scholarship.

    Applying for the Chevening scholarship can be intimidating. However, I am convinced that young people from rural areas have unique qualities that are beneficial for such schemes.

    We have the resilience and the will to keep improving. I kept working on many of my skills that seemed ordinary to me, but in the end, they helped me to get the scholarship.

    Leadership and teamwork

    My leadership and teamwork skills were key to getting the scholarship. I developed these partly through the influence of my family, such as my father, who organised a football team in our town to keep children and young people away from drugs and alcohol, or my brother, who organises the largest running club in the municipality.

    The sense of community in my village is so important that even to learn English, my father paid a neighbour to teach me English after he had returned from the United States. I then took university classes, invested in private lessons and took advantage of digital platforms to reach the level of English I have today.

    In 2023 I managed to get the Chevening scholarship, move to the UK and study at one of the most renowned universities in the world. That is not the pinnacle of my dream, but a big step towards building a better society in my homeland.

    My plan is to return to Mexico and establish an organisation dedicated to social policy issues, helping the most vulnerable communities, such as Pochutla.

    Chevening represents for me the fulfilment of a dream, but also a valuable tool in this longer-term goal, allowing me to acquire knowledge and networks that will contribute significantly positively to my community.

    Tenacity and support

    My success is the result of my tenacity, the support of my family and the mentors who accompanied me. Work and education are important, but in a country like Mexico you also need perseverance and courage. I would advise all young people to dare.

    Dare to dream bigger, dare to learn on their own, even if it takes time, and to dare to ask for help. There will always be someone willing to listen and give good advice.

    People like me have managed to get ahead, but we are still committed to creating a better society.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Portsmouth City Council signs pledges to become Council of Sanctuary

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Portsmouth City Council has affirmed its existing commitment to people living in the city with the signing of a Council of Sanctuary pledge.

    The Council of Sanctuary award comes under the wider umbrella of the City of Sanctuary movement whose mission is to provide co-ordination and support to community groups helping those who are seeking sanctuary.

    The pledge signing was initiated by a decision at a full council meeting in March 2024 to work towards Council of Sanctuary status.

    The aim is to support those already in the city, either through legitimate asylum or resettlement programme managed by government agencies by improving their engagement between them and the council.

    By pledging to become a Council of Sanctuary, the council’s role will be to act as a co-ordinator of existing services, both in the community and within the council, to share knowledge and make best use of citywide services and resources.

    Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “Signing this pledge is a symbol of our commitment to create a culture that is inclusive, welcoming, and compassionate. By becoming a Council of Sanctuary, we join a network of cities and towns across the country to support the welfare of those seeking sanctuary. We are grateful to all the groups and individuals that joined us to recognise the occasion and we will continue to ensure those fleeing from violence and persecution feel safe in our city”.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: bydfiwo.com: BaFin warns consumers about website

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about the website bydfiwo.com. According to information available to BaFin, financial and investment services are being provided on this website without the required authorisation.

    The website operator is simply referred to as “BYDFI”, and there is no information regarding its legal form. The website does not contain a legal notice or any information regarding the company’s registered office. BaFin already issued a warning about the almost identical website bydfixio.com on 26 August 2024.

    Anyone providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether a particular company has been granted authorisation by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Economics –