NewzIntel.com

Category: Great Britain

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK submits shortlist for next judge elected to the European Court of Human Rights

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UK submits shortlist for next judge elected to the European Court of Human Rights

    UK submits a shortlist of 3 candidates for election as the next judge of the European Court of Human Rights in respect of the UK.

    Three candidates have been nominated to be the next European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) judge elected in respect of the UK in succession to Tim Eicke KC. The ECtHR is established under the European Convention of Human Rights and sits in Strasbourg. A member of the Court is elected in respect of each of the 46 member States of the Council of Europe, by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), from lists of 3 candidates proposed by each State.

    Following an open selection process administered by the Judicial Appointments Commission for England and Wales, the United Kingdom candidates, listed in alphabetical order, are:

    • Mr Hugh Mercer KC, a UK barrister and Deputy High Court Judge
    • Ms Deok Joo Rhee KC, a UK barrister
    • Mr Sam Wordsworth KC, a UK barrister

    One of these candidates will be elected by PACE during its plenary session 23 to 27 June 2025 for a 9-year term from 12 September 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: One year to go until the Scottish Parliament election

    Source: Scottish National Party

    Thank you Mairi for that kind introduction.

    You are such a valued member of the SNP family, and it has been wonderful to hear how well your own family is doing.

    And to my dear friend Keith, your SNP family are so full of love and admiration for you right now.

    I’ve been over in Hamilton a lot in the last few weeks to support our fantastic candidate Katy Loudon, and I’ve lost count of how many people have spoken to me of Christina with such deep affection.

    Friends, there is no better tribute that we can pay to our dear colleague Christina McKelvie than campaigning to honour her legacy, to win in her beloved Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, and fulfil her dream of an independent Scotland.

    Friends,

    It’s hard to believe a year has passed since I became Scotland’s First Minister.

    A week may well be a long time in politics, but paradoxically the last 52 weeks have flown by in no time at all.

    Every moment has been an absolute privilege to serve Scotland.

    When I joined the SNP as a teenager, it was in the midst of economic turmoil, a cost of living crisis and huge global uncertainty.

    But I looked around me, and I was convinced that Scotland had the talented people and the immense resources to face those obstacles head-on.

    The world of 2025 feels very uncertain too – and times are really tough for a lot of people.

    But do you know what?

    I am not fazed by the challenges in front of us.

    What I believed back then, I am more convinced than ever
    Scotland has what it takes to be a successful independent country.

    When I look back over my first twelve months as First Minister …

    When I think of all the truly inspirational people around Scotland I have been so lucky to meet….

    …The entrepreneurs, the carers, the innovators, the problem-solvers, the educators and the community activists…

    …I know that there is nothing wrong with Scotland that cannot be fixed by what is right in Scotland.

    Today we are here to discuss how we move forward as a nation.

    In exactly a year’s time, people will be going to the polls in a crucial Scottish Parliament election.

    And friends, with your help I intend to bring Scotland together
    I want to us to unite around a shared vision and a common purpose.

    A determination to build a Scotland where we can all feel at home.

    Where no child is left behind.

    And where everyone can reach their potential.

    Friends,

    We know that when the SNP does well, Scotland does well

    So let us resolve today – in 2026, the SNP are going to win for Scotland.

    I want to start today with a big thank you – to all of you.

    Over these last few months, we have rolled up our sleeves and worked harder than ever for the country we serve.

    Our MSPs, our MPs, our Councillors, our activists and our fantastic candidates here with us today – all of us are putting our shoulder to the wheel.

    We have come together, and we are getting back to what we do best – delivering for the people of Scotland

    And thanks to all your hard work, the SNP is back on the front foot.

    So friends, let us build on that momentum.

    Let us redouble our efforts to work together, each and every day, to make Scotland the better country we know it can be.

    We are winning back the trust of the people of Scotland because we are showing them that we are truly focussed on their priorities.

    People tell us they are worried about the cost of living – and we are listening.

    South of the border, Labour are charging people for university tuition and many other public services. The SNP are guaranteeing to keep them free in Scotland.

    That is the SNP – delivering for Scotland.

    Pensioners are telling us that they are worried about how they’ll heat their homes this winter – and the SNP are listening.

    Labour may not think older people deserve support during a cost of living crisis, but we do.

    Pensioners were betrayed by Labour.

    But under the SNP, every single pensioner in Scotland will receive a winter fuel payment this year.

    That is the SNP – delivering for Scotland.

    And friends, commuters tell us the cost of rail travel is still a real issue for them – and we are listening.

    In this cost of living crisis, people in Scotland rightly expect their government to step up.

    So we have looked again at the issue of rail fares.

    And the SNP are scrapping peak rail fares for good.

    That is the SNP – delivering for Scotland.

    And friends, people are telling us they are struggling to access the NHS or get appointments with their GP – and we are listening.

    We’re investing, we’re rolling out new technology and we’re expanding specialist regional centres.

    Over the last year, there have been dramatic falls in some of the longest waits, as well as a 50% increase in surgical procedures such as hip and knee replacements.

    Just yesterday, I announced the delivery of an extra 100,000 appointments in GP surgeries and 150,000 additional appointments and procedures in our hospitals to reduce waiting times.

    That is the SNP  – delivering for Scotland.

    And friends, people tell us they want every child in Scotland to get the best start in life – and the SNP is listening.

    Under our watch, Scotland is the only part of the UK where child poverty is falling.

    Where other governments are stepping back, the SNP is stepping up.

    Our Scottish Child Payment is still unique in these islands. Labour have chosen not to replicate it.

    And while Labour refuse to scrap the morally unjustifiable two-child cap, the SNP will step up once again.

    We will scrap this cap and keep thousands more children out of poverty

    That is the SNP – delivering for Scotland.

    Friends,

    We have more to do, but the SNP is fully focused on the people’s priorities.

    In a year’s time, when the people of Scotland choose their next government, we will earn their trust by showing them a record of delivery.

    In that election, Labour will be standing on their record too.

    Don’t worry – I’ll make sure of it!

    Like everyone else I was delighted to see the back of the Tories, and I felt more positive when Keir Starmer took office.

    I have done everything I can to work constructively with the new Labour government in the interests of Scotland.

    People in Scotland put their trust in Labour last year – but time and time again, Labour has let them down.

    Pensioners – stripped of their winter fuel payment.

    Households – forced to pay higher energy bills

    Businesses – slapped with Labour’s jobs tax.

    Families – left with no end in sight to cruel Tory welfare policies.

    WASPI women – promised compensation but given nothing.

    Friends,

    Over the last year, the SNP has been doing what we do best – standing up for Scotland.

    Labour have been doing what they do best as well – taking Scotland for granted.

    And in the election next year, be in no doubt – Labour will have to answer for their broken promises.

    Friends,

    For as long as Scotland is under Westminster control, people are entitled to expect that Westminster will give them the same focus as any other part of the UK.

    But here is what Labour deliver.

    They have bent over backwards to support two carbon capture sites in England, but failed to fund the Acorn project in Scotland.

    They’re saving jobs at Scunthorpe while abandoning workers at Grangemouth.

    They’re happy to take Scotland’s energy wealth but refusing to cut our energy bills.

    Labour or Tories, it’s the same old story.

    For Westminster, Scotland is always an afterthought.

    For the SNP, Scotland will always come first.

    Friends,

    If you want to know what happens when governments do not deliver for people, look no further than last week’s local election results south of the border.

    An ill wind of change is blowing through UK politics, and after last week it is no longer fanciful to suggest that Nigel Farage could be Prime Minister in a few years.

    This should be a wake-up call for people across Scotland – but certainly not a surprise.

    Keir Starmer and the Labour party have opened the door to Farage.

    Beacause they have failed to stand up to him.

    Dancing to Farage’s tune on immigration

    Too scared to admit Brexit has been a disaster.

    And alienating communities in England by maintaining Tory austerity cuts.

    That’s what you get with Labour

    At Westminster, Nigel Farage may not be in office – but he is very much in power.

    You don’t beat populists by imitating them.

    You beat them by confronting them.

    We will never do any deals with Farage.

    Only the SNP will confront Farage and defeat Farage.

    It’s often said that the past is a foreign country.

    Well after last week, I think for people in Scotland, the future of the UK is looking increasingly unrecognisable.

    Now more than ever, it falls on the SNP to offer a brighter future.

    I’ve believed for my whole life that the path to that brighter future for Scotland is reached by becoming an independent nation.

    And I’ve always known that we will become independent when a clear majority of people gets behind a common vision for our country’s future.

    Our task – as the party that will guide Scotland to independence – is to create the conditions where that can happen.

    That means getting all of our ducks in a row – and friends, we are doing that.

    When I became SNP Leader, I said we needed to come back together as a movement

    And we have.

    I said we needed to stay true to our values.

    And we are.

    I said we needed to earn the right to be heard.

    And through our hard work, we are earning that right.

    Because we are delivering on Scotland’s priorities.

    And by delivering for people in the here and now, they are more open to receiving our message of hope for Scotland’s future.

    Over the next twelve months, we must deliver our message as far and wide as possible.

    Westminster has scarcely looked more distant from the people of Scotland and their everyday concerns.

    For years, Labour told people in Scotland that they didn’t need independence – we just needed to get rid of the Tories and everything will change.

    No wonder so many people are feeling disaffected and alienated right now.

    The choice is to accept things as they are, or to act differently.

    What surer way to tackle alienation than with the overwhelming sense of empowerment of becoming an independent nation which is ours to create?

    We can build a winning coalition for independence by showing people what that empowerment can lead to.

    The Scotland I want to build is an enterprising, outward-looking and compassionate Scotland – which will flourish with the powers of independence.

    An enterprising nation – which understands that the prosperity of our country rests on ensuring the prosperity of every single one of our citizens.

    An outward-looking nation – where we give to the world everything we can offer, just as we seek from the world everything it can offer us.

    Where we take our rightful place at the top table of Europe.

    And which looks at the global challenges of the age, such as the climate emergency, and asks not “how can we avoid responsibility?” but instead asks “what can we do to help?”

    And a compassionate nation – which sees human rights – including LGBTQI+ rights – not as something to denigrate, but as the bedrock of a society where everyone feels safe and accepted.

    One which doesn’t balance its books on the backs of pensioners, the poor and disabled people – but values them as ourselves, our friends, our family, our neighbours – cherished members of our society.

    That is the Scotland we should aspire to – and that is the Scotland I want to create.

    Friends,

    All of us are here today because fundamentally we believe in something better.

    Even in these uncertain times, we know – beyond any doubt – that Scotland has what it takes to be a thriving successful independent nation.

    Over the next 12 months, our ambition must be to unite as many people as possible behind our vision.

    We must reach people from all walks of life, in every corner of Scotland.

    We must build a winning coalition that is as broad as it is high.

    A year today, I don’t just want to win – I want us to shift the tectonic plates of Scottish politics and create a wave of hope that will overcome Westminster’s wall of despair.

    Friends, we are back on the front foot – so let us take the next steps together.

    When Westminster lets Scotland down, let us lift Scotland up.

    When others seek to divide, let us unite.

    While others tell people in Scotland that they can’t, let us show them how they can.

    The campaign for Scotland’s future starts today.

    So let us get out there and let us win that better future for Scotland.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Major boost for mobile cinema

    Source: Scottish Government

    £500,000 funding to Screen Machine.

    Funding has been announced enabling an order to be placed for a new Screen Machine mobile cinema serving rural communities across Scotland.

    The £500,000 Scottish Government grant allows Regional Screen Scotland (RSS) to order a new vehicle to take films to 44 locations in areas including the Highlands and Islands, Moray and North Ayrshire.

    After the previous 80-seat vehicle was retired in 2023 following 18 years and 250,000 miles on the road, RSS started fundraising for a permanent replacement costing £1.7 million. A leased vehicle is currently continuing the service until April 2026.

    The new machine will be energy efficient with the ability to charge via solar panels and battery packs, instead of a diesel generator.

    Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:

    “The Screen Machine service is a hugely important asset, bringing cinema to the doorsteps of people in many rural and island communities.

    “It has proved its worth over 26 years, providing entertainment that town and city residents take for granted. In doing so it enriches people’s lives and plays a part in tackling rural depopulation.

    “This grant allows Regional Screen Scotland to order a new, bespoke vehicle able to use Scotland’s ferry network and negotiate our rural roads. I wish the organisation well as it continues efforts to reach its fundraising target.”

    Regional Screen Scotland interim Chief Executive Simon Drysdale said:

    “This generous grant from the Scottish Government completely transforms our fundraising campaign to raise the money required to build a new Screen Machine. We can now plan with greater confidence for a service that will be secured into the 2040s.

    “Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported our campaign so far, from Screen Scotland to the Arran Trust, customers of the Newtonmore Grill, letter-writing children in Barra and many, many more.”

    Background

    The grant for the Screen Machine comes from the Scottish Government’s Gaelic Capital Fund, which supports developments of benefit to Gaelic-speaking communities.  

    Regional Screen Scotland launched its public fundraising campaign in September 2024. Energy firm SSEN Transmission has already announced it will give £350,000 from its Regional Community Benefit Fund.  Further support has come from actors Alan Cumming and Dame Judi Dench and fundraising continues.

    Around 180,000 tickets have been sold in Highland, Argyll & Bute, Western Isles, Moray, North Ayrshire, Aberdeenshire and Orkney over the last 10 years. In 2024-25 the service showed 51 films at 450 screenings at which it employed a total of 57 local ushers.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Charity regulator criticises charity over repeated breaches

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Charity regulator criticises charity over repeated breaches

    The Charity Commission has issued an Official Warning.

    The Charity Commission, the regulator of charities in England and Wales, has issued the Oxford Initiative for British Islam with an Official Warning after the charity failed to file accounting records on time for five consecutive years.

    The charity – a  think tank and research institute – was 397 days late filing its 2019 accounts, 32 days late filing its 2020 accounts, 367 days late filing its 2021 accounts, 282 days late filing its 2022 accounts, and 74 days late filing its most recent accounts (and other records), for the financial year ended 31 December 2023.

    Charities are given 10 months after the end of their financial year to file. The charity’s failures to do so amount a breach of trust or duty, or misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charity. The Official Warning notes that the charity is to take steps to ensure all future annual accounting records are submitted to the Commission within the statutory deadline, and that failure to do so may lead to further regulatory action.

    The regulator opened a regulatory compliance case involving the charity in April 2024, after concerns were raised that the charity’s Chair made a number of concerning comments in an interview, including drawing a comparison between Zionism and Nazism and saying politicians should be “identified” if they have family links to Judaism or Zionism because “the public should know that [they] are not objective and unbiased.”

    The trustees told the Commission that the Chair made the comments in a personal capacity, not on behalf of the charity. The Commission recognises the importance of freedom of expression for those leading charities but also expects trustees to be aware of the potential impact of comments on their charity’s reputation.

    In this case the Commission concluded that the trustees failed to take sufficient action to distinguish the charity’s identity from the Chair’s comments in a personal capacity, in order to protect the charity’s reputation. The Chair’s name is often publicly associated with the charity, as it was in reporting of these comments. The Commission has therefore issued regulatory guidance requiring the trustees to implement effective written policies and procedures to manage situations in future.

    The Commission is also critical of the trustees’ cooperation with its officials during the compliance case. The regulator expended considerable resources chasing the trustees and its delegates for responses, in pursuit of crucial information. This resulted in the Commission having to exercise its powers on two occasions to compel the trustees, by way of a legal order, to provide both answers to questions and certain documents.

    Steve Roake, Assistant Director of Investigations and Compliance at the Charity Commission said:

    The law requires all trustees to meet core duties and responsibilities, including to prepare and submit financial reporting documents on time, to protect their charity’s reputation and good name, and to cooperate with the Commission’s enquiries.

    Sadly, our case involving the Oxford Initiative for British Islam found that the trustees repeatedly failed to meet their legal duties and responsibilities, putting the charity at risk of harm. We also found that the trustees did not take sufficient steps to distance their charity from comments made by its Chair, and are critical of the trustees for this failure.

    We hope the trustees will learn lessons from these incidents to improve the charity’s governance for the future.

    The Charity Commission’s case opened in April 2024 and concluded in April 2025.

    Ends

    Notes to editors:

    1. The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society.

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor likely to gain 5 senators, cementing the left’s Senate dominance

    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

    I previously wrote about the Senate the morning after the election. About half the Senate is elected at each House of Representatives election. Those up for election include six senators out of 12 for every state and all four territory senators. So 40 of the 76 senators were up for election.

    State senators elected at this election will start their six-year terms on July 1, while territory senators are tied to the term of the lower house.

    At a double dissolution election, all senators are up for election, and this truncates the terms of senators. With Labor and the Greens so dominant at this election, the Coalition may try a double dissolution if they win the next election.

    Senators are elected by proportional representation in their jurisdictions with preferences. At a half-Senate election, with six senators in each state up for election, a quota is one-seventh of the vote, or 14.3%. For the territories, a quota is one-third or 33.3%. Half a quota on primary votes (7.1% in a state) is usually enough to give a party a reasonable chance of election.

    It’s likely to take at least another three weeks to get final Senate results. All votes need to be data entered into a computer system, then a button is pressed to electronically distribute preferences. It’s only after this button press that we know final outcomes and margins.

    At the 2019 election (the last time these state senators were up for election), the Coaliition won 17 of the 36 state senators, Labor 11, the Greens six, One Nation one and Jacqui Lambie one. The right won by 18–17, with one for Lambie.

    Queensland’s senators split 4–2 to the right, Tasmania 3–2 to the left with one for Lambie and the other states were tied at 3–3.

    The four senators from the ACT and Northern Territory were last up for election in 2022. At that election, left-wing independent David Pocock and Labor won both ACT seats, while the NT went one Labor, one Country Liberal Party (CLP).

    At this election, it’s likely Labor will gain a senator in every mainland state at the expense of the Coalition, while the Greens, One Nation, Lambie and Pocock will hold their existing seats.

    The most likely outcome of this half-Senate election is 18 Labor out of 40 (up five), 13 Coalition (down five), six Greens (steady), and one each for One Nation, Lambie and Pocock (all steady). This would give the left a 25–14 win with one for Lambie.

    In 2022, the 36 state senators (not up for election in 2025) were 14 Coalition, 13 Labor, six Greens and one each for One Nation, the United Australia Party (UAP) and Tammy Tyrrell. During the last term Lidia Thorpe defected from the Greens, Fatima Payman from Labor and Tyrrell from the Jacqui Lambie Network.

    If Labor wins 18 seats at this half-Senate election, they will have 30 total senators out of 76, the Coalition 27, the Greens 11, One Nation two, and one each for Pocock, Lambie, the UAP, Thorpe, Payman and Tyrrell. Labor and the Greens alone would have 41 of the 76 senators, above the 39 needed for a majority.

    Counting Thorpe and Payman with the left, and the UAP with the right, the left would have an overall 44–30 majority with two others (Lambie and Tyrrell).

    National Senate votes and a state by state breakdown

    With 74% of enrolled voters counted nationally for the Senate, Labor has 35.5% of Senate votes (up 5.4% since 2022), the Coalition 29.9% (down 4.4%), the Greens 11.7% (down 0.9%), One Nation 5.6% (up 1.3%), Legalise Cannabis 3.4% and Trumpet of Patriots (ToP) 2.6%.

    The national House primary votes are currently 34.7% Labor, 32.2% Coalition, 11.8% Greens, 6.3% One Nation and 1.9% ToP. Usually major parties get a lower Senate vote than a House vote owing to more parties who run in the Senate. I believe Labor is benefiting in the Senate from the lack of a viable Teal option.

    In very late counting for both the House and Senate, the Greens usually gain at the Coalition’s expense as absent votes that are counted late are poor for the Coalition and good for the Greens. This would provide a further boost to Labor’s chances of gaining five senators.

    In New South Wales, with 79% of enrolled counted, Labor has 2.65 quotas, the Coalition 2.08, the Greens 0.78, One Nation 0.42, Legalise Cannabis 0.23 and ToP 0.16. Labor’s third candidate is 0.23 quotas ahead of One Nation and should win.

    In Victoria, with 71% of enrolled counted, Labor has 2.44 quotas, the Coalition 2.20, the Greens 0.88, One Nation 0.31, Legalise Cannabis 0.25, ToP 0.17, Family First 0.13 and Victorian Socialists 0.11. One Nation has the best chance to win outside Queensland, but Socialists’ preferences will flow strongly to Labor.

    In Queensland, with 71% of enrolled counted, Labor has 2.16 quotas, the Liberal National Party 2.15, the Greens 0.74, One Nation 0.49, Gerard Rennick 0.34, ToP 0.25 and Legalise Cannabis 0.24. Labor will win two, the LNP two, the Greens one and One Nation will probably win the final seat.

    In Western Australia, with 68% of enrolled counted, Labor has 2.57 quotas, the Liberals 1.83, the Greens 0.92, One Nation 0.40, Legalise Cannabis 0.28 and the Nationals 0.24. The Liberals will soak up right-wing preferences that would otherwise go to One Nation, so Labor should win the last seat.

    In South Australia, with 78% of enrolled counted, Labor has 2.70 quotas, the Liberals 1.94, the Greens 0.89, One Nation 0.37, ToP 0.20 and Legalise Cannabis 0.19. Labor’s third candidate has a 0.33 quota lead over One Nation.

    In Tasmania, with 84% of enrolled counted, Labor has 2.49 quotas, the Liberals 1.66, the Greens 1.14, Lambie 0.51, One Nation 0.36 and Legalise Cannabis 0.23. It’s likely Tasmania will be a status quo result: two Labor, two Liberals, one Green and one Lambie. If this occurs, Tasmania would be the only state without a loss for the Coalition.

    In the ACT, with 79% of enrolled counted, Pocock has easily retained with 1.19 quotas and Labor is certain to win the second seat with 0.95 quotas. The Liberals won just 17.2% or 0.52 quotas and the Greens 0.23 quotas.

    Turnout is relatively low in the NT. With 57% of enrolled counted, Labor has 1.03 quotas, the CLP 1.02, the Greens 0.33 and One Nation 0.24. Labor and the CLP will hold their two seats.

    Close seats in the House

    Since my last update on Wednesday, the ABC has called Melbourne, Menzies, Fremantle and Bendigo for Labor, taking Labor’s seat total to 91 of 150. The Coalition has won 40 seats, the Greens zero and all Others ten, with nine seats remaining undecided.

    In the undecided seats, Labor is the clear favourite in Bullwinkel and Calwell, and currently just behind in Bean and Longman but with a good chance of overturning those deficits. The Liberals are the favourites in Flinders, Monash and Bradfield, the Greens are favourites to hold one seat (Ryan) and Teal Monique Ryan should hold Kooyong.



    Read more:
    Explore the new House of Representatives

    The Conversation

    Adrian Beaumont 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. Labor likely to gain 5 senators, cementing the left’s Senate dominance – https://theconversation.com/labor-likely-to-gain-5-senators-cementing-the-lefts-senate-dominance-256207

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Slovakia: Bilal Zahid

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Slovakia: Bilal Zahid

    Mr Bilal Zahid has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Slovak Republic in succession to Mr Nigel Baker OBE MVO who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Zahid will take up his appointment during September 2025.

    Mr Bilal Zahid

    Curriculum vitae           

    Full name: Bilal Zahid

    Date Role
    2024 to present Full Time Language Training
    2023 to 2024 Kyiv, Minister Counsellor
    2022 to 2023 FCDO, Joint Head of Ukraine Campaign Unit
    2020 to 2022 FCO, then FCDO, Additional Director, Eastern Europe and Central Asia
    2016 to 2020 Northern Ireland Office, Deputy Director
    2015 to 2016 Northern Ireland Office, Head of Political Section
    2013 to 2015 Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Private Secretary for Foreign Affairs
    2011 to 2013 Cabinet Office, Policy Adviser, National Security Secretariat
    2009 to 2011 Northern Ireland Office, Fast Stream roles

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Egg packers prosecuted for switching ‘best before’ dates

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Egg packers prosecuted for switching ‘best before’ dates

    Egg packers prosecuted following APHA investigations

    Criminals re-packing of eggs with fake ‘best before’ dates have been stopped and prosecuted, following investigations carried out by the Animal and Plant Health Agency inspectors.

    The prosecutions, which took place between January and March 2025, involved multiple offences under the Egg Marketing Regulations. These included the unlawful re-packing of eggs with altered or extended ‘best before’ dates and breaches of required labelling standards and followed work by Animal and Plant Health Agency’s Egg Marketing Inspectors in conjunction with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Counter Fraud and Investigation Team.

    • On 31 March 2025, Phillip Hoyland of Summerley Top Farm, Derbyshire pleaded guilty to fraud charges. The charges arose following routine inspections carried out by APHA EMIs and a subsequent investigation by Defra’s Counter Fraud and Investigation Team. Mr Hoyland was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 24 months.

    • On 24 March 2025, Barradale Eggs Ltd of Ashford, Kent, was prosecuted at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court. The case followed an inspection by an APHA EMI, who identified that a batch of eggs had been re-packed and the original ‘best before’ date extended—contrary to egg marketing legislation. The company was found guilty of one offence and was ordered to pay a fine of £466 and costs of £85.

    • Field Farm Eggs, based in South Newbald, East Yorkshire, was prosecuted at Hull Magistrates’ Court on 24 February 2025, following inspections conducted by an APHA EMI in December 2023. The inspections revealed that a batch of class A eggs had been re-packed and the ‘best before’ date unlawfully extended.The defendant was found guilty of two offences and fined £1,000, with a victim surcharge of £400 and costs of £85.

    • Holyfield Farm Fresh Eggs Ltd, based in north London, pleaded guilty to three charges at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on Monday 20 January 2025 following inspections by an APHA EMI which found the original ‘best before’ date had been extended by four days. The court issued a fine of £2,000 (reduced from £3,000 due to an early guilty plea) and awarded £200 for prosecution costs.

    Aled Edwards, Head of England Field Delivery, Animal and Plant Health Agency said:  

    It’s essential that consumers can trust the eggs they purchase are fresh, safe to eat, and clearly and accurately labelled.

    These cases demonstrate our robust enforcement procedures; across the country we have 35 EMIs who work in our field delivery teams and have the important role of ensuring regulations in the egg industry are adhered to. I welcome these sentences from the courts and hope they will act as a deterrent to others.

    Every egg packaging centre, regardless of scale, must comply with all relevant legislation, including comprehensive environmental and animal welfare rules. 

    The cases are the latest example of robust collective action by APHA, Defra and the EMIs to prevent offences which breach the required labelling standards to maintain the highest food labelling standards in this country so that consumers have confidence in the food that they buy.

    Anyone who has serious concerns about the welfare of livestock is always urged to report issues immediately to the APHA so that urgent action can be taken by telephoning 03000 200 301 or emailing customeradvice@apha.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scotland’s future is in Europe

    Source: Scottish Greens

    09 May 2025 Scottish Independence

    Europe Day words from our co-leader Lorna Slater

    More in Scottish Independence

    As the far-right threats rise, the case for an independent Scotland and closer ties with Europe only grows stronger by the day, says Scottish Green Co-Leader Lorna Slater.

    Ms Slater’s words for Europe Day, an annual celebration of peace and unity across the continent come in the wake of the sweeping far-right victory in English local elections.

    Ms Slater said:

    “Europe Day gives us a space to reflect on Scotland’s past, present and future.

    “Before Nigel Farage’s Brexit party and the Tories made the disastrous decision to take us out of the European Union, we were able to enjoy the opportunities and connections offered by freedom of movement.

    “Five years later we are still picking up the pieces of a Brexit that people in Scotland overwhelmingly rejected. Limited movement between countries for work and leisure. Skilled worker shortages that result in lots of hurdles to jump over for European’s rights to work in Scotland and vice versa.

    “Labour is surrendering even more of their own values and trading away its own red lines, which lets parties like Reform who represent some of the most divisive politics rise in popularity without doing very much else.”

    This has come despite polling this week showing that more than two-thirds of those who voted for Starmer’s Government last year would prioritise EU relations over cosying up to Trump.

    Ms Slater added:

    “Scotland deserves better. As a self-governing country, we could reconnect with Europe to build strong ties again.

    “With the creep of fascism around the world, serious climate breakdown and the UK’s political landscape changing, the case for Scotland to reconnect with the EU grows stronger every day.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Visionary ‘Place Plan’ unveiled for Dromore

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Joe Mahon, Mahon’s Way; Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Kyle Savage; Roger Wilson, Chief Executive Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council at the launch of the Dromore Place Plan at Dromore Community Centre.

    The Dromore Place Plan was launched on Wednesday 7 May at Dromore Community Centre, setting out a vision and priorities for the future to create a unique market town that is rich in built and natural heritage and primed for strategic growth.

    The Place Plan was taken forward by the Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Community Planning Partnership of which Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council was the lead partner. Following the Armagh Place Plan (2022) and the Banbridge Place Plan (2024), this is the third locality plan for the borough.

    Dromore is the smallest urban town in the borough with a strategic location along the A1 Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor. With over 1000 people participating in the ‘Taking Stock’ public engagement sessions, events and surveys, the Place Plan mirrors the ambition and passion to create a thriving and prosperous place to live, work and play.

    Speaking at the event, Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Kyle Savage said: “An extensive collaborative process with the local people, businesses and groups has helped to create this visionary Place Plan for Dromore. It recognises distinct challenges, exciting opportunities and unique characteristics to be celebrated within the town. As a council, we are committed to ensuring that this shared vision and action plan is used as a tool to secure a vibrant, thriving and environmentally responsible town.”

    The Dromore Place Plan outlines a strategic vision for the place, detailing five outcomes which are aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the residents, preserving the unique character of the area whilst stimulating economic growth. Six thematic clusters comprising of 37 suggested actions, serve as a road map for the Community Planning partners, stakeholders, businesses and local community groups to collaborate to develop Dromore into the future.

    The four big ideas include: Tackling Vacancy and Dereliction (breathing life into underutilised spaces to create vibrant hubs for community and business); Development Potential of Quillyburn (exploring opportunities to transform these lands into a thriving new space unlocking economic growth); Dromore Viaduct (restoring this historic landmark to promote heritage, recreation and community use); Active Riversides (enhancing links between the River Lagan and the town’s assets).

    Sinead Collins, Vice Chair of Place Board Sub Committee said: “We were delighted with the response from the people based in Dromore, which had one of the highest engagement rates. Engaging with the people who live and work here gives them the opportunity to play a proactive role in defining the future of their town. By coming together, different stakeholders can work towards mutually beneficial projects for the betterment of Dromore, leading to a place that is more reflective of the people of that place.”

    Chris McNabb, Associate at HLM Architects said: “Our work focuses on creating places where people can live, work, and thrive. This plan captures Dromore’s potential and charts a path for regeneration that respects its heritage while looking towards the future. We’re proud to have played a part in shaping the Dromore Place Plan and are excited to see it progress, develop, and make a lasting impact for the local community.”

    Keynote speaker at the event was Joe Mahon, from the ‘Mahon’s Way’ television series, which sees Joe travel the length and breadth of Northern Ireland exploring the heritage, history and culture which makes this place so unique. Joe spoke about the importance of profiling your place and celebrating some of Dromore’s unique assets including the Viaduct, the Motte and Bailey and the River Lagan, which will also feature in the Mahon’s Way autumn series.

    Regardless of your connection to Dromore, the Place Plan encourages everyone to be active, connect with the community and discover everything that this charming town has to offer.

    Click here to find out about the Historic Dromore Trail.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 34 experienced officers graduate as recruitment momentum builds

    Source: New South Wales – News

    South Australia Police (SAPOL) welcomes another 34 experienced international and interstate police officers to the frontline, following their graduation from the 15-week SAPOL Transition Program (STP) Course 2 and 3 today.

    This second graduating course includes officers from a range of policing backgrounds across the UK and Australia, bringing skills in areas including counter-terrorism, armed policing, serious sexual offences, public order, investigations, and general duties.

    Among the cohort, two officers are heading to Port Augusta, with the remainder joining teams across metropolitan areas.

    STP Course 2 graduate Ella Mestroni, who previously served five years with Victoria Police within metropolitan and regional areas, said the transition back to her home state has been seamless.

    “My husband and I were always going to return to South Australia to raise our daughter close to family, and SAPOL made that move incredibly smooth,” she said.

    “Being able to retain my rank and transfer entitlements like long service leave has made a big difference, and the level of support during the recruitment process – from flexible testing options to genuine communication, has been outstanding.”

    Jamie Earl, who graduated from STP Course 1 in March, said the past two months have confirmed he made the right decision.

    “Policing here is fast-paced, efficient, and outcomes-focused,” Jamie said.

    “In just a short time I’ve achieved more positive outcomes for victims than I would in six months back in the UK, and that’s incredibly rewarding. Of course, it’s been a steep learning curve and some days have been challenging, but I’ve been backed by an amazing team and a really supportive work culture.”

    This latest graduation comes as SAPOL continues a multi-pronged domestic and international recruitment drive.

    A refreshed ‘You Belong in Blue’ television campaign has recently launched across South Australia, showcasing the stories of three serving SAPOL officers from regional and metropolitan areas. The campaign highlights the diversity of policing roles on offer and the dynamic and rewarding nature of the job.

    The domestic push complements strong momentum internationally, with a SAPOL delegation recently completing a second UK recruitment drive. More than 1,100 officers registered to attend SAPOL’s seminars across London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow.

    This initiative is expected to drive a significant increase in applications, replicating the success of the 2024 in-country recruitment activity.

    Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams said today’s graduation highlights the progress SAPOL is making through a range of targeted recruitment efforts.

    “Our domestic and international recruitment strategies are delivering results—from the interest generated by our recent seminars in the UK to the continued success of our ‘You Belong in Blue’ campaign here at home,” Deputy Commissioner Williams said.

    “These efforts are helping us attract the right people—officers with real-world experience, a strong sense of purpose, and the skills we need to strengthen our frontline and provide safer communities across South Australia.”

    Minister for Police Stephen Mullighan said the State Government has made police recruitment a priority, to increase the number of sworn officers in SA.

    “The skills, knowledge and understanding these experienced graduates bring with them will be of great benefit to SA Police and help bolster the frontline resources.

    “The State Government has invested record amounts into SA Police which has allowed them to go on a bold local, interstate and overseas recruitment campaign and we look forward to welcoming even more officers to South Australia into the future.”

    SAPOLs domestic, international and interstate recruitment drive is in full swing. Those looking for a rewarding career with a range of attractive benefits can apply here https://sapol.info/SAPOLcareers

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The artist as creator of all things: Julie Fragar wins the Archibald for a portrait among the stars

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanna Mendelssohn, Honorary Senior Fellow, School of Culture and Communication. Editor in Chief, Design and Art of Australia Online, The University of Melbourne

    Winner Archibald Prize 2025, Julie Fragar ‘Flagship Mother Multiverse (Justene)’, oil on canvas, 240 x 180.4 cm
     © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carter

    Beatrice Gralton, who curated this year’s Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes, has hung the exhibition well. Julie Fragar’s Archibald-winning portrait of her friend and fellow artist Justene Williams is impossible to miss in the central court of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

    Fragar’s subject bursts out of the central space, as though she is herself the Big Bang that created the Universe. This is the artist as the Creator of All Things, the governor of a world that extends from her hands. Behind her are the stars from whence she may have come.

    Her face is grave, but severe – governing the multiverse is a serious task. She hovers above the figures she has created, including her daughter, Honore, who has also inspired many of Williams’ works. Honore appears in the painting twice, first as a tiny child looking up, and then as an eight-year-old, half-hidden behind the assortment of objects and detritus that Williams uses to make her art.

    The title, Flagship Mother Multiverse, comes from Williams’ recent New Zealand installation work, Making Do Rhymes With Poo, best described as an endurance piece where the artist used her own body to make a series of works.

    By painting in monochrome, Fragar enables the viewer to focus first on the subject, before taking in the details of the confusion of the elements beneath her. Her dress, quietly captioned “Flag ship Mother” (with “mother” printed in verso), reinforces that this mother, who makes all things, is indeed captain of her ship.

    The Wynne prize and urban beauty

    Much of the time, the Australian landscape is imagined as bush, desert, or lush pastoral land. Winner of the Wynne prize, Jude Rae’s painting Pre-dawn sky over Port Botany container terminal, celebrates the accidental moments of urban beauty. The artist lives in Redfern where, high on the hill, it is possible to see the lights of the Botany Bay container terminal: a place that never sleeps.

    Winner Wynne Prize 2025, Jude Rae ‘Pre-dawn sky over Port Botany container terminal’, oil on linen, 200 x 150.4 cm.
    © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Diana Panuccio

    The Wynne prize is awarded to a landscape painting or figure sculpture, and Rae has painted her urban landscape just at that moment where the sky blushes a faint pink, turning to dark blue, before the almost black of the night sky.

    There are no stars to be seen in the city sky. They are blotted out by the dazzling multicoloured lights of the machines that govern the movement of goods and services, the creators of wealth in our artificial landscape.

    The surface of Rae’s painting is disconcertingly flat, as though the paint is embedded within the canvas. It could almost have been created by her transferring her thoughts, rather than paint, onto the canvas.

    ‘Nature’s gestures’ in the Sulman

    The calm of Rae’s approach is in marked contrast to the exuberant painterly style of Gene A’Hern’s Sky Painting, which has been awarded the Sir John Sulman Prize for “subject painting, genre painting or mural project”.

    In his time, Sir John Sulman was one of the more reactionary gallery trustees, calling the modern art of the 1920s and ‘30s “awful rubbish”.

    It does seem somewhat ironic that the prize that bears his name has consistently been awarded to more adventurous entries.

    Unlike the Archibald and Wynne Prizes, which must be judged by the gallery’s trustees, the Sulman is judged by an artist, a different one every year. This year the judge was Elizabeth Pulie. While A’Hern’s work could hardly be described as decorative in the same way as Pulie’s, it does have a strong sense of colour and rhythm in a way that maybe spoke to her.

    Winner Sulman Prize 2025, Gene A’Hern ‘Sky painting’, oil and oil stick on board, 240 x 240 cm.
    © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Diana Panuccio

    A’Hern describes his painting as conveying a sense of “nature’s gestures”, of the different elements of sight and sound that combine to form the country of the Blue Mountains that is his home.

    His description of his prizewinning painting – as well as its appearance, with gloriously curving gestural elements – are a reminder that the barriers between the different categories in this annual festival of art are best described as “fluid”.

    While I was in the crowd waiting for the announcement, I was asked to define “subject painting, genre painting or mural project”. The truth of the matter is that all categories are blurred and, with the exception of portraiture, are interchangeable.

    The definition of portraiture, as established by Mr Justice Roper in the court case brought against the trustees in 1944, still stands. A portrait is “a pictorial representation of a person, painted by an artist”. A landscape, however, may represent a photographically accurate representation of a place, or a feeling about that place. A genre or subject painting may show people, or not. It may express objects, or emotions. A mural is simply a painting on a wall.

    Although both Sydney and Melbourne sport many murals on laneway walls, it is many years since a mural has won the Sulman, which is a great pity.

    After the television crews and crowds of journalists had departed, I returned to the gallery for a final look at Fragar’s prizewinning portrait. It was still lit up by the lights for the cameras. It struck me then that this image would make an excellent mural – or perhaps a giant projection in the sky of a woman making a universe, using the power of her mind.

    Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2025 exhibition is at the Art Gallery of New South Wales until August 17.



    Read more:
    Archibald Packing Room Prize goes to Abdul Abdullah for Jason Phu portrait, among broader set of bold and deeply personal works

    Joanna Mendelssohn has in the past received funding from the Austraian Research Council

    – ref. The artist as creator of all things: Julie Fragar wins the Archibald for a portrait among the stars – https://theconversation.com/the-artist-as-creator-of-all-things-julie-fragar-wins-the-archibald-for-a-portrait-among-the-stars-253748

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man charged with serious sexual offences

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Man charged with serious sexual offences

    Friday, 9 May 2025 – 3:57 pm.

    A 64-year-old Tasmanian man will appear in court next month charged with serious sexual offences, including child sexual abuse, after being arrested and charged by detectives from Tasmania Police’s Taskforce Artemis.The man will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on June 11 to face charges of 11 counts of rape, three counts of indecent assault and two counts of indecency.Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams said the charges against the man relate to three victim-survivors.These charges have stemmed directly from matters that were investigated as a result of the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings.Some instances of abuse are alleged to have taken place between 1974 and 1982, while another instance of abuse is alleged to have occurred at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre between 1990 and 2021 while the man was an employee.As the matter is now before the courts, no further comment will be made.Taskforce Artemis is a specialist police team investigating child abuse allegations from the Commission of Inquiry. The Taskforce is working closely with government agencies to share information, support victim-survivors, and hold alleged perpetrators to account through an intelligence-led approach.While it is acknowledged that offences of this nature are deeply disturbing, Tasmania Police strongly encourages anyone with information about any form of sexual abuse, regardless of the passage of time, to come forward and report it.Reports can be made directly to police on 131 444, or by visiting a police station or Arch https://arch.tas.gov.au/.You can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.auAny concerns or incidents involving government employees can be reported directly to the Integrity Commission or the Office of the Independent Regulator.The Tasmanian Government’s Keeping Children Safe website is available at https://keepingchildresafe.tas.gov.au/Support for victim survivors, if required, is available through Arch or via https://keepingchildrensafe.tas.gov.au/get-support/

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Driver reported over serious crash at Newton

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police are investigating a serious crash at Newton earlier today.

    About 8.50am today Friday 9 May, emergency services were called to Montacute Road and Forest Avenue after reports a van had collided with two pedestrians.

    The female pedestrian, a 48-year-old woman from Newton suffered life-threatening injuries and was conveyed to hospital.

    The male pedestrian, a 51-year-old man from Newton was conveyed to hospital with significant injuries.

    The driver of the van, a 91-year-old-man from Rostrevor was conveyed to hospital for mandatory blood tests.

    Major Crash Officer attended at the scene and investigated the crash and as a result the driver has been interviewed and reported for two counts of dangerous driving and issued an indefinite Instant Loss of Licence.

    He will be summonsed to court at a later date.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Newton

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police and emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at the intersection of Montacute Road and Forest Avenue, Newton.

    About 8.50am this morning Friday 9 May, emergency services were called to reports of a serious crash involving a vehicle and two pedestrians.

    Police ask all road users to avoid the area where possible.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 147-2025: Services Restored: Friday 09 May 2025 – Multiple Systems

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    09 May 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    Approved arrangements operators, customs brokers, importers, manned depots, and freight forwarders who are required to book and manage requests for inspections through the Biosecurity Portal using the ‘Sign in with your Digital ID’ (myID) pathway.

    Approved arrangement operators attempting to access online reports of entries referred to the department for biosecurity assessment, or management under a class 19 Approved Arrangement,…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Disqualified driver charged with multiple driving offences

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Disqualified driver charged with multiple driving offences

    Friday, 9 May 2025 – 2:18 pm.

    A 30-year-old Scottsdale man has had his vehicle confiscated indefinitely and been charged with multiple driving offences after he was arrested in Scottsdale on Wednesday morning. 
    Police will allege the man, who was disqualified from driving, drove an unregistered motor vehicle in the Launceston and Scottsdale areas multiple times over the previous week. 
    The man has been charged with three counts of driving whilst disqualified, three counts of driving an unregistered motor vehicle and three counts of driving a motor vehicle with no premium cover. The vehicle was also bearing a false registration plate.   
    If you witness dangerous driving on our roads please report to police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. 
    Matters can also be reported online at – police.tas.gov.au/services-online/dangerous-driving-report

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: It’s almost winter. Why is Australia still so hot?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew King, Associate Professor in Climate Science, ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather, The University of Melbourne

    This year, for many Australians, it feels like summer never left. The sunny days and warm nights have continued well into autumn. Even now, in May, it’s still unusually warm.

    Much of the southern half of the continent is experiencing both unseasonable warmth and dry conditions. This is linked to persistent high atmospheric pressure (called “blocking”) to the south and southeast of Australia.

    While temperatures will fall across southern Australia as we approach the winter solstice, early indications are that this winter will be a warm one. Rainfall predictions are less certain.

    The extra warmth we’ve experienced raises obvious questions about the influence of human-caused climate change. The warming signal is clear and it’s a sign of things to come.

    A warm and dry autumn for many

    March and April brought unseasonal heat to much of Australia.

    March was widely hot, with temperatures several degrees above normal across much of the country. But April’s heat was largely restricted to the southeast.

    Australia had its hottest March on record and the heat has continued, especially in Victoria and parts of New South Wales.
    Bureau of Meteorology

    Victoria had its warmest April on record, and parts of the state experienced temperatures more than 3°C above normal across both March and April.

    Temperatures normally fall quite quickly over the southeast of Australia during April and May as the days shorten and the continent’s interior cools. But this year, southern Australia was unusually warm at the start of May. Some locations experienced days with maximum temperatures more than 10°C above normal for the time of year.

    Records were broken in Hobart and parts of Melbourne, which had their warmest May nights since observations began.

    The start of May saw daytime maximum temperatures across much of Australia well above average for the time of year.
    Bureau of Meteorology

    While Queensland and the New South Wales coast have had very wet spells, including downpours from Tropical Cyclone Alfred at the start of March, other parts of Australia have been quite dry.

    The area between Adelaide and Melbourne has been exceptionally dry. A drought is unfolding in the region after a severe lack of rainfall, with deficits stretching back over the past year or so. Western Tasmania is also suffering from a severe lack of rainfall since the start of autumn, although welcome rain fell in the past week.

    And it’s not just on land that unusual heat has been observed. The seas around Australia have been warmer than normal, causing severe coral bleaching to the west and east of the continent, harmful algal blooms and other ecosystem disruptions.

    Warm seas likely triggered the microalgal bloom in coastal waters of South Australia.
    Anthony Rowland

    Blocking highs largely to blame

    A high pressure system has dominated over the south and southeast of Australia over the past few months.

    High pressure in the Tasman Sea can sometimes get stuck there for a few days. This leads to what’s known as “blocking”, when the usual passage of weather systems moving from west to east is obstructed. This can lock in weather patterns for several days or even a week.

    Repeated blocking occurred this autumn. As winds move anticlockwise around high pressure systems in the Southern Hemisphere, blocking highs in the Tasman Sea can bring moist, onshore winds to the New South Wales and Queensland coasts, increasing rainfall. But such high pressure systems also bring drier conditions for the interior of the southeast and much of Victoria and South Australia.

    Often, these high pressure systems also bring northerly winds to Victoria, and this can cause warmer conditions across much of the state.

    High pressure systems also tend to bring more clear and sunny conditions, which increases daytime temperatures in particular. Air in high pressure systems moves down towards the surface and this process causes warming, too.

    Australia sits between the Pacific and Indian Oceans and is subject to their variability, so we often look there to help explain what’s happening with Australia’s climate. In autumn though, our climate influences, such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and the Indian Ocean Dipole, are less active and have weaker relationships with Australian climate than at other times of year. Neither of these climate influences is in a strong phase at the moment.

    A warm winter on the cards

    One big question is how long the heat will last. In parts of southeast Australia, including Melbourne, average temperatures drop quickly at this time of year as we approach the winter solstice.

    However, the seasonal outlook from the Bureau of Meteorology points to a high likelihood of a relatively warm winter.

    Australians rarely escape having a winter without any significant cold spells, but the long-range forecast suggests we should anticipate above-normal temperatures on average. Both daytime maximum temperatures and nighttime minimum temperatures are expected to be above average generally this winter.

    Climate and water long-range forecast, issued 1 May 2025 (Bureau of Meteorology)

    Global warming is here

    The elephant in the room is climate change. Human-caused climate change is increasing autumn temperatures and the frequency of late season heat events. As greenhouse gas emissions continue at a record pace, expect continued warming and a greater chance of autumn heatwaves in future.

    The effect of climate change on rainfall is less clear though. For the vast majority of Australia, there is high uncertainty as to whether autumn will become wetter or drier as the world warms.

    Andrew King receives funding from the ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather and the National Environmental Science Program.

    – ref. It’s almost winter. Why is Australia still so hot? – https://theconversation.com/its-almost-winter-why-is-australia-still-so-hot-256071

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What will the Antichrist look like? According to Western thought, an authoritarian king – or the pope

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Philip C. Almond, Emeritus Professor in the History of Religious Thought, The University of Queensland

    Composite image by The Conversation. Images courtesy of TruthSocial/@realDonaldTrump and Wikimedia Commons

    The US presidency and the papacy came together on May 3 when Donald Trump posted an AI-generated photograph of himself dressed as the pope to Truth Social. The image was then shared by the White House’s accounts.

    Seated in an ornate (Mar-a-Lago-style) golden chair, he was wearing a white cassock and a bishop’s hat, with his right forefinger raised.

    Trump has since told reporters he “had nothing to do with it […] somebody did it in fun”.

    This image of “Pope Donald I” is of historical significance, for reasons of which, no doubt, the White House and Trump were blissfully unaware. It is the first ever image to combine the two most important understandings of the figure of the Antichrist in Western thought: on the one hand, that of the pope, and on the other, that of the authoritarian, despotic world emperor.

    On April 22, the day after Pope Francis’ death, Trump declared “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice”. On April 28, Trump told The Atlantic “I run the country and the world”.

    So, both pope and world emperor.

    The Imperial Antichrist

    In the New Testament, the First Letter of John says, before Christ came again, the Antichrist will appear: the most conspicuous sign the end of the world was near. nb small tweak to wording here

    The Antichrist would be the archetypal evil human being who would persecute the Christian faithful. He would be finally defeated by the forces of good. As Sir Isaac Newton suggested, “searching the Prophecies which [God] hath given us to know Antichrist by” is a Christian obligation.

    The first life of the Antichrist was written by a Benedictine monk, Adso of Montier-en-der, around 1,100 years ago. According to Adso, the Antichrist would be a tyrannical evil king who would corrupt all those around him with gold and silver. He would be brought up in all forms of wickedness. Evil spirits would be his instructors and his constant companions.

    The Antichrist, left, is depicted as a king, in this image from a 12th century manuscript.
    Wikimedia Commons

    Seeking his own glory, as Adso put it, this king “will call himself Almighty God”.

    The Antichrist was opposite to everything Christ-like. According to the Christian tradition, Christ was fully human yet absolutely “sin free”. The Antichrist too was fully human, but completely “sin full”. The Antichrist was not so much a supernatural being who became flesh, as a human being who became fully demonised.

    Influenced by Christian stories of the Antichrist, Islam and Judaism constructed their own Antichrists – al-Dajjal, the Antichrist of the Muslims, and Armilus, the Antichrist of the Jews. Both al-Dajjal and Armilus are king-like messiahs.

    Over the centuries, many world leaders have been labelled “the Antichrist” – the Roman emperors Nero and Domitian were Antichrist figures, and the French emperor Napoleon was named the Antichrist in his own time.

    There have been more recent leaders who have been likened to the Antichrist, among them former president of Iraq Saddam Hussein, King Charles III, former Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev, al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden, and Trump.

    The Papal Antichrist

    In the year 1190, King Richard I of England, on his way to the Holy Land, was informed by the Italian theologian Joachim of Fiore (c.1135–1202) the next pope would be the Antichrist.

    In the history of the Antichrist, this was a momentous occasion. From this time on, the tyrannical Antichrist outside of the Church would be juxtaposed with the papal deceiver within it.

    That the Catholic pope was the Antichrist was the common reading of the pope in the 16th-century Protestant Reformation.

    Martin Luther (1483–1546), the founder of the Protestant revolution, declared the pope “is the true […] Antichrist who has raised himself over and set himself against Christ”.

    Just as all Christians would not worship the Devil as God, he went on to say, “so we cannot allow his apostle the pope or Antichrist, to govern as our head or lord”.

    This 1877 painting depicts Martin Luther summoned by the Catholic Church in 1521, to renounce or reaffirm his views criticising Pope Leo X.
    Wikimedia Commons

    As he was about to be burned by the Catholic Queen Mary for his Protestant beliefs, the Anglican bishop Thomas Cranmer (1489–1556) declared, “as for the pope, I refuse him, as Christ’s enemy and antichrist with all his false doctrine”.

    Even in 1988, as Pope John Paul II addressed the European Parliament, the Northern Ireland hardline Protestant leader Ian Paisley roared, “Antichrist! I renounce you and all your cults and creeds” – to which, we are told, the pope gave a slight bemused smile.

    Except among the most extreme of Protestant conservatives, the idea of the papal Antichrist no longer has any purchase. The papal Antichrist has vacated the Western stage for the imperial Antichrist.

    The Antichrist and the end of the world

    In the history of Christianity, the idea of the Antichrist was a key part of Christian expectations about the return of Christ and the end of the world.

    In the final battle between the forces of good and evil, the Antichrist would be defeated by the forces of Christ. In short, the rise of the world emperor who was the Antichrist was a sign that the end of the world was at hand.

    In the light of the Western history of “the Antichrist”, the image of the imperial and papal US president is a powerful sign that the global order – at least as we have known it for the last 80 years – may be at an end.



    Read more:
    Five things to know about the Antichrist

    Philip C. Almond 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. What will the Antichrist look like? According to Western thought, an authoritarian king – or the pope – https://theconversation.com/what-will-the-antichrist-look-like-according-to-western-thought-an-authoritarian-king-or-the-pope-256205

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: two ministers and the Nationals discover the limits of loyalty in politics

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Labor’s extraordinary election result has triggered a power play that has exposed the uglier entrails of Labor factionalism.

    Even before the new caucus met in Canberra on Friday, the Labor right had dumped two of its cabinet ministers: Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus and Industry Minister Ed Husic. Dreyfus is from the Victorian right, Husic from the New South Wales right.

    In Labor, factionalism can trump merit. Not always, of course, but undoubtedly more often than is desirable, and certainly in this case.

    These dramatic demotions to the backbench have been driven by two factors.

    The left has more numbers in the caucus after the election, meaning that to preserve factional balances, one minister from the right had to go.

    And then Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles used his heft as chief of the Victorian right to protect the numbers of that group in the ministry, at the expense of the NSW right, and to secure a key promotion.

    In sacrificing Dreyfus who, while from the right, isn’t a serious factional player, Marles has seen the elevation into the outer ministry of his numbers man Sam Rae (as well as another Victorian right-winger, Daniel Mulino).

    Rae, little known publicly, has only been in parliament since 2022. He’s a former Victorian Labor state secretary and was a partner at PwC. Mulino, with a substantial background in economic policy, has served in both the Victorian and federal parliaments.

    Some see the Marles move as, in part, looking to shore up his numbers for any future leadership race. While this might sound far-fetched, given Anthony Albanese’s huge win and declaration he’ll serve a full term, aspirants always have an eye on the future. The manoeuvre won’t be missed by another leadership aspirant, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, a Queenslander who is also from the right.

    Given his enhanced authority, Albanese could have intervened to protect the two ministers – there was an attempt from within the NSW right to get him to do so for Husic – but has chosen to let the factional power play take its course. He said on Thursday, “we have a process and we’ll work it through”, adding that “no individual is greater than the collective, and that includes myself”.

    In the fallout, with the loss of Dreyfus there will be no Jewish minister, which is unfortunate in light of the government’s strained relations with the Jewish community. Husic’s demotion takes the only Muslim out of cabinet, although the speculation is another Muslim, Anne Aly, will be elevated to cabinet.

    Former prime minister Paul Keating was scathing of the demotions, denouncing the “appalling denial of Husic’s diligence and application in bringing the core and emerging technologies of the digital age to the centre of Australian public policy”.

    Keating said Albanese’s non-intervention in relation to Husic “is, in effect, an endorsement of a representative of another state group – in this case, the Victorian right faction led by Richard Marles – a faction demonstrably devoid of creativity and capacity”.

    Keating described the treatment of the two ministers as “a showing of poor judgement, unfairness and diminished respect for the contribution of others”.

    It will take a while to see what ripples the factional power play brings. Husic, certainly, is feisty. He could become a strong voice on a Labor backbench that has been basically quiescent. He is already booked to appear on the ABC’s Insiders program on Sunday and its Q&A panel on Monday.

    Now that the factions have had their say, the prime minister allocates jobs, with particular interest on what Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek receives.

    On the other side of politics, it is not surprising there is widespread anger, ill feeling and recriminations, given the magnitude of the Liberals’ defeat. The contest for leadership between the party’s Deputy Leader Sussan Ley and Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor had already become willing before the bombshell defection of Senator Jacinta Price from the Nationals to the Liberals increased the angst exponentially.

    The Nationals feel betrayed that their star performer has walked out on them. Her defection will complicate negotiations between the Liberals and the Nationals over their inter-party agreement.

    The move, part of the attempt by Taylor, from the right, to boost his support, is further dividing the Liberal party. It is not yet clear whether Price will join a ticket with Taylor to run for deputy. In interviews on Thursday night and Friday morning she kept her options open, presumably to determine what numbers she would draw.

    While having the Liberal deputy in the Senate would be inconvenient, it has precedent. Fred Chaney, then a senator, became deputy in Andrew Peacock’s coup against John Howard in 1989. It didn’t end well.

    If Price did run, that might help Taylor with some Liberals currently uncertain of which leadership contender to support, because they would know she would be popular in their branches.

    But for the moderates in the party, who want the Liberals to find a path back in traditional urban areas, the arrival of Price, with her hardline right views, sends all the wrong signals. The leafy city suburbs are populated with small-l voters and professional women, who would not see themselves in tune with Price’s views.

    It there was a Taylor-Price leadership team that would be an unmistakable message – that the Liberals were tracking very significantly away from the mainstream in which most voters swim.

    Price was the leading figure who helped sink the Voice referendum, but she has not yet proved herself on the broader range of issues. In the campaign, her reference to “make Australia great again” was used against the Coalition to claim it was “Trumpian”.

    Explaining her move, Price says that she had actually always wanted to sit in the Liberal party room. She comes from the Northern Territory Country Liberal party, whose representatives sit with either the Liberals or the Nationals, according to a formula.

    On her timing, Price said, “right now, amongst many of the conversations I have had with those leading up to making this decision, is that extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures”.

    Within the Liberals, Price, given her profile and her status as a poster-woman of the rightwing media, will potentially be hard to handle.

    While Labor savours the taste of triumph, and the Coalition drinks the the bitter brew of defeat, a week on Dreyfus, Husic and the Nationals discover the limits of loyalty.

    Michelle Grattan 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. View from The Hill: two ministers and the Nationals discover the limits of loyalty in politics – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-two-ministers-and-the-nationals-discover-the-limits-of-loyalty-in-politics-255959

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 146-2025: Unplanned Outage: Friday 09 May 2025 – Multiple Systems

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    09 May 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    Approved arrangements operators, customs brokers, importers, manned depots, and freight forwarders who are required to book and manage requests for inspections through the Biosecurity Portal using the ‘Sign in with your Digital ID’ (myID) pathway.

    Approved arrangement operators attempting to access online reports of entries referred to the department for biosecurity assessment, or management under a class 19 Approved Arrangement,…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigating Gagebrook robbery

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigating Gagebrook robbery

    Friday, 9 May 2025 – 11:39 am.

    Tasmania Police is appealing for information to help identify three suspects after a delivery driver was threatened with a knife and had his car stolen while working in Gagebrook late Thursday night.The male driver was not physically hurt during the incident in Briar Crescent, Gagebrook, about 11.10pm last night, in which the offenders also stole cash after the driver attended a private residence.The driver was threatened by three suspects with one of the suspects in possession of a knife prior to stealing his car keys and driving off in the stolen vehicle, which also contained the driver’s mobile phone.The driver went to a nearby residence seeking assistance and it was here he was able to contact police.Officers from Bridgewater Police conducted patrols in the Gagebrook and Brighton areas, with the vehicle later found abandoned in bushland off Boronia Place, Gagebrook.Anyone who may have seen a gold Suzuki Liana driven in the Gagebrook area late Thursday night or early Friday morning, or have information regarding the armed robbery, can contact Bridgewater CIB on 131 444 or report it to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Firearm located in search at Port Pirie South

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Port Pirie police have arrested a man after firearms and weapons were located at a Port Pirie South home yesterday.

    At 9.30am on Thursday 8 May, Port Pirie police attended an Port Pirie South home and conducted a search.

    During the search officers located a sawn-off shot gun, together with a number of shot gun rounds in a bag.

    A number of prohibited weapons were also located.

    A 57-year-old man was arrested and has been charged with possession of firearms and ammunitions without a licence, and possession of prohibited weapon.

    He will appear before the Port Pirie Magistrates Court today, Friday 9 May.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 145-2025: Minimum documentary and import declaration requirements policy update to methyl bromide fumigation certificate requirements

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    9 May 2024​

    Who does this notice affect?

    ​​Importers, suppliers and customs brokers for goods fumigated with methyl bromide prior to export to Australia, and accredited persons operating under the class 19 approved arrangements.​

    What has changed?

    ​​The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry implemented version 3.0 of the Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology on 1 May 2025. The methodology includes changes to the minimum requirements for fumigation…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Inverness gull study

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council, with input from NatureScot, have appointed an independent consultancy to undertake a baseline census and distribution study of gulls in the centre of Inverness.

    Leader of Inverness and Area, Councillor Ian Brown said: “While Highland Council has no statutory duty to take action against any type of gull, the Council hopes that the findings from this study will provide evidence for and inform any future development of a Gull Management Plan for the City of Inverness.”

    The survey will take place in May and has been designed to coincide with the start of the nesting period when gull numbers will be reaching their peak, and birds are at their most active.

    The survey will follow an adapted methodology from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee Seabird Monitoring Programme’s Urban Gull Census.

    Covering an area of over 5km2 of central Inverness from Bught Park in the south to the Kessock Bridge in the north, the survey will include the commercial heart of Inverness, the Longman Industrial Estate, Crown Circus and popular riverside locations including Eden Court Theatre, Inverness Cathedral, Inverness Castle and Ness Walk.

    The survey will also assess an additional 20 key buildings across the wider city, including the Council’s school estate.

    The work will primarily be ground-based and will count all gull species present with their location noted on mobile GIS recording software along with gull behaviour, whether nesting, occupying territory, foraging or resting.

    Information on gulls can be found on the Council’s website at this link.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chairs appointed to Poverty and Equality Commission for Highland

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Maggie Cunningham and Dr. Jim McCormick have been appointed as co-chairs of a new multi-partnership Poverty and Equality Commission Board.

    These two key appointments will be instrumental in supporting The Highland Council and Community Planning Partners in gaining a better understanding of how poverty affects families in the Highlands and how service delivery needs to change to better address poverty-related issues.

    Maggie Cunningham worked at a senior level in the BBC for over twenty years including roles of Head of Radio, Scotland and Joint Head of Programmes and Services, Scotland. She is currently Chair of An Comunn Gàidhealach, which runs the Royal National Mòd and supports 20 local Mòds.

    Since 2009, she has worked as a leadership and executive coach. She served six years as a Content Board member of Ofcom until October 2024 and chaired the Board of MG Alba for six years from 2012. She chairs Kyle and Lochalsh Community Development Trust and was an independent member of the Edinburgh Festivals Forum for eight years. She was a founding Board member of Sistema Scotland until 2019 and is a Director of Highland Tourism Community Interest Company (CIC).

    Jim McCormick is Chief Executive of The Robertson Trust, an independent grant-making charity which funds, supports and influences solutions to poverty and trauma across Scotland. He joined the Trust in 2020.

    Previously he was Associate Director Scotland with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2017-20), ran an independent research consultancy and was Director of the Scottish Council Foundation think-tank.

    He is a member of the Living Wage Commission. He was previously Chair of the independent Disability and Carers Benefits Advisory Group reporting to the Scottish Social Security Minister (until 2023), Chair of the Edinburgh Poverty Commission (2018-20) and a member of the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) until 2020, which scrutinises the Department for Work and Pensions’ GB regulations.

    In 2018 he was a travelling Churchill Fellow looking at the impact of mentoring programmes for children and young people facing disadvantage in the USA, Canada and New Zealand.

    Leader of the Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: “I congratulate Maggie Cunningham and Jim McCormick on their appointments as Chairs of the Poverty and Equality Commission. Highland Councillors have given cross-party support to the creation of the Commission, and I look forward to the progressive and positive work of the Commission that will make a difference to people’s lives.”

    Convener of the Councillor, Cllr Bill Lobban added: “As non-elected independent experts the co-chair appointments will ensure that there is impartial expertise at the centre of the Commission’s Board and its activities. I welcome the Chairs’ appointments who, along with Members of the Commission Board will work to identify strategies, actions and approaches to ease and prevent poverty in Highland.”

    Leader of the Opposition, Cllr Alasdair Christie said: “I am fully supportive of the appointment of the two new chairs who will bring a breadth of knowledge and understanding to the work of the Poverty and Equality Commission. Their specialist awareness will help to support the Commission’s work which will seek to improve the lives of many individuals and children and their families across Highland communities.”

    The Poverty and Equality Commission will report directly to The Highland Council, providing recommendations for action, change and transformation. Updates from the Commission will

    In addition to the two co-chairs appointed the Commission Board will be made up of elected Highland councillors and members from public sector partner organisations, third sector or community representatives.

    The first meeting of the Poverty and Equality Commission was held on 1 May 2025 following which an update on progress to establish the Poverty and Equality Commission will be presented to The Highland Council meeting in June.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Kiwi kids once led the world in reading – this 1950s primary school syllabus still has lessons for today

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ruth Boyask, Director of LitPlus, AUT School of Education, Auckland University of Technology

    Getty Images

    There is a well-known whakatauki (Māori proverb) that goes: “Ka mua, ka muri” – “walking backwards into the future”. It applies to many areas of life, but in education the idea of looking to the past to inform our way forward seems more relevant than ever.

    New Zealand was once a world leader in reading. In the early 1970s, as leading literacy educationalist Warwick Elley reminds us, Kiwi teenagers performed best of all countries participating in the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement.

    New Zealand students remained good readers throughout the 1990s, earning the top results for reading out of 32 participating countries in the first Programme for International Student Assessment survey in 2000.

    Overall, New Zealand children are still above average. But while many children learn to read successfully, significant numbers do not. And concern about reading capability has led to a recent curriculum overhaul.

    The reforms focus on raising reading standards and regular testing. But the lessons of the past suggest we performed better with less focus on raising test scores. In fact, it was a more flexible, balanced approach to English education that provided a strong foundation for literacy.

    Some clues to why this was possible can be found in the 1953 Primary School Reading Syllabus from the old Department of Education. It was among the first of many research-based reading initiatives in the mid-20th century, along with Ready to Read books in the 1960s, and the Reading Recovery program developed by Marie Clay in the 1970s.

    Given New Zealand was a conservative postwar society that was yet to grapple meaningfully with colonial history and Treaty rights, the document is surprisingly less rigid than one might expect.

    In fact, it is largely compatible with contemporary ideas about teaching and learning. In some areas, the 1953 syllabus seems more progressive than the current curriculum, with clear views on inclusiveness and designing teaching to meet individual needs.

    Ironically, many of today’s parents and grandparents – some of whom support a “back to basics” school system – were educated using this flexible and purpose-driven approach.

    New Zealand in 1953

    According to the New Zealand Official Yearbook for 1953, the country was enjoying postwar prosperity with 72% of its exports going to other Commonwealth countries.

    England was still the “mother country” and the young Queen Elizabeth’s post-coronation visit – also in 1953 – fuelled intense royal fervour. Edmund Hillary conquered Everest, and a highly publicised air race from London to Christchurch helped popularise plane travel.

    Society was far more egalitarian. In a population of just over two million, only 15 people received an unemployment benefit (there were a variety of other welfare payments such as war pensions).

    At the same time, New Zealand did not view itself as bicultural in the way it does today. For many Pākehā, Māori culture was little more than a curiosity or a tourist attraction.

    School was already compulsory from ages seven to 15, and roughly 17% of the population were enrolled in primary schools. These were the children taught to read according to the 1953 syllabus.

    A brief A5-sized booklet of just 13 pages, it recognises reading as a central component of a rich and full life – and that it can be used for “useful, harmless or nefarious” purposes.

    Competing with other temptations such as “the exploits of Superman and Mighty Mouse”, as well as cinema and radio, is one of its concerns. But its main aim is to “teach the child to read […] in ways that will encourage him (sic) to use his skill freely and naturally”.

    Postwar prosperity and a royal tour too: schoolchildren wave Union Jack flags at the Duke of Edinburgh during in early 1954.
    Getty Images

    Avoiding a standardised approach

    The syllabus outlines ideal components of a classroom reading programme: reading to self (silently) and peers (aloud), listening to story and verse, participating in dramatisation, word study and study skills.

    Word study should include learning about phonics. But the syllabus tempers this with the advice that “there can be no doubt that too early a preoccupation with phonics may serve to kill interest in reading”.

    This might have been written today by those concerned that structured approaches to literacy will crowd out other important parts of early reading education.

    The 1953 syllabus says reading material should encompass fiction (including local authors), non-fiction, plays and poetry. While competent reading by all is the goal, the syllabus also states: “A uniform standard of achievement […] is a mistaken aim.”

    This recognition of variable individual capability is something critics say is missing from today’s curriculum. Expectations are set for each year at school, with teachers strongly encouraged to teach to the year level.

    The fear is that some students will fall behind as their class moves on, while progress for others will be restricted if they are ahead of those expectations.

    The 1953 syllabus cautions that the “results of standardised tests should be weighed against the teacher’s own observation […] and modified accordingly”.

    Encouraging teacher autonomy

    By comparison, the new English curriculum is long at 108 pages, complex and prescriptive. It includes a range of aims clustered under the headings “Understand”, “Know” and “Do”.

    The first encompasses five big ideas learners are expected to develop during their schooling. The second covers the knowledge required in English to become literate. The third outlines the practical steps learners will take in the different phases of their schooling.

    To be fair, the new curriculum aims to make all children feel good about reading. It encourages using different kinds of texts, focuses on assessment activities that build on one another, and supports teachers to adapt for student differences.

    And, given its contemporary context, there is an awareness of the important role of culture and the unique place of Māori in New Zealand that is entirely missing in the 1953 document.

    But the new curriculum also contains directives the 1953 syllabus warned teachers against – namely a preoccupation with teaching phonics, and teaching linked to prescriptive progress measurement and outcomes.

    Although brief, the 1953 document is arguably broader in scope and requires teachers to have greater skills. A strength of the old syllabus is that it encouraged teacher professionalism, autonomy and judgement in deciding the best next steps for each learner.

    Overall, the 2025 curriculum seems the more constrictive document. The 1953 syllabus presents a view of reading that prioritises the human experience – reading as an aesthetic experience as well as a practical skill.

    This article is based on original work by Jayne Jackson, senior lecturer and educational researcher at Manukau Institute of Technology, with the help of AUT’s LitPlus research group.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Kiwi kids once led the world in reading – this 1950s primary school syllabus still has lessons for today – https://theconversation.com/kiwi-kids-once-led-the-world-in-reading-this-1950s-primary-school-syllabus-still-has-lessons-for-today-253719

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Budget 2025 invests in care system and improving redress for survivors of abuse in state care

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    The Government will strengthen the care system and improve redress for survivors in Budget 2025 in response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.
    The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care was conducted over six years and found widespread abuse and neglect across many state and faith-based organisations. The final report made 138 recommendations.
    “We know there is nothing we can do to take away the pain of survivors, but the Government has committed a significant investment of $774 million in Budget 2025 to improve the redress system and strengthen the care system to prevent, identify, and respond to abuse in the future,” says Ms Stanford.
    Improvements to the redress system over this year will include:

    Increasing the average redress payments for new claims from $19,180 to $30,000;
    Providing for higher payments for the survivors who experienced the most egregious abuse;
    Providing “top up” payments of 50% to survivors who have already settled claims to ensure consistency with increased payments for new claims;
    Introducing a common payments framework so that survivors receive the same financial redress for similar experiences of abuse, regardless of where in state care that abuse occurred;
    Increase system capacity to process claims from 1,350 to 2,150 per year from 2027 to reduce wait times for current claimants;
    Implementing a seamless service so that survivors with claims with multiple agencies have those claims managed by one point of contact;
    Introducing a single-entry point for survivors wanting to register new claims;
    Introducing an independent review for people who are unhappy with their redress offer; and
    Funding for redress agencies to provide survivors with access to supports and services.

    “I acknowledge that a key recommendation of both the Royal Commission and the Redress Design Group was for a new independent redress entity. 
    “The Government was faced with a difficult choice: do we spend more time and money on setting up a new scheme, or do we provide more to survivors now through the current redress process?
    “For Budget 25 we have prioritised improving the current system as quickly as possible for survivors and investing in changes that have a direct impact for them,” Ms Stanford says.
    Investments in the wider care system over the next four years include: 
    ·      Up to $71.5 million to build a capable and safe care workforce for children and vulnerable adults;
    ·      Over $50 million to make mental health inpatient units safer and improve privacy and dignity for patients;
    ·      $25 million towards funding initiatives with evidence of an ability to prevent the entry of children and vulnerable adults into care;  
    ·      $16 million for Oranga Tamariki for improvements to safeguarding to reduce abuse and harm to children and young people in remand homes and in the care of individual caregivers;
    ·      $9.4 million to bolster oversight of compulsory mental health and addiction care by increasing the capacity, expertise, and availability of independent statutory roles including District Inspectors and Review Tribunals; and
    ·      Almost $9 million for Disability Support Services to strengthen processes that recognise and respond to instances of abuse in care, by introducing additional audits on the quality of services delivered by contracted care providers and improving the systems that support the management of critical incidents and complaints.
    There is also funding for the continuation of the Survivor Experiences Service who provide an important survivor-led service, better record keeping and access to records, and for an independent review of the changes to the redress system in 2027. 
    Cabinet has also decided that for new claims from survivors who are also serious sexual and/or violent offenders who have been sentenced to five years or more in prison a new process will apply. Modelled on similar approaches in Australia and Scotland, this will involve an independent decision maker who will need to assure themselves that a redress payment would not bring the scheme into disrepute. Legislation establishing this will be introduced later this year. 
    The Government will also establish a Ministerial Advisory Group of survivors and advocates in the coming months to provide relevant Ministers with advice on the Government’s response, including implementation of these changes and the next phase of the wider response. 
    Redress decisions, at this point, do not include claims that currently sit with school boards, faith-based organisations, or other non-state providers. The Government will be receiving further advice on this later this year. 
    “The wider work on the Crown response to the Royal Commission’s recommendations continues to be a priority. I expect to release our full response plan in the coming weeks,” Ms Stanford says.Note to editors: 

    On average, previous payments from the Ministry of Health were significantly lower than other agencies for similar types of abuse (excluding the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit). “Top up” payments to these previous claimants will also account for this disparity.
    Survivors with a settled claim can register for a top-up payment from today. To register visit: www.abuseincaretopups.govt.nz  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: University spinouts to grow industries of the future with new government backing

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    University spinouts to grow industries of the future with new government backing

    Public sector is being primed to bring innovative ideas out of government labs and onto the market with £30 million backing and new guidance.

    • 4 of the UK’s most exciting regional research clusters to grow their ideas into thriving companies and industries of tomorrow with £30 million government backing
    • £30 million awarded to world-leading universities working with industry partners across Merseyside, East Anglia, Northeast England and the Midlands to grasp the opportunity to incubate and scale-up the businesses and jobs of the future
    • Alongside, first-of-its-kind guidance priming public sector to bring innovative ideas out of government labs and into markets, pulling in the investment that’s vital for growth and job creation to deliver on our Plan for Change

    4 innovative UK hubs across Merseyside, East Anglia, the Midlands, and Northeast England will today (Friday 9 May) get fresh backing to grow more ‘spinouts’,  innovative new businesses created from within research institutions. 

    In turn creating new jobs, developing the industries of tomorrow and driving economic growth through the Plan for Change.

    UK innovators have made great strides in getting bright ideas onto the market and in front of investors, but red tape, talent shortages and a lack of access to funding is holding back innovators from turning their ideas into viable growing businesses.  

    New £30 million funding will support a taskforce of world-leading universities and industry experts across the 4 locations to take advantage of this huge, and all-too-often untapped, opportunity.  

    It will support efforts to incubate and spin out new companies and create the most fertile and attractive environment for the brightest thinkers and entrepreneurs.

    The government is also priming the public sector with first ever guidance to put groundbreaking ideas on the path to investment, becoming the next generation of businesses, creating a pipeline of innovative businesses emerging from the UK’s excellent public sector research landscape.  

    With step-by-step advice, a new generation of British R&D entrepreneurs in the public sector will be empowered with the tools and support they need to turn ambitious research into marketable products – and in turn unlock benefits from clean energy, to healthcare, and beyond. 

    Announcing the news on a visit to Aston University, Science Minister, Lord Vallance said: 

    The UK is home to some of the world’s best universities, and we have deep strengths from life sciences to cutting-edge fields like quantum and engineering biology. But we can and must do more to unlock scientific research’s vast economic potential, and to help our innovators world-leading public sector labs turn brilliant ideas into businesses that attract investment and sustain jobs.

    The funding and guidance we are announcing today will reinforce those efforts – supporting our mission to grow the economy as part of the Plan for Change.

    The 4 projects receiving funding from Research England 

    Strategic Commercialisation Ecosystem North East (SCENE)

    Based in the North East is receiving over £8 million over 5 years to strengthen and expand the region’s ecosystem, engaging businesses, sector bodies, Catapults and investors more actively in commercialising university research. 

    Forging ahead/Forging beyond

    Based in the Midlands is receiving almost £10 million over 5 years to address the talent, expertise and skills gaps in the Midlands by creating a Talent Pool, inward investment champions and innovation networks. The project will particularly target Heath, Advanced Manufacturing, Net Zero, and Creative & Digital sectors.  

    Biologics Regional Innovation and Technology Ecosystem (BRITE)

    Based in Merseyside will get over £4 million over 3 years to establish a sustainable life sciences ecosystem, in the Liverpool City Region (LCR), focused on developing treatments like vaccines, by addressing gaps in the development of products and materials from living cells or their components, scale-up, and commercialisation.

    It will strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and civic partners to create a connected innovation ecosystem and accelerate the translation of biologics for antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, and emerging health challenges.

    Agri-Tech Commercialisation Ecosystems (ACE)

    Based in Lincolnshire and East Anglia will receive almost £5 million over 3 years to establish a world-leading, self-sustaining Agri-Tech research commercialisation cluster in Greater Lincolnshire and East Anglia, with support from Barclays Eagle Labs, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, New Anglia LEP, and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority plus commercial partners.  

    Ana Avaliani, Director of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Enterprise Hub, said:

    Industry Academia partnerships create the ideal setting for transforming groundbreaking research into spinouts, addressing real world challenges while fostering economic growth and creating pathways for talented researchers to become entrepreneurs. These spinouts drive innovation and represent a crucial and growing component in our economic future. Our Spotlight on Spinouts 2025: UK academic spinout trends report tracked UK university spinouts securing over £2.6 billion in funding, nearly 40% more than the previous year.

    This welcome investment and new guidance from government will enhance support for these fledgling businesses as they face complex issues such as skills gaps and funding challenges. They will help foster strategic alliances that aren’t just beneficial but essential for maintaining competitive advantage in today’s innovation landscape.

    Notes to editors

    The Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT) is publishing 2 guides. They provide step-by-step advice on how public sector organisations can create spinouts.

    The publications are: 

    The universities involved in the 4 projects

    Project: Strategic Commercialisation Ecosystem North East (SCENE)

    The universities involved are:

    • Durham University (Lead)   
    • Newcastle University   
    • Northumbria University   
    • University of Sunderland  
    • Teesside University   

    Project: Forging ahead/ Forging beyond 

    The universities involved are:

    • Loughborough University (Lead)   
    • Aston University  
    • University of Birmingham    
    • Birmingham City University   
    • Cranfield University  
    • Coventry University  
    • Derby University  
    • De Montfort University  
    • Keele University   
    • Leicester University  
    • University of Lincoln  
    • University of Nottingham 
    • Nottingham Trent University   
    • University of Warwick   
    • University of Wolverhampton   

    Project: Biologics Regional Innovation and Technology Ecosystems (BRITE)

    The universities involved are:

    • Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (Lead)   
    • University of Liverpool  
    • Liverpool John Moores University  
    • Edge Hill University    

    Project: Agri-tech commercialisation ecosystems (ACE)

    The universities involved are:

    • University of Lincoln (Lead)   
    • University of Cambridge  
    • University of East Anglia  
    • Cambridge Enterprise

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Legal aid consultation launches to deliver justice for victims

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Legal aid consultation launches to deliver justice for victims

    Thousands of victims across England and Wales stand to benefit as the Government launches a major consultation on criminal legal aid today (9 May).

    • Consultation proposes increasing funding by up to £92 million a year
    • Funding to address inherited crisis in criminal legal aid, delivering justice for victims
    • Part of the Government’s Plan for Change to keep our streets safe by creating a more sustainable criminal legal aid sector

    The eight-week consultation will aim to deliver more efficient justice for victims and stabilise the criminal legal aid system by investing millions more in criminal legal aid.

    The sector will benefit from up to £92 million a year in additional funding for criminal legal aid solicitors working in police stations, courts, and prisons. This funding aims to improve access to justice for victims and addresses the crisis inherited in the legal aid system.

    This major investment forms a core part of the Government’s Plan for Change – recognising the vital work of criminal legal aid lawyers, driving reform, and helping to keep our streets safe.

    Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC, said:

    These proposals mark a crucial step in rebuilding a legal aid sector that has been neglected for too long.

    Access to justice is a cornerstone of our legal system, and this investment will ensure that the wheels of justice continue to move.

    As part of our Plan for Change, we’re putting legal aid on a sustainable footing now and for the future.

    These proposals lay the groundwork for long-term reform of the criminal legal aid system, making it easier for solicitors to take on legal aid cases while ensuring that everyone can access help, wherever they live.

    They build on our earlier £24 million investment in solicitors working in police stations and Youth Courts, strengthening frontline legal support where it’s most needed.

    This is part of our wider mission to support victims and deliver faster justice. Alongside this investment the Lord Chancellor is funding a record 110,000 court sitting days this financial year to tackle the outstanding backlog in the Crown Court.  An independent review of criminal courts, led by Sir Brian Leveson, is also exploring bold reforms that could cut delays and put victims first.

    We continue to work closely with legal professions, including the Criminal Bar Association and Bar Council, to improve the system as a whole.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dominican National Sentenced for Passport Fraud and Stealing U.S. Citizen’s Identity

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Dominican national, residing in Fall River, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to charges related to passport fraud and other offenses.

    Hector Eduardo Arias Mejia, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to two years and one day in prison and one year of supervised release. The defendant is also subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In March 2025, Arias Mejia pleaded guilty to misuse of a Social Security number, aggravated identity theft and making a false statement in an application for a United States passport. In December 2023, Arias Mejia was indicted by a federal grand jury.

    According to the charging documents Arias Mejia unlawfully used the identity of a United States citizen from Puerto Rico since at least 2011. In 2011, using that stolen identity, Arias Mejia was convicted in the Fall River District Court of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, for which he served an 18 month jail sentence. In 2016, again using the stolen identity, Arias Mejia was convicted in the Fall River District Court of three counts of possession with intent to distribute drugs and was sentenced two years in jail.

    The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity and benefit fraud schemes.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations in Santo Domingo; Puerto Rico Department of Public Safety; U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –