NewzIntel.com

Category: Great Britain

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Public reminded of limited parking at Council facilities during Foyle Cup next week

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Public reminded of limited parking at Council facilities during Foyle Cup next week

    16 July 2025

    Derry City and Strabane District Council are reminding the public that parking spaces will be limited at Council owned Leisure Centres and grass pitch facilities during the Foyle Cup competition next week.

    With thousands of visitors are expected across the region for the Foyle Cup, Derry City and Strabane District Council is advising the public of limited parking at local leisure centres and reminding visitors of important onsite regulations.

    Due to the scale of the tournament and increased demand at Council facilities, parking will be restricted at all leisure centres and grass pitches, with particular pressure at the Melvin Sports Complex, where ongoing building works are already limiting available spaces.

    Visitors attending the Melvin Sports Complex are strongly encouraged to use town centre car parks and walk to the site where possible, to reduce congestion and support safe access for all users.

    Barry O’Hagan, Head of Community Development and Leisure at Derry City and Strabane District Council said, “We’re thrilled to welcome so many visitors to the city and district over the Foyle Cup and we hope that everyone has an enjoyable and memorable week while they are here. To help ensure this is successful, we are asking visitors to plan ahead as there will be limited parking at all of our leisure centres and grass pitches.

    “We would encourage everyone to use town centre car parking when possible or make use of our public transport across the city and district. We appreciate your cooperation in helping ensure a safe and enjoyable week for all participants, spectators and organisers.”

    The Council also encourages teams and spectators to allow extra time when travelling to matches and to follow signage and advice from stewards where in place.

    Facility users are kindly reminded that pets are not permitted within any Council owned leisure centre buildings or pitches, expect for registered assistance dogs.

    The public’s cooperation is greatly appreciated in helping to ensure the smooth operation across all facilities.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor formally opens 2025 O’Neills Foyle Cup

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Mayor formally opens 2025 O’Neills Foyle Cup

    21 July 2025

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, has formally opened the 2025 O’Neills Foyle Cup in Guildhall Square.

    It followed the tournament’s opening parade where thousands of footballers, coaches and supporters marched through the city centre before congregating in Waterloo Place and Guildhall Square.
    The Foyle Cup is one of the world’s biggest youth football tournaments and will feature over 900 teams, ranging in age from 8 to 19, over the next six days.
    “Guildhall Square was awash with colour and noise for the official opening of the tournament,” said Mayor McHugh.
    “It was such a wonderful sight to see thousands of youngsters here, decked out in their club colours and ready for a week they will never forget.”
    This year’s tournament has attracted visiting teams from across the world including overseas clubs from Spain, America, and Canada.
    They will play in venues across Derry, Tyrone and Donegal in front of in excess of 250,000 spectators.
    “As a Council are acutely aware of the crucial role the tournament plays in showcasing this City and District, attracting visitors and providing a platform for young people to express themselves,” Mayor McHugh added.
    “That is why we are proud to support the event through core funding and the provision of pitches, facilities and staff support.
    “I want to wish all the players, coaches and supporters the very best of luck this week, enjoy the games and make memories to last a lifetime!”
    Full fixture lists, games results and match venue information can be accessed on the tournament website at www.foylecup.com.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • Alcaraz joins list of marquee withdrawals from Canadian Open

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    orld number two Carlos Alcaraz has joined the list of big names skipping next week’s Canadian Open in Toronto with the Spaniard saying he needs to focus on recovering from muscle issues after losing to Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon final.

    The 22-year-old won the Italian Open, French Open and Queen’s Club titles before Sinner brought his 24-match winning streak to a halt at the All England Club earlier this month.

    “After many consecutive weeks of competition without rest, I will not be able to play in Toronto this year,” the five-times Grand Slam champion wrote on social media on Monday.

    “I have small muscle issues and need to recover physically and mentally for what comes next. To the tournament and my fans in Canada I am very sorry, I will see you next year.”

    The U.S. Open tune-up event will now be without four of the world’s top six men’s players after Sinner, Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper also opted out.

    World number one Sinner said he needed to prioritise his health, number five Draper is out with an arm injury and number six Djokovic is dealing with a groin problem that he sustained during his run to the Wimbledon semi-finals.

    The Canadian Open starts on Sunday and runs until August 7.

    The U.S. Open begins on August 24.

    (Reuters)

     

  • Liam Dawson back in England team after eight-year absence for fourth test vs India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    ngland’s Liam Dawson has been named in the team to play India in the fourth test of the series at Old Trafford, England’s cricket board (ECB) announced on Monday, marking the spinner’s first test appearance in eight years.

    The 35-year-old Hampshire left-armer, who replaces the injured Shoaib Bashir, is the only change to the team for the fourth test which begins on Wednesday. Dawson has not played a test match since earning his third test cap in July 2017.

    Dawson, an unused member of the 2019 World Cup winning squad, did feature in the Twenty20 series against West Indies in June.

    Bashir suffered a fracture to his finger during the third test at Lord’s, which England won by 22 runs to take a 2-1 lead, leaving them one victory away from clinching their first five-match series win since 2018.

    England team:

    Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police seek public assistance for investigation into online prescriptions

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police seek public assistance for investigation into online prescriptions

    Tuesday, 22 July 2025 – 3:00 pm.

    Investigators from Tasmania Police are appealing for public assistance as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged fraudulent online prescriptions.
    Detective Inspector Michelle Elmer said police are seeking to speak with anyone who has sought or obtained prescriptions through the website athleteswarehouse.com.au.
    “We believe members of the community may have interacted with this website in good faith,” she said.
    “Now is the time to come forward and assist police with critical information that may support the investigation.”
    “Those people who have used the website, or who may have knowledge of its operations, are urged to contact us.”
    Anyone with information should call Tasmania Police’s Western Criminal Investigation Branch on 131 444 and quote OR774910.
    Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Woman charged over multiple deceptions

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Today, Detectives from SAPOL’s Anti-Corruption Section arrested and charged a 24-year-old woman from Victoria with 101 counts of deception and 26 counts of attempted deception after a lengthy investigation.

    The woman appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today and was granted conditional bail to appear again on 29 September.

    CO2500007860

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sizewell C gets green light with final investment decision

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Sizewell C gets green light with final investment decision

    Government agrees final investment decision to give Sizewell C nuclear plant the go-ahead.

    • Energy Secretary signs off on multi-billion-pound deal for Sizewell C, that will deliver clean power for the equivalent of six million homes and support 10,000 jobs at peak construction. 

    • Government secures deal that will see Sizewell deliver electricity system savings of £2 billion a year on average once operational. 

    • The government will become the largest shareholder, alongside private investors EDF, Centrica, La Caisse and Amber Infrastructure. 

    •  Project will be built for around 20 per cent less than virtual replica Hinkley Point C, as part of the government’s Plan for Change to kick-start economic growth and protect family finances.

    Millions of working people will benefit from cheaper clean power, as the government agrees a landmark, multi-billion-pound deal to build Sizewell C – a major step forward in the delivery of a new ‘golden age’ of nuclear under the government’s Plan for Change. 

    The Energy Secretary has today (22 July) signed the final investment decision for Sizewell C, which will deliver clean power for the equivalent of six million homes and support 10,000 jobs once operational. The deal represents the country’s most significant public investment in clean, homegrown energy this century – in a major boost for energy security, jobs and economic growth.  

    The deal ends an era of dithering and delay to give Sizewell C the go-ahead, that will help secure Britain’s home-grown nuclear supply far beyond 2030. It marks a major step in the government’s clean energy superpower mission, which is about replacing the UK’s dependence on fossil fuel markets with clean homegrown power that the country controls, to bring down bills for good and protect family finances. 

    The plant will deliver cheaper clean electricity for generations of families for at least six decades. Analysis shows the project could create savings of £2 billion a year across the future low-carbon electricity system once operational – leading to cheaper power for consumers. 

    The project will also help to kick-start economic growth and get Britain building. At peak construction, Sizewell C will support 10,000 jobs directly employed in the project, and thousands more in the nationwide supply chain, as well as creating 1,500 apprenticeships. Seventy per cent of the value of construction is set to be awarded to British businesses – Sizewell C Ltd anticipates it will have 3,500 UK companies in its supply chain across the entire country.   

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    It is time to do big things and build big projects in this country again- and today we announce an investment that will provide clean, homegrown power to millions of homes for generations to come. 

    This government is making the investment needed to deliver a new golden age of nuclear, so we can end delays and free us from the ravages of the global fossil fuel markets to bring bills down for good.

    The government has confirmed it will take an initial 44.9 per cent stake to become the single biggest equity shareholder in the project – meaning the British people will benefit from the government’s investment.  

    The new Sizewell C shareholders include La Caisse with 20 per cent, Centrica with 15 per cent, and Amber Infrastructure with an initial 7.6 per cent. This comes alongside French energy giant EDF taking a 12.5 per cent take in the project, set out earlier this month, as well as a proposed £5 billion debt guarantee from France’s export credit agency, Bpifrance Assurance Export, to back the company’s commercial bank loans.  

    Alongside this investment, the National Wealth Fund – the government’s principal investor and policy bank – is making its first investment in nuclear energy. It will provide the majority of the project’s debt finance, working alongside Bpifrance Assurance Export, to help support the building of the power plant. 

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    La Caisse, Centrica and Amber’s multi-billion pound investment is a powerful endorsement of the UK as the best place to do business and as a global hub for nuclear energy. 

    Delivering next generation, publicly-owned clean power is vital to our energy security and growth, which is why we backed Sizewell C.  This investment will create thousands of good quality jobs and boost the local economy as we deliver on our Plan for Change.

    Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann, Joint Managing Directors of Sizewell C, said:

    We’re delighted to welcome new investors alongside Government and EDF who, like our suppliers, have strong incentives to keep costs under control and ensure we deliver Sizewell C successfully for consumers and taxpayers 

    By investing in Sizewell C, they are laying the foundations for a more secure, cleaner and more affordable energy system. Because 70% of our construction spend will be in the UK, with a £4.4bn commitment to the east of England, they will also help to create thousands of great jobs and new opportunities for people and businesses up and down the country.  

    We are determined to deliver this major infrastructure differently, and to make sure this is a project Britain can be proud of.

    The investment deal builds on lessons learnt from the construction of Hinkley Point C to provide a funding model that spreads the around £38 billion cost of constructing Sizewell C between consumers, taxpayers and private investors. This represents a saving of around 20 per cent compared with Hinkley Point C and demonstrates the value of building a virtual replica project. 

    For the first time, the British people will be co-owners of a nuclear power plant alongside experienced private sector partners – with consumers to benefit from the government’s investment. This will ensure the impact on consumer bills is limited to an average of around £1 per month over the duration of Sizewell C’s construction, with the nuclear plant to deliver cheaper clean power for decades to come once operational. 

    Despite the UK’s strong nuclear legacy, including opening the world’s first commercial nuclear power station in the 1950s, no new nuclear plant has opened in the UK since 1995, with all of the existing fleet except Sizewell B likely to be phased out by the early 2030s.   

    Sizewell C was one of eight sites identified in 2009 by then-Energy Secretary Ed Miliband as a potential site for new nuclear. However, the project was not fully funded in the 14 years that followed under subsequent governments.   

    The government’s nuclear programme is now the most ambitious for a generation. Once small modular reactors and Sizewell C come online in the 2030s, combined with Hinkley Point C, this will deliver more new nuclear to the grid than over the previous half century combined. 

    Recently, the government also set out next steps for small modular reactors in the UK and last month selected Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred bidder to build first reactors of this kind in the country. Following this, the Prime Minister signed a new agreement with Czech Prime Minister Fiala last week that will see the two countries work more closely on small modular reactors to seize export opportunities and support high-skilled jobs. 

    John Flint, National Wealth Fund CEO, said:

    Nuclear energy is a key component on the path to deliver the Government’s growth and clean energy missions, and our financing for Sizewell C will help provide decades of clean, reliable electricity for millions of homes across the country.  

    We have a critical role to play in solving financing problems across a broad waterfront of relevant sectors and Treasury has recognised that today by providing the NWF with additional capital required to enable our lending to Sizewell C. As the government’s flagship investor and policy bank, it is a privilege to be able to play such a significant role in a project of such national importance.

    Gavin Tait, Chief Executive Officer, Amber Infrastructure Group, a Boyd Watterson Global Company, investment adviser to International Public Partnerships Limited, said: 

    We have worked in partnership with the UK Government to adapt the way a construction project of Sizewell C’s scale and importance can be financed to attract the long-term investment of institutional investors and retail savers. INPP has helped finance new infrastructure in the UK since 2006, and Sizewell C is a landmark example of how the public and private sectors can invest together to strengthen national energy security and support future economic growth.

    Chris O’Shea, Centrica Group Chief Executive, said:

    The UK needs more reliable, affordable, zero carbon electricity, and Sizewell C will be critical to supporting the country’s energy system for many decades to come. That’s why I’m delighted to be announcing this milestone investment which will see Centrica commit £1.3 billion for a 15% equity stake in the project, and deepens our long-standing involvement in the UK nuclear industry. This isn’t just an investment in a new power station – it’s an investment in Britain’s energy independence, our net zero journey, and thousands of high-quality jobs across the country. 

    Sizewell C is a compelling investment for our shareholders and the country as a whole, and I look forward to working with our world-class partners, EDF, La Caisse, Amber Infrastructure Group and the UK government, to make the project a great success.

    Simone Rossi, CEO of EDF in the UK said:

    EDF welcomes the government’s announcement that it has delivered on its commitment to take a final investment decision on the Sizewell C project.  

    Alongside Hinkley Point C, the project will help drive economic growth, strengthen energy security and lower bills over the long term. 

    The confirmation of the private investment is very positive and reflects the growing attraction of the role of nuclear power in the energy transition. It could also pave the way for the financing of future large nuclear projects in the UK.

    Emmanuel Jaclot, Executive Vice-President and Head of Infrastructure at La Caisse said:

    Our commitment to invest in Sizewell C reflects La Caisse’s constructive capital approach, working to deliver optimal financial performance for our clients alongside broader economic and societal progress.  

    La Caisse has a strong track record of bringing private sector expertise alongside governments and industrial players to invest in complex, regulated infrastructure where value-for-money for consumers is key. Sizewell C is a positive development for UK consumers, as it is expected to provide long-term reliable baseload power and low carbon energy to more than 6 million homes across the UK, while contributing to the creation of 10,000 new jobs at peak construction and thousands more in the nationwide supply chain.  

    We’re proud to support the UK Government in delivering this landmark project, advancing the country’s energy security and economic growth ambitions. Our investment demonstrates our confidence in the UK market – our largest destination outside North America – and aligns with our commitment to the energy transition and decarbonization, enabled by our long-term capital and active ownership.

    Ofgem CEO Jonathan Brearley said:

    Ofgem welcomes the government’s decision to move forwards with the Sizewell C project. New nuclear power stations such as this have a key role to play in enhancing Great Britain’s energy security with reliable domestically generated clean power.  

    Ofgem has been working closely with the government to develop the new regulatory framework to help drive investment in nuclear energy and deliver the best deal for consumers.

    Neil McDermott, Chief Executive of LCCC, said:

    Sizewell C is a pivotal project in the transition to a clean, secure energy system. It will deliver reliable low carbon power for decades to come, while supporting jobs and investment across the country. 

    LCCC is proud to support this milestone through its role as the revenue collection counterparty. Our independent role ensures funds are managed fairly and transparently, protecting value for consumers and enabling long-term investor confidence in low carbon infrastructure.

    Notes to editors:

    • Sizewell C has already signed £330 million in contracts with local companies and will boost supply chains across the UK with 70% of contracts predicted to go to 3,500 British suppliers – supporting new jobs in construction, welding, and hospitality.  

    • The government has published a subsidy scheme for the Final Investment Decision in Sizewell C. This scheme covers the government’s equity and debt investment in the project, as well as the value of consumer levies from the RAB delivery model – a Government Support Package to protect investors from high-impact low-probability risks, and other guarantees.  

    • The Sizewell C project is consolidated to the government’s balance sheet, meaning that all investment from the government and new investors is on the balance sheet.  

    • The total equity and debt finance made available exceeds the target construction cost of around £38 billion (2024 prices), this acts as a safeguard for taxpayers in case of overruns and is standard for a project of this size and complexity.  The project supply chain is strongly incentivised to keep costs down and investors will lose potential revenue if there are overruns, reducing risk for taxpayers. 

    • According to our Value for Money assessment SZC could reduce the cost of a low-carbon electricity system by around £2 billion per year on average, once operational.  

    • Urenco recently confirmed a 15-year deal with EDF to produce fuel for nuclear power stations. The multi-billion-euro contract, with significant value for the UK, will support Urenco UK’s workforce of more than 1,400 people and support the company’s important contribution to UK economic growth, which represented more than £256 million in 2023.  

    • French engineering company Assystem has also set out plans to double its nuclear workforce in the UK, creating 1,000 new engineering, digital and management jobs by 2030 across 10 UK sites, including in Sunderland, Blackburn, Derby, Bristol and London. 

    • The government is providing the National Wealth Fund with additional capital to facilitate this lending to Sizewell C, separate to the existing £27.8bn which will continue to be invested across the NWF’s priority sectors. For National Wealth Fund queries, please contact press@nationalwealthfund.org.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: May crime statistics

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Property related crime including house break-ins, shop theft and car theft have continued to decline considerably in South Australia, the latest crime statistics have revealed.

    The May rolling year crime statistics reveal the total number of property related offences has decreased by eight per cent – or 7,604 offences – in the period with significant reductions in most offences within the category.

    Robbery and related offences have also continued to fall with a 10 per cent decline in offences recorded in the period – 80 offences – which is the sixteenth successive decrease in offences within that category.

    The May figures reveal aggravated robberies declined by 14 per cent – from 490 to 432 offences reported and non-aggravated robberies rose by three per cent – from 75 to 77 offences reported.

    Within the property related offences category theft and related offences recorded a 10 per cent decline in the period with a reduction in 5,709 offences – from 56,630 to 50,921.

    Car theft recorded a six per cent decline – from 3,725 to 3,513 offences – and theft from a vehicle recorded a 20 per cent drop in offences – from 9,567 to 7,639 offences. This followed similar falls in the previous three reporting periods.

    Shop theft has continued to fall in South Australia as ongoing proactive operations targeting recidivist offenders pay dividends with a seven per cent decline in the May period when 1,224 fewer offences were reported – from 18,405 to 17,181 incidents. This is the seventh successive decline in reported offences.

    House break-ins have also continued to decline with a 10 per cent decrease recorded in the May period – from 5,822 to 5,228 offences – or 594 fewer incidents reported. This followed an 11 per cent decrease in the April period, eight per cent in March and seven per cent in February.

    Non-residential break-ins also showed another healthy decrease with 318 fewer offences reported – from 3,708 to 3,390. The nine per cent drop followed a seven per cent decline in the April period and five per cent reductions in March and February.

    The May rolling year statistics reveal acts intended to cause injury, which includes serious assault resulting in injury and common assault, increased by four per cent from 23,546 to 24,428 incidents reported.

    Within that category the number of assault police incidents reported decreased by four per cent -from 626 to 601 incidents.

    Reported homicides have returned to traditional levels with 10 recorded in the rolling year period compared with 23 in the corresponding period. A similar number were reported in the March and April periods.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Search for remains near Port Lincoln

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Detectives from Major Crime Investigation Branch and local Eyre Western police, with the assistance of local support services will conduct further searches at several locations over the coming days to locate the missing remains of murder victim Julian Story.

    Police will allege Julian was murdered by his partner, 34-year-old Port Lincoln woman Tamika Chesser on Tuesday 17 June 2025.

    Major Crime Investigation Branch, Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said information received by the investigation team coupled with the use of specialist equipment has identified several additional search sites in and around Port Lincoln.

    “In the days following the murder, Major Crime Detectives, local police, Water Operations Unit and the SA State Emergency Service conducted extensive searches around Port Lincoln without success,” Detective Superintendent Fielke said.

    “New search areas have been identified and by undertaking these renewed searches, we hope to find Julian’s missing remains, which will give comfort to his family and allow them to peacefully lay him to rest.

    “Police have reviewed a significant amount of CCTV footage since the incident which has provided a number of investigational leads. We also appreciate the ongoing assistance the community of Port Lincoln has provided throughout the investigation.”

    Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.

    CO2500025517.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Outage advice – Saturday July 26, 2025

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Please be aware that our Payment Portal, Online Customer Requests and Building Application lodgment portal will be unavailable between:

    Starts: 7:00am on Saturday July 26, 2025

    Ends: 12:00pm on Saturday July 26, 2025

    For any payments please refer to your invoice or statement for other payment options during this period.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 22, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 22, 2025.

    New study finds the gender earnings gap could be halved if we reined in the long hours often worked by men
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lyndall Strazdins, Professor, Australian National University asylun/Shutterstock There are lots of reasons why people work extra hours. In some jobs, it’s the only way to cover the workload. In others, the pay is poor, so people need to work extra time. And in others still, working back

    New study finds the gender earnings gap could be halved if we reined in the long hours often worked by men
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lyndall Strazdins, Professor, Australian National University asylun/Shutterstock There are lots of reasons why people work extra hours. In some jobs, it’s the only way to cover the workload. In others, the pay is poor, so people need to work extra time. And in others still, working back

    Sky TV to buy channel Three owner Discovery NZ for $1
    By Anan Zaki, RNZ News business reporter Sky TV has agreed to fully acquire TV3 owner Discovery New Zealand for $1. Discovery NZ is a part of US media giant Warner Bros Discovery, and operates channel Three and online streaming platform ThreeNow. NZX-listed Sky said the deal would be completed on a cash-free, debt-free basis,

    Suffering in Gaza reaches ‘new depths’ – Australia condemns ‘inhumane killing’ of Palestinians
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amra Lee, PhD candidate in Protection of Civilians, Australian National University Australia has joined 28 international partners in calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and a lifting of all restrictions on food and medical supplies. Foreign Minister Penny Wong, along with counterparts from

    As female independent MPs descend on parliament, they’re fulfilling the dreams of women across history
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Chappell, Post Doctoral Research, University of New England Australia’s 48th parliament has a record 112 women members. Ten of those women are independents. As they take their seats in the chamber, they’ll be realising the aspirations of some of Australia’s first suffragists who, more than a

    Are screenwriters paid for a product or a service? The definition matters for their workplace rights
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kim Goodwin, Lecturer in Arts Management and Human Resources, The University of Melbourne Vitaly Gariev/Unsplash The film and television sector in Australia employs over 26,000 workers and generated more than A$4.5 billion in income in 2021–22. TV dramas generate a large part of this revenue. Australian screen

    NZ and allies condemn ‘inhumane’, ‘horrifying’ killings in Gaza and ‘drip feeding’ of aid
    RNZ News New Zealand has joined 24 other countries in calling for an end to the war in Gaza, and criticising what they call the inhumane killing of Palestinians. The countries — including Britain, France, Canada and Australia plus the European Union — also condemed the Israeli government’s aid delivery model in Gaza as “dangerous”.

    Everyone’s talking about the Perseid meteor shower – but don’t bother trying to see it in Australia or NZ
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonti Horner, Professor (Astrophysics), University of Southern Queensland View of the 2023 Perseid meteor shower from the southernmost part of Sequoia National Forest, US. NASA/Preston Dyches In recent days, you may have seen articles claiming the “best meteor shower of the year” is about to start. Unfortunately,

    Pumped up with poison: new research shows many anabolic steroids contain toxic metals
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Piatkowski, Lecturer in Psychology, Griffith University MilosStankovic/Getty Images Eighteen-year-old Mark scrolls Instagram late at night, watching videos of fitness influencers showing off muscle gains and lifting the equivalent of a baby elephant off the gym floor. Spurred on by hashtags and usernames indicating these feats involve

    How EVs and electric water heaters are turning cities into giant batteries
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bin Lu, Senior Research Fellow in Renewable Energy, Australian National University Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock As the electrification of transport and heating accelerates, many worry the increased demand could overload national power grids. In Australia, electricity consumption is expected to double by 2050. If everyone charges their car and

    The end of open-plan classrooms: how school design reflects changing ideas in education
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leon Benade, Professor in the School of Education of Edith Cowan University (ECU), Perth, WA, Edith Cowan University skynesher/Getty Imaged The end of open-plan classrooms in New Zealand, recently announced by Education Minister Erica Stanford, marks yet another swing of the pendulum in school design. Depending on

    Could Rupert Murdoch bring down Donald Trump? A court case threatens more than just their relationship
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Dodd, Professor of Journalism, Director of the Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne If Rupert Murdoch becomes a white knight standing up to a rampantly bullying US president, the world has moved into the upside-down. This is, after all, the media mogul whose US

    PBS and NPR are generally unbiased, independent of government propaganda and provide key benefits to US democracy
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie A. (Sam) Martin, Frank and Bethine Church Endowed Chair of Public Affairs, Boise State University Congress’ cuts to public broadcasting will diminish the range and volume of the free press and the independent reporting it provides. MicroStockHub-iStock/Getty Images Plus Champions of the almost entirely party-line vote

    Africa’s minerals are being bartered for security: why it’s a bad idea
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hanri Mostert, SARChI Chair for Mineral Law in Africa, University of Cape Town A US-brokered peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda binds the two African nations to a worrying arrangement: one where a country signs away its mineral resources to a superpower

    A popular sweetener could be damaging your brain’s defences, says recent study
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Havovi Chichger, Professor, Biomedical Science, Anglia Ruskin University Found in everything from protein bars to energy drinks, erythritol has long been considered a safe alternative to sugar. But new research suggests this widely used sweetener may be quietly undermining one of the body’s most crucial protective barriers

    Why has a bill to relax NZ foreign investment rules had so little scrutiny?
    ANALYSIS: By Jane Kelsey, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau While public attention has been focused on the domestic fast-track consenting process for infrastructure and mining, Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour has been pushing through another fast-track process — this time for foreign investment in New Zealand. But it has had almost no public

    PSNA calls on NZ to urgently condemn Israeli weaponisation of starvation
    Asia Pacific Report The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa has called on the New Zealand government to immediately condemn Israel’s weaponisation of starvation and demand an end to the siege of Gaza. It has also called for a permanent ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access to the besieged enclave. “All political parties and elected officials must break

    Labor to put disclaimer under Mark Latham’s caucus room picture
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The picture of Mark Latham on the caucus room gallery of Labor leaders will have an annotation under it saying he was expelled for life and his actions do not accord with Labor values. The first meeting of the new

    Pacific leaders demand respectful involvement in memorial for unmarked graves
    By Mary Afemata, of PMN News and RNZ Pacific Porirua City Council is set to create a memorial for more than 1800 former patients of the local hospital buried in unmarked graves. But Pacific leaders are asking to be “meaningfully involved” in the process, including incorporating prayer, language, and ceremonial practices. More than 50 people

    Newspoll and Resolve give Labor big leads as parliament resumes after the election
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne With federal parliament to sit for the first time since the election on Tuesday, Newspoll gives Labor a 57–43 lead and Resolve a 56–44 lead. In Tasmania,

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As female independent MPs descend on parliament, they’re fulfilling the dreams of women across history

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Chappell, Post Doctoral Research, University of New England

    Australia’s 48th parliament has a record 112 women members. Ten of those women are independents.

    As they take their seats in the chamber, they’ll be realising the aspirations of some of Australia’s first suffragists who, more than a century ago, staunchly supported independent representation, but failed to gain traction at the ballot box.

    Our earliest female political aspirants, Catherine Spence in Adelaide, Rose Scott in Sydney and Vida Goldstein in Melbourne, eschewed party politics, believing significant social issues should transcend political boundaries.

    Recent close contests in the electorates of Bradfield and the eponymous Goldstein echoed the challenges of female independent candidates across time.

    Australia’ first female candidate

    Spence had been declined preselection for the nascent Labor Party in 1896. This was when women in South Australia, including Aboriginal women, became the first in Australia to have the right not only to vote, but also to stand for parliament.

    Spence believed issues of social justice and electoral reform should override party allegiance.

    Catherine Spence turned down preselection from the Labor party to run as an independent.
    State Library of South Australia

    The following year, Spence nominated for the federal convention to draft a Constitution for the new Australian parliament. Her strongest commitment was to proportional voting based on the Hare system of the single transferable vote, which was ultimately introduced to the Australian Senate in 1948. Spence believed this was the fairest electoral system to give voice to minority concerns.

    She was the only woman to nominate. Although not elected, she won her place in history as Australia’s first female political candidate.

    Acknowledging her defeat, Spence reflected:

    I stood or fell on a question which both parties thought it expedient to ignore […] I look on my position in the poll as very satisfactory.

    Similarly, Goldstein, the first woman to stand for Australia’s federal parliament in 1903, viewed her loss as “virtually a victory”. She explained to her supporters:

    I stood as a protest against press domination and the creation of the vicious system of machine politics. I had the prejudice of ages to fight, and yet I secured more than half of the votes of the candidate heading the polls.

    ‘Women do not vote as women’

    Scott was a political powerbroker of her day.

    Although she did not stand for office, she brought together politicians across the divide with people of influence from the judiciary, publishing and the arts at her Friday evening salons.

    Despite her privileged background and private income, Scott’s political leanings were towards socialism.

    For more than 20 years she corresponded regularly with both Spence and Goldstein. Their extant letters reveal shared concerns for equal pay and education for women and child welfare.

    Significant NSW legislation was reputedly drafted on Scott’s rosewood dining table. She remained staunchly opposed to party politics, scrawling her endorsement across a copy of The Inebriates Act 1900 “non-party and non-sectarian”.

    Scott joined Goldstein on the hustings and furnished letters of support in Goldstein’s campaign pamphlets.

    Spence, however, recalling the bitter lesson of her own candidature, wrote:

    I am not at all sure that Vida Goldstein is wise in standing for the Senate. Women do not vote as women for women.

    Successive, but unsuccessful attempts

    Like Spence, Goldstein was hampered by misinformation, with questions asked about her eligibility to stand for parliament. Both lacked the financial support available to their opponents backed by party organisations.

    Goldstein was attacked in the conservative press for her views on home and marriage. Comments on her dress and appearance trivialised reporting of her political message. Labor newspapers proclaimed that support for Goldstein would split the vote and result in a defeat of Labor’s candidates.

    Vida Goldstein tried to enter politics numerous times, but faced many obstacles.
    Museums Vcitoria

    Spence escaped similar attention because she was short, stout and in her seventies when she campaigned.

    Goldstein nominated for the Senate again in 1910, campaigning for equal pay and federal reform of marriage and divorce laws.

    Although she polled higher than in 1903, her campaign was hampered by lack of funds and negative press coverage.

    Party politics had become more polarised. Many women were now actively joining the Labor Party or supporting the conservative Australian Women’s National League.

    Between 1910 and her final tilt for the Senate in 1917, Goldstein stood twice for the seat of Kooyong, currently held for a second term by independent MP Monique Ryan.

    Goldstein stood as a progressive independent for Kooyong in 1912. Labor did not field a candidate. She polled around half the votes of her male opponent. She stood again in 1915, remaining frank and uncompromising on her independent status:

    as a non-party candidate I had difficulties to face that confronted no other candidate. The non-party candidate does not get the support of the party press. And the other special prejudice I have to fight is that of sex.

    While their work towards women’s suffrage is acknowledged, the broader social and political contributions of our early feminists are often overlooked. When the right to vote still seemed unobtainable, they were lobbying for fairer divorce, child welfare, prevention of domestic violence and equal pay. Political representation seemed a step too far.

    “None of these women could have imagined a Julia Gillard. It would have made their heads spin to think that a woman could be prime minister,” says historian Clare Wright.

    An Australian parliament with majority of cabinet positions held by women, with women leading both the opposition in the House of Representatives and the government in the Senate, would leave them stunned, but triumphant.

    Elizabeth Chappell previously received funding from the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship 2021-2024

    – ref. As female independent MPs descend on parliament, they’re fulfilling the dreams of women across history – https://theconversation.com/as-female-independent-mps-descend-on-parliament-theyre-fulfilling-the-dreams-of-women-across-history-252634

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First Minister attends final day of Tall Ships festival

    Source: Scottish Government

    Aberdeen bids farewell to 50 vessels after successful four day programme.

    First Minister John Swinney will be among the crowds of people gathering in Aberdeen today to watch the Parade of Sail on the last day of the Tall Ships Races festival.

    The First Minister will meet young trainees who are taking part in the races, event organisers and volunteers before watching the 50 Tall Ships leave the harbour.

    Speaking ahead of the event, the First Minister commented:

    “The Tall Ships Races 2025 is a major international maritime and cultural moment for Aberdeen and Scotland as a whole. Over the past four days it has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, making it the city’s biggest event in a generation.

    “The success of this festival is a testament to Aberdeen’s role as a maritime city with a focus on international engagement and community involvement.

    “The Scottish Government is committed to supporting world-class events, such as the Tall Ships Festival, that raise Scotland’s profile as the perfect stage and showcase our event and tourism assets. 

    “Scotland is set to host several other major international and national events, including the Commonwealth Games in 2026, Tour de France Grand Depart in 2027 and the 2028 UEFA European Championships – further enhancing our global profile and supporting economic, cultural and community development across the country.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Boost in support for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome or ME

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Boost in support for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome or ME

    Better care for patients living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, with plans to invest in research and offer closer to home.

    • Better care closer to home for patients living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

    • Plan outlines clear steps to improve care for patients, by investing in research and offering access to care in the community 

    • Actions build on government’s wider 10 Year Plan to rebuild the NHS and put patients’ needs at the heart of care

    Patients living with debilitating conditions are set to receive improved care closer to home, thanks to government plans published today. 

    The government has committed to changing attitudes and transforming care for patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/ CFS).

    The condition affects approximately 390,000 people in the UK, causing debilitating fatigue, sleep problems and difficulties with thinking, concentration and memory. The impact of this condition varies between cases, but severe ME/CFS, which is thought to affect a quarter of those diagnosed, leave patients housebound or unable to work.

    The plan published today provides the foundations for significant improvements in all key areas that affect people living with ME/CFS in England, many of whom currently struggle to access appropriate care tailored to their complex condition.

    As a priority, the plan will introduce new training for NHS healthcare professionals, featuring up-to-date learning resources to increase understand and ensure signs aren’t missed. This will help combat the stigma faced by people living with ME/CFS, which stems from a lack of awareness about the condition.

    The rollout of neighbourhood health services as set out in the government’s 10 Year Health Plan will also see ME/CFS patients able to access care closer to home, with specially-trained staff able to support those with complex needs.

    Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, said:  

    ME/CFS is a debilitating illness that can severely limit patients’ ability to participate in everyday activities, maintain employment, or enjoy family and social life.  

    Today’s plan will help tackle the stigma and lack of awareness of this condition through improved training for NHS staff.

    And through our neighbourhood health services, we will ensure patients suffering from the effects of ME/CFS can access quality care, closer to home, as pledged in our 10 Year Health Plan.

    Our Plan for Change is transforming how patients experience care and this plan represents a comprehensive approach to addressing the long-standing gaps in care and support for people with these conditions, with patient access to appropriate care at its heart.

    Sonya Chowdhury, Chief Executive, Action for ME said:

    This is an important step for the ME community, long overlooked and under-served. The Plan must not be a token gesture—it requires a sustained, strategic commitment to care, funding, and research. Without it, meaningful outcomes for people with ME will not be achieved.

    The plan includes increased funding for research, awarded through the National Institute for Health and Care Research, into how existing medicines can be used to for ME/CFS. This initiative aims to give patients access to a wider range of potential treatments.

    It will also address the specific needs of children and young people, ensuring they receive appropriate and timely support in education settings.  

    Recognising that ME/CFS affects people’s ability to work, the plan includes wider government initiatives to address issues with benefit assessment processes and provide support to help patients with long-term conditions and disabilities find and maintain meaningful employment where possible.  

    Offering care closer to home forms part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan to rebuild the NHS, putting patients’ needs first and delivering effective, accessible treatment. 

    The government will continue to work with stakeholders and build on the foundations of actions in the Final Delivery Plan well beyond its publication, reaffirming our commitment to ongoing development and improvement. This all forms part of the government’s Plan for Change to build an NHS fit for the future and one which offers the highest-quality, personalised care.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHRA announces proposals to improve access to world’s best medical devices for patients and to boost economic growth in Britain’s med tech sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    MHRA announces proposals to improve access to world’s best medical devices for patients and to boost economic growth in Britain’s med tech sector

    The MHRA has now published the government’s response to its public consultation on future routes to market for medical devices – designed to modernise regulation

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today announced important new steps to secure access for patients to the latest medical technologies available in Europe and other advanced countries.

    As well as improving patient access to technologies, the proposals will boost med tech industrial growth by reducing duplicative regulatory costs faced by manufacturers and instead focuses the domestic approvals route (UKCA) on first-in-market innovative technologies, including AI as a medical device.  

    The MHRA has now published the government’s response to its public consultation on future routes to market for medical devices in Great Britain (GB), designed to modernise regulation and improve patient access to the latest innovative technologies.

    In direct response to stakeholder feedback, the MHRA is also announcing its intention to consult later this year on the indefinite recognition of CE-marked medical devices.

    In parallel, new international reliance routes will be introduced to allow swifter access to medical devices from trusted regulators in Australia, Canada, and the United States. This will allow eligible products to follow a streamlined pathway to market, helping bring the latest technologies to patients more quickly.

    The MHRA will support removing the requirement for physical UKCA markings on products and packaging once unique device identification (UDI) requirements are in place. This will reduce barriers to entry to the market while strengthening traceability and safety monitoring.

    These measures reflect the government’s commitments in the UK’s Life Sciences Sector Plan and Industrial Strategy, and the 10 Year Health Plan for England, to reduce unwarranted barriers to market entry and to deliver transformative technologies to patients faster.

    Today’s announcement forms part of our broader regulatory reform programme for medical devices that will see improvements in patient safety through our new post-market surveillance requirements, the creation of streamlined and risk-proportionate routes for faster market entry for products that have already undergone assessment in comparator regions, and a refocusing of the UKCA domestic pathway on innovative technologies including AI.

    Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting MP, said:

    Our 10-Year Health Plan will seize the opportunities provided by new technology, medicines and innovation to deliver better care for patients, whether these originate at home or abroad.

    It makes perfect sense that medical devices approved for use on patients in a country whose safety regulations we trust can also be used here – without red tape or bureaucracy delaying devices which can benefit NHS patients now.

    We will look around the world to bring the best life-saving devices to Britain quickly and safely and build a modern health service that is fit for the future.

    Minister of State for Science, Lord Patrick Vallance MP, said:

    The MHRA’s new international reliance routes are excellent news for patients, who will now gain rapid access to new medical devices which have been approved as safe by our trusted regulatory partners. This is precisely the sort of streamlining of red tape that the Life Sciences Sector Plan calls for.

    By making quick, informed, sensible decisions enabled by international reliance, the MHRA will be able to better target its resources, focusing on regulatory activity and scientific advice that will advance the development of innovative new medical products – ultimately helping patients, and supporting med tech businesses to grow.

    Lawrence Tallon, MHRA CEO, said:

    Our focus is on ensuring that patients benefit from the earliest possible access to safe and effective medical technologies that meet their needs and deliver significant clinical benefit.

    By reducing regulatory duplication, improving traceability and aligning with international best practice, we are delivering on the Government’s promise to make this the best place in the world to market medical devices and a global leader in life sciences.

    Professor Tom Clutton-Brock, Professor of Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine at the University of Birmingham and Chair of the Interim Devices Working Group (an expert advisory committee to the MHRA), said:

    The proposed changes to the regulations represent the most significant advances since their original introduction. When enacted, we will lead the world in streamlining medical device approvals.

    The rapid advances in medical and healthcare technology make balancing the need for innovation against both short-term and long-term safety a real challenge.  After the EU exit there was a clear need to update our regulations to keep pace with other countries. After extensive consultation, the MHRA has listened carefully and published its response.

    Simplification for low-risk devices and the carefully controlled reliance and recognition of regulatory approval from other countries will support safe innovation. This will benefit patients, clinicians and our MedTech and HealthTech industries.

    The MHRA intends to notify the World Trade Organization of these changes later this year and will continue engaging with international partners and industry to implement the reforms. 

    Summary of the consultation response:

    The MHRA’s 2024 public consultation on medical device regulation focused on the following areas: international reliance, UKCA marking, and the regulation of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices.

    Measures being taken forward include:

    • International reliance routes will allow certain devices that have approvals or certifications from trusted regulators in Australia (TGA), Canada (Health Canada), and the United States (FDA) to follow a streamlined pathway to the GB market. This includes specific software and implantable devices that meet GB equivalence criteria.

    • The government will consult later this year on proposals to indefinitely recognise CE marked medical devices, which continue to be recognised in GB under existing transitional arrangements until 30 June 2028 or 2030 (depending on the device classification and legislation complied with).

    • Physical UKCA marking requirements will be removed once Unique Device Identification (UDI) is in place. This aims to reduce burdens on manufacturers while improving traceability and post-market surveillance.

    • Class B IVD devices will be subject to a more risk proportionate approach, requiring manufacturers to self-declare conformity with the Medical Devices Regulations 2002 and hold ISO 13485 quality management system certification before placing products on the GB market.

    The response to a fourth proposal, to extend four pieces of assimilated EU law, was published in February 2025 and has subsequently been actioned.

    Notes to Editors

    • The consultation response is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-medical-devices-regulations-routes-to-market-and-in-vitro-diagnostic-devices
    • The consultation, “Future regulation of medical devices and IVDs – routes to market”, ran from 30 November 2024 to 29 January 2025. It sought views on four legislative proposals to update the Medical Devices Regulations 2002 (as amended).
    • These reforms are part of a broader programme to modernise medical device regulation in Great Britain following the UK’s departure from the European Union. They align with the ambitions of the Government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan and 10-Year Plan for the NHS in England.
    • ISO 13485 is an internationally recognised standard that sets out requirements for a quality management system (QMS) specific to the medical device industry. It ensures that manufacturers demonstrate consistent design, development, production, and post-market support for medical devices.
    • The MHRA will publish further information in due course about the next steps, including updates on the planned Pre-Market Statutory Instrument and a future consultation on the indefinite recognition of CE-marked devices.
    • 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.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The end of open-plan classrooms: how school design reflects changing ideas in education

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leon Benade, Professor in the School of Education of Edith Cowan University (ECU), Perth, WA, Edith Cowan University

    skynesher/Getty Imaged

    The end of open-plan classrooms in New Zealand, recently announced by Education Minister Erica Stanford, marks yet another swing of the pendulum in school design.

    Depending on who you ask, these classrooms were an opportunity to foster collaboration and flexibility or an exercise in organised chaos.

    So-called “modern learning environments” – characterised by flexible layouts, fewer walls and sometimes multiple classes and teachers in one space – were vigorously pushed by the National government in 2011.

    The stated goal was to promote flexibility in the way students were taught, encourage collaboration and to accommodate new technology in classrooms.

    But a 2024 ministerial inquiry into school property found complex procurement, design and authorisation processes associated with bespoke designs caused delays, budget overruns and unrealised expectations in many school communities.

    Among the solutions offered by the inquiry was the development of simple but functional schools based on cookie-cutter designs constructed off-site. This recommendation was welcomed by the current National-led government.

    Design influenced by ideology

    The modern, bespoke designs of the past two decades represented a response to technological developments, such as the introduction of digital devices, that changed how students learned.

    This resulted in the steady replacement of traditional school designs from the industrial age with spaces designed for flexibility.

    Those industrial age schools were themselves products of changes in the second half of the 20th century. Since the first school opened in 1843, school architecture in New Zealand had evolved significantly. Early schools featured cramped six-metre by four-metre classrooms which could accommodate more than 30 students.

    By the 1920s, the “Taranaki” and “Canterbury” models included a more generous minimum classroom size of eight metres by seven metres. There was a greater emphasis on light and ventilation. Their larger spaces also recognised changes in teaching styles that encouraged more active and participatory learning.

    By the 1950s, classroom size had grown to ten metres by seven metres. The “Nelson” and “S68” blocks of the 1950s and 1960s provided small self-contained blocks of classrooms that reduced student movement and corridor noise.

    Changes to New Zealand school buildings also reflected global trends. Open-plan schools emerged in North America after 1960. At the same time, there were signs English schools would replace their traditional Victorian-style buildings with classrooms considered more child-centred.

    The goal was to achieve flexible, connected designs to support evolving education philosophies. England’s 1966 Plowden Report on primary education significantly aided this evolution towards progressive styles of teaching and learning, leading to the creation of schools that featured flexibility, connectivity and external-internal flow.

    These schools were the forerunners of “innovative learning environments” and were considered cutting-edge at the time.

    In 2004, the ambitious Building Schools for the Future programme was launched in the United Kingdom. It was designed to replace outdated school facilities considered unfit for preparing students for the 21st century.

    But in 2011, the James Review of Education Capital highlighted a number of issues with the way schools were being built, putting an end to the infrastructure programme.

    That report, like the 2024 New Zealand report, suggested replacing government investment in bespoke school infrastructure with a focus on standardised designs.

    A swing back

    In New Zealand, “modern learning environments” became part of education policy with the Ministry of Education’s School Property Strategy 2011-2021, published in 2011. But the pendulum started to swing back after Labour came to power in 2017.

    Departing from the 2011 strategy, the language of “modern learning environments”, “innovative learning environments” and “flexible learning spaces” largely disappeared. It was replaced in policy documents with “quality learning environments”.

    This shift emphasised physical characteristics such as heating, lighting and acoustics, rather than innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

    Since coming to power, the current National-led coalition has focused on embedding a standardised approach to foundational skills in reading, writing, maths and science.

    While not directly scapegoating open-plan designs for educational underachievement, Erica Stanford said the reforms would ensure learning spaces were “designed to improve student outcomes”.

    But as New Zealand moves back to standardised designs, it is worth considering why modern learning environments were introduced in the first place – the flexibility for new technology and space for collaboration – and what students may lose by a swing back towards the separate classrooms of the past.

    Leon Benade is affiliated with Learning Environments Australasia, Philosophy of Education Society of Australasia (PESA) and The Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE).

    Chris Bradbeer is affiliated with Learning Environments New Zealand/Aotearoa (LENZ), and Learning Environments Australasia (LEA).

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

    – ref. The end of open-plan classrooms: how school design reflects changing ideas in education – https://theconversation.com/the-end-of-open-plan-classrooms-how-school-design-reflects-changing-ideas-in-education-261359

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: RIAT 2025 highlights global readiness, cooperation

    Source: United States Airforce

    During the Royal International Air Tattoo, the U.S. Air Force, alongside NATO allies and partners from around the globe, showcased what the strength of multinational relationships can achieve.

    ROYAL AIR FORCE FAIRFORD, United Kingdom (AFNS) —  The weather was calm and the sky was blue, yet thunder forced itself to be heard. From July 18-20, thousands of onlookers in the crowd gleefully braced themselves for a procession of roaring aerial acrobatics, helicopter rescue demonstrations, and raw airpower flooding the cloudy air above Royal Air Force Fairford.

    The Royal International Air Tattoo is not only the largest air show in the world – it is a convention of lethality, ingenuity, and partnership. The U.S. Air Force, alongside NATO allies and partners from around the globe, showcased what the strength of multinational relationships can achieve.

    “America’s international partners are one of its greatest strengths,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Mercer Martin, 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron U-2S pilot. “Spending our time meeting our partners in person while forging bonds and friendships is an extremely important addition to the relationships we have with our allied nations around the world.”

    U.S. Air Force Gen. David Allvin, USAF Chief of Staff, speaks with Airmen assigned to the 95th Reconnaissance Squadron during the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, England, July 19, 2025. The interaction and exchanges we have with allies and partners at events like RIAT allows us to learn from and leverage the strengths and capabilities our allies and partners bring to the table. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cody J. A. Mott)
    U.S. Air Force Capt. “Yeti” Martin, 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron U-2S pilot, explains the capabilities of the U-2S Dragon Lady to Royal Air Force cadets during the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, England, July 18, 2025. One of the many benefits of RIAT is exposing allies, partner nations and the general public to our aircraft and the aircrews who operate them. These aircraft demonstrate our vast capabilities and ability to rapidly respond to threats and assure allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cody J. A. Mott)
    RAF Red Arrow aerobatic team member Graeme Muscat, announces the pilot’s aerial demonstrations during the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, England, July 20, 2025. Through high-impact aerial displays and multinational participation, RIAT highlights the strategic reach and operational readiness of allied and partner air forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cody J. A. Mott)

    Exposing both the U.S. and partner-nation personnel to diverse strategies and training methods strengthens the goal of a cohesive, interoperable force. These relationships play a key part in times of peace as much as they do in the theater of war.

    “I enjoy flying an aircraft that’s so close in league with our American colleagues. It’s a real change of pace,” said an RAF Rivet Joint pilot. “Your training systems and operational focus into different deployable locations make it so U.S. Airmen are more versed on how it all works in different areas of the world. It’s nice to be exposed to that and fly more often with pilots who have different techniques.”

    As in years past, one of RIAT’s greatest strengths this year was the access it provided allies, partner nations and the public to U.S. aircraft, aircrew, and the stories behind them. It was a rare chance for global audiences to witness both the capabilities and the humanity behind modern airpower. This visibility builds confidence, strengthens support, and reinforces the value of continued collaboration.

    “As aircrew stationed in the United Kingdom, I’m flying tanker missions and working with NATO allies while refueling them in the air,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Tobin Nelson, 100th Air Refueling Wing pilot. “Being on the ground and meeting them face-to-face at RIAT is amazing. Knowing I’ve worked with their people gives me the ability to network, plan new training missions, and forge new bonds through flying.”

    RIAT 2025 served as a powerful reminder that diplomacy and military strength go hand in hand. By bringing together allies and partners in a shared celebration of innovation and skill, the air show fostered trust, mutual understanding, and camaraderie that extended far beyond the runway. The relationships built not only enhance all nations’ operational readiness but also promote a culture of cooperation and respect that is vital in today’s complex environments.

    RIAT’s ability to inspire generations also underscores the profound impact of bringing military aviation into the public eye. For many attendees, witnessing these aircraft in action and hearing firsthand accounts from dedicated personnel sparks a passion for service and a belief in the importance of teamwork.

    “When you come here and see participants and children from every walk of life with a sparkle in their eye, you don’t ever want to stifle those dreams,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Stortecky, 337th Airlift Squadron flight engineer. “Hopefully one day someone will say, ‘I had that tour through the aircraft and I saw them fly – and it inspired me to become who I am today.’”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council shortlisted for three national awards

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council has been shortlisted for three awards at the 2025 APSE Service Awards.

    The awards are specific to frontline services provided by UK local authorities and celebrate excellence in local public services.

    The nominations include:

    • Best Service Team: Parks, Grounds and Horticultural
    • Best Service Team: Technical Services
    • Best Community and Neighbourhood initiative for the Burnside Play Area Project

    Debbie Sutton, Chief Officer – Operations and Maintenance, said: “This is a wonderful achievement for our Operations and Maintenance team which celebrates the team’s hard work and commitment to providing a high standard of public services for our local communities. I wish the team well at the awards ceremony later in the year.”

    Winners will be announced at the APSE Annual Charity Awards Dinner in Glasgow on Thursday 11 September 2025, where the awards will be agreed by a panel of expert judges.

    Speaking about the Awards, Mo Baines, APSE Chief Executive, said:” With reorganisation on the horizon for many councils and increased discussions around greater devolution for local government across the UK, these awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of our frontline service teams and their tireless work to support and improve their local communities. Through innovation and tenacity, you continue to strive for excellence even in difficult circumstances. Congratulations to all the finalists, we look forward to seeing you in Glasgow!”

    The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) is a not-for-profit local government body working with over 300 councils throughout the UK to promote excellence in public services.

    21 Jul 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: OpenAI to expand UK office and work with government departments to turbocharge the UK’s AI infrastructure and transform public services

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    OpenAI to expand UK office and work with government departments to turbocharge the UK’s AI infrastructure and transform public services

    OpenAI and the UK government have today signed a new strategic partnership.

    OpenAI and UKL sign strategic partnership.

    • One of the world’s leading AI labs inks a new government partnership, revealing plans to explore investing in UK AI infrastructure and regional growth zones to revitalise communities with jobs and growth.

    • Initiative will also see OpenAI share more technical information with UK AI Security Institute to deepen government knowledge of AI capabilities and security risks, as well as supporting the government’s mission to use AI to transform taxpayer-funded services.

    • OpenAI also confirms its intention to increase its footprint in the UK, building up its research and engineering teams to deliver on the partnership arrangement.

    OpenAI and the UK government have today signed a new strategic partnership setting out plans to expand AI security research collaborations, explore investing in UK AI infrastructure like data centres, and find new ways for taxpayer funded services like security and education to make best use of the latest tech.

    It comes as OpenAI deepens its commitment to the UK, with plans to increase the size of its London office to follow. The move will build out what started as the company’s first international location just 2 years ago, where research and engineering teams contribute to the development of frontier AI models, and support is provided to UK business, developers and start-ups.

    The partnership will explore where it can deploy AI in areas such as justice, defence and security, and education technology in line with UK standards and guidelines to demonstrate the opportunity to make taxpayer funded services more efficient and effective.

    Signed today by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ sets out intent to build on the UK’s strengths in science, innovation and talent to “maintain a world-leading UK AI ecosystem rooted in democratic values”.

    Under the partnership, OpenAI will also explore potential routes to deliver the infrastructure priorities laid out in the AI Opportunities Action Plan, recognising the importance of UK sovereign capability in achieving the economic benefits of AI. The move could mean that world-changing AI tech is developed in the UK, driving discoveries that will deliver growth.

    It expands to share that OpenAI could look to invest in and support AI Growth Zones, first announced in the AI Opportunities Action Plan which has since been backed by £2 billion in the Spending Review.

    With over 200 bids from across the country, AI Growth Zones are set to become hotbeds for AI infrastructure attracting billions of pounds in investment each. Today’s news follows the UK government confirming that Scotland and Wales will both host AI Growth Zones in its Compute Strategy.

    The initiative follows the UK investing up to £500 million in sovereign AI that will be spent backing national AI champions and partnering with world leading companies like OpenAI. This partnership is an important element of our mission to ensure the UK continues to participate actively in the development of frontier AI, and that UK citizens continue to benefit from the economic growth provided by cutting-edge models.

    Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    AI will be fundamental in driving the change we need to see across the country – whether that’s in fixing the NHS, breaking down barriers to opportunity or driving economic growth. That’s why we need to make sure Britain is front and centre when it comes to developing and deploying AI, so we can make sure it works for us.

    This can’t be achieved without companies like OpenAI, who are driving this revolution forward internationally. This partnership will see more of their work taking place in the UK, creating high-paid tech jobs, driving investment in infrastructure, and crucially giving our country agency over how this world-changing technology moves forward.

    OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, said:

    AI is a core technology for nation building that will transform economies and deliver growth. Britain has a strong legacy of scientific leadership and its government was one of the first to recognise the potential of AI through its AI Opportunities Action Plan.

    Now, it’s time to deliver on the plan’s goals by turning ambition to action and delivering prosperity for all.

    The AI lab could also work with government to identify how advanced AI models could help to improve the public services that millions of people use every day, and driving economic growth across the country.

    OpenAI’s large language model, ChatGPT, already underpins multiple tools in ‘Humphrey’, Whitehall’s AI assistant that aims to speed up the civil service by taking away admin burdens.

    For example, GPT 4o is used in ‘Consult’, the bespoke tool that speeds up the policy making process by automatically sorting public responses to consultations – doing a task that takes officials weeks in minutes, while leaving important decisions to experts.

    In addition to supporting infrastructure plans laid out in the AI Opportunities Action Plan, OpenAI may also explore developing state-of-the-art, AI-enabled R&D infrastructure in the UK, focused on shared areas of strategic interest with the UK government.

    Notes to editors

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New chapter for Tinside as new community spaces officially open

    Source: City of Plymouth

    New spaces for young people and the community are now officially open at Tinside Lido, paving the way for year-round use of one of Plymouth’s most iconic waterfront landmarks.

    The lido, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, has been carefully restored and reimagined as part of the UK’s first National Marine Park, with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Horizons Award, the UK Government’s Youth Investment Fund and Levelling Up Fund and Plymouth City Council.

    The project has transformed underused areas of the Grade II-listed Art Deco building, safeguarding it for future generations while creating new opportunities for people to connect with Plymouth Sound.

    It has brought the first floor of the lido back into use as a flexible, multi-purpose space for youth activities, digital learning, training and events, supported by a new kitchen and bar facility. The sun terrace has been revitalised with a café pod and a pop-up event space with ramped access to ensure everyone can enjoy the views across Plymouth Sound.

    In addition, the smaller building that provides both pool and cove access, has been remodelled to provide a youth space with improved accessibility and changing facilities.

    Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “People use the word iconic all the time but Tinside honestly is. It’s treasured not only by the people of Plymouth but visitors from far and wide – and offers some of the most breathtaking views in the city, if not the country. But it’s not just a spectacular place to go for a swim and take in our amazing waterfront.

    “This regeneration has brought a whole new life to the lido and is such an important project for the city. It’s not only protected a much-loved part of Plymouth’s heritage. It’s helped to secure its future, by creating new, inspirational spaces that the whole community – and visitors to the city – can enjoy for many years to come. Exciting times are ahead!”

    Taryn Nixon OBE, trustee at The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Chair of England – London and South Committee, said: “Tinside Lido is a shining example of reinvesting in our heritage to create amazing new opportunities for people and for the city. The lido has been such an iconic part of Plymouth’s identity since 1935 and thanks to National Lottery players it has been given new life, in its 90th birthday year, for completely new audiences to connect with Plymouth’s rich ocean heritage. The Heritage Fund is very proud to have been able to support this ambitious project and the wider Plymouth Sound National Marine Park through our Heritage Horizon Awards.”

    The National Lottery Heritage Fund launched the Heritage Horizons Awards in 2019 to support ambitious, innovative and transformational projects that will revolutionise UK heritage. These awards help to transform lives and economies, put the UK at the lead of major environmental, cultural and heritage projects, and show confidence in the heritage sector to rebuild and thrive. As part of this, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park received £11.6 million to help create the UK’s first National Marine Park, revolutionising the way Plymouth interacts with its marine heritage.

    Plymouth Active, which operates Tinside Lido in partnership with the Council, has also welcomed the project’s completion, noting its significance for the future of the lido and its commitment to giving every child in Plymouth the opportunity to learn to swim.

    Rhys Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Plymouth Active, said: “We’re delighted to see these new spaces at Tinside Lido open for the community. Tinside is a vital part of our mission to give every child in Plymouth the chance to learn to swim and develop a love for the water. The new facilities also open up opportunities for events and activities that will help sustain Tinside for future generations.”

    The restoration also paves the way for new uses to support the lido’s long-term sustainability, with the potential to host silent discos, open-air cinema events and weddings, generating income that will help sustain free and low-cost youth activities beyond the five-year Heritage Horizons Award period.

    Originally opened in 1935 and refurbished for the first time in 2005, Tinside’s careful preservation and transformation is a testament to the city’s commitment to adapting its historic assets for modern needs. The substantial repairs and improvements carried out as part of this project ensure that Tinside will continue to be a much-loved feature of Plymouth’s waterfront while supporting the health, wellbeing and aspirations of young people in Britain’s Ocean City.

    To find out more about what’s on at Tinside and how to book the space for your event, visit the Tinside Lido website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Teenagers aren’t good at spotting misinformation online – research suggests why

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Yvonne Skipper, Senior Lecturer in Psychology (Education), University of Glasgow

    Body Stock/Shutterstock

    Misinformation is found in every element of our online lives. It ranges from fake products available to buy, fake lifestyle posts on social media accounts and fake news about health and politics.

    Misinformation has an impact not only on our beliefs but also our behaviour: for example, it has affected how people vote in elections and whether people intend to have vaccinations.

    And since anyone can create and share online content, without the kind of verification processes or fact checking typical of more traditional media, misinformation has proliferated.

    This is particularly important as young people increasingly turn to social media for all kinds of information, using it as a source of news and as a search engine. But despite their frequent use of social media, teenagers struggle to evaluate the accuracy of the content they consume.

    A 2022 report from media watchdog Ofcom found that only 11% of 11 to 17 year olds could reliably recognise the signs that indicated a post was genuine.

    My research has explored what teenagers understand about misinformation online. I held focus groups with 37 11- to 14-year-olds, asking them their views on misinformation.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    I found that the young people in the study tended to – wrongly – believe that misinformation was only about world events and scams. Because of this, they believed that they personally did not see a lot of misinformation.

    “[My Instagram] isn’t really like ‘this is happening in the world’ or whatever, it’s just kind of like life,” one said. This may make them vulnerable to misinformation as they are only alert for it in these domains.

    There was also wide variation in how confident they felt about spotting misinformation. Some were confident in their skills. “I’m not daft enough to believe it,” as one put it.

    Others admitted to being easily fooled. This was an interesting finding, as previous research has indicated that most people have a high level of confidence in their personal ability to spot misinformation.

    Most did not fact-check information by cross-referencing what they read with other news sources. They relied instead on their intuition – “You just see it, you know” – or looked at what others said in comment sections to spot misinformation. But neither of these strategies is likely to be particularly reliable.

    Relying on gut instinct typically means using cognitive shortcuts such as “I trust her, so I can trust her post” or “the website looks professional, so it is trustworthy”. This makes it easy for people to create believable false information.

    And a study by Ofcom found that only 22% of adults were able to identify signs of a genuine post. This means that relying on other people to help us tell true from false is not likely to be effective.

    Interestingly, the teens in this study saw older adults, particularly grandparents, as especially vulnerable to believing false information. On the other hand, they viewed their parents as more skilled at spotting misinformation than they themselves were. “[Parents] see it as fake news, so they don’t believe it and they don’t need to worry about it,” one said.

    Teens thought their parents would be better than them at spotting misinformation online.
    LightField Studios/Shutterstock

    This was unexpected. We might assume that young people, who are often considered digital natives, would see themselves as more adept than their parents at spotting misinformation.

    Taking responsibility

    We discussed whose role it was to challenge misinformation online. The teens were reluctant to challenge it themselves. They thought it would not make a difference if they did, or they feared being victimised online or even offline.

    Instead, they believed that governments should stop the spread of misinformation “as they know about what wars are happening”. But older participants thought that if the government took a leading role in stopping the spread of misinformation “there would be protests”, as it would be seen as censorship.

    They also felt that platforms should take responsibility to stop the spread of misinformation to protect their reputation, so that people don’t panic about fake news.

    In light of these findings, my colleagues and I have created a project that works with young people to create resources to help them develop their skills in spotting misinformation and staying safe online. We work closely with young people to understand what their concerns are, and how they want to learn about these topics.

    We also partner with organisations such as Police Scotland and Education Scotland to ensure our materials are grounded in real-world challenges and informed by the needs of teachers and other adult professionals as well as young people.

    Yvonne Skipper has received funding from the ESRC, Education Scotland and British Academy.

    – ref. Teenagers aren’t good at spotting misinformation online – research suggests why – https://theconversation.com/teenagers-arent-good-at-spotting-misinformation-online-research-suggests-why-260445

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Environment Secretary Steve Reed: Response to the Independent Water Commission’s final report

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Oral statement to Parliament

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed: Response to the Independent Water Commission’s final report

    Statement to the House of Commons outlining the government response to the Independent Water Commission’s final report.

    Mr Speaker, I would like to update the House on the Government’s plans to reform the water sector.

    The water industry quite clearly is failing. 

    Our rivers, lakes and seas are polluted with record levels of sewage.

    Water pipes have been left to crumble into disrepair.

    And I share customers’ fury at rising bills.

    There are hosepipe bans right now in place across the country because not a single new reservoir has been built in over 30 years.

    And the lack of water infrastructure is blocking economic growth.

    Water companies have been allowed to profit at the expense of the British people when they should have been investing to fix our broken water pipes.

    They got away with this because of a broken regulatory system that has failed customers and failed the environment. 

    The public expressed their fury during last year’s General Election, and they voted for change.  

    That change will now come. 

    In just one year, we have put in place the building blocks for change.

    First, we restored accountability by giving the regulators more teeth with a ban on unfair bonuses, severe and automatic penalties for breaking the law, and jail sentences for the most serious offences.  

    Second, we are investing £104 billion pounds of private sector funding to rebuild the water network.

    Upgrading crumbling pipes, repairing leaks, building new sewage treatment works, and digging out new reservoirs.

    This is the single biggest investment in the water sector’s history and it allows me to make a new commitment to the country:

    That this Government will cut water companies’ sewage pollution in half by the end of this decade.

    This is the most ambitious commitment ever made by any government about water pollution.  And it’s just the start. 

    Because over a decade of national renewal, we will restore our rivers, lakes and seas to good health.

    The third building block for change is today’s final report from Sir Jon Cunliffe’s Independent Water Commission. 

    And I’d like to express my thanks to Sir Jon, his officials and all those who have contributed to this outstanding piece of work.

    I agree with Sir Jon that water regulation has been too weak, too complex and ineffective. 

    Having four separate regulators with overlapping and conflicting remits has failed customers and the environment. 

    Ofwat has failed to protect customers from water companies’ mismanagement of their hard-earned money and failed to protect our waterways from record levels of pollution. 

    Today I can announce that this Government will abolish Ofwat. 

    We will bring water functions from four different regulators into one.

    A single powerful super-regulator responsible for the entire water sector, and with the teeth to enforce the high standards the public rightly demand. 

    The new regulator will stand firmly on the side of customers, investors and the environment and it will prevent the abuses of the past.

    For customers, it will oversee investment and upgrade work so hardworking British families are never again hit by the shocking bill hikes we saw last year.

    For investors, it will provide the clarity and direction required for a strong partnership between Government, the sector and investors to attract billions of pounds of new funding.

    For the environment, it will reduce all forms of pollution to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good. 

    We will work closely with the Welsh government to devolve economic regulation of water to Wales.

    I will publish a White Paper this Autumn giving the Government’s full response to the Independent Water Commission’s final report, and launch a consultation on it. 

    Following that, I will bring forward a new water reform bill early during the lifetime of this Parliament.

    Ofwat will remain in place during the transition to the new regulator and I will ensure they provide the right leadership to oversee the current price review and investment plan during that time.

    To provide clarity during this period, I will issue an interim Strategic Policy Statement to Ofwat and give Ministerial directions to the Environment Agency, setting out our expectations and requirements. We will publish a transition plan as part of our full Government response in the Autumn.  

    Today we are immediately taking forward a number of Sir Jon’s recommendations.

    First, we will establish a new statutory water ombudsman – a single, free service to help customers resolve complaints such as incorrect bills, leaking pipes or water supply failures.

    The new ombudsman will have the legal powers to protect customers and will bring the water dispute resolution process in line with other utilities like energy – it is part of the Government’s ambition to put customers at the heart of water regulation.

    Second, we will end the era of water companies marking their own homework.   

    We will end operator self-monitoring and transition to Open Monitoring to increase transparency and help restore public trust.

    Water companies are already required to publish data on some sewage spills within one hour. We will roll out real-time monitoring across the wastewater system. All this data will be made publicly available online.

    This will ensure both the regulator – and the public – have the power to hold water companies fully accountable.

    Third, we commit to including a regional element within the new regulator to ensure greater local involvement in water planning.  By moving to a catchment-based model for water system planning, we can tackle all sources of pollution entering waterways so they can be cleaned up more effectively and more quickly.

    This will ensure, for the first time, that water infrastructure investment plans align with spatial planning to support faster regional economic growth.  The lack of water infrastructure that held back development around Cambridge and Oxford for so long will not happen again.

    The new regulatory framework will recognise the risks investors take and, if they meet their obligations, they will see a fair, stable return on their investment.

    Just last week, I signed the Government’s new Water Skills Pledge to make sure the sector has the skills and workforce it needs to deliver this vast investment.  

    This Government was elected to clean up water pollution and ensure unacceptable water bill hikes can never happen again.    

    We now have all the building blocks in place to make that happen. 

    We are establishing a new partnership based on effective regulation where water companies, investors, communities and the Government will work together to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ARU graduates lead the region for career success

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    New national data shows that Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) graduates are thriving in their chosen careers, with ARU top in the region for two key measures of graduate success.

    The findings come from the Graduate Outcomes survey, the UK’s largest annual social survey, conducted by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)*.

    The survey captures the views and employment status of graduates 15 months after completing their studies and the latest data focuses on those who graduated from their courses in 2022-2023.

    ARU ranks first in the East of England for the proportion of UK undergraduates working as managers, directors or senior officials 15 months after graduation and shares top position in the region for the overall proportion of UK undergraduates in employment.

    Highlighting the University’s focus on preparing students for fulfilling roles, ARU is ranked fifth in the country for the proportion of full-time UK undergraduates working as managers, directors or senior officials within 15 months of graduating.

    Graduates also report a strong sense of purpose in their work, with ARU in the top 10% of universities in the country for UK students in employment and further study who agree their current activity is “meaningful”.

    These new Graduate Outcome survey results build on the Department for Education’s Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) data released last month, which also shows ARU’s impact, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

    The LEO data places ARU second in the UK for graduate earnings among those who entered university with lower tariff points, and 12th for students from areas with the lowest university participation.

    It also found that 90% of ARU’s first degree undergraduates who live in the UK are in sustained employment or further study one year after graduation, and ARU is in the top 10 in England for graduate earnings in the areas of health and social care, applied and forensic sciences, and architecture, building and planning. 

    “Our students accomplish a great deal during their time at ARU and we’re immensely proud of what they go on to achieve once they graduate.

    “We work closely with employers to ensure our courses are practical and career-focused, and our students benefit from teaching delivered by staff with professional industry knowledge and expertise. This provides students with the skills and experience needed in today’s job market and these latest results show the positive impact of our approach.”

    Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

    *Source: Graduate Outcomes Survey. Country refers to mainstream HEIs in England, excluding specialist institutions and those with fewer than 500 students. Contains HESA Data © HESA 2025 (https://www.hesa.ac.uk/).

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leicester’s new Roman visitor attraction ready to open its doors

    Source: City of Leicester

    THE MUSIC of Ancient Rome will resound around Leicester’s Jewry Wall this weekend as the city’s exciting new Roman visitor attraction opens to the public.

    Lyre player Michael Levy will join Roman re-enactors and City Mayor Peter Soulsby to cut the ribbon at the fully revamped Jewry Wall Museum at 9.50am on Saturday (26 July).

    Visitors with tickets for the very first admission at 10am will then head inside to enjoy the museum’s new multimedia exhibits, interactive displays and stunning immersive video experience.               

    While the museum’s use of 21st century technology will help tell the story of Roman Leicester like never before, it’s the 2nd century archaeology that will provide the real insight into everyday life in Roman Leicester, with more than a hundred items on display that were discovered in Leicester and Leicestershire.

    These include some of the finest Roman mosaics and wall plasters ever found in the UK, including the stunning Peacock and Blackfriars mosaics, as well as jewellery, pottery, bronzework (pictured) and coins.

    Content at the new museum has been developed with the help of the University of Leicester, which has shared its expertise on everything from Roman hairstyles and clothing to language and religion – ensuring the displays are both entertaining and educational.

    Mathew Morris, project officer at University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS), has been digging up and researching Roman Leicester for the past 20 years and is proud to have been an adviser to the Jewry Wall Museum project. 

    “Leicester was an important regional administrative centre in Roman Britain,” he said.

    “Artefacts found in the city reveal its extensive links with the wider Roman world, including the Mediterranean as far afield as Egypt. The town’s residents of civilians, soldiers and slaves were immersed in Roman culture – and excavations over the years, many carried out by ULAS, have revealed their lives in incredible detail.

    “It is inspiring to see how their stories are now being brought vividly to life in the new Jewry Wall Museum and it’s been a privilege to collaborate with Leicester Museums and Galleries to showcase the very latest understanding of our Roman town.”

    The Grade II listed building, which housed both the former Vaughan College and the old museum that closed in 2017, has been fully refurbished, with a new pedestrian bridge from St Nicholas Circle making the building fully accessible for the first time.

    City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “This magnificent new attraction means we can now shout proudly about our 2,000 years of history and Leicester’s place in Roman Britain.

    “Thanks to archaeological discoveries and interactive technology, the Jewry Wall Museum can reveal the public and private lives of the residents of Ratae Corieltauvorum like never before, telling their stories in new and compelling ways.

    “With more than a hundred items on display, discovered by archaeologists right here in Leicester, you’ll be able to see the mosaics and wall paintings that decorated their homes, the pottery they ate from, the jewellery they wore, and even the handy little tool that kept their fingernails clean!

    “It’s a fascinating story, which I hope people living in Leicester and further afield will be keen to discover.

    “And with no similar dedicated Roman visitor site within 80 miles of Leicester, our new Jewry Wall Museum is set to become the most important Roman-themed attraction in the Midlands.”

    Phil Hackett, general manager of the Jewry Wall Museum, said: “Jewry Wall isn’t just a museum – it’s a bold reimagining of how we tell Leicester’s Roman story.

    “By combining powerful archaeology, local discovery and world-class technology, we’ve created an experience that’s both deeply immersive and genuinely educational. We’re very proud to bring Leicester’s Roman roots to life, not just for local people, but for regional, national and international audiences.”

    Tickets for the Jewry Wall Museum include a Roman Explorer Pass, which allows unlimited visits to the attraction for 12 months. Prices are £12.50 for adults, with children aged 5-15 paying half-price. A family ticket for two adults and two children is available for £32.

    The museum shop will offer a range of books and Jewry Wall souvenirs, including a replica Roman brooch, a Peacock mosaic tile and even the museum’s take on a ‘tersorium’ – the sponge on a stick that was used by the Romans in public latrines before toilet paper was invented!

    There’s also an attractive café – overlooking the remains of the Roman bath house – that will be open to the public from 10am every day, without the need to buy an admission ticket.

    Further information and tickets are available now at jewrywall.com

    Leicester’s new Jewry Wall Museum is on St Nicholas Walk, Leicester LE1 4LB. Opening hours will be 10am-4am from Sunday to Friday, and from 10am-5pm on Saturdays and bank holidays, with the last admission 90 minutes before closing time.

    The new exhibition was designed by Haley Sharpe Design, the collections on display are from Leicester Museums & Galleries, the audiovisual content was created by Heritage Interactive Ltd and illustrative content and styling is by the artist Scott Tetlow.

    Leicester Museums & Galleries are a National Portfolio Organisation funded by Arts Council England.

    ends

     

    Picture caption:  Two of the Roman artefacts on display at Leicester’s new Jewry Wall Museum, which opens on Saturday 26 July

    • Bull’s head (bronze)
    • Figure of a male in a toga holding an offering dish (bronze)

     Photo credit: Ian Davis, Leicester City Council

    Background note:

    The remains of the bath house in Leicester are one of the largest civic Roman ruins in the country. Dating from around 125-130 AD, the remains have been referred to as ‘the Jewry Wall’ for centuries. The name is thought to have derived from the word ‘jurat’ – the name for the members of the medieval town’s corporation, who held their meetings nearby.

    From the 2nd century onwards, the bath house would have been one of the most important public buildings in Roman Leicester, together with the forum, the basilica and the market hall.

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Greens unveil candidates ahead of crucial election for our planet

    Source: Scottish Greens

    21 Jul 2025

    Ahead of next year’s Holyrood election the Scottish Greens have unveiled their regional list candidates

    The Scottish Greens have announced their slate of candidates for regional lists ahead of next year’s Holyrood election. The party hopes to return a record number of MSPs at the ballot box next May

    The Scottish Greens are aiming to return a record number of MSPs, building on the eight elected in 2021. A recent poll indicated that the party could secure 15 MSPs, giving the Scottish Greens a stronger voice in Parliament to push for bold, fair and progressive policies that champion people and planet above corporate greed. 

    The lead candidates in each region are:

    Central Scotland & Lothians West

    1. Gillian Mackay MSP

    Edinburgh & Lothians East

    1. Lorna Slater MSP
    2. Kate Nevens
    3. Q Manivannan

    Glasgow

    1. Patrick Harvie MSP
    2. Ellie Gomersall
    3. Cllr Holly Bruce

    Highlands & Islands

    1. Ariane Burgess MSP
    2. Cllr Kristopher Leask

    Mid Scotland & Fife

    1. Mark Ruskell MSP
    2. Mags Hall

    North East Scotland

    1. Guy Ingerson

    South Scotland

    1. Laura Moodie

    West Scotland

    1. Ross Greer MSP
    2. Cara McKee

    Reacting to the announcement, Scottish Greens Co-Leader, Lorna Slater MSP said:

    “Next year’s election is pivotal for the future of Scotland and our planet, that’s why I am delighted that Scottish Green members have selected such a strong group of lead candidates who will deliver real change in Holyrood.

    “Greens have been the only influential left-wing force in the Scottish Parliament for decades, delivering free bus travel for young people, scrapping peak rail fares, and securing tax reforms to ensure the richest in society pay their fair share to support the services we all rely on, like our NHS. 

    “With more Green MSPs, we can continue to push for the climate emergency to be taken seriously by other parties who want to protect corporate profits rather than our planet, and to fight back against the toxic climate change denialism from the far-right. Scottish Greens won’t give up on our planet’s future.

    “Electing a record number of Scottish Greens is the only way to secure the pro-independence majority in Holyrood, and to continue advancing the case to rejoin the European Union. It is a cause that Scottish Green MSPs will continue to make on the doorsteps across the country and in the chamber at Holyrood.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British Muslim Trust appointed as new partner to monitor and tackle anti-Muslim hatred

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    British Muslim Trust appointed as new partner to monitor and tackle anti-Muslim hatred

    The Combatting Hate Against Muslims Fund was established this year to tackle the record levels of anti-Muslim hate.

    • British Muslim Trust will receive funding as part of a new government drive against record levels of anti-Muslim hate.
    • Funding will boost victim support and strengthen hate crime reporting nationwide.
    • The Trust unites decades of expertise from Aziz Foundation and Randeree Charitable Trust.

    The British Muslim Trust (BMT) has been selected as the recipient of the government’s new Combatting Hate Against Muslims Fund, a key initiative to address the rise in anti-Muslim hatred across England.

    The fund was established this year to respond to the evolving nature of religious intolerance and targeted hate incidents faced by Muslim communities, which are at the highest level on record.

    BMT will use the funding to develop a robust reporting system that captures both online and offline incidents of anti-Muslim hatred, including those that may go unreported to the police.

    It will also enable the organisation to provide direct support to victims, raise awareness of what constitutes a hate crime, and encourage greater reporting from affected communities.

    Lord Khan, Minister for Faith, said:

    The rise of anti-Muslim hatred in this county is alarming and deeply concerning.

    That’s why we established this new fund: to ensure we’re doing everything we can to deeply understand the situation our Muslim communities are facing, provide them with the support they need and give us the tools needed to tackle this unacceptable hatred.

    I look forward to working with the British Muslim Trust on our shared ambition to create a safer, more tolerant society for everyone as part of our Plan for Change.

    By analysing the data collected, the BMT will help identify the trends and drivers behind these incidents, providing the government with the evidence needed to shape effective policy and inform action to tackle anti-Muslim hate moving forward, helping to deliver on our Safer Streets mission as part of our Plan for Change.

    The BMT brings together the Aziz Foundation and Randeree Charitable Trust to form a comprehensive organisation, combining their expertise and strong community foundations, gained from over twenty-years of work, to meet the demands of today’s landscape.

    Shabir Randeree, CBE, will serve as the Chair of the Board of Directors, bringing with him a wealth of cross-sector experience, knowledge and a firm commitment to championing the welfare of ethnic minorities in Britain.

    Shabir Randeree, Chair of the Board of Directors at the British Muslim Trust, said:

    Tackling anti-Muslim hatred is essential to building safer, more inclusive communities – and we are proud to have been appointed to deliver this important work.

    The British Muslim Trust will work closely with partners across the country to support victims, listen to communities, and help ensure that every person can live free from fear and hatred.

    Notes to Editors:

    • The British Muslim Trust will begin receiving reports and monitoring incidents from early autumn.
    • In establishing the BMT, The Aziz Foundation and Randeree Charitable Trust have also worked closely with Akeela Ahmed MBE, who they intend to appoint as CEO, drawing on her decades of experience in working with grassroots organisations and policy-level anti-hate work.
    • Incidents of hate crime directed towards Muslims is at a record high in England and Wales – as set out in recent government statistics: Hate crime, England and Wales, year ending March 2024 – GOV.UK
    • The window to bid for this funding under the Combatting Hate Against Muslims Fund ran from 7 April for six weeks. More information about the assessment criteria used to select the grant partner can be found in the fund’s prospectus, linked here: Combatting Hate Against Muslims fund: prospectus – GOV.UK
    • The Randeree Charitable Trust has spent decades supporting and funding organisations which work to empower young people, support interfaith dialogue, religious understanding and community cohesion. Through this work, the Trust has built a deep and widespread network which will support in establishing the British Muslim Trust’s within communities across the country.

    • The Aziz Foundation supports individuals from British Muslim communities by empowering them to advance their careers and make valuable contributions to society through providing Master’s scholarships and other resources. The foundation has spent a decade nurturing confident leaders of Muslim background to address social challenges and promote positive change within their communities and beyond.

    • NPCC’s National Police Advisor for Hate Crime Paul Giannasi said:

    “The Crime Survey for England and Wales demonstrates that hate crime has a greater impact on victims when compared to non-targeted crime. It damages our society, creating fear and division in communities that are targeted. 

    “We also know that hate crime has traditionally been underreported and have seen evidence that this is a particular challenge with those affected by anti-Muslim hatred.

    “The police will not tolerate hate crime and would encourage all victims to report crimes, whether direct to the police or through third-party facilities provided by community groups. 

    “We welcome the funding that government has committed to address this issue and any initiative that helps victims to seek and receive the services they deserve.”

    • Imam Qasim, Exec. Chairman & Founder, Al-Khair Foundation, said:

    “Al Khair Foundation welcomes the establishment of the British Muslim Trust as a dedicated platform through which members of the public may report hate crimes. 

    “This timely and much-needed initiative constitutes a significant milestone in the advancement of community cohesion and the restoration of trust and confidence among affected communities.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Idi Amin made himself out to be the ‘liberator’ of an oppressed majority – a demagogic trick that endures today

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Derek R. Peterson, Ali Mazrui Professor of History & African Studies, University of Michigan

    Idi Amin addresses the United Nations General Assembly in 1975. Bettmann/Getty Images

    Fifty years ago, Ugandan President Idi Amin wrote to the governments of the British Commonwealth with a bold suggestion: Allow him to take over as head of the organization, replacing Queen Elizabeth II.

    After all, Amin reasoned, a collapsing economy had made the U.K. unable to maintain its leadership. Moreover the “British empire does not now exist following the complete decolonization of Britain’s former overseas territories.”

    It wasn’t Amin’s only attempt to reshape the international order. Around the same time, he called for the United Nations headquarters to be moved to Uganda’s capital, Kampala, touting its location at “the heart of the world between the continents of America, Asia, Australia and the North and South Poles.”

    Amin’s diplomacy aimed to place Kampala at the center of a postcolonial world. In my new book, “A Popular History of Idi Amin’s Uganda,” I show that Amin’s government made Uganda – a remote, landlocked nation – look like a frontline state in the global war against racism, apartheid and imperialism.

    Doing so was, for the Amin regime, a way of claiming a morally essential role: liberator of Africa’s hitherto oppressed people. It helped inflate his image both at home and abroad, allowing him to maintain his rule for eight calamitous years, from 1971 to 1979.

    The phony liberator?

    Amin was the creator of a myth that was both manifestly untrue and extraordinarily compelling: that his violent, dysfunctional regime was actually engaged in freeing people from foreign oppressors.

    The question of Scottish independence was one of his enduring concerns. The “people of Scotland are tired of being exploited by the English,” wrote Amin in a 1974 telegram to United Nations Secretary General Kurt Waldheim. “Scotland was once an independent country, happy, well governed and administered with peace and prosperity,” but under the British government, “England has thrived on the energies and brains of the Scottish people.”

    Even his cruelest policies were framed as if they were liberatory. In August 1972, Amin announced the summary expulsion of Uganda’s Asian community. Some 50,000 people, many of whom had lived in Uganda for generations, were given a bare three months to tie up their affairs and leave the country. Amin named this the “Economic War.”

    In the speech that announced the expulsions, Amin argued that “the Ugandan Africans have been enslaved economically since the time of the colonialists.” The Economic War was meant to “emancipate the Uganda Africans of this republic.”

    “This is the day of salvation for the Ugandan Africans,” he said. By the end of 1972, some 5,655 farms, ranches and estates had been vacated by the departed Asian community, and Black African proprietors were queuing up to take over Asian-run businesses.

    Ugandan Asian refugees arrive at an airport in the U.K. after being expelled from Uganda.
    P. Felix/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

    A year later, when Amin attended the Organization of African Unity summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, his “achievements” were reported in a booklet published by the Uganda government. During his speech, Amin was “interrupted by thunderous applauses of acclamation and cheers, almost word for word, by Heads of State and Government and by everybody else who had a chance to hear it,” according to the the report.

    It was, wrote the government propagandist, “very clear that Uganda had emerged as the forefront of a True African State. It was clear that African nationalism had been born again. It was clear that the speech had brought new life to the freedom struggle in Africa.”

    Life at the front

    Amin’s policies were disastrous for all Ugandans, African and Asian alike. Yet his war of economic liberation was, for a time, a source of inspiration for activists around the world. Among the many people gripped by enthusiasm for Amin’s regime was Roy Innis, the Black American leader of the civil rights organization Congress of Racial Equality.

    In March 1973, Innis visited Uganda at Amin’s invitation. Innis and his colleagues had been pressing African governments to grant dual citizenship to Black Americans, just as Jewish Americans could earn citizenship from the state of Israel.

    Over the course of their 18 days in Uganda, the visiting Americans were shuttled around the country in Amin’s helicopter. Everywhere, Innis spoke with enthusiasm about Amin’s accomplishments. In a poem published in the pro-government Voice of Uganda around the time of his visit, Innis wrote:

    “Before, the life of your people was a complete bore,

    And they were poor, oppressed, exploited and economically sore.

    And you then came and opened new, dynamic economic pages.

    And showered progress on your people in realistic stages.

    In such expert moves that baffled even the great sages,

    your electric personality pronounced the imperialists’ doom.

    Your pragmatism has given Ugandans their economic boom.”

    In May 1973, Innis was back in Uganda, promising to recruit a contingent of 500 African American professors and technicians to serve in Uganda. Amin offered them free passage to Uganda, free housing and free hospital care for themselves and their families. The American weekly magazine Jet predicted that Uganda was soon to become an “African Israel,” a model nation upheld by the energies and knowledge of Black Americans.

    Roy Innis, national director of the Congress of Racial Equality, in 1972.
    Bettmann/Getty Images

    As some have observed, Innis was surely naive. But his enthusiasm was shared by a great many people, not least a great many Ugandans. Inspired by Amin’s promises, their energy and commitment kept institutions functioning in a time of great disruption. They built roads and stadiums, constructed national monuments and underwrote the running costs of government ministries.

    Patriotism and demagoguery

    Their ambitions were soon foreclosed by a rising tide of political dysfunction. Amin’s regime came to a violent end in 1979, when he was ousted by the invading army of Tanzania and fled Uganda.

    But his brand of demagoguery lives on. Today a new generation of demagogues claim to be fighting to liberate aggrieved majorities from outsiders’ control.

    In the 1970s, Amin enlisted Black Ugandans to battle against racial minorities who were said to dominate the economy and public life. Today an ascendant right wing encourages aggrieved white Americans to regard themselves as a majority dispossessed of their inheritance by greedy immigrants.

    Amin encouraged Ugandans to regard themselves as frontline soldiers, engaged in a globally consequential war against foreigners. In today’s America, some people similarly feel themselves deputized to take matters of state into their own hands. In January 2021, for instance, a right-wing group called “Stop the Steal” organized a rally in Washington. Vowing to “take our country back,” they stormed the Capitol building.

    The racialized demagoguery that Idi Amin promoted inspired the imagination of a great many people. It also fed violent campaigns to repossess a stolen inheritance, to reclaim properties that ought, in the view of the aggrieved majority, to belong to native sons and daughters. His regime is for us today a warning about the compelling power of demagoguery to shape people’s sense of purpose.

    Derek R. Peterson receives funding from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Andrew Mellon Foundation.

    – ref. Idi Amin made himself out to be the ‘liberator’ of an oppressed majority – a demagogic trick that endures today – https://theconversation.com/idi-amin-made-himself-out-to-be-the-liberator-of-an-oppressed-majority-a-demagogic-trick-that-endures-today-256969

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  • MIL-OSI Submissions: I watched a simulated oil spill in the Indian Ocean – here’s how island and coastal countries worked together to avoid disaster

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kate Sullivan de Estrada, Associate Professor in the International Relations of South Asia, University of Oxford

    Preparing to react to a maritime ’emergency’. Romuald Robert, CC BY

    The coils of black hose, drum skimmers designed to collect oil from the ocean’s surface, and orangey-red containment booms all looked out of place on the white sand of Mombasa’s touristy Nyali beach. But on July 9, dozens of emergency responders in red and orange hi-vis gear took over a portion of this beach. They were braving the wind and choppy Indian Ocean waves as they mock up the onshore response to a simulated oil spill at sea.

    I research how countries in the western Indian Ocean cooperate to make the seas around them safer, and I was there to observe a field training exercise that brought together around 200 participants from ten coastal and island states for one week in east Africa’s largest port city. Codenamed MASEPOLREX25, it put two types of emergency response to the test.

    The first was Kenya’s national-level response to marine oil pollution, guided by its national contingency plan. The second was a regional-level response that can bring in outside help from other nations. The organiser of the exercise, the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) – an intergovernmental group of Western Indian Ocean islands headquartered in Mauritius – wanted the countries of the region to rehearse a joint response to marine pollution.

    Preparations begin on Kenya’s Nyali beach for the emergency exercise.
    Romuald Robert., CC BY

    The exercise put two IOC-designed regional centres through their paces. Think of them like a pair of regional helpdesks for ocean security, each with a distinct purpose.

    How does it unfold?

    The exercise began the day before with a briefing on the marine pollution scenario. The Kenyan authorities had received a distress call from the fictional captains of two damaged vessels.

    An oil tanker with a deadweight tonnage of 50,000 had collided with a feeder ship in Tanzanian waters, just south of Kenya’s maritime zone. The captain of the tanker suspected that 3,000-to-4,000 metric tonnes of intermediate fuel oil (persistent, thick oil that won’t evaporate by itself) had spilled into the ocean.

    Such an incident is plausible. A 2023 IOC-commissioned internal study pinpointed the Kenya-Tanzania border as a hotspot for marine pollution risk. Two major ports sit in close proximity in a busy maritime transit corridor.

    Clustered around an incident board, Kenya’s incident management team mounted their national response. Nuru Mohammed, liaison officer for the Kenya Maritime Authority, explained that the assessment of the size of the spill and expectations of its behaviour had already led the team to anticipate the need for regional support. At this time of year, the sea current would carry the slick northward into Kenyan waters.

    At the back of everyone’s minds was the 2020 Wakashio incident, in which a bulk carrier owned by a Japanese shipping company but flagged to Panama ran aground to the southeast of Mauritius. An estimated 800-to-1,000 tonnes of fuel oil spilled into the sea, affecting 30km of Mauritian coastline. The cost to marine life, food security and human health were compounded by economic and connectivity challenges posed by the COVID pandemic.

    Responders prepare oil-spill equipment on the beach near Mombasa.
    Romuald Robert, CC BY-SA

    For the exercise, aerial surveillance of the mock spill triggered the first attempt at containment. A live video feed of the offshore national response showed rice husks, a substitute for the oil, afloat on the waves. Two vessels sprayed simulated oil-spill dispersants in challenging winds.

    In real life, as in this exercise, oil properties determine how the spill will behave. IOC consultant Peter Taylor warned that churning waves could mix with the oil forming emulsions that were viscous and not dispersible.

    We turned our attention to the chat feed on SeaVision, an information-sharing platform. A notification popped up. The Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC) in Madagascar had shared mapped and timestamped projections of the drift of the oil slick for the following 72 hours. The centre’s director, Alex Ralaiarivony, later explained how it could provide other technical support such as satellite imagery, and could calculate the proportions of oil that were likely to become submerged, evaporate, remain adrift and reach the shoreline.

    By July 9, the fictional oil spill had reached the coast. The team on Nyali beach hurried to deploy an oil containment boom, a floating barrier that can shield sensitive areas such as shorelines.

    Back at headquarters, SeaVision was busy with messages. The other centre, the Regional Coordination of Operations Centre (RCOC) in Seychelles, was urgently requesting more shoreline equipment to help with oil spills, such as booms, from regional partners. Mauritius and Madagascar both made offers to help that Kenya accepted, and the RCOC coordinated a Dornier aircraft from Seychelles for collection and delivery.

    How does the emergency response work?

    The two centres help countries in the Western Indian Ocean secure their maritime zones against threats such as piracy, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, the trafficking of illicit goods – and marine pollution incidents.

    In Madagascar, the RMIFC gathers and analyses maritime data from multiple sources to detect potential threats at sea. This enables early warning of threats like oil spills, as well as suspicious ships or boats engaged in illicit maritime activities.

    The RCOC in Seychelles responds to these threats. It draws on a shared pool of aircraft and ships belonging to its members, using these to coordinate joint responses – whether through sea patrols, boarding and inspecting ships, or laying the legal groundwork to prosecute offenders.

    The two regional centres serve seven states: IOC island members Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles and France — through its island territory of La Réunion — as well as East African coastal states Kenya and Djibouti.

    On July 10, the exercise ended with an evaluation. One takeaway was that the two regional centres could have been used even more – for instance, to coordinate technical assistance from different partners. But a key purpose of the exercise was to help participating countries understand what the centres offer, and get them used to a regional-level response.

    Coastal and island states thousands of kilometres apart are being brought closer by maritime threats in their shared ocean. And the two centres are building their operational capacity to support the whole region, while also creating trust among countries. This matters in a geopolitical context of strategic competition in the Indian Ocean, where islands and East African coastal states sometimes want to put their own needs first.

    At the end of the exercise, IOC officer-in-charge Raj Mohabeer reminded participants that the island and coastal states of the Western Indian Ocean have vast maritime zones and face multiple seaborne security threats to their economies, ecologies and livelihoods. “No developing country can deal with a significant marine pollution event alone.”

    Kate Sullivan de Estrada receives funding from Research England’s Policy Support Fund allocation to the University of
    Oxford via the Public Policy Challenge Fund. Her project under the Fund is titled “Balancing ‘Sovereignty Trade-offs’ in Small-State Maritime Security Co-operation: The Case of the Indian Ocean Commission.”

    – ref. I watched a simulated oil spill in the Indian Ocean – here’s how island and coastal countries worked together to avoid disaster – https://theconversation.com/i-watched-a-simulated-oil-spill-in-the-indian-ocean-heres-how-island-and-coastal-countries-worked-together-to-avoid-disaster-260895

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  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Three types of drought – and why there’s no such thing as a global water crisis

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Filippo Menga, Visiting Research Fellow, Professor of Geography, University of Reading

    Lithium fields in the Atacama Desert, Chile. Freedom_wanted/Shutterstock

    Hosepipe bans have been announced in parts of England this summer. Following the driest spring in over a century, the Environment Agency has issued a medium drought risk warning, and Yorkshire Water will introduce restrictions starting Friday, 11 July. It’s a familiar story: reduced rainfall, shrinking reservoirs and renewed calls for restraint: take shorter showers, avoid watering the lawn, turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.

    These appeals to personal responsibility reflect a broader way of thinking about water: that everyone, everywhere, is facing the same crisis, and that small individual actions are a meaningful response. But what if this narrative, familiar as it is, obscures more than it reveals?

    In my new book, Thirst: The global quest to solve the water crisis, I argue that the phrase “global water crisis” may do more harm than good. It simplifies a complex global reality, collapsing vastly different situations into one seemingly shared emergency. While it evokes urgency, it conceals the very things that matter: the causes, politics and power dynamics that determine who gets water and who doesn’t.

    What we call a single crisis is, in fact, many distinct ones. To see this clearly, we must move beyond the rhetoric of global scarcity and look closely at how drought plays out in different places. Consider the UK, the Horn of Africa, and Chile: three regions facing water stress in radically different ways.

    UK: a crisis of infrastructure

    Drought in the UK is rarely the result of absolute water scarcity. The country receives relatively consistent rainfall throughout the year. Even when droughts occur, the underlying issue is how water is managed, distributed and maintained.

    Roughly a fifth of treated water is lost through leaking pipes, some of them over a century old. At the same time, privatised water companies have come under growing scrutiny for failing to invest in infrastructure while paying billions in dividends to shareholders. So calls for households to use less water often strike a dissonant note.

    The UK’s droughts are not just the product of climate variability. They are also shaped by policy decisions, regulatory failures and eroding public trust. Temporary scarcity becomes a recurring crisis due to the structures meant to manage it.

    Horn of Africa: survival and structural vulnerability

    In the Horn of Africa, drought is catastrophic. Since 2020, the region has endured five consecutive failed rainy seasons – the worst in four decades. More than 30 million people across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya face food insecurity. Livelihoods have collapsed and millions of people have been displaced.

    Climate change is a driver, but so is politics. Armed conflict, weak governance and decades of underinvestment have left communities dangerously exposed. These vulnerabilities are rooted in longer histories of colonial exploitation and, more recently, the privatisation of essential services.

    Adaptation refers to how communities try to cope with changing climate conditions using the resources they have. Local efforts to adapt to drought (such as digging new wells, planting drought-resistant crop or rationing limited supplies) are often informal or underfunded.

    When prolonged droughts strike in places already facing poverty, conflict or weak governance, these coping strategies are rarely enough. Framing climate-induced drought as just another chapter in a global water crisis erases the specific conditions that make it so deadly.

    Drought in Africa can be catastrophic.
    Dieter Telemans/Panos Pictures, CC BY-NC-ND

    Chile: extraction and exclusion

    Chile’s water crisis is often linked to drought. But the underlying issue is extraction. The country holds over half of the world’s lithium reserves, a metal critical to electric vehicles and energy storage.

    Lithium is mined through an intensely water-consuming process in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, often on Indigenous land. Communities have seen water tables drop and wetlands disappear while receiving little benefit.

    Chile’s water laws, introduced under the Pinochet regime, allow private companies to hold long-term rights regardless of environmental or social cost. Here, water scarcity is driven less by rainfall and more by law, ownership and global demand for renewable technologies. Framing Chile’s situation as just another example of a global water crisis overlooks the deeper political and economic forces that shape how water is managed – and who gets to benefit from it.

    No single crisis, no single solution

    While drought is intensifying, its causes and consequences vary. In the UK, it’s about infrastructure and governance. In the Horn of Africa, it’s about historical injustice and systemic neglect. In Chile, it’s about legal frameworks and resource extraction.

    Labelling this simply as a global water crisis oversimplifies the issue and steers attention away from the root causes. It promotes technical solutions while ignoring the political questions of who has access to water and who controls it.

    This approach often favours private companies and international organisations, sidelining local communities and institutions. Instead of holding power to account, it risks shifting responsibility without making meaningful changes to how power and resources are shared.

    In Thirst, I argue that the crisis of water is a cultural and political one. Who controls water, who profits from it, who bears the cost of its depletion: these are the defining questions of our time. And they cannot be answered with generalities. We don’t need one big solution. We need many small, just ones.

    This article features a reference to a book that has been included for editorial reasons. If you click on one of the links to bookshop.org and go on to buy something, The Conversation UK may earn a commission.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

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

    – ref. Three types of drought – and why there’s no such thing as a global water crisis – https://theconversation.com/three-types-of-drought-and-why-theres-no-such-thing-as-a-global-water-crisis-260723

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  • MIL-OSI Submissions: A potted history of fermented foods – from pickles to kimchi

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Serin Quinn, PhD Candidate, Department of History, University of Warwick

    Are you a pro at pickling? How about baking sourdough bread or brewing your own kombucha? If the answer is yes, you’ve probably picked up on one of the recent trends promoting fermented foods, which promise to boost your gut health and save both you and the planet from the scourge of food waste.

    For the uninitiated, fermented foods include anything that uses bacteria to break down organic matter into a new product. Look around an ordinary kitchen and you’ll almost certainly find something fermented: yoghurt (milk), beer and wine (grain/fruit) or vinegar (alcohol). Not all of these will give you the promised health boost, however, which comes from “live” ferments containing probiotic microbes, usually lactic acid bacteria. In alcohol and vinegar the fermenting bacteria die during the process.

    The health benefits of fermented foods are widely promoted. Some advocates, like epidemiologist Tim Spector, suggest the gut microbiome is the key to our health, while others are more cautious: in essence, although kefir is certainly good for your gut, it isn’t a cure-all. Still, the research is ongoing and diversifying: one study has even suggested that probiotics could fight the less pleasant recent phenomenon of microplastics in our stomachs.

    The future of fermented foods is definitely something to keep an eye on, but equally interesting is their long past and the different fermented food fashions we see over time.

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

    People have been fermenting food since before the written word. Thanks to archaeological discoveries, we know that 13,000 years ago ancient Natufian culture in the Levant was fermenting grain into beer and that around the globe in Jiahu, Northern China, 9,000 years ago, a mixture of rice, honey and fruit was fermented to make early “wines”.

    In fact, most cultures have at some point in their history fermented plants into alcohol, from agave pulque in Mesoamerica to gum-tree way-a-linah in Australia.

    Mosaic depicting a garum jug with a titulus reading ‘from the workshop of the garum importer Aulus Umbricius Scaurus’.
    Claus Ableiter, CC BY-SA

    As to preserving food, archaeologists have found that nearly 10,000 years ago fish was fermented by the Mesolithic inhabitants of Sweden. Today nam pla (fish sauce made from fermented anchovies) is very popular, but fermented fish sauces were a major commodity in the ancient world, including the garum of the Romans. This was made from the blood and guts of mackerel, salt-fermented for two months. Although it might not sound very appealing, garum was an expensive condiment for the Roman nobility and was shipped all the way from Spain to Britain.

    Garum eventually lost its popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages, but fermented fish made a comeback in the 18th century. In Asia fish sauces had continued strong, and colonialism brought the south Asian fish sauce kê-chiap to Europe, alongside soy sauce (fermented soybeans). Salt-fermenting oysters and anchovies in this style became popular in England and North America, and people eventually branched out to preserving tomatoes – giving us modern ketchup.

    Cabbage cultures

    No discussion of fermentation would be complete without pickled vegetables. Today, the most talked-about fermented vegetable is the cabbage, in the form of kimchi and sauerkraut, thanks to its strong probiotic and vitamin C content.

    The historical origins of these dishes are unclear. Online articles might tell you that pickled cabbage was first eaten by the builders of the Great Wall of China 2,000 years ago and brought to Europe in Genghis Khan’s saddlebags. These kinds of apocryphal stories should be taken with more than a grain of salt.

    An illustration of the cultivation of grapes and winemaking in Ming dynasty China (1368–1644).
    Wellcome Collection

    So should the apparent connection to Roman author Pliny the Elder, who made no mention of “salt cabbage” anywhere in his works. While the Greeks and Romans loved cabbage and considered it a cure for many illnesses, they almost always boiled it, which would kill the lactobacillus.

    Still, as Jan Davison, author of Pickles: A Global History, writes, literary evidence suggests that salt pickling in general does have a long precedence. Pickled gourds were eaten in Zhou dynasty China around 3,000 years ago.

    It’s hard to say when sauerkraut became a common dish, but the term was in use by the 16th century and was associated with Germany by the 17th. As to Korean kimchi, research suggests this style of preservation was practised by the 13th century, only using turnips rather than cabbage.

    The popularity of radish and cabbage kimchi only came about in the 16th century, alongside the use of chilli peppers. Now an iconic aspect of this bright-red dish, peppers were not part of “Old World” diets before the Columbian exchange.

    History reveals our long relationship with fermented food. Our pickling ancestors were more interested in food preservation than in their bacterial microbiome – a very modern concept. Looking to past practices might even help us innovate fermentation technologies, as recent research from the Vrije Universiteit Brussels shows. I’m not sure about bringing back fermented fish guts, but more pickled turnips doesn’t sound half bad.

    This article features references to books that have been included for editorial reasons, and may contain links to bookshop.org. If you click on one of the links and go on to buy something from bookshop.org The Conversation UK may earn a commission.

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

    – ref. A potted history of fermented foods – from pickles to kimchi – https://theconversation.com/a-potted-history-of-fermented-foods-from-pickles-to-kimchi-260132

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