PC Tony Watts, attached to the North Area Command Unit, was found guilty and remanded in custody on Tuesday, 8 July following a trial at Croydon Crown Court.
The offence relates to an incident that happened between mid-January and early February in 2020 when PC Watts was off-duty.
The victim-survivor has been supported throughout the course of the investigation and trial by dedicated specialist officers.
Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, who leads the North Area policing team, said:
“PC Watts has shown a complete disregard for this victim-survivor and for his duty to protect women and girls – in the vilest way.
“We are going above and beyond at the Met to rid the force of those who corrupt our integrity, and it is quite right that PC Watts has been held accountable for his actions.
“It would have taken a huge amount of courage and strength to speak to police, the way this victim-survivor did, and I hope this conviction provides some closure.
“My message to any other victims who may have experienced a sexual encounter they felt wasn’t right is that they can and should come forward, and we will do everything we can to support you.”
PC Watts was arrested following the incident being reported in May 2022.
He was bailed while further enquiries took place, before being charged with rape on Wednesday, 25 September 2024 and suspended from duty.
He will be sentenced on Monday, 11 August at the same court.
The Met’s professional standards team is aware and a misconduct hearing will now follow as soon as possible.
Birmingham City Council tenants in more than 2,000 households are now living in greener, warmer council homes thanks to a scheme that won a Retrofit Project of the Year award.
Birmingham City Council’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) programme won the Retrofit Project of the Year for the Midlands and Wales at the Unlock Net Zero Awards.
The scheme – completed by sustainable regeneration specialist Equans, on behalf of the council – has helped tenants save £600-£1200 each year on energy bills, depending on the home and measures installed. Solar panels placed on buildings can save residents as much as £4 per day in electricity.
The work will save 2,500 tonnes of carbon per year – the equivalent of driving over 1400 petrol cars for a year. You would need to plant over 41,000 trees and let them grow for ten years to offset 2,500 tonnes of carbon.
Testing at the homes shows that retrofitted properties now have an Energy Performance Certificate of at least a C, with some reaching an A rating—the most energy-efficient rating available.
Work to be done – Dreghorn Road, before works were undertaken as part of the scheme.
The measures installed have included external wall insulation, new windows and doors, loft insulation, solar panels, high heat retention storage heaters and smart hot water tanks.
To give residents greater control over their energy usage, the scheme installed smart energy monitoring devices into some homes, which also provides valuable data to the council highlighting how the retrofit measures perform, levels of dampness, and if tenants are experiencing fuel poverty.
Councillor Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said:
“Having greener, energy-efficient homes reduces our tenants’ energy bills, which is especially important during this cost-of-living crisis.
“It is also great to see how the work has transformed the look and feel of neighbourhoods, building a greater sense of pride among residents.
“These investments don’t just save tenants money, they also significantly contribute to the council’s net zero agenda.
“I am pleased to see that the award judges have said that our retrofit scheme has set a benchmark for excellence in retrofit delivery, one that has combined cutting-edge technology with resident-focused design.
“I would also like to thank our delivery partner, Equans, who have been vital in identifying which properties were most in need of improvements and aligning this with our wider capital works programme. It has helped minimise disruption for our residents and maximised the benefits for them.”
Rebecca Reynolds, Head of Sustainability at Equans, said:
“This ambitious project shows the vast benefits of retrofitting homes on a large scale and the far reaching impact this has. It has drastically reduced the carbon emissions of council housing in Birmingham and improved thousands of lives by making homes more comfortable and affordable to live in.
“It is vital that existing homes are modernised and made energy efficient for the next generation and we’re delighted that this scheme has won this much coveted award and the national recognition it deserves.”
New backing for small businesses to protect their intellectual property from security threats
Up to 500 small or medium-sized companies could benefit from new reviews involving approved experts giving tailored advice to teams on risks they face.
Up to 500 small and medium sized UK firms backed by government funding to strengthen their security.
Security review scheme includes expert advice to protect ideas and innovations from powerful competitors including state actors.
Open to range of sectors from AI to life sciences to help businesses grow securely while boosting our economy and supporting our Plan for Change.
Hundreds of UK tech start-ups and other innovative businesses can now apply for government support to protect their intellectual property from powerful competitors, including threats from other states and hostile actors, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has announced today (Thursday 10 July).
Up to 500 small or medium-sized companies will potentially benefit from new Secure Innovation Security Reviews, which involve approved experts giving tailored advice to teams on risks they face, so they can build thriving businesses which create jobs and support the economy.
This could include advice on strengthening checks on prospective employees to reduce insider threats and ensure their suitability for handling sensitive information, and key cyber security measures to guard against common cyber-attacks.
A range of technology sectors operating throughout the UK will be able to apply, from artificial intelligence to life sciences, advanced materials like semiconductors to renewable energy systems and beyond – backing businesses at the forefront of boosting economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.
Support can help combat the efforts of certain states to steal technological, economic, or military insight, to enhance their own capabilities rather than engaging in fair international competition.
While threats of hostile actors recruiting an insider to exploit their physical access are not new, such threats are becoming more advanced, underlining the importance of integrating personnel, physical, and cyber security to protect start-ups.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:
The UK economy is built on the courage, ambition and hard work of small businesses which ultimately benefits us all, creating new technologies and jobs that grow our economy under our Plan for Change.
By supporting firms to protect their innovations, this government-backed scheme will help those who put the hours in to reap the rewards while keeping key companies and sectors safe from malicious larger competitors, including state actors.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:
Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and they need security to thrive.
With 98% of businesses reporting a lack of knowledge to identify security threats, it is crucial they are equipped with the tools necessary to protect themselves against increasingly volatile threats.
This initiative, spearheaded by the National Protective Security Authority and the National Cyber Security Centre, supports businesses to build the skills and the confidence they need to grow.
To take part in the scheme, companies will need to apply through Innovate UK and contribute £500, with £2,500 covered by the government.
National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) figures show 39% of companies have only one protective security or cyber measure in place and 55% do not conduct pre-employment screening of new personnel. By helping businesses to integrate protective security into their wider business strategy, the work can also help to boost customer and investor confidence.
The reviews involve a professional conducting a site visit of the company to carry out a security health check, against a framework developed by the UK’s national technical authorities, NPSA – part of MI5 – and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – part of Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).
They will then provide the company with a bespoke report with recommendations for improvement. The professional will conduct a follow up with the company after 6 months to gauge improvements made since the site visit.
It builds on a pilot scheme in 2023, where 98% fed back that they now have sufficient knowledge to identify the security threats to their business, with the same figure committing to further action strengthen their security.
NCSC CEO Richard Horne said:
Small and medium-sized businesses power the UK’s innovation engine – but where ideas thrive, threats are never far behind.
States, state-backed competitors, and cyber criminals target cutting-edge ideas and valuable data, exploiting gaps in cyber and protective security defences to launch attacks that can cripple organisations and steal their most sensitive innovations.
That’s why building resilience is no longer optional – it’s essential for business growth and survival. I encourage SMEs across the UK to take advantage of the NCSC and NPSA-backed Secure Innovation Security Reviews scheme.
Executive Director of Strategy and Performance at Innovate UK Robert Shaw said:
Innovate UK is proud to be a partner in delivering Security Reviews for spinouts and start-ups in such critical sectors.
If these innovators can protect valuable intellectual property and their competitive edge and demonstrate their commitment to security to investors and customers, they will be better placed to realise their growth potential in the UK, and globally.
Eligible organisations must be small or medium sized enterprises which employ under 250 people.
Organisations must be working in one of the 17 sensitive areas of the economy set out in the National Security and Investment Act (2021), or one of the selected sectors in Invest 2035: the UK’s modern industrial strategy.
The scheme is delivered through and in partnership with Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency
Ofsted announces sector engagement programme to ready education providers for November start to inspections
Ofsted has today announced a full programme of sector engagement to be launched in September when the final set of education inspection reforms are published.
The programme of webinars and regional events will continue throughout the autumn term, offering providers a range of opportunities to familiarise themselves with the changes, ahead of inspections under the renewed framework beginning in November.
Ofsted will hold live webinars for different provider types across each education remit, setting out the key changes to inspection. Recordings of each webinar will be available on Ofsted’s YouTube channel afterwards.
For the early years sector, there will be separate webinars for childminders; group-based provision; and out-of-school-clubs.
For schools, individual webinars will be hosted for maintained nurseries; primaries; secondaries; non-association independent schools; University Technical Colleges (UTCs); special schools; and alternative provision.
For further education and skills, there will be webinars for specific provision types, including 16 to 19 programmes; apprenticeship providers; adult learning providers; and high needs provision.
For initial teacher education (ITE), there will be a webinar for providers of any/all phases of ITE, and another for providers of ITE programmes for the further education and skills sector.
The engagement programme will be bolstered by face-to-face and online regional events, hosted by local providers, local authorities and partners. These events will help providers build on their understanding of the renewed framework, supported by published materials. Ofsted will share further details about events in the coming weeks.
Nominees
For many years, Ofsted has successfully used a system of nominees to support inspections of further education and skills providers. Nominees help the inspection process run smoothly and collaboratively, through planning, communication and engagement with the inspection team. They provide contextual information about their setting and strengthen the professional dialogue between inspectors and leaders.
From November, nominees will be introduced to inspections across other education remits, where relevant. In advance of the renewed framework, Ofsted will offer a short online training package tailored for nominees in specific remits. These sessions will provide an overview of the framework and more information on how nominees can work together with inspectors during a future inspection.
More details about the nominee training package will be released following the consultation response in September.
All education inspectors will complete comprehensive training to support the transition to the renewed framework. Full inspector training materials will be published online, via the Ofsted Academy, once inspectors have completed face-to-face training. In addition to this training package, Ofsted will undertake pilot visits to volunteer settings, giving inspectors vital experience of full, end-to-end inspections before November.
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, said:
I want to reassure education providers that, through our national engagement programme and published materials, they will be able to familiarise themselves with the changes during the first part of the autumn term – while routine school and further education and skills inspections are on hold.
Our Inspectors will all receive extensive training between now and November, and many will have had the experience of a full pilot inspection. I know there are some concerns about the timeline for these changes, that’s why we are planning such a comprehensive programme. I have every confidence that our approach will support a successful roll-out of new-look inspections in November.
Notes to editors
It will not be mandatory for every school or early years provider to appoint a nominee.
The nominee for early years should be the individual who knows the setting and children the best. This is a different role from the nominated individual and will be covered in the early years webinars.
Don’t let the heatwave affect your medicines: Three important tips from the MHRA
Essential advice on protecting your medicines during extreme heat and staying safe this summer.
Woman cooling down with water and a fan
With the UK bracing for another heatwave this week, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is reminding people that high temperatures can affect medicines and how well they work. Hot weather changes how your body responds to medications, which could impact people managing long-term conditions – but a few simple steps can help avoid problems.
Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said:
“Let’s face it – when there’s a heatwave, most of us are focused on getting outside and enjoying it while it lasts. But it’s easy to forget that medicines left in the heat – in cars, bags, or on sunny windowsills – might not work properly when you need them.
“Some medicines can also make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or get dehydrated, especially if you’re taking diuetics or have a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.
“To stay safe in the heat:
Store medicines somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight – especially if you’re out and about
Know the signs of heat-related illness – stay hydrated and listen to your body
Take extra care in the sun if your medicine makes your skin more likely to burn
“And remember, for all medicines it’s important to read the leaflet and speak to a healthcare professional if you have any questions.”
1. Keep medicines out of hot cars and direct sunlight
Most medicines need to be stored at temperatures below 25°C. But cars, trains and buses can heat up quickly during the summer, and rooms with direct sunlight can get much hotter than you’d think. Even bags and pockets can get warm enough to cause problems, especially if you’re out all day or at a festival, sports event, or the beach.
Heat can break down the active ingredients in medicines, meaning they might not work when you need them. That includes tablets, inhalers, hormone patches, insulin, and EpiPens. Some packaging will give clear storage instructions, but not all medicines come with a visible warning.
Medicines that need to be kept in the fridge – such as insulin or certain liquid antibiotics – are especially vulnerable to heat. If they’re left out too long or stored incorrectly, they may not work properly when you take them.
If your medicine has changed colour, developed an unusual smell, changed texture, or looks different in any way, this could signal heat damage. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
If you’re at home, check the patient information leaflet for storage instructions and keep medicines in the coolest part of the house, away from direct sunlight. If you’re travelling, avoid leaving them in parked vehicles or warm bags. A cool bag can help if you’re going to be out all day.
Heat damage can also affect how much medicine your body absorbs, potentially making your usual dose too strong or too weak. If you notice any changes in how you feel or how well your medicines seem to be working during hot weather, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Don’t forget medical devices:
It’s not just medicines – some medical devices can also be affected by heat or humidity. For example, blood glucose monitors may give people managing diabetes less reliable readings if used or stored in hot conditions.
Keep devices and any test strips somewhere cool and dry, and check the instructions that came with them for any temperature guidance. If your device isn’t behaving as expected, try running a control check or speak to your pharmacist for advice.
For more information about medicine safety, visit the MHRA website or report any concerns through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
2. Drink more water and stay cool if you’re taking water tablets or blood pressure medication
During hot weather, your body loses more water through sweating – but some medicines can make this worse, or make it harder for your body to cope with heat.
People taking diuretics, or ‘water tablets’, such as furosemide, are already losing more fluid through urination. This can cause dehydration and mineral imbalances. Blood pressure medicines such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers can also make it harder for your body to regulate temperature, especially during sudden hot spells. ACE inhibitors can even suppress your natural thirst response.
Some diabetes medicines, including insulin and metformin, also increase the risk of dehydration or make early symptoms harder to spot. Antipsychotic medications, such as olanzapine or quetiapine, or stimulant medications for attention disorders can increase your body temperature, making you overheat more easily.
Dehydration can cause dizziness, headaches, tiredness, confusion, and dark urine. This is particularly dangerous for older adults, young children, and people with heart or kidney conditions. If you start to feel unwell in the heat, move somewhere cooler, sip water slowly, and seek medical advice if you don’t feel better quickly.
3. Check if your medicine increases your risk of sunburn
Some common medicines can make your skin much more likely to burn, even in mild sunshine. This includes some antibiotics, diuretics, antidepressants, or skin treatments for acne or eczema. Painkillers such as ibuprofen or naproxen are also known to sometimes cause mild sun sensitivity, but this is less common and usually only a concern with frequent or long-term use.
One medicine that requires particular care is methotrexate, used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease and cancer. It can cause extreme skin sensitivity to the sun – even at low doses. This can lead to painful rashes, blistering, or swelling that looks like severe sunburn. In rare cases, these reactions have led to serious infections.
The risk goes up during sunny weather, especially if you’re outside more – whether you’re walking the dog, gardening, or heading off on holiday. Even a short walk at lunchtime or a train ride in the sun can be enough to trigger a reaction for some people.
If you take any medicines, always read the patient information leaflet or check with your pharmacist to see if sun sensitivity is a side effect.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.
Government to align with European specifications on high risk in vitro diagnostic devices to reduce regulatory burden
The specifications will establish standards for high-risk diagnostic tests while creating consistency with European regulations
The Government has announced its intention to amend the Medical Devices Regulations 2002 for Great Britain to incorporate EU Common Specifications for high-risk in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices and to repeal regulations on Coronavirus Test Device Approvals (CTDA).
Respondents overwhelmingly supported a proposal to repeal the current CTDA process for COVID-19 devices and to replace current requirements with Common Specifications. In the interim, an accelerated CTDA process will be introduced for COVID-19 devices that have CE marking under the European IVD regulations (EU IVDR) and meet Common Specification requirements.
The Common Specifications will also enhance performance standards for IVD devices related to infectious diseases including Hepatitis B, C and D, HIV and Syphilis, as well as devices for blood grouping and tissue typing. These diagnostic tools are critical for effective patient care and public health management.
The move aims to ensure these vital IVD devices, which test samples from the human body to monitor health or manage disease, meet high standards of performance backed by robust clinical evidence.
Rob Reid, Deputy Director of Innovative Devices at the MHRA, said:
By aligning with standards already in place across Europe, we’re not only enhancing patient safety but also making it easier for manufacturers to navigate regulatory requirements across different markets.”
These new specifications will be introduced in regulations expected to be published later this year as part of the Government’s broader programme of medical devices regulatory reform, which supports the NHS transformation.
The changes reinforce the Government’s commitment to reduce regulatory burden and balance robust patient safety measures with support for innovation in the medical technology sector.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Common Specifications refers to a set of standardised technical and performance requirements developed at the European level for certain high-risk in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical devices.
In vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices are medical tests used to examine samples like blood, urine, or tissue taken from the human body to help detect, diagnose, or monitor diseases and health conditions.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
Press release
Government action to speed up recognition for LGBT veterans
LGBT military personnel who faced dismissal, discharge or mistreatment due to their sexuality while serving between 1967 and 2000 will receive financial support faster following improvements to the Government’s financial recognition scheme.
Increase in dedicated staff will accelerate applications and process payments faster
New automated payment system is being built to eliminate processing delays and administrative bottlenecks
Financial recognition scheme will provide support for LGBT military personnel who faced dismissal, discharge or mistreatment while serving between 1967 – 2000.
LGBT military personnel who faced dismissal, discharge or mistreatment due to their sexuality while serving between 1967 and 2000 will receive financial support faster following improvements to the Government’s financial recognition scheme.
The UK Government has increased dedicated staff by adding a further five workers, almost doubling the size of the existing team, to accelerate application reviews and process payments more quickly. The expanded team will focus on expediting the creation of applicant case files and processing of applications.
To address processing concerns, the Government is also introducing two other key measures as part of its efforts to ensure veterans receive timely recognition for past injustices:
An automated payments system is being built to streamline the process, significantly reducing administrative bottlenecks and minimising errors. This system will ensure payments are made accurately and promptly once approved.
Independent Panel sittings will double to two per week to accelerate the review of cases requiring assessment, particularly for those seeking recognition payments of up to £20,000 for pain and suffering which was directly related to the Ban, such as harassment, invasive investigations and imprisonment.
The Government remains driven to ensure every recommendation of Lord Etherton’s review is fully implemented. As of July 2025, Defence has completed 42 of the 49 recommendations and two other remaining recommendations will be completed by the end of the year.
This action demonstrates the Government’s Plan for Change in practice – delivering on the commitment to strengthen national security by ensuring we maintain the trust and confidence of all those who serve our country.
Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns MP, said
We deeply regret the treatment of LGBT serving personnel between 1967 and 2000 which was wholly unacceptable.
We have been prioritising payments to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible.
We’re taking decisive action to ensure LGBT veterans receive the recognition they deserve by increasing staff resources, implementing an automated payment system, and doubling panel reviews.
This scheme acknowledges the sacrifices of those who faced discrimination while serving. I urge all affected veterans to apply through the GOV.UK portal as we remain fully committed to implementing Lord Etherton’s recommendations, and righting these historic wrongs, as part of our Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who have served.
The further support for LGBT Veterans comes off the back of the government’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who have served.
The scheme, launched by the Government in December, goes beyond financial recognition – it also acknowledges the sacrifices and injustices faced by LGBT veterans and ensures their experiences are recognised and valued. This can include, but not limited to, having a restoration of rank, letters of apologies, among other forms of recognition.
All veterans affected by the ban while serving between 1967 and 2000 are urged to read the guidance and apply via the Veterans of the LGBT Ban: Financial Recognition Scheme page on GOV.UK.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam arrived in Paris, France on Tuesday as he continued a trip spanning various European countries.
Mr Lam attended a Hong Kong legal services seminar organised by the Department of Justice (DoJ) and briefed representatives of various international organisations on Hong Kong’s arbitration system and the advantages offered by its legal service sector.
On meeting Financial Action Task Force (FATF) President Elisa de Anda Madrazo on Tuesday, Mr Lam remarked that as an international financial centre Hong Kong has always supported the FATF’s work to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing and to maintain the stability of the international financial system.
He added that the DoJ has participated in mutual evaluations among FATF member jurisdictions.
Mr Lam later visited the Chambre Arbitrale Maritime de Paris (the Paris Maritime Arbitration Chamber) and met its Secretary General Pascale Mesnil. He was briefed on the chamber’s operations, France’s arbitration sector, and developments in resolving international maritime disputes through arbitration.
He highlighted that Hong Kong is committed to optimising its arbitration system through multi-pronged policy measures, and to enhancing and consolidating its status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region.
Mr Lam also expressed hope for a deepening of exchanges and co-operation with the French arbitration sector.
Yesterday morning, Mr Lam visited the office of the French National & Olympic Sports Committee (CNOSF) and met representatives of the Chambre Arbitrale du Sport (the Chamber of Arbitration for Sport) and the CNOSF Conference of Conciliators to learn about the committee’s sports arbitration and conciliation services.
He also spoke about the DoJ’s work in promoting sports dispute resolution in Hong Kong.
At noon, Mr Lam attended a lunch event hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the French Republic Deng Li.
Mr Lam briefed Mr Deng on Hong Kong’s efforts in safeguarding national security, implementing the principle of “one country, two systems” by rule of law, and leveraging its unique advantages to promote development.
In the afternoon, Mr Lam attended the seminar organised by in Paris by the DoJ: “Hong Kong Legal Services – Gateway to China and Beyond”.
He outlined the unique advantages of Hong Kong’s legal services sector under the principle of “one country, two systems” to about 130 participants.
Giving a keynote speech, Mr Lam stressed that Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction in China and the only jurisdiction in the world with a bilingual common law system in Chinese and English.
He said that Hong Kong’s common law system aligns with the legal systems of many major economies and with the rules of international trade and business, adding that the city’s professional and comprehensive legal services industry provides high-quality legal services to support global financial and commercial activities.
During the seminar, Mr Lam also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre and Jus Mundi, an AI-powered legal research platform based in Paris, that will enhance co-operation in legal and alternative dispute resolution between Hong Kong and France.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam arrived in Paris, France on Tuesday as he continued a trip spanning various European countries.
Mr Lam attended a Hong Kong legal services seminar organised by the Department of Justice (DoJ) and briefed representatives of various international organisations on Hong Kong’s arbitration system and the advantages offered by its legal service sector.
On meeting Financial Action Task Force (FATF) President Elisa de Anda Madrazo on Tuesday, Mr Lam remarked that as an international financial centre Hong Kong has always supported the FATF’s work to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing and to maintain the stability of the international financial system.
He added that the DoJ has participated in mutual evaluations among FATF member jurisdictions.
Mr Lam later visited the Chambre Arbitrale Maritime de Paris (the Paris Maritime Arbitration Chamber) and met its Secretary General Pascale Mesnil. He was briefed on the chamber’s operations, France’s arbitration sector, and developments in resolving international maritime disputes through arbitration.
He highlighted that Hong Kong is committed to optimising its arbitration system through multi-pronged policy measures, and to enhancing and consolidating its status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region.
Mr Lam also expressed hope for a deepening of exchanges and co-operation with the French arbitration sector.
Yesterday morning, Mr Lam visited the office of the French National & Olympic Sports Committee (CNOSF) and met representatives of the Chambre Arbitrale du Sport (the Chamber of Arbitration for Sport) and the CNOSF Conference of Conciliators to learn about the committee’s sports arbitration and conciliation services.
He also spoke about the DoJ’s work in promoting sports dispute resolution in Hong Kong.
At noon, Mr Lam attended a lunch event hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the French Republic Deng Li.
Mr Lam briefed Mr Deng on Hong Kong’s efforts in safeguarding national security, implementing the principle of “one country, two systems” by rule of law, and leveraging its unique advantages to promote development.
In the afternoon, Mr Lam attended the seminar organised by in Paris by the DoJ: “Hong Kong Legal Services – Gateway to China and Beyond”.
He outlined the unique advantages of Hong Kong’s legal services sector under the principle of “one country, two systems” to about 130 participants.
Giving a keynote speech, Mr Lam stressed that Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction in China and the only jurisdiction in the world with a bilingual common law system in Chinese and English.
He said that Hong Kong’s common law system aligns with the legal systems of many major economies and with the rules of international trade and business, adding that the city’s professional and comprehensive legal services industry provides high-quality legal services to support global financial and commercial activities.
During the seminar, Mr Lam also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre and Jus Mundi, an AI-powered legal research platform based in Paris, that will enhance co-operation in legal and alternative dispute resolution between Hong Kong and France.
LYON, France, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TSplus, a leading provider of secure remote access and application delivery solutions, is proud to announce its new partnership with ImsCloud, a trusted name in IT services and cloud hosting in France.
This partnership brings TSplus Remote Access to ImsCloud’s portfolio of ready-to-deploy solutions, offering French IT resellers a secure and cost-effective remote desktop alternative to Citrix and Microsoft RDS. As part of ImsCloud’s reseller catalog, TSplus will now be available alongside complementary tools such as Signitic and Cloudiway—enabling partners to deliver complete, modern digital workspaces to their customers.
“We are excited to partner with ImsCloud, a company that shares our values of simplicity, security, and customer support,” said François Stoop, International Sales Director at TSplus. “Together, we’re making enterprise-level remote access easy to deploy and affordable for businesses of all sizes.”
With this integration, ImsCloud’s partners can now offer TSplus Remote Access directly to their clients—simplifying remote work and IT management with no hidden fees or technical complexity.
A Strategic Boost for TSplus in the French Market
This partnership is a key milestone in TSplus’ expansion strategy. By aligning with ImsCloud—recognized for its close relationships with resellers and membership in the EURABIS group—TSplus gains:
Stronger visibility in the French-speaking IT channel
Direct access to a qualified network of local resellers
Accelerated adoption of TSplus Remote Access in SMBs across France
A trusted partner to ensure seamless deployment and support for end users
For TSplus, it’s a unique opportunity to grow its presence in a market that values practical, secure, and budget-conscious IT solutions. For ImsCloud and its resellers, it means gaining a proven alternative to complex and costly virtualization tools like Citrix or Microsoft RDS.
To learn more about the new TSplus solution available via ImsCloud, visit: https://imsbackup.com/
To learn more about TSplus range of remote access solutions, visit www.tsplus.net
About ImsCloud Based in Le Mans, ImsCloud is a fast-growing IT services company specializing in secure cloud solutions including data backup, hosting, cybersecurity, and Microsoft 365 services. Known for their agility, personalized service, and technical reliability, ImsCloud is a key member of the EURABIS group and a trusted partner for resellers across France.
About TSplus TSplus is a global software company that empowers organizations to securely access their business applications from anywhere. With solutions in Remote Access, Server Monitoring, and Remote Support, TSplus is the smart alternative to traditional virtualization tools—trusted by over 500,000 users in 140+ countries.
LYON, France, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TSplus, a leading provider of secure remote access and application delivery solutions, is proud to announce its new partnership with ImsCloud, a trusted name in IT services and cloud hosting in France.
This partnership brings TSplus Remote Access to ImsCloud’s portfolio of ready-to-deploy solutions, offering French IT resellers a secure and cost-effective remote desktop alternative to Citrix and Microsoft RDS. As part of ImsCloud’s reseller catalog, TSplus will now be available alongside complementary tools such as Signitic and Cloudiway—enabling partners to deliver complete, modern digital workspaces to their customers.
“We are excited to partner with ImsCloud, a company that shares our values of simplicity, security, and customer support,” said François Stoop, International Sales Director at TSplus. “Together, we’re making enterprise-level remote access easy to deploy and affordable for businesses of all sizes.”
With this integration, ImsCloud’s partners can now offer TSplus Remote Access directly to their clients—simplifying remote work and IT management with no hidden fees or technical complexity.
A Strategic Boost for TSplus in the French Market
This partnership is a key milestone in TSplus’ expansion strategy. By aligning with ImsCloud—recognized for its close relationships with resellers and membership in the EURABIS group—TSplus gains:
Stronger visibility in the French-speaking IT channel
Direct access to a qualified network of local resellers
Accelerated adoption of TSplus Remote Access in SMBs across France
A trusted partner to ensure seamless deployment and support for end users
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A new flythrough has revealed what the Castle Car Park and the Eye of York could look like.
Amendments to the existing Castle car park and Eye of York planning application have now been submitted.
The key changes include:
a new green park
introducing a dedicated space for children to play
replacing the paved event space with 30 Blue Badge parking spaces to replace existing parking – two of which will have electric vehicle charging points
reducing the costs of the overall scheme to ensure it is deliverable.
This follows public engagement on the revised concept designs which took place during summer 2024. Design consultancy, BDP, reflected priorities including accessibility, heritage and maintenance in the updated design.
Councillor Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion at City of York Council, said:
“This is an important step forwards for the project which aims to transform one of the most historic parts of the city centre.
“These plans seek to create a versatile public space where people of all ages want to spend time, making it greener and more accessible, as well as more affordable and deliverable, when compared to previous plans. We are sensitive to the area and its history and that is reflected in the plans which honour some of the more difficult aspects of our past.
“We also want this to be a space for all and as well as a number of accessible features, these plans include retaining 30 blue badge parking spaces, following public feedback.
“We will continue to listen as this project moves through the planning process.”
Councillor Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economy and Culture said:
“We are working to transform this area from a car park to a people park.
“These plans have been shaped by comments from local people, disabled groups, businesses and other stakeholders.
“Our proposals include new play areas for families – something people have been asking for more of in the city centre, and green open space for people to relax and take some time out.
“Our aspiration is for this historic site to be a free, welcoming place for residents and visitors to enjoy, away from the bustle of the city.”
Matthew Costa, Landscape Architect Director at BDP, said:
“We’ve listened carefully to what people want from this space and continue to shape the design around the community vision.
“The updated plans aim to make the area greener, easier to get around, and more enjoyable for everyone – whether you’re coming to relax, play, or meet others. It’s about turning the Castle Gateway into a place that feels like an inclusive, cultural and nature-rich part of the city again.”
The planning application can be found using this reference 22/00209/FULM via the Online Planning Register and comments can be made via the statutory planning process before at the Planning Portal. People can also email comments to planning.comments@york.gov.uk or post to Development Management, City of York Council, West Offices, York YO1 6GA.
A report will be taken to the council’s Executive later this year, seeking a decision to close Castle car park, approval to procure a contractor to deliver the scheme, setting the delivery budget and timeframe, plus provide updates on other Castle Gateway schemes.
UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Central African Republic
UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the Oral Update of the Independent Expert on Central African Republic (CAR). This statement was delivered on 4 July 2025 during the 59th session of the HRC in Geneva.
Thank you, Mr Vice President,
We thank the Independent Expert for his update and welcome the Central African Republic’s continued cooperation with his mandate.
As the Central African Republic continues to strengthen its human rights framework, we welcome the appointment of 11 new commissioners of the Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission. And we encourage a timely resumption of the Commission’s activities.
However, we remain alarmed that reports of human rights violations and abuses continue to increase across the country. We reiterate our call for the Central African Republic to initiate court proceedings to hold to account members of armed groups accused of human rights violations and abuses.
Mr Vice President, holding credible and secure local elections is a crucial step to strengthen local governance ahead of presidential and legislative elections next year. The UK strongly encourages CAR to protect civil and political human rights throughout the electoral period. This is an important opportunity for CAR to demonstrate their commitment to democracy.
Mr Agbetse, following the recent postponement of local elections, how can this council support the timely and inclusive delivery of elections for the people of CAR?
Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Alfredo Mantovano chaired a meeting at Palazzo Chigi this evening between the Italian Government and a delegation from the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, led by the Major Archbishop of Kyiv-Halyč, His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk.
The meeting was also attended by: the Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli; the Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin; the Minister of Health, Orazio Schillaci; the Italian Ambassador to the Holy See, Francesco Di Nitto; the President of Triennale Milano, Stefano Boeri; the President of the MAXXI Foundation – National Museum of 21st Century Art, Emanuela Bruni; and, the President of the Bambino Gesù Foundation and Paediatric Hospital, Tiziano Onesti.
The meeting came just a few hours before the start of the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025), which will be held in Rome tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, 10-11 July, and will be opened with addresses by the President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, and the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky. In this regard, Undersecretary of State Mantovano thanked Archbishop Shevchuk “for having accepted the invitation for a discussion on the very eve of an international event dedicated to the reconstruction of war-torn Ukraine”.
The meeting reaffirmed the key role played by the Greek Catholic Church in providing the population with spiritual and social support over more than 40 months of conflict. “During these years – underlined Undersecretary of State Mantovano – you have demonstrated that you are a vibrant and united Church and community, able to respond as one, together with the other Christian Churches, to the suffering of your people”. There was a significant focus on the prospects for reconstruction and the role local communities and religious institutions can play in the country’s regeneration. “We are convinced – added Undersecretary of State Mantovano – that the ‘local dimension’ will be one of the pillars of Ukraine’s economic recovery. You too are among the representatives of local areas, demonstrating the crucial contribution believers can make in any context”.
Today’s meeting forms part of a broader cultural and social collaboration programme promoted by the Italian Government which, already since September 2023, has involved institutions such as Triennale Milano and MAXXI in initiatives dedicated to the restoration of war-damaged heritage, including the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa, and in training projects in the fields of cultural heritage conservation and management. At the end of the meeting, Undersecretary of State Mantovano presented His Beatitude Shevchuk with the bronze medal minted in 2024 by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato [State Printing Works and Mint] to celebrate Ukraine’s resistance and support the ‘Unbroken Kids’ rehabilitation centre at the Saint Nicholas Children’s Hospital in Lviv.
Detectives have charged a man in connection with the murder of Tyler Hayward who was stabbed to death in Chingford.
Peshman Ahmedi, 22 (09.04.03), of no fixed address, was arrested at the Port of Dover on Tuesday, 8 July following a large police operation in Kent.
He was subsequently charged with murder on Thursday, 10 July. He will appear in custody at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 10 July.
A murder investigation was launched after officers were called to reports of a stabbing in Chingford Mount Road at 21:14hrs on Sunday, 6 July.
Met officers responded with paramedics and Tyler, 26, was found with a stab wound. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he sadly died at the scene.
His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Detectives have charged a man in connection with the murder of Tyler Hayward who was stabbed to death in Chingford.
Peshman Ahmedi, 22 (09.04.03), of no fixed address, was arrested at the Port of Dover on Tuesday, 8 July following a large police operation in Kent.
He was subsequently charged with murder on Thursday, 10 July. He will appear in custody at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 10 July.
A murder investigation was launched after officers were called to reports of a stabbing in Chingford Mount Road at 21:14hrs on Sunday, 6 July.
Met officers responded with paramedics and Tyler, 26, was found with a stab wound. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he sadly died at the scene.
His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
On July 6, an arson attack targeted the East Melbourne Synagogue. It was the latest in a series of antisemitic incidents recorded across Australia since October 7 2023, when Hamas carried out a horrific terrorist attack, killing about 1,200 Israelis. These domestic incidents have escalated in both number and severity.
Australia has not previously experienced antisemitism at this scale. In response, the Albanese government appointed Jillian Segal as the nation’s first special envoy for combating antisemitism, and commissioned a plan with recommendations to address the issue.
1. Preventing violence and crime, including a proposed law enforcement framework to improve coordination between agencies, and new policies aimed at stopping dangerous individuals from entering Australia.
2. Strengthening protections against hate speech, by regulating all forms of hate, including antisemitism, and increasing oversight of platform policies and algorithms.
3. Promoting antisemitism-free media, education and cultural spaces, through journalist training, education programs, and conditions on public funding for organisations that promote or fail to address antisemitism.
The government has said it will consider the recommendations.
These measures are broadly reasonable and make practical sense. Some – such as those aimed at preventing violence and crime – are more straightforward to implement than others. It would also be logical to apply them to all forms of hate, not just antisemitism.
But that needs to be done with caution. We don’t want to create an environment in which any criticism of a community or group is shut down by regulation.
In a democracy, open and robust debate is essential. The challenge lies in the details: how we define hate, and where we draw the threshold for what counts as hate.
The document ignores the elephant in the room: whether the plan could be used to silence legitimate criticism of Israel.
The special envoy’s plan notes antisemitism has risen since October 7, but it does not fully explain the context. Israel’s military response in Gaza, which has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, has prompted a wave of global protest and criticism of Israel, including accusations of genocide.
In this context, the line between antisemitism and criticism of Israel has become more difficult and contested than ever. Some people who attack Israel or Zionism may be expressing antisemitic views. Others may not. Distinguishing between the two is complex, but essential.
The envoy adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which covers both direct attacks on Jewish identity and certain criticisms of Israel, such as comparisons with Nazi Germany.
In my experience as a researcher working on online hate (including antisemitism), even members of the Jewish community adopting this definition often disagree on how to apply it.
The threshold varies – for example when deciding whether an online post or a statement crosses the line into antisemitism.
So where should we draw that line? It’s a crucial question. If the envoy’s recommendations are implemented, decisions about funding, visas, and even criminal charges could depend on it.
There is, of course, broad agreement on some cases. Setting fire to a synagogue is clearly antisemitic – it targets a Jewish place of worship.
Similarly, attacking a Jewish-owned business or damaging property in a Jewish neighbourhood suggests the target was chosen because it was Jewish.
Some people – often those already harbouring anti-Jewish views – treat the entire Jewish community as if it represents the Netanyahu government or the Israel Defense Forces.
This ignores the diversity of views within Jewish communities. That lack of nuance fuels antisemitism.
Few would disagree that antisemitic acts include attacks on Jewish people or property carried out indiscriminately, or when anti-Israel protests attempt to hold the whole Jewish community collectively responsible for the actions of the Israeli government.
But we also need to be realistic. We are unlikely to eliminate all forms of antisemitic hate or intimidation from public life. Hate can be expressed without breaching laws, and people can intimidate others while staying just within legal boundaries.
Humour, sarcasm and coded language are often used to incite hatred without triggering any formal consequence. That kind of harm is much harder to prevent – and it may be something we have to learn to live with, while continuing to push back against it.
Rebuilding trust
In the long term, the only real solution is building mutual understanding. That’s why personal relationships matter.
Knowing someone who is Jewish is one of the strongest antidotes to antisemitism. When you have a Jewish friend, you’re less likely to believe or spread the myths that circulate online and offline about what Jewish people think, believe or represent.
The same applies to all forms of hate. Direct contact helps break down stereotypes across all communities.
The problem is that the current context is pushing communities apart. Segregation and isolation are increasing. Before October 7, there was meaningful interfaith work happening – Jewish students visiting the Islamic Museum, Muslim students visiting the Holocaust Museum. That work has largelystopped.
Now, people are retreating into fear, distrust and generalisations. All nuance is lost. The “other” becomes a single, threatening enemy.
It will take time to rebuild that trust – and the longer the war continues, the harder it will be.
Matteo Vergani receives funding from the Campbell Collaboration, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Department of Home Affairs.
On July 6, an arson attack targeted the East Melbourne Synagogue. It was the latest in a series of antisemitic incidents recorded across Australia since October 7 2023, when Hamas carried out a horrific terrorist attack, killing about 1,200 Israelis. These domestic incidents have escalated in both number and severity.
Australia has not previously experienced antisemitism at this scale. In response, the Albanese government appointed Jillian Segal as the nation’s first special envoy for combating antisemitism, and commissioned a plan with recommendations to address the issue.
1. Preventing violence and crime, including a proposed law enforcement framework to improve coordination between agencies, and new policies aimed at stopping dangerous individuals from entering Australia.
2. Strengthening protections against hate speech, by regulating all forms of hate, including antisemitism, and increasing oversight of platform policies and algorithms.
3. Promoting antisemitism-free media, education and cultural spaces, through journalist training, education programs, and conditions on public funding for organisations that promote or fail to address antisemitism.
The government has said it will consider the recommendations.
These measures are broadly reasonable and make practical sense. Some – such as those aimed at preventing violence and crime – are more straightforward to implement than others. It would also be logical to apply them to all forms of hate, not just antisemitism.
But that needs to be done with caution. We don’t want to create an environment in which any criticism of a community or group is shut down by regulation.
In a democracy, open and robust debate is essential. The challenge lies in the details: how we define hate, and where we draw the threshold for what counts as hate.
The document ignores the elephant in the room: whether the plan could be used to silence legitimate criticism of Israel.
The special envoy’s plan notes antisemitism has risen since October 7, but it does not fully explain the context. Israel’s military response in Gaza, which has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, has prompted a wave of global protest and criticism of Israel, including accusations of genocide.
In this context, the line between antisemitism and criticism of Israel has become more difficult and contested than ever. Some people who attack Israel or Zionism may be expressing antisemitic views. Others may not. Distinguishing between the two is complex, but essential.
The envoy adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which covers both direct attacks on Jewish identity and certain criticisms of Israel, such as comparisons with Nazi Germany.
In my experience as a researcher working on online hate (including antisemitism), even members of the Jewish community adopting this definition often disagree on how to apply it.
The threshold varies – for example when deciding whether an online post or a statement crosses the line into antisemitism.
So where should we draw that line? It’s a crucial question. If the envoy’s recommendations are implemented, decisions about funding, visas, and even criminal charges could depend on it.
There is, of course, broad agreement on some cases. Setting fire to a synagogue is clearly antisemitic – it targets a Jewish place of worship.
Similarly, attacking a Jewish-owned business or damaging property in a Jewish neighbourhood suggests the target was chosen because it was Jewish.
Some people – often those already harbouring anti-Jewish views – treat the entire Jewish community as if it represents the Netanyahu government or the Israel Defense Forces.
This ignores the diversity of views within Jewish communities. That lack of nuance fuels antisemitism.
Few would disagree that antisemitic acts include attacks on Jewish people or property carried out indiscriminately, or when anti-Israel protests attempt to hold the whole Jewish community collectively responsible for the actions of the Israeli government.
But we also need to be realistic. We are unlikely to eliminate all forms of antisemitic hate or intimidation from public life. Hate can be expressed without breaching laws, and people can intimidate others while staying just within legal boundaries.
Humour, sarcasm and coded language are often used to incite hatred without triggering any formal consequence. That kind of harm is much harder to prevent – and it may be something we have to learn to live with, while continuing to push back against it.
Rebuilding trust
In the long term, the only real solution is building mutual understanding. That’s why personal relationships matter.
Knowing someone who is Jewish is one of the strongest antidotes to antisemitism. When you have a Jewish friend, you’re less likely to believe or spread the myths that circulate online and offline about what Jewish people think, believe or represent.
The same applies to all forms of hate. Direct contact helps break down stereotypes across all communities.
The problem is that the current context is pushing communities apart. Segregation and isolation are increasing. Before October 7, there was meaningful interfaith work happening – Jewish students visiting the Islamic Museum, Muslim students visiting the Holocaust Museum. That work has largelystopped.
Now, people are retreating into fear, distrust and generalisations. All nuance is lost. The “other” becomes a single, threatening enemy.
It will take time to rebuild that trust – and the longer the war continues, the harder it will be.
Matteo Vergani receives funding from the Campbell Collaboration, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Department of Home Affairs.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
£500m Government investment to boost growth and opportunity for underrepresented entrepreneurs
Underrepresented investors and fund managers will benefit from £500m of Government backing to help high potential new entrants build the track record they need.
£400 million package to back investment fund managers from underrepresented backgrounds and drive growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
Additional £50 million for female-led venture capital funds, doubling the British Business Bank’s commitment to £100 million and supporting the Invest in Women Taskforce.
New report reveals that angel investors are backing more all-female founding teams than all-male teams in the UK for the first time.
Diverse or underrepresented investors and fund managers will benefit from £500m of Government backing to help high potential new entrants develop the track record they need to become the investors of the future.
Targeted at women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and those from deprived backgrounds, there will be a new £400m package from the British Business Bank starting in 2026, which will operate across three pillars:
Back more diverse fund managers directly through the Bank’s Enterprise Capital Funds programme, the Bank’s scheme to support early-stage businesses with high growth potential.
Invest more in supporting micro-funds, funds with around £10-15m and the first step on the venture capital ladder for new investors
Back partners, such as venture capital funds, to invest smaller amounts in talented individuals to build a track record and to provide training, giving those without personal wealth or connections the opportunity to become investors.
Research shows just 2p of every £1 invested in venture capital funding in the UK goes to female-founded businesses and only 13% of senior individuals on UK venture capital investment teams are women.
The initiative announced today aims to reduce the significant gap in venture capital investment for underrepresented founders and investors. It will target at least 50% of investment going to female fund managers.
By backing diverse and emerging fund managers, the initiative not only strengthens the UK’s venture capital ecosystem but also ensures that entrepreneurial ambition is no longer limited by background, gender, or geography. This targeted support will help build a more dynamic, inclusive economy that works for everyone.
Unlocking the potential of underrepresented entrepreneurs and breaking down barriers to opportunity will help drive growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, said:
This is exactly what our Plan for Change is about: breaking down barriers to opportunity and kickstarting the growth that creates jobs and puts money into people’s pockets across the UK.
This £500 million investment will back diverse and emerging fund managers, making our economy stronger and more dynamic.
Louis Taylor CBE, Chief Executive Officer, British Business Bank, said:
To deliver the government’s growth mission it is critical that our most promising entrepreneurs can access the finance they need to grow their businesses, no matter who they are or what their background is. The UK equity market currently experiences a significant funding gap for diverse founders, negatively impacting their ability to start a business.
This new £400m Investor Pathways Capital initiative will support diverse and emerging fund managers across the UK, in turn supporting talented entrepreneurs currently underserved by the UK equity market. It has the potential to unlock the UK’s full commercial potential and boost the UK economy.
The initiative comes alongside an additional £50m investment into female-led funds to support the aims of the Invest in Women Taskforce, further expanding access to funding for female investors and entrepreneurs, taking the Bank’s total commitment to £100m.
The news comes alongside the latest Investing in Women Code report out today, which tracks and promotes investment into women-led businesses. It finds that investing in female and ethnic minority-led businesses could add 13% to the value of the UK equity market, underscoring the importance of backing diverse founders. The Code was launched in 2019 in response to the Rose Review’s findings that a lack of funding was one of the most significant barriers to women seeking to effectively scale a business.
There has also been promising progress for angel investment from Code signatories – those investing from their personal wealth – with all female investor teams and mixed-gender teams surpassing all male teams for the first time for investment received. Similarly, across all signatories, more female-only teams received funding than mixed-gender and all male teams.
However, more progress is still needed for investment in women businesses to meet its potential, with the total value of investments going into female led teams much less than that of all-male (15% vs 37%), with the remainder going to mixed teams.
Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson CBE said:
Women entrepreneurs have so much to contribute to economic growth, so it is encouraging to see progress in this year’s Code, with more female-led teams receiving investment than male for the first time.
Our Plan for Change is about boosting growth further and that’s why we’re taking action today to support high-potential female-led funds with an extra £50m of funding.
The report will be launched in a parliamentary reception attended by the Chancellor this afternoon.
Stakeholder quotes:
Hannah Bernard OBE, Head of Barclays Business Bank and Co-Chair of the Invest in Women Taskforce, said:
It’s heartening to see that once again IWC signatories are recognising the value of backing women-led businesses in the UK and are outperforming the broader market – proving that more diverse decision-making teams deliver better outcomes. We’re seeing real momentum in the number of women now shaping investment decisions, and the data shows this is directly linked to greater backing for female entrepreneurs.
That’s why programmes like the BBB’s new Investor Pathway Capital programme are so important and will help even more women break into Venture Capital. This is a core principle of the Invest in Women Taskforce – when you change who holds the capital, you change who gets funded.
The Investing in Women Code plays a vital role in helping us track progress and drive meaningful change across the wider industry and we urge more LPs to sign up and recognise the proven value of backing women. The Invest in Women Taskforce looks forward to deepening its partnership with the IWC to accelerate momentum and unlock the full potential of female entrepreneurs across the UK.
Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder, Small Business Britain, said:
Our country’s 5.45 million small businesses represent huge opportunity to power the UK’s economy forward, but the truth is that it is not always a level-playing field out there for entrepreneurs for many intersectional reasons.
So it is fantastic to see this new dedicated support package announced to help greater support flow towards under-represented entrepreneurial groups – like women, Disabled founders and those from ethnic minority backgrounds. We really applaud this effort and are keen to see the UK backing the rich diversity of British entrepreneurs as much as possible. It will undoubtedly bridge a big gap and has the potential to unlock tremendous growth and opportunity for us all.
Jenny Tooth OBE, Executive Chair, UK Business Angels Association, said:
We welcome today’s announcements from the British Business Bank. Backing underrepresented fund managers and doubling support for female-led VC funds are vital steps toward a more inclusive investment ecosystem.
This year, we saw that angel groups made more investment deals in all-female teams (42%) than in either mixed-gender or all-male teams – a powerful sign of change. These new initiatives will help build on that momentum, and work alongside more angel-backed innovation across the UK.
Check Warner MBE, Co-founder & Chair, Diversity VC, Co-Founding Partner, Ada Ventures, said:
To ensure the British economy is truly firing on all cylinders, we must find and back entrepreneurial talent from the widest possible pool. But if we don’t have representation at the investor level, the true potential of exceptional founders who don’t fit traditional moulds will continue to go untapped.
Building a more diverse cohort of emerging managers is a vital step en route to finding the best talent and driving outsized performance across a stronger tech ecosystem. At Ada Ventures, we’ve learnt from experience that a diverse investing team spots alpha founders that others miss.
It’s therefore encouraging to see a really meaningful and thoughtful package of interventions being announced by the Government and the British Business Bank today. This will be a key catalyst as Britain strives to become the best place in the world to start, scale and exit a business. I fervently believe that this ambition can go hand-in-hand with an equitable, diverse funding landscape that backs talent from all demographics and walks of life.
Shayan Chowdhury, Interim Managing Director at Newton Venture Program, said:
The most effective and enduring way to broaden access to capital for entrepreneurs of every kind is to cultivate an investor talent pool that reflects the diverse nature of society. That means opening up networks to a wider range of people and giving them the opportunity to participate, and thrive, in the venture capital ecosystem.
This £500m package is a huge step toward that. Allyship matters, but representation is what truly shifts outcomes, and building a more inclusive investor base is the most sustainable route to more equitable entrepreneurship.
Adopt best practices to improve female entrepreneurs’ access to finance needed to start and grow successful businesses
Nominate a member of the senior leadership team responsible for supporting equality in all interactions with entrepreneurs
Provide annual funding data disaggregated by gender to DBT, based on agreed guidelines. Providing data and analysis helps to promote greater transparency across the industry, highlighting where measures are working and where further measures may be needed.
The British Business Bank is the UK Government’s economic development bank. Established in November 2014, its mission is to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the UK and to enable the transition to a net zero economy, by improving access to finance for smaller businesses. Its remit is to design, deliver and efficiently manage UK-wide smaller business access to finance programmes for the UK Government.
The British Business Bank’s core programmes support over £17.4bn of finance to almost 64,000 smaller businesses.
As well as increasing the supply and diversity of finance for UK smaller businesses through its programmes, the Bank works to raise awareness of finance options available to smaller businesses. The British Business Bank Finance Hub provides independent and impartial information to businesses about finance options, featuring short films, expert guides, checklists and articles from finance providers to help make their application a success.
The British Business Bank is also responsible for administering the Government’s three Coronavirus loan schemes and its Future Fund, together responsible for delivering £80.4bn in finance to 1.67m businesses. These schemes are now closed to new applications.
Nomination reflects Bitwise’s continued commitment to research and education
Shannon has strong background in token analysis, data-driven research
Bitwise publishes a wide range of research seeking to facilitate investor access to rapidly growing digital finance asset class
10 July 2025. London: Bitwise is pleased to announce the appointment of Max Shannon as Senior Research Associate within its European research team. The move reinforces Bitwise’s ongoing commitment to research and investor education, aimed at making crypto assets more widely accessible to the investment community and support its suite of German domiciled crypto exchange traded products (ETPs), which includes single asset strategies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana, diversified crypto baskets, and index-based staking ETPs.
Shannon brings a strong background in token analysis, crypto equities, and data-driven research, and will play a key role in expanding Bitwise’s thought leadership in crypto investing.
Prior to joining Bitwise, Shannon served as a Crypto & Equity Research Analyst at CoinShares, where he specialized in liquid tokens and publicly listed crypto-related companies. His expertise in Python programming and his hands-on experience analyzing large financial datasets make him a strong fit for Bitwise’s data-centric research approach.
In his new role, Shannon will report directly to Dr. André Dragosch, Head of Research, Europe at Bitwise, who said: Max’s dual strengths in granular token evaluation and quantitative data analysis align perfectly with our commitment to rigorous, research-first investment strategies. His appointment further strengthens our capabilities in altcoin research and underscores our dedication to delivering institutional-grade insights to our European clients and the investment community.”
Shannon said: “I’m excited to join such a dynamic and innovative firm as Bitwise, and to work alongside a team of true crypto experts. Being part of a company that places research and investor education at the core of its mission is a unique opportunity for me, and I look forward to contributing to the continued expansion of that vision.”
Bitwise made its debut on the European market on 18 June 2020, and its portfolio of products has expanded rapidly since then. Its products are designed to integrate seamlessly into traditional portfolios, offering exposure to crypto assets through regulated vehicles— without the operational risks of holding a physical wallet. Based on the country of residence and other applicable local requirements, some of the current offerings may be suitable to individual investors and available via leading brokerage platforms, with features such as physical redemption included as standard. Bitwise publishes regular freely available analysis on the latest developments in the crypto sector, including a weekly commentary, special reports and deep dives on specific topics. Examples are the weekly Crypto Market Compass, the monthly Bitcoin Macro Investor report and the Crypto Market Espresso, an ad-hoc publication focused on market-relevant crypto news and timely insights. Register here or follow our Linkedin newsletter if you’d like to be notified by email when new market commentary and research updates become available. All research is available on the insights section at bitwiseinvestments.eu.
About Bitwise
Bitwise is one of the world’s leading crypto specialist asset managers. Thousands of financial advisors, family offices, and institutional investors across the globe have partnered with us to understand and access the opportunities in crypto. Since 2017, Bitwise has established a track record of excellence, managing a broad suite of index and active solutions across ETPs, separately managed accounts, private funds, and hedge fund strategies – spanning both the U.S. and Europe.
In Europe, for the past five years Bitwise (formerly ETC Group) has developed an extensive and innovative suite of crypto ETPs, including Europe’s most traded bitcoin ETP, or the first diversified Crypto Basket ETP replicating an MSCI digital assets index.
This family of crypto ETPs is domiciled in Germany and issued under a base prospectus approved by BaFin. We exclusively partner with reputable entities from the traditional financial industry, ensuring that 100% of the assets are securely stored offline (cold storage) through regulated custodians.
Our European products comprise a collection of carefully designed financial instruments that seamlessly integrate into any professional portfolio, providing comprehensive exposure to crypto as an asset class. Access is straightforward via major European stock exchanges, with primary listings on Xetra, the most liquid exchange for ETF trading in Europe. Retail investors benefit from easy access through numerous DIY/online brokers, coupled with our robust and secure physical ETP structure, which includes a redemption feature. For more information, visit http://www.bitwiseinvestments.eu
Media contacts:
JEA Associates John McLeod 00 44 7886 920436 john@jeaassociates.com
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1 / 7Show Caption +Hide Caption –Samantha Beltran, left, Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center Army CID FXD latent print examiner, demonstrates fingerprint analysis techniques to French Forces in Djibouti personnel at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 12, 2025. The JTFAC analyzes evidence from the field, including DNA, fingerprints, firearms, and electronic media, to provide actionable intelligence in support of U.S., allied, and partner nation operations across Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Hardy-Bannerman) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Marcus Hardy-Bannerman) VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 7Show Caption +Hide Caption –Natassha Robinson, Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center Army CID FXD latent print examiner, demonstrates fingerprint analysis techniques to Japanese Self-Defense Force members at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 19, 2025. The JTFAC collaborates with various partner forces across the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility to support operations to enhance regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Hardy-Bannerman) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Marcus Hardy-Bannerman) VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 7Show Caption +Hide Caption –A sign for the Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center is displayed at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 5, 2025. The JTFAC is U.S. Africa Command’s sole provider of comprehensive forensic capabilities across the range of military operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek) (Photo Credit: Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek) VIEW ORIGINAL4 / 7Show Caption +Hide Caption –Emily Rue, Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center, observes a color test to isolate the compound in the sample in Bizerte, Tunisia, April 28, 2025. African Lion 25 (AL25) is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 40 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army Reserve Photo By Lt. Col Dale D. Barnes.) (Photo Credit: Lt. Col. Dale Barnes) VIEW ORIGINAL5 / 7Show Caption +Hide Caption –The Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center and Tunisian Armed Forces use a variety of chemicals to retrieve serial numbers removed from equipment in Bizerte, Tunisia, April 28, 2025. African Lion 25 (AL25) is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 40 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Lt. Col. Dale D. Barnes.) (Photo Credit: Lt. Col. Dale Barnes) VIEW ORIGINAL6 / 7Show Caption +Hide Caption –Lauren Kraul, Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center, discusses methods to retrieve serial numbers removed from equipment with Tunisian Armed Forces in Bizerte, Tunisia, April 28, 2025. African Lion 25 (AL25) is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 40 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army Reserve Photo By Lt. Col Dale D. Barnes.) (Photo Credit: Lt. Col. Dale Barnes) VIEW ORIGINAL7 / 7Show Caption +Hide Caption –The Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center and Tunisian Armed Forces collaborate during exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25) in Bizerte, Tunisia, April 28, 2025. Fluorescent lighting is used to view fingerprints on items being tested. AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 40 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Lt. Col. Dale D. Barnes.) (Photo Credit: Lt. Col. Dale Barnes) VIEW ORIGINAL
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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)
VICENZA, Italy – When U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) identified a need to gather evidence, the U.S. Army’s Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center (JTFAC) answered the call. Its forensic team launched into action at sea, turning expertise into real-world impact.
At the request of the CENTCOM and AFRICOM, JTFAC personnel deployed to collect and analyze forensic evidence from a vessel carrying Iranian-supplied advanced conventional weapons. The seized cargo included ballistic missile components, anti-ship ballistic missile parts and a warhead, all bound for Houthi rebel forces in Yemen.
The forensic evidence helped secure a June 5, 2025, federal conviction of the ship’s captain, Muhammad Pahlawan, a Pakistani national who worked closely with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, on six charges related to smuggling Iranian-made advanced conventional weaponry destined for the Houthis in Yemen, as well as threatening multiple witnesses.
“The JTFAC forensic team conducted rapid sensitive site exploitation at expeditionary locations, including within the maritime environment,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kyle Thomason, provost marshal for U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), which provides oversight to JTFAC operations.
To meet the unique demands of a maritime environment, the team rapidly adapted its Fly Away Kit, a mobile forensic toolkit designed for land and sea missions. This self-contained toolkit enabled JTFAC scientists to conduct on-site analysis, including chemical trace detection, biometric collection, and confirmed and inventoried types of weapons and equipment aboard the vessel.
The vessel’s initial interdiction resulted in the deaths of two Navy SEALs off the coast of Somalia in Jan. 2024, making international headlines at the time. However, the loss of service members was not in vain.
The interdiction successfully prevented anti-ship ballistic missiles from targeting U.S. and partner-nation vessels. The type of weaponry found aboard the vessel was consistent with the weapon systems used by the Houthi rebel forces during the time of the charged conspiracy against merchant ships and U.S. military vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel.
“The JTFAC services the Joint Interagency Intergovernmental Multinational community within AFRICOM,” said Thomason. “Their mission enables U.S. and partner nation forces to accomplish AFRICOM campaign objectives.”
Along with AFRICOM and CENTCOM, U.S. European Command was also involved in this offshore mission, highlighting JTFAC’s reach across geographic boundaries and interagency lines.
“We’re glad to have had the opportunity to fit into the seams of multiple commands to support this consequential operation,” added Thomason.
The mission not only demonstrated the center’s technical capabilities, but also deepened collaboration between defense, justice and diplomatic agencies operating in the AFRICOM area of responsibility. It marked a significant milestone in JTFAC’s expanding role as a forensic enabler for both military and civilian partners.
“The lab is internationally accredited, meaning its scientists can serve as expert witnesses in both the U.S. and abroad,” said Greg Sanson, the JTFAC liaison officer to SETAF-AF. “This comes in handy when either the U.S. or a partner nation wants to take legal action against subjects identified through our forensic analysis.”
JTFAC’s recent support of African Lion exercises laid the groundwork for this success. During those multinational events, Forensic Exploitation Team (FXT) scientists provided hands-on training to host-nation forces in Tunisia and Morocco, covering topics such as latent fingerprint development, DNA analysis and post-blast evidence recovery.
In addition, AFRICOM’s exercise Cutlass Express included 21 legal advisors from 12 countries converging in Victoria, Seychelles, Feb. 10-14, 2025. The multinational team discussed legal processes and examined possible scenarios that support search and seizure operations such as the type of mission which brought about this latest conviction.
“These engagements not only enhance the forensic science capabilities of our partners across the African continent, but also reinforce our center’s readiness for real-world contingencies,” added U.S. Army Maj. Lucas Poon, the JTFAC director at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
JTFAC’s capabilities stem from both military and civilian personnel, operating under the umbrella of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID). The Army CID’s Forensic Exploitation Division (FXD) staffs the majority of JTFAC positions. While the JTFAC is operationally controlled by SETAF-AF, a unique team from multiple U.S. Army commands enables this function.
The FXD supports numerous annual partner nation engagements and deploys on six-month rotations as part of the JTFAC in Djibouti.
“The lab’s ongoing mission provides multiple other benefits to partner nations, civilians and service members who operate in this area,” said Sanson. “Accurate forensic assessments lead to updated tactics, techniques and procedures, as well as revisions to protective equipment and policies to keep people safe now and into the future.”
As threats grow more complex and transnational, JTFAC continues to prove that science, when deployed with precision, can be a decisive force for justice and security.
About SETAF-AF
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.
On Thursday the Netherlands pledged €300 million for the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine in 2025 and 2026. Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp announced the support at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Rome, in which he and Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof are participating. The URC is an annual international event dedicated to the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.
The foreign minister also announced that €30 million of this sum will be earmarked to help Dutch businesses and organisations to set up projects that contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction and sustainable recovery through the Ukraine Partnership Facility (UPF) grant programme. Mr Veldkamp had already said that €52 million of the Dutch contribution would be spent on repairing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and drinking water supplies in 2025.
In addition, the Netherlands is donating €4 million for the construction of a new wing at the children’s hospital in Lviv, to be carried out in partnership with the Princess Máxima Center for paediatric oncology in Utrecht.
These amounts are part of the funds that the government had already set aside for non-military support to Ukraine in 2025 and 2026. The support amounts to €252 million per year, which adds up to more than €500 million in total. The details of how the first €200 million would be spent had already been announced. Now the purpose of the remaining amounts has also been determined.
‘Russia isn’t just trying to bring Ukraine’s armed forces to their knees, but for more than three years has also been attempting to destroy Ukraine’s society and economy through continuous attacks, for instance on energy infrastructure, water supplies and grain storage facilities, as well as houses and apartments. It is therefore important that the international community supports Ukraine not only with arms, but also with financial, economic and social assistance. Ukraine’s economy and society must be kept running because that will help the country in its struggle. It is, as it were, another front line. Our financial and economic support is also intended to help the recovery process run more smoothly and to keep the costs of reconstruction down,’ said Mr Veldkamp.
Ukraine Partnership Facility
At the conference, Mr Veldkamp and Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, will sign a cooperation agreement on the extension of the UPF grant programme established in 2023 to help Dutch businesses and organisations working on projects in the fields of agrofood, sustainable energy, healthcare, water and circular construction that will benefit Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. The Netherlands and Ukraine will collaborate to ensure that the selected projects meet Ukraine’s needs to the greatest extent possible.
€20 million to boost Ukraine’s cyber resilience
One of the topics discussed at the conference will be efforts to boost Ukraine’s cyber resilience. The Netherlands had already announced it was setting aside €10 million per year for 2025 and 2026 to assist Ukraine in this area. The cyber threat posed to Ukraine by Russia has never been greater, as cyber attacks are an integral part of Russia’s war effort. The funding may for example be used to increase the cyber resilience of critical sectors such as energy and transport.
On Thursday the Netherlands pledged €300 million for the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine in 2025 and 2026. Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp announced the support at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Rome, in which he and Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof are participating. The URC is an annual international event dedicated to the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.
The foreign minister also announced that €30 million of this sum will be earmarked to help Dutch businesses and organisations to set up projects that contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction and sustainable recovery through the Ukraine Partnership Facility (UPF) grant programme. Mr Veldkamp had already said that €52 million of the Dutch contribution would be spent on repairing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and drinking water supplies in 2025.
In addition, the Netherlands is donating €4 million for the construction of a new wing at the children’s hospital in Lviv, to be carried out in partnership with the Princess Máxima Center for paediatric oncology in Utrecht.
These amounts are part of the funds that the government had already set aside for non-military support to Ukraine in 2025 and 2026. The support amounts to €252 million per year, which adds up to more than €500 million in total. The details of how the first €200 million would be spent had already been announced. Now the purpose of the remaining amounts has also been determined.
‘Russia isn’t just trying to bring Ukraine’s armed forces to their knees, but for more than three years has also been attempting to destroy Ukraine’s society and economy through continuous attacks, for instance on energy infrastructure, water supplies and grain storage facilities, as well as houses and apartments. It is therefore important that the international community supports Ukraine not only with arms, but also with financial, economic and social assistance. Ukraine’s economy and society must be kept running because that will help the country in its struggle. It is, as it were, another front line. Our financial and economic support is also intended to help the recovery process run more smoothly and to keep the costs of reconstruction down,’ said Mr Veldkamp.
Ukraine Partnership Facility
At the conference, Mr Veldkamp and Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, will sign a cooperation agreement on the extension of the UPF grant programme established in 2023 to help Dutch businesses and organisations working on projects in the fields of agrofood, sustainable energy, healthcare, water and circular construction that will benefit Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. The Netherlands and Ukraine will collaborate to ensure that the selected projects meet Ukraine’s needs to the greatest extent possible.
€20 million to boost Ukraine’s cyber resilience
One of the topics discussed at the conference will be efforts to boost Ukraine’s cyber resilience. The Netherlands had already announced it was setting aside €10 million per year for 2025 and 2026 to assist Ukraine in this area. The cyber threat posed to Ukraine by Russia has never been greater, as cyber attacks are an integral part of Russia’s war effort. The funding may for example be used to increase the cyber resilience of critical sectors such as energy and transport.
The partnership combines Secarna’s OligoCreator®technologywith Vect-Horus’ VECTrans®platform to enable systemic delivery of oligonucleotide therapies across the blood-brain barrier
This collaboration marks a strategic step for both companies in expanding their presence in targeted delivery and CNS indications, uniting complementary expertise in RNA therapeutics and advanced delivery technologies
This strategic agreement unlocks new potential treatments for neurodegenerative and other CNS disorders and delivering solutions that truly impact patient lives
Martinsried, Germany, and Marseille, France, July 10, 2025 – Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co. KG, a company redefining the discovery and development of best-in-class oligonucleotide therapeutics, and Vect-Horus, an expert in the design and development of molecular vectors to facilitate targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules and imaging agents, today announced that the companies have entered into a strategic research collaboration to develop RNA-targeted therapeutics capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to address diseases of the central nervous system (CNS).
The partnership will combine Vect-Horus’ expertise and delivery technology platform, VECTrans®, a versatile delivery system focused on shuttling therapeutic or imaging payloads across biological barriers, with Secarna’s proprietary OligoCreator® oligonucleotide discovery platform. The combination of these two technologies will expand Secarna’s targeted delivery portfolio, offering a novel approach that could potentially transform the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
“This partnership brings together two complementary platforms to address one of the most challenging aspects of CNS drug development – effective, targeted, and systemic delivery across the blood-brain barrier,” said Konstantin Petropoulos, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Secarna Pharmaceuticals. “Our collaboration with Vect-Horus, whose VECTrans® technology has earned major recognition in the world, marks a significant step in our strategic expansion into targeted delivery in the context of CNS diseases, unlocking new possibilities for treating neurodegenerative and other CNS disorders and delivering solutions that truly impact patient lives.”
“We are pleased to collaborate with Secarna Pharmaceuticals” said Alexandre Tokay, co-founder and CEO of Vect-Horus. “By combining our VECTrans® delivery platform with Secarna’s OligoCreator® technology, we aim to advance RNA-targeted therapies for CNS disorders. This research collaboration represents a unique opportunity to overcome the long-standing delivery challenges through the blood-brain barrier and bring forward innovative treatment options for patients who today have limited and ineffective treatment options”
With over 20 years of expertise Vect-Horus’ VECTrans® platform uses engineered peptide and single-domain, heavy chain-only (VHH) antibody vectors to shuttle therapeutic or imaging payloads—ranging from small molecules and oligonucleotides to proteins—across biological barriers like the blood–brain barrier via receptor-mediated transport. This approach enables efficient targeting of specific cells or tissues (e.g., the CNS or tumors) while enhancing pharmacokinetics and minimizing off-target effects. VECTrans® has been validated in multiple preclinical animal models for a variety of diseases. In addition, the platform has one partnered program in the clinical stage targeting glioblastoma multiforme and pancreatic cancer.
Secarna’s AI-empowered OligoCreator® platform unites multiple delivery solutions with safety and efficacy assessment tools to rapidly discover and refine highly effective and safe oligonucleotide therapies. This powerful integration enhances Secarna’s ability to address diseases once considered untreatable, reinforcing the platform’s critical role in driving the next generation of medical innovation.
About Secarna Pharmaceuticals Secarna Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company redefining the discovery and development of best-in-class oligonucleotide therapeutics, offering hope to patients facing conditions that are beyond the reach of current approaches and modalities. With the Company’s proprietary AI-empowered OligoCreator® platform, which includes multiple delivery technologies, Secarna identifies and characterizes oligonucleotide therapeutics with unparalleled speed and excellent safety and efficacy. By delivering these novel therapeutics to the cells, organs, or tissues where they are needed, targeted oligonucleotide therapies have the potential to revolutionize treatments for a wide range of difficult-to-treat disorders. Secarna’s unique ‘OligoCreator®’ platform is leveraged to transform untreatable conditions into treatable ones, profoundly changing the future of medicine. www.secarna.com
About Vect-Horus Vect-Horus designs and develops vectors that facilitate targeting and delivery of therapeutic or imaging agents to organs, including the brain, and to tumors. Founded in 2005, Vect-Horus is a spin-off of the Institute for Neurophysiopathology (INP, UMR7051, CNRS and Aix Marseille University), formerly headed by Dr Michel Khrestchatisky, co-founder of the company. Vect-Horus has 42 employees (most in R&D). To learn more about Vect-Horus, visit www.vect-horus.com.
Contact Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co. KG
Konstantin Petropoulos, PhD, MBA Chief Executive Officer Phone: +49 (0)89 215 46 375 info@secarna.com
The State of Qatar participated in the109th session of the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), held in The Hague.
The Qatari delegation was headed by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and its Permanent Representative to the OPCW Dr. Mutlaq bin Majid Al Qahtani.
In Qatar’s statement during the session, His Excellency noted that the meeting is taking place amid serious challenges to international peace and security, foremost among them the war waged by Israel on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in severe humanitarian tragedies.
His Excellency affirmed Qatar’s support for the request made by the State of Palestine, as a party to the Chemical Weapons Convention, for an immediate investigation into Israel’s use of prohibited substances during its military operations in Gaza.
His Excellency stressed that such actions constitute a blatant violation of international law and relevant conventions and require accountability for the perpetrators.
In this context, His Excellency condemned Israel’s repeated targeting of sites within Syrian territory, which hinders the work of OPCW missions and endangers the lives of its experts, especially as Syria continues its cooperation with the OPCW Technical Secretariat to identify sites containing chemical materials and develop destruction plans.
HE the Ambassador praised the recent positive progress in cooperation between the Syrian Arab Republic and the OPCW Technical Secretariat, commending the vital role played by the organization in this regard and Qatar’s support for enhancing this cooperation, calling on the Executive Council to engage positively with this new reality and to take the necessary steps to restore Syria’s rights and privileges as an active member of the organization.
His Excellency also reiterated Qatar’s position calling for the resolution of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis through dialogue and diplomatic means, and for the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
The UK and Japan yesterday signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) aimed at enabling increased UK investment into Japan, further strengthening the economic ties between the two nations.
The agreement was signed at the British Embassy in Tokyo by Baroness Poppy Gustafsson of Chesterton CBE, UK Minister for Investment, and Mr. Seto Takakazu, State Minister of the Cabinet Office of Japan, who played an important role in compiling the ‘Program for Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment in Japan 2025’ last month.
This strategic partnership establishes a formal framework for collaboration to accelerate UK investment into Japan, supporting Prime Minister Ishiba’s ambitious target of more than doubling Japan’s foreign direct investment stocks to JPY120 trillion (approximately £600 billion) in 2030.
Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson CBE said:
The UK and Japan share a deep and enduring partnership that is committed to mutual prosperity and growth. That’s why I’m delighted to sign this new partnership with Japan – capitalising on the major opportunities for UK businesses to bring their innovative offers to Japan and grow in the Japanese economy.
Key growth sectors with strong potential for increased UK investment include clean energy, digital transformation, biotechnology and healthcare, alongside enabling sectors such as legal, professional and financial services.
This aligns with the UK’s new Industrial Strategy, which sets out plans to transform the UK’s clean energy, digital and technologies, and life sciences sectors over the next decade – providing businesses with the stability and certainty to make long-term investment decisions in the UK.
The MoC builds upon the foundation of the enhanced global strategic partnership outlined in the Hiroshima Accord of May 2023 and complements existing frameworks such as the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and both nations’ membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
To mark the occasion, the British Embassy in Tokyo has launched “Expand in Japan” – an initiative to champion and support UK investors seeking opportunities in the Japanese market. Companies can register their interest here.
The signing comes as the Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson is in Tokyo to meet with key Japanese investors and government partners.
It also follows the UK’s recent National Day celebration at Expo 2025 Osaka, where the UK Pavilion, themed “Come Build the Future,” has been showcasing Britain as a global hub of innovation.
Nearly 1,000 Japanese companies have already established operations in the UK, with £87 billion in investment stock. This new agreement aims to strengthen reciprocal investment flows, supporting both nations’ economic growth and security objectives.
Richard Lyle, President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan, said:
We welcome this close partnership which enables UK companies to invest, innovate, and drive growth in Japan – this is a strong signal of Japan’s openness to high-quality investment. UK companies in Japan already create high-quality jobs across the country, develop deep partnerships, and offer world-leading products, services and solutions to multiple sectors in the market.
We will continue to work with the UK and Japanese governments to enable further UK investment into Japan. As a membership organisation supporting British companies in the Japanese market, we look forward to seeing more companies doing business here.
Martin Kent, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, said:
This new partnership with the Japanese Government is about turning ambition into action – unlocking opportunities for UK businesses in key sectors aligned with our Industrial Strategy – and building mutual prosperity with Japan. I look forward to the collaboration, innovation, and growth that will emerge following today’s signing.
Notes to Editors:
The UK-Japan relationship has been strengthened through multiple agreements including the 2023 Hiroshima Accord, a bilateral free trade agreement in 2020, UK’s accession to CPTPP in 2024, and the launch of the Economic 2+2 in 2025.
This agreement supports both the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and Japan’s Program for Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment.
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On July 10, our country celebrates the Day of the Russian army’s victory over the Swedes in the Battle of Poltava – one of the 20 days of military glory in the Russian holiday calendar.
The Battle of Poltava became the decisive battle of the Northern War (1700-1721), in which the Russian Tsardom, which was in the period of reforms of Peter I, was confronted by the powerful Swedish Kingdom, led by the talented military leader Charles XII.
Charles’s self-confidence played a cruel joke on him. Being in the minority, cut off from supplies, having lost his baggage train in the battle near the village of Lesnoy and having suffered serious losses in attempts to take Poltava by storm, the Swedish king decided on a general battle, hoping to defeat the Russian army, which was not yet well trained and equipped. Contrary to his expectations, the Russians had an overwhelming advantage in artillery and well-fortified positions.
In the first stage of the battle, the Swedes managed to occupy two unfinished redoubts on the move, but they were no longer able to advance. Having withstood heavy artillery fire and mixed up their ranks, they moved into a decisive attack, which quickly turned into a bayonet fight. Two hours later, they were surrounded by the Russians from the flanks, panicked, and fled the battlefield.
As a result, the Swedish corps was completely routed. About 9,000 people were killed, and 19,000, including all the generals, were captured. The Russians got the entire royal treasury, but Charles XII himself managed to escape to Turkey with a small detachment, where he continued to intrigue against Russia.
Despite the fact that the Northern War lasted for another 12 long years after the Battle of Poltava, Sweden could no longer pose a significant threat to the Russians. At the end of the war, Russia retained the territories of Karelia, Livonia, Estonia, Ingria and free access to the Baltic Sea, opening up broad strategic and trade opportunities.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Cricket minnows Italy are on the cusp of sealing their first appearance at the Twenty20 World Cup after stunning Scotland in the European qualifying tournament on Wednesday.
Their 12-run victory in Voorburg, the Netherlands, kept Italy top of the Europe Regional Final standings and in pole position for the 20-overs showpiece to be held in India and Sri Lanka next year.
A win over the Dutch, who are second in the standings, in their final match on Friday would seal their place but Italy’s superior net run rate means even a narrow loss could send them through if other results go their way.
“I am really proud of the boys for this moment,” said captain Joe Burns, who played 23 tests for Australia before switching allegiance to Italy last year.
“Hopefully this is the stepping stone for a lot to come. It’s a very emotional group at the moment. Being on the verge of a World Cup? It’s very surreal.”
With the top two in the standings to advance, Scotland can still qualify but need a big win against Jersey on Friday and an Italy victory against the Dutch.
“A lot of the credit has to go to Italy, who outskilled us with the ball in those conditions,” Scotland captain Richie Berrington said.
“Obviously today’s a tough one, but it’s important we learn what we can from this game. We will be looking to come back strong.
“We have to focus on coming back on Friday and looking to win that game then the rest takes care of itself.”
England’s Lauren James scored twice, while Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone also found the net to put the defending women’s European champions back on track at Euro 2025 with an emphatic 4-0 victory over the Netherlands on Wednesday.
Four days after a lacklustre 2-1 loss to France, aruthless England came out firing on all cylinders in front of a festive crowd that included Britain’s Prince William.
England and the Netherlands both have three points from their opening two games in Group D, level with France who can go three points clear at the summit if they beat Wales later on Wednesday.
England play tournament debutants Wales in their final group game on Sunday, when the Netherlands play France.
James put England on the scoresheet in the 22nd minute when goalkeeper Hannah Hampton picked out Alessia Russo with a stunning long ball. Russo, who had a hat-trick of assists to win the player of the match award, slipped it to James on the edge of the box who worked the ball onto her left foot before unleashing a screamer into the top corner.
Stanway doubled England’s lead seconds before halftime when the Dutch struggled to clear the ball and the midfielder was there to fizz a first-time shot past wrong-footed goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.
An unmarked James, who recently returned after missing almost three months with a hamstring injury, completed her double in the 60th with an easy shot from inside the box.
James received a standing ovation — and a kiss blown from her proud dad — when coach Sarina Wiegman replaced her with Chloe Kelly midway through the second half.
“I enjoyed it a lot. The goals say it all,” said James.
“We bounced back from our previous game and today we showed we’re more than capable of showing the world what we can do.”
MORE MISERY
Toone, who had replaced Beth Mead in the starting 11, added more misery for the Dutch in the 67th minute. Russo held up the ball in the penalty area before sending it to a running Toone, who calmly slotted home.
Wiegman, who coached the Netherlands to the Euro 2017 title, was delighted with her team’s response after the defeat to France, as they thoroughly smothered the Dutch, taking 17 shots to the Netherlands’ four.
“How we came together, how we played down the pitch and of course I’m very happy with the score because that’s a massive help because goal difference can make the difference,” Wiegman said.
“Also the days into this game, how we looked at each other’s eyes and said, ‘OK what do we do?’, and execution of the game plan. I think that really helped.”
The Lionesses also kept Vivianne Miedema, who scored her 100th international goal in the Netherlands’ 3-0 win over Wales in their tournament opener, under wraps.
“It’s tough, we need to accept it because we don’t deserve anything else today,” Miedema said. “England came out the way we thought they would and we weren’t intense anywhere on the pitch.
“We need to look at ourselves — we wanted to press high which didn’t work because we couldn’t cover the distances. We know how good England are but I don’t think today really reflected how we are and how good we can be.”
Nearly two-thirds of organizations consider quantum computing as the most critical cybersecurity threat in 3–5 years
Six in ten ‘early adopters1’ of quantum-safe technologies predict that ‘Q-day2’, the point at which quantum computers can break current cryptographic algorithms, will arrive within 5-10 years
Paris, July 10, 2025 – ACapgeminiResearch Institute report published today,‘Future encrypted: Why post-quantum cryptography tops the new cybersecurity agenda,’highlights that rapid progress of quantum computing threatens to render current encryption algorithms obsolete. ‘Harvest-now, decrypt-later3’ attacks, together with tightening regulations and the evolving technology landscape, have elevated the importance of quantum safety. However, despite increasing awareness within the industry, many organizations still underestimate the risks surrounding quantum computing, which could lead to future data breaches and regulatory penalties.
According to the report, around two-thirds (65%) of organizations are concerned about the rise of ‘harvest-now, decrypt-later’ attacks. One in six early adopters believe that ‘Q-day’ will be within five years, while around six in ten believe it will arrive within a decade.
“Quantum readiness isn’t about predicting a date–it’s about managing irreversible risk. Every encrypted asset today could become tomorrow’s breach if organizations delay adopting post-quantum protections. Transitioning early ensures business continuity, regulatory alignment, and long-term trust,” said Marco Pereira, Global Head of Cybersecurity, Cloud Infrastructure Services at Capgemini. “Quantum safety is not a discretionary spend but a strategic investment, which can turn a looming risk into a competitive advantage. The organizations that recognize this fact early will best insulate themselves against future cyber-attacks.”
While current quantum computers cannot break widely used encryption yet, high-risk industries such as defense and banking are leading the adoption of quantum-safe solutions. In contrast, consumer-focused sectors like consumer products and retail sectors are showing less urgency.
Post-quantum cryptography migration preferred over other quantum-security solutions Most organizations surveyed (70%) are protecting their systems against emerging quantum threats by adopting the appropriate mix of post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) algorithms.
They view PQC as the best option to address near-term quantum security risks because it provides a comprehensive approach to securing data. Nearly half of early adopters are already exploring, assessing feasibility, or piloting PQC solutions. For 70% of organizations, regulatory mandates are a key driver behind the shift to PQC.
While the early adopters are working towards quantum safety, a few organizations (30%) are still ignoring the quantum threat. They are struggling to allocate sufficient budget and personnel to cryptographic transition.
Report Methodology The Capgemini Research Institute conducted a survey of 1,000 organizations with annual revenue of at least $1 billion across 13 sectors and 13 countries in Asia–Pacific, Europe, and North America. The global survey was carried out in April–May 2025. Around 70% of the sample in this report are referred to as ‘early adopters’. This segment is either working on or planning to work on quantum-safe solutions in the next five years. The survey findings were supplemented through in-depth interviews with sixteen industry executives.
About Capgemini Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.
About the Capgemini Research Institute The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgemini’s in-house think-tank on all things digital. The Institute publishes research on the impact of digital technologies on large traditional businesses. The team draws on the worldwide network of Capgemini experts and works closely with academic and technology partners. The Institute has dedicated research centers in India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was ranked #1 in the world for the quality of its research by independent analysts for six consecutive times – an industry first.
1 “Early adopters,” who make up 70% of our survey respondents, are organizations that are either currently working on or planning to implement quantum-safe solutions within the next five years.
2 ‘Q-Day’ is the hypothetical future date when quantum computers will become powerful enough to break the crypto-graphic algorithms that currently secure most of the world’s digital data and communications.
3 ‘Harvest-now, decrypt-later’ attacks rely on the acquisition of currently unreadable data with the possibility of decrypting it after ‘Q-Day’.