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Category: Great Britain

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why increasing rates of tuberculosis in the UK and US should concern everyone

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Tom Wingfield, Deputy Director of the Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Reader in Tuberculosis and Social Medicine, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK; and Honorary Research Associate at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and, University of Liverpool

    pardi hutabarat/Shutterstock

    With one of the largest tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks in US history, Kansas has more to worry about than its recent Super Bowl defeat. During the past year, 67 people with TB have been detected. This comes on the back of increasing rates of TB in the US year on year since the start of the COVID pandemic.

    Rather than a relic of the Victorian era, TB is the world’s most enduring pandemic, killing more people each year than any other single infection. While more common in low-income countries, TB continues to be found in more deprived communities, cities, prisons, homeless populations, and in black, Asian and Indigenous people, including in wealthy countries such as the US and UK.

    TB outbreaks in wealthy countries act as a canary in a coalmine, reflecting cracks in national public health systems. More broadly, TB outbreaks in any setting have deeper implications for the struggle to end TB globally.

    TB is an airborne infection that doesn’t respect borders. With increasing mass movement, including due to climate change and war, the maxim “TB anywhere is TB everywhere” is more resonant today than ever.

    In the UK, TB rates consistently declined between 2011 and 2020. But, like the US, this decline reversed since COVID emerged in early 2020.

    In 2023, there was a 13% increase in the number of people who became unwell with TB in England, compared with 2022.

    At 9.5 people with TB per 100,000 people per year, England is in jeopardy of losing its “low TB incidence” status (less than ten people with TB per 100,000 people per year).

    Rates of TB in England have a stark social gradient, with the poorest 10% of people having five times higher rates of TB than the richest 10%.

    In the UK, there is a cost of living crisis. Many people, especially the poorest, are struggling to put food on the table. TB is a social disease of poverty that thrives where there is overcrowding, undernutrition and poor working and living conditions.

    But the increase in TB in the UK cannot be put down to greater risk of disease alone. The response of the health and social care system to prevent and cure TB is crucial.

    The BCG vaccine, currently the only TB vaccine, is not nearly as effective as we would like at preventing disease. There is hope on the horizon with several vaccines under development, but their effect may be impeded by vaccine hesitancy driven by misinformation.

    BCG is still the only TB vaccine, but it’s not highly effective.
    TuktaBaby/Shutterstock

    Other barriers to address include lack of TB awareness, continuing TB-related stigma, understaffing of vital TB community nursing teams, and a breach between health and social care sectors to support those vulnerable to TB.

    For countries with lower incidence of TB across Europe and North America, many TB policies are targeted at identifying and treating TB in groups who are most at risk of being exposed to the disease, including people moving from regions of the world where TB is more common.

    Patterns of migration to the UK changed significantly following Brexit. A need to expand the workforce, particularly in health and social care, has led to active recruitment and movement of people from higher TB burden countries. This is relevant because, in England, four in five people with TB were born outside the UK, and rates among this group increased by 15% between 2022 and 2023.

    Screening migrant populations as part of their visa application process pre-entry is effective at identifying people with infectious TB. But prevention is better than cure, and there remains a gap in screening for TB infection or TB disease without symptoms.

    Providing well-tolerated, preventive TB treatment can reduce the risk of developing active TB disease by 85% in the future. Yet the screening programme in the UK is under-resourced, with just 11.5% of eligible migrants screened for TB infection in 2023.

    We should not overlook the fact that rates of TB also increased, although to a lesser extent (3.9%), among people born in the UK – the first time this has happened for many years.

    Among both UK-born and non-UK-born populations, often overlapping social risk factors such as homelessness, asylum seeker status, drug or alcohol misuse, incarceration and mental health disorders continue to drive TB. These factors, which jumped by 27% between 2022 and 2023, not only increase the likelihood of TB disease but are associated with much lower rates of cure.

    Early diagnosis and treatment of TB are crucial to prevent long-term health issues or even death. The sooner someone starts effective treatment, the sooner they stop being infectious, helping to reduce the spread of TB. Improving access to diagnosis and care will lower TB transmission.

    Unacceptable delays in treatment

    Nearly a third of people with TB in the UK experience a delay of four months between the onset of their symptoms (commonly cough, fever, night sweats and weight loss) and taking their first anti-TB medicine. This unacceptable delay is similar to (or even longer than) the treatment delays we have documented in low- and middle-income countries with much higher TB burdens, including Peru, Nepal and Mozambique.

    In the UK, most people are entitled to free NHS care, and TB care and prevention is free to all. However, the NHS is overwhelmed and policies relating to healthcare recovery costs of visitors and migrants can prevent people with TB, wherever they are from, from getting timely care. This situation poses a public health threat to us all.

    Effective TB prevention and care is possible. While current tools are imperfect, albeit with recent progress in diagnostics and treatment, researchers around the world are further advancing science and innovation in the fight against TB. This includes the promise of nutritional supplementation, financial and social support, and a new TB vaccine. Providing timely support to everyone with TB remains fundamental to our response to this illness of poverty.

    To end TB, whether in the US, UK, or globally, we would do well to remember and apply the old medical adage: treat the person, not the disease.

    Tom Wingfield is supported by grants from: the Wellcome Trust, UK (209075/Z/17/Z); the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Medical Research Council (MRC) and Wellcome, UK (Joint Global Health Trials, MR/V004832/1); the Medical Research Council (Public Health Intervention Development Award “PHIND”, APP2293); the Medical Research Foundation (Dorothy Temple Cross International Collaboration Research Grant, MRF-131–0006-RG-KHOS-C0942); and UNITAID (2022-50-START-4-ALL). Tom is an honorary research associate at the Department of Global Public Health, Karolinksa Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and is also an ad hoc consultant for the World Health Organization and the Stop TB Partnership.

    Jessica Potter has previously received research funding from Medical Research Council UK. She chairs a grassroots network called UK Academics and Professionals to end TB and is an advisory member of the Innovations Constituency of the Stop TB Partnership.

    Kerry Millington receives funding from UK aid from the UK government for the research programme that she works on. Views expressed are those of her own and do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.

    – ref. Why increasing rates of tuberculosis in the UK and US should concern everyone – https://theconversation.com/why-increasing-rates-of-tuberculosis-in-the-uk-and-us-should-concern-everyone-249202

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Does Kneecap’s Bafta win signal changing UK attitudes to British colonialism in Ireland?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Finola Kerrigan, Professor of Marketing, University of Birmingham

    Riotous Irish film Kneecap has attracted much critical and public acclaim since it debuted at Sundance in January 2024 as the festival’s first Irish-language film, winning the prestigious NEXT audience award.

    Its Irish premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh the following July saw it scoop best Irish film, the audience award and the Irish language feature film award. It was selected also as an entry for best international feature film and best original song at this year’s Oscars (but was unsuccessful in securing a nomination). Now Kneecap’s latest film honour comes from Britain, where its writer and director Rich Peppiatt won outstanding debut at the Baftas last month.

    The film, which mixes fantasy with reality, tells the hilarious tale of struggling real-life Irish-language rap group Kneecap (who play themselves in the film) as they become the unlikely face of the civil rights campaign to recognise the Irish language – also known as Gaelic. The bio on the group’s website states theirs “is a voice which comes screaming from the too-often deprived areas of the North of Ireland, speaking in a language which is too-often ignored”.

    The social and political impact of the arts and culture has long been established. Funding is often available for films that support the cultural agenda of nation states, and this plays a significant role in terms of soft power, a concept developed by political scientist Joseph Nye.

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    Academic Alan Bradshaw’s review captures the complexity of the themes of the film and its attempt to distance younger people – “the ceasefire generation” – from those of us who lived through the period of civil unrest commonly referred to as the Troubles.

    The Kneecap rappers are focused on advocating for the rights (cearta) of the people of Northern Ireland. Their open criticism of British rule, expressed through their music and film led to objections to them receiving public subsidies from the British taxpayer.

    However, consideration of the funding for the production reflects the central themes of the film. Northern Ireland Screen, the BFI, Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán (Ireland’s independent media regulator) and TG4 (an Irish public service broadcaster providing film and television in Gaelic) collectively funded the film, demonstrating the strong creative collaborations that have developed over the past few years across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the UK.

    While it is not uncommon to see UK-Irish co-productions – ironically, perhaps, the UK and Ireland are largely treated as one territory for film distribution – usually such collaboration is related to the shared use of English. In this case, Irish language is at the centre of the storytelling, highlighting the contentious history behind this shared use of English.

    The Irish language is not just the language in which the story is told, it is at the very heart of the film. In 2020, the Gaelic film Arracht (English title Monster), a story of the Irish famine, was screened in British cinemas and was Ireland’s entry for the 2020 Academy Awards, but it was not nominated for any awards in the UK.

    While Arracht dealt with the famine, illustrating the destructive impact of colonial rule on the Irish people, culture and language, in 2022 An Cailín Ciúin (A Quiet Girl)
    demonstrated the beauty of the Gaelic language and provided many audiences outside of Ireland with their first opportunity to see a film in Irish.

    Kneecap shifts the focus forward to contemporary Northern Ireland and the fight to resuscitate and reinstate the Irish language in the six counties still under British rule. This was eventually recognised in 2022 when the UK parliament passed the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act.

    The film’s Bafta win and Oscar entry follow on from The Quiet Girl, which made it onto the Academy Awards’ shortlist for best international feature film and garnered Bafta nominations for best film not in the English language, and best screenplay (adapted), in 2023.

    Although in terms of pace and energy, Kneecap and The Quiet Girl could not be more different, both films are in the Irish language. The Quiet Girl earned over US$6.5 million (£5 million) globally at the box office – the first film in the Irish language to break the US$1m mark – while Kneecap has earned US$4.5 million so far.

    Kneecap’s Oscar ambitions may have been thwarted, but its success at the Baftas demonstrates the significance of film in terms of reflecting contemporary politics, shining a light on UK-Irish relations and the relevance of Northern Ireland both politically and culturally.

    The 1998 Good Friday agreement, brought an end to the Troubles, and addressed the decades of imbalance in the rights of Northern Irish Catholic citizens in relation to governance, civil and political rights as well as cultural rights.

    The right to use the Irish language was finally acknowledged as a cultural right and was reinstated as an official language of Northern Ireland in 2022 following the repeal of a penal law from 1737 which established English as the only language permissible in courts.

    This fundamental right to your native language is the key theme in Kneecap, focusing on opposing the legacy of British colonial oppression of language and culture. Its success in receiving public funding, delighting UK critics and audiences alike, as well as winning a prestigious British film award is well worth reflecting upon.

    Does this demonstrate that Britain is beginning to recognise the damage of colonialism on the psyche, culture and economics of those who are oppressed and disposed? Is this acceptance of the living legacy of colonialism?

    Giving the Bafta for outstanding debut for Kneecap to Peppiatt – an Englishman living in Belfast – can perhaps be seen as the start of such recognition. But it may be too early for a film opposing colonial British rule to be awarded the award for outstanding British film.

    Finola Kerrigan 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. Does Kneecap’s Bafta win signal changing UK attitudes to British colonialism in Ireland? – https://theconversation.com/does-kneecaps-bafta-win-signal-changing-uk-attitudes-to-british-colonialism-in-ireland-251634

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Women always suffer in times of conflict. Yet the arms industry is accused of gender washing war

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rosie Walters, Lecturer in International Relations, Cardiff University

    A displaced Yemeni woman makes food for her children in the camp where they live in the city of Taiz. akramalrasny/Shutterstock

    International Women’s Day, marked each year on March 8, is all about celebrating women and furthering efforts towards gender equality. Companies are keen to join these conversations and shout about their achievements on a day when minds are focused on female empowerment. But this has led to accusations of hypocrisy.

    In 2021, one user on X created the Gender Pay Gap bot. Until 2023,this automated account reposted companies’ supportive messages about International Women’s Day, quoting information about their gender pay gap. The bot’s posts received tens of thousands of views and shares, showing an appetite for calling out misleading corporate claims about women’s empowerment.

    Activists and researchers label these misleading actions “gender washing”. It describes communications and practices that present corporations as taking action on gender inequalities even as they engage in things that may be harmful to women and girls.

    Gender washing takes many forms. It might be, for example, sponsoring girls’ education programmes without addressing known practices of child labour and sexual harassment in supply chains. Or it could be applying for corporate social responsibility awards while facing lawsuits for discrimination against female employees.

    Our research examines global arms manufacturers, including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. It is estimated that the global arms trade as a whole was worth US$138 billion (£109 billion) in 2022 (the last year for which data are compiled).

    It is hard to say how many people are killed by these weapons, but at a minimum it numbers in the tens of thousands each year. Beyond this, the after-effects of weapons use include displacement, starvation and health emergencies, as has been seen in Yemen.

    Arms manufacturers continue to produce and sell weapons that cause untold suffering (including to women) across the world. But interestingly, arms manufacturers also issue communications celebrating International Women’s Day.

    Careers in science and tech

    Where previous research highlights how gender washing shows corporations or their products in a positive light, our research revealed bigger effects. We found that, through joint communications with governments and militaries, arms manufacturers were engaged in the process of gender washing war itself.

    By posting for International Women’s Day, these companies portray the technologies and corporate operations of warfare as empowering to women and girls. They show women succeeding in science and technology careers, and girls receiving inspirational talks and science education, while saying nothing about what that science is being used for.

    For example, Lockheed Martin Middle East and Africa shared a video on X showing a group of female engineers at the company’s innovation centre in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The post states that the company is “committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers through real-world #STEM education”.

    The video shows a group of women wearing traditional Emirati dress in futuristic labs. They are interacting with touchscreen images of helicopters flying over deserts, examining a drone and sitting next to magnifying glasses. The soundtrack is like something out of a Hollywood action movie.

    But the women do not speak for themselves. We are supposed to assume that, thanks to Lockheed Martin, they are being educated in cutting-edge technology and empowered to pursue careers in science. They get hands-on experience using the very military technologies being deployed in many parts of their region.

    Lockheed Martin’s sale of weapons to warring parties in the Middle East, including arms sold to Saudi Arabia with devastating consequences for Yemeni women, is presented as a learning opportunity, “inspiring” women of the Middle East into science careers.

    For its part, Lockheed Martin said in its 2023 gender pay gap report that it had closed the salary gap by 12.1% since 2017. It also said its investment in STEM activities helped it to focus on a future pipeline of female talent.

    We also found that some corporations attempt to join progressive conversations without actually saying anything at all. We label this “constructive silences”. This is where companies say nothing of substance on gender issues, and do not reveal any efforts to tackle gender inequalities within their own practices. But nonetheless they tap into conversations about International Women’s Day that might enhance their reputations.

    A post on X from Lockheed Martin India uses International Women’s Day hashtags. But there is no clear link to the accompanying text, which does not mention women specifically. Nor is there any connection to initiatives to address gender inequalities. Instead it talks about how “an inclusive environment” helps employees to “develop innovative solutions”.

    This matters because – through social media – arms manufacturers present technologies of war as a force for public good. It is easier to deflect criticism of the harms created by your products when you can point to your efforts supporting women’s empowerment.

    These posts for International Women’s Day, and other gender-washing practices, make it easier for governments to continue subsidising the arms industry, buying and using weaponry, and issuing licenses for the sale of weapons in conflicts across the globe. All the while, they give the impression that the corporations producing those weapons are educating and empowering women and girls.

    This International Women’s Day, take a look for yourself. Think about which companies are professing care for women and what harms might they be obscuring.

    In a statement to The Conversation, a spokesman for Lockheed Martin said: Lockheed Martin’s core business safeguards human rights by advancing cutting-edge technologies that help US and allied defence forces promote deterrence and protect their people. We adhere to strict and ethical business practices guided by US government laws, regulations and policies related to international military sales and the use of products sold to international customers. Our company culture is collaborative and respectful, which allows all of our team members to impactfully contribute to our mission-critical work.

    Raytheon and Northrop Grumman were also approached for comment about the claims made in this article, but did not respond by the time we published.

    Rosie Walters receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council, the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the Learned Society of Wales.

    Natalie Jester 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. Women always suffer in times of conflict. Yet the arms industry is accused of gender washing war – https://theconversation.com/women-always-suffer-in-times-of-conflict-yet-the-arms-industry-is-accused-of-gender-washing-war-249775

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Swimming Pool funding secured for Preston Leisure Centres

    Source: City of Preston

    Additional funding from Sport England has been accepted by Preston City Council Cabinet Members (Wednesday 5 March) to support a capital investment to improve energy efficiency at Fulwood Leisure Centre.

    The grant sum of £226,552 will be transferred to Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), the charitable social enterprise that operates Better leisure centres in Preston including Fulwood and Westview, on behalf of Preston City Council.

    Rising energy prices over recent years have significantly increased the costs of keeping the two swimming pools open. Since transferring over the running of the city’s leisure city centre assets to GLL in 2017, GLL has been able to deliver substantial savings to protect the long-term viability of these important community assets.

    Following a successful bid from the Phase 1 Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF) in September 2023, the Council has now received funding from the Phase 2 SPSF.

    Due to the national demand on this funding, the government and Sport England is only awarding the funding to one facility per local authority and to fund two interventions at that site.

    A single application was submitted on behalf of all the eligible pools in the area.

    The funding will be used to install solar panels to the roof of Fulwood Leisure Centre which will significantly reduce energy bills by lowering the centre’s reliance on the national grid, while contributing to carbon savings.

    The old boiler will be replaced with a new state-of-the-art heating system which will further improve the energy efficiency of the building. 

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

    Swimming pools are such an important part of our communities and are accessed by many as an enjoyable, low impact activity for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. The additional grant funding is a critical and very welcome boost in helping our leisure centres to stay operational and to carry out ongoing essential repairs.

    One of the aims of the Phase 2 funding agreement is to encourage the leisure sector to transition to a position of environmental and financial sustainability through local strategic plans for leisure and active wellbeing.

    Established in 1993, GLL is the largest UK-based charitable social enterprise delivering leisure, health and community services. Operating under the Better brand, it manages 250 public sport and leisure centres, 113 libraries and 10 children’s centres in partnership with 50 local councils, public agencies and sporting organisations.

    Michael Manley, Preston Partnership Manager at GLL said:

    The move reinforces our commitment to supporting renewable energy, while allowing us to make vital savings on energy costs. These savings will be reinvested so that we can continue our ongoing programme of improvements to enhance the customer experience, offer the best possible leisure facilities and better serve the community of Preston.

    Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.

    Sport England 

    Sport England is a public body and invests up to £300 million National Lottery and government money each year in projects and programmes that help people get active and play sport.

    It wants everyone in England, regardless of age, background, or level of ability, to feel able to engage in sport and physical activity. That’s why a lot of its work is specifically focused on helping people who do no, or very little, physical activity and groups who are typically less active – like women, disabled people and people on lower incomes.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Café Opening at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens

    Source: City of Sunderland

    Sea Change Community Interest Company (CIC) is launching its second café at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens. The team from Sea Change in South Shields will welcome their first customers to the museum on Saturday 8 March.

    With a successful venue on Ocean Road, South Shields, Sea Change is known for its inclusive menu, offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. More than just a café, it is a social enterprise dedicated to empowering neurodiverse adults across the North East. Sea Change provide skills, confidence, and experience for sustainable employment and has already created eight new jobs with an ambition to add ten more within its first year.

    Sarah Farrell-Forster, CEO and founder of Sea Change said: “We are thrilled to announce the opening of our second café, located in the heart of the city at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens!”

    “This exciting expansion not only allows us to bring our delicious offerings to a new audience but also furthers our mission of providing more supported employment for the neurodiverse community in Sunderland. By growing our presence, we can empower even more individuals with meaningful work, skill development, and a supportive environment where they can thrive. We can’t wait to welcome you to our new location and create an even greater positive impact.”

    Since opening in 2019, Sea Change has supported over 100 people from across the neurodiverse community, with 20 people progressing into paid hospitality roles and five securing independent employment through its ‘Sea Change for Employment’ programme.

    Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council, said: ” Sea Change’s opening at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens is a fantastic addition to our city. Not only does it offer visitors a welcoming space to enjoy the varied food offer in our much loved Museum, but it also champions inclusivity by creating valuable experience and employment opportunities for the neurodiverse community.  We look forward to welcoming Sea Change to Sunderland and working with them over the coming months as we continue to develop our plans for the Museum and Winter Gardens and raise awareness of our newly established Mowbray Park Community Garden”. 

    Sunderland City Council is busy preparing to submit a funding bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Museum and Winter Gardens. The plans are due to be submitted in May to carry out a range of improvements to the museum’s visitor spaces.

    This bid is alongside a second round of funding from Arts Council England Museum and Estates Fund, secured last month towards improvements to the Winter Gardens. These are positive for the museum, protecting and conserving it for many years to come. As well as ensuring it can continue to create valuable opportunities for people from across our communities and for visitors to the city. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free Welsh language learning for UK civil servants

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Free Welsh language learning for UK civil servants

    Welsh language training now available to all civil servants through the Civil Service Learning website

    Dame Antonia Romeo DCB

    Free Welsh language learning for UK civil servants

    Welsh language training now available to all civil servants through the Civil Service Learning website

    Every civil servant in the UK can now access free Welsh Language training thanks to a new initiative.

    Government Skills has been collaborating with the National Centre for Learning Welsh to offer civil servants easy access to free Welsh Language training—provided by the Welsh Government—via a programme called Work Welsh.

    It is the first time every civil servant in the UK has been given access to free learning on Civil Service Learning, which is specifically focused on helping them learn a new language.

    Promoting the Welsh language

    Dame Antonia Romeo DCB, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice and Permanent Secretary Place Champion for Wales and a Welsh language learner herself, said: 

    “This initiative underpins our commitment to promote the Welsh Language and ensure its presence across all Government departments – supporting the Welsh Government vision to have one million people speaking Welsh by 2050.”

    This opportunity is the result of an initiative led by Professor Kim Ann Williamson MBE, Strategic Advisor to the Wales and the Northern Ireland Head of Place with the great support of Rich Williams (Ministry of Justice), Alison Dods (Department of Work and Pensions), Dave Martin (Government Skills) and our Joint Heads of Place for Wales Ross Maude (DCMS) and Professor Tom Crick MBE (DCMS).

    An important milestone 

    Kim Ann, who herself relocated from London to Wales some 28 years ago, said she believes that learning a new language can be a vital part in staff development.

    “It’s an important milestone to be able to offer civil servants this opportunity and it highlights our determination to support diverse and thriving civil service communities in regions and nations across the UK.

    “Learning Welsh can help foster inclusive teams, particularly where there are Welsh-speaking colleagues. It’s also a wonderful way to forge closer links with the local community and support the Welsh language, heritage and culture.”

    Launch in Cardiff

    The learning is among a range of courses available on the National Centre for Learning Welsh’s website. But, by providing access via Civil Service Learning, Government Skills is ensuring that civil servants get easy access to the free learning. It can also monitor numbers accessing the learning from the Civil Service.

    Representatives from more than 14 government departments attended the launch of the Work Welsh language learning in Cardiff and had the opportunity to hear from Dame Nia Griffith MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales speaking in support of this new learning opportunity.

    Work Welsh is accessible via Civil Service Learning.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-Japan Economic 2+2

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    News story

    UK-Japan Economic 2+2

    The UK and Japanese governments have met for the Economic 2+2 Ministers’ Meeting

    On March 7, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for approximately 2 hours, the Japan-UK Economic 2+2 Ministers’ Meeting (“Economic 2+2”) was held. The meeting was attended by Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. MUTO Yoji, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, the Rt. Hon. David Lammy MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Rt. Hon. Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

    At the outset, Minister Iwaya stated that it was his pleasure to host the first Japan-UK Economic 2+2 Ministers’ Meeting in Tokyo, the establishment of which was announced by the leaders of Japan and the UK to promote dialogue on how trade and economic security converges with foreign policy; and hoped that today’s meeting would be an opportunity for both countries, as each other’s closest security partners in Europe and Asia, to strengthen their economic ties, building on the strong foundations of the Japan-UK Global Strategic Partnership articulated by the Hiroshima Accord.

    Minister Muto stated that he welcomed holding the Japan-UK Economic 2+2 Ministers’ Meeting and expressed his expectations for enhanced cooperation in areas such as economic security, energy, and innovation between Japan and the UK, which share fundamental values and continue to build a strong relationship.

    Foreign Secretary Lammy thanked Japan for hosting this inaugural meeting and underscored the importance of the dialogue in addressing the increasing convergence between economic and foreign policy issues and the significance of UK-Japan collaboration to forge a path in an increasingly volatile world.

    Minister Reynolds stated national security and economic growth are mutually reinforcing, and that he looked forward to using the discussion to explore areas of cooperation where the UK and Japan can jointly mitigate global risks to economic growth and trade.

    The global economic order now faces significant challenges. With shared fundamental values including freedom, democracy, and rule of law, the four Ministers from Japan and the UK committed to work to uphold these values by sustaining and strengthening a free, fair, and rules-based global economic order, and discussed issues on Economic Security, Free and Open International Trade, Energy Security, Global South as follows.

    Economic Security

    The four Ministers concurred that, given challenges in global trade, enhancing economic resilience internationally is an important contributor to sustainable and stable global growth.

    The four Ministers affirmed that coordination between partners and like-minded countries is essential to bolster economic resilience. Ministers also confirmed that the relationship between Japan and the UK is increasingly important and expressed their joint ambition to strengthen cooperation on economic resilience and economic security, including sharing analysis and insights, enhancing supply chain resilience and cooperation on critical and emerging technology issues.

    The four Ministers instructed officials to have meetings to take forward discussions to address the economic security challenges facing Japan and the UK, including enhancing supply-chain resilience, developing a fair market, and other relevant issues – with a view to enhancing their economic security partnership.

    The four Ministers concurred that this would support the industrial strategy partnership as discussed in the Strategic Economic Policy and Trade Dialogue.

     The four Ministers expressed concern over economic coercion, non-market policies and practices including harmful industrial subsidies, market-distorting practices of state-owned enterprises, as well as forced technology transfer, and harmful non-market overcapacity and other market distortions resulting from the non-market policies and practices.

     The four Ministers also reconfirmed the importance of cooperating with like-minded countries to build resilient and reliable supply-chains, including those for critical minerals that are essential for net-zero transition and digitalisation.

     In this regard, the four Ministers concurred to explore criteria that take into account not only economic factors, but also factors linked to the Principles on Resilient and Reliable Supply Chains, comprising of transparency, diversification, security, sustainability, and trustworthiness and reliability.

     Furthermore, the four Ministers concurred on continuing discussions to strengthen the coordination of their respective policies to further promote and protect critical and emerging technologies, recognising the importance of strategic public-private partnership, information exchange on economic security and the value of our two countries’ like-mindedness. The four Ministers concurred on deepening cooperation on export controls and research security to further facilitate the exchange of controlled goods and technologies between the two countries.

     The four Ministers welcomed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding between Japanese and UK industry partners that will facilitate joint Japan-UK supply chains and collaboration in the development of next-generation quantum computing.

     The four Ministers concurred on further strengthening effective export controls on materials, technology, and research that could be used for military purposes in a way that keeps pace with rapid technological developments.

     The four Ministers expressed their desire to see a just and lasting peace in Ukraine which ensures its future sovereignty and security. The four Minister reaffirmed their continued support to Ukraine in pursuit of peace through strength, in line with Ukraine’s needs. The four Ministers expressed their resolve to continue our comprehensive sanctions and economic measures to restrict as far as possible the revenues, goods, and technology Russia uses to fund and conduct its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

     To that end, the four Ministers concurred to continue action against Russia and countries supporting the Russian military complex through technical discussions to prevent diversion of key critical, specialist and emerging technologies. They reiterated their concern for China’s increasing support to Russia and Russia’s defense industrial base, which is decisively enabling Russia to maintain its illegal war in Ukraine.

    Free and Open International Trade

     The four Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core as an important structure that affords legal stability and predictability for businesses, and concurred on moving towards strengthening all of the WTO’s functions, including negotiation, monitoring, deliberation and dispute settlement, as it marks the 30th anniversary of its establishment with an eye to the outcome of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) scheduled for next March.

     The four Ministers recognised the role played by plurilateral discussions and negotiations within the WTO in advancing issues of interest and called for the early incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the Agreement on Electronic Commerce into the WTO’s legal framework.

     The four Ministers also confirmed that they will work closely together in WTO discussions, including addressing contemporary trade-related issues such as non-market policies and practices, as well as climate change.

     The four Ministers emphasised the importance of developing robust international rules and norms and effectively utilising existing tools to ensure a global level playing field.

     In addition, the Japanese Ministers welcomed the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) last December, and the four Ministers recognised that the CPTPP is an important pillar in promoting a free and fair rules-based economic order in the Indo-Pacific region.

     The Ministers confirmed that they would continue to work closely together with other parties to ensure CPTPP remains a modern, high-standards agreement.

    Energy Security

     The four Ministers discussed energy security risks and opportunities for Japan-UK collaboration to support further development of clean energy supply-chains.

     Ministers welcomed the signing of the Memoranda of Cooperation on offshore wind cooperation among governments, organisations, companies and on cooperation in advanced robotics and autonomous systems, and welcomed the  civil-nuclear collaboration between companies and research institutions of both countries, including on advanced nuclear technologies, fusion energy, and  nuclear decommissioning.

     They reaffirmed that they would continue promoting energy cooperation between Japan and the UK to deliver energy security for their citizens.

     Furthermore, they acknowledged their collaboration in the clean energy sector and emphasised the importance of creating Japan-UK collaborative projects to accelerate the clean energy transition in third countries and to strengthen coordination in pursuit of this.  

     The four Ministers also reaffirmed their shared commitment to keeping a limit of 1.5C temperature rise within reach and achieving net zero by 2050.

     They confirmed the need to reduce reliance on energy supply from unreliable and hostile actors.

     All four Ministers concurred that Russia’s illegal, unjustifiable and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine threatens the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, which is inseparable.

    Engagement with Global South

     The four Ministers shared the recognition that it is important to further enhance cooperation with Global South countries to maintain and strengthen a rule-based international economic order and affirmed that they would engage with the Global South towards sustainable development and trade mechanisms that support economic development and poverty reduction.

     They noted the importance of the WTO 14th Ministerial Conference, which will be held in Cameroon – in supporting this.

    The four Ministers reaffirmed the need for Japan and the UK to remain advocates of a free, open, and rules-based international economic order in the face of growing risks of global economic fragmentation and concurred on continuing their bilateral cooperation in areas such as the economic policies of both countries and economic security, while deepening discussions and cooperation with like-minded countries in related fields.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Walking netball takes centre court for International Women’s Day

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Over fifty ladies from walking netball groups across Northern Ireland gathered at Banbridge Leisure Centre for on-the-court and off-the-court activities to celebrate International Women’s Day.

    The event was organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Sports Development Department and funded by Sport NI, through the District Council’s Community Planning Investment Programme.

    Supporting on the day were Netball NI, Banbridge Netball Club and Billy Stewart from the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing Community Safety Partnership (ABCPCSP) who spoke to the ladies about being vigilant for online scams, financial safety and ‘in case of emergency’ cards.

    The main event kicked off with a ‘shooter of the week’ challenge and warm-up activities before the competitions got into full swing between the ‘Jeth Throwers’ (Lurgan), the ‘Nutty Netballers’ (Larne), the ‘Nifty Netballers’ (Bangor), the ‘Lilies of the Valley’ (Newtownabbey) and the ‘Bann Ballers’ (Banbridge).

    After some show-stopping skills and impressive competitive spirit, Larne’s Nutty Netballers were crowned overall winners and awarded prizes sponsored by Netball NI. Local team ‘Bann Ballers’ finished in second place and received some baked goods sponsored by Irwin’s Bakery.

    Walking Netball has evolved from a growing demand for walking sports. The inclusive nature of the game encourages those who have dropped out of the sport they love due to serious injury, to those who believed they had hung up their netball trainers many years ago, to get going again! The fun, laughter and camaraderie throughout the social sessions are just as important as the health benefits from being active.

    The ‘Bann Ballers’ netball group was established after a successful pilot as part of ABC Council’s Positive Aging Month campaign. The group meets every Friday at Banbridge Leisure Centre from 12.30 – 1.30pm. New members are always welcome! For more information please visit www.getactiveabc.com/walkingnetball

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pupils and teachers recognised for challenging inequality through creativity at The Saroj Lal Awards

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Winners have been announced in the annual Saroj Lal Awards.

    Primary and secondary aged learners along with teaching staff from across Edinburgh were honoured with awards at a ceremony held at the City Chambers last night (Thursday 6 March).

    The awards, now in their third year, encouraged schools to nominate pupils’ work in any art form including the written word, technologies and multi-artforms, inspired by the award themes of equality, inclusion and diversity. Head teachers were also encouraged to nominate a staff team from their school whose collaborative work around equalities has adopted a creative approach and had an impact on the school or in the wider community.

    Saroj Lal was one of the first Asian women to teach in a Scottish primary school when she began her role at South Morningside Primary School in 1970. Her many successes included being at the forefront of race relations during a period of immense political and social change, delivering anti-racism training and starting the first local authority interpreting and translating service in Edinburgh. Following her death in 2020, Saroj’s many achievements in equality, women’s rights, education, and community work are being formally recognised.

    Entries were judged by a panel of esteemed judges including Saroj Lal’s son, Vineet Lal, Ethelinda Lashley-Scott, CEO of the Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB), Hardeep Kaur, winner of the 2024 GTC of Scotland Saroj Lal Awards and teacher at Portobello High School, Carol Tuzan, Wider Achievement & Lifelong Learning Manager (CLD youth and children’s work) along with a former Saroj Lal Award staff winner and two student judges, recruited for the first time, via school’s equalities groups and the youth parliament.

    The award categories for pupils were as follows:

    • Proud to be Me: Communicates the young person’s personal expression of pride in their heritage, in their own culture and/or identity.
    • How Prejudice Makes Me Feel: Expresses young people’s feelings about any form of prejudice inflicted on themselves or others.
    • Artivism: Art expresses their views on social justice and challenges others to change and/or act differently.

    The winners are:

    • Proud To Be Me – primary schools’ category: P7’s “The Quilt Group” at Currie Primary School
    • Proud To Be Me – secondary schools’ category: Pilrig Park School – A whole school Project
    • How Prejudice Makes Me Feel – primary schools’ category: Andrew Amanfo – P5 Ferryhill Primary School
    • How Prejudice Makes Me Feel – secondary schools’ category: Jesudarasimi Omaoya (Dara)- S3 Castlebrae Community Campus
    • Artivism – primary schools’ category: Duddingston Primary School – A whole school Project
    • Artivism – secondary schools’ category:  Farah Joma – S4 St Thomas of Aquin’s RC High School
    • Staff winner:  Laura-Jane Inglis. (Teacher of Modern Studies and Politics in the Faculty of Humanities)  James Gillespie’s High School
    • Judges Commendation Award 2025 is: Hazel Li S1 Craigmount High School

    Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener, hosted the awards and said:

    Most of us will be able to recall an inspiring or memorable teacher and Saroj Lal raised the bar in leading the way during her lifetime, and she continues to inspire Edinburgh learners through the legacy she left behind.

    Now in their third year, the awards recognise the work schools and pupils are doing to champion equality and promote diversity. It’s fantastic to see that so many schools have submitted entries this year, from art works, poems, films and animation, the entries this year include a real mix of mediums and at such a high standard. I want to congratulate the winners, and acknowledge all those who submitted an entry, for their creativity.

    Vineet Lal, said:

    The quality of entries this year has been outstanding and I want to thank pupils and staff across Edinburgh schools who have put so much thought and creativity in to their submissions this year. I have been blown away by the different ways that the art works have captured and showcased the themes of equality and diversity.

    Saroj was a force for good in her community and beyond, championing social justice and equality for all. She would be extremely proud to see that the awards in her name are now in their third year and that children and young people continue to be inspired by her pioneering work.

    Full list of judges:

    • Vineet Lal, Saroj Lal’s son
    • Ethelinda Lashley-Scott, CEO of the Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB)
    • Hardeep Kaur, winner of the 2024 GTC of Scotland Saroj Lal Awards and teacher at Portobello High School,
    • Carol Tuzan, Wider Achievement & Lifelong Learning Manager (CLD youth and children’s work)
    • Elaine Oram, winner of the Saroj Lal Awards staff category last year and teacher at James Gillespies High School
    • Yashasvi Soni, student judge and S6 Pupil at Leith Academy
    • Scarlet D’Mellow, student judge and pupil at  Liberton High School

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Transforming Blenheim Estate’s low-grade farmland into woodlands for nature and communities

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Case study

    Transforming Blenheim Estate’s low-grade farmland into woodlands for nature and communities

    Blenheim Estate planted 270,000 trees to improve biodiversity, water quality and public access, as well as generate income through timber production.

    Main facts

    • site: Blenheim Estate, Oxfordshire
    • size: 104 hectares with a further 47 hectares planned
    • type: multi-purpose lowland woodland with mixed broadleaf, some non-native species and conifer
    • species: 27 species including oak, hornbeam, lime, sycamore, wild cherry with a woody understorey. Experimental species are also included to assess climate change resilience. A small percentage of conifer will provide a productive timber crop and winter habitats for wildlife
    • grants: blended finance from Forestry Commission England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) and private investment from Morgan Sindall
    • date: EWCO application approved in October 2021, planting began in November 2021

    Main objective

    Convert low-grade, unprofitable agricultural land into new woodlands to deliver multiple benefits including carbon sequestration, improved biodiversity, water quality and public amenity access, starting with a 30-year woodland management cycle.

    Roy Cox, Estate Director said:

    The health of the area around an estate directly affects the wellbeing of the estate itself. By investing in new woodlands, we are making Blenheim a better place for the community to thrive.

    Investing in trees for all to enjoy

    The Blenheim Estate is set in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, covering 12,000 acres. Home to Blenheim Palace, it is a world heritage site and features several Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Its farming heritage spans hundreds of years, but with the phasing out of the Basic Payment Scheme the owners began seeking new opportunities. Aware of the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, they seized the opportunity to invest in trees and woodlands and capitalise on the myriad of economic, social and environmental benefits trees offer.

    The Dorn and Glyme Valley Woodland Creation Scheme is creating 7 new woodlands. At the time of planting it was one of the largest woodland creation projects in the South East to date, transforming unproductive, low-grade agricultural land into a sustainable and commercially viable asset.

    The owners are planting over 270,000 new trees to sequester 20,000 tonnes of carbon over 25 years, which will boost biodiversity and generate wider community benefits – including a forest school and 15km of new woodland trails to enjoy and explore. The project will help the estate achieve their net zero aims and continue to prosper.

    Diversity and management delivering wider benefits

    Species diversity and active management help to secure the long-term health, resilience, and profitability of Blenheim’s new woodland. Planting has incorporated an innovative mix of 27 carefully selected species, from native broadleaves like hornbeam, lime, oak, sycamore, wild cherry, Norway maple, alder and beech, to experimental species such as paulownia, tulip tree and robinia. Several conifer blocks will deliver a productive timber crop and winter habitats for wildlife.

    This diverse mix will help reduce risk from pests and diseases and improve resilience to the effects of climate change. The controlled planting of novel species will provide valuable insight for studies on climate change resilience carried out by the University of Oxford.

    The design also includes an understorey of woody shrub species to create a diverse and self-sustaining ecosystem. Planting areas will be seeded with wild grass and a flower mix.

    The scheme incorporates long-term management plans, beginning with a 30-year management cycle with the Forest Canopy Foundation. Effective woodland management is vital for carbon sequestration, biodiversity gains and to achieve a profitable timber crop year-on-year. Well managed woodlands will not only ensure the estate can sequester carbon now, but far into the future through carbon being locked into timber products.

    The trees have been planted using biodegradable tree guards made of corn starch, supporting the estate’s aim to be plastic-free as far as possible. This approach provides valuable insight for ongoing research into plastic-free alternatives. In parallel, rabbit and deer fencing will protect young trees against browsing mammals.

    Great oaks from little acorns grow

    Many of the oak trees have been grown from acorns collected from Blenheim Park – providing a natural connection to the park and its heritage up and down the valley. A total of 11,402 acorns have been handpicked. Each one is labelled with the tree it came from. They will be planted along paths at entry points and key locations as special feature trees.

    Unlocking blended finance – through EWCO and private investment

    The Dorn and Glyme Valley scheme is multi-faceted and brings many natural capital benefits. It’s been made possible through a blended finance model – a combination of EWCO and private investment from Morgan Sindall, who are purchasing the carbon sequestered by the trees to help offset CO2 emissions.

    The scheme secured over £350,000 in additional contributions through EWCO for its benefits to:

    • nature recovery: by planting new native woodland in locations that will connect and expand existing woodland
    • water quality: by carefully positioning woodland to help filter soil particles
    • society: creating woodland close to people and granting permissive access via a 15km network of new paths

    It also trailblazes use of the Grown in Britain metric, based on the UK Forestry Standard, to quantify the provision of ecosystem services on each site. Using the metric helped to secure the private investment from Morgan Sindall.

    Liz Nicholson, Forestry Agent said:

    Courage, creative thinking and hard work are required to create a space and framework to realise the best markets which, in turn, will empower farming and forestry to develop into unsubsidised commercial sectors.

    Wildlife, water and wellbeing

    Woodlands provide huge benefits for people, nature, climate and the economy. The Dorn and Glyme Valley Woodland Creation Scheme at Blenheim is no exception:

    • the biodiversity of the area will improve significantly, most of the woodland blocks are close to, or adjoin existing native woodland and will help expand and connect natural habitats
    • an objective is to reduce siltation of Blenheim Lake, with the woodlands carefully positioned to improve water quality by helping to filter soil particles, reducing the frequency and costs of dredging the lake
    • the trees also provide natural flood management benefits, as well as further upstream in the Dorn valley – the Environment Agency are working with Blenheim Estate, Thames Water, and Evenlode Catchment Partnership to develop ‘Stage Zero’, a small slowing the flow project, which will recreate the impact of beavers on a catchment
    • the pandemic demonstrated the value that trees, woodlands and open spaces have on our physical and mental health, the scheme will improve access to nature for the community by creating a 15km circular trail with benches and glades, connecting communities across the estate, and will host a new forest school

    The scheme is designed as a 100-year project, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

    Top tips

    1. The Woodland Creation Planning Grant supports landowners in exploring the opportunities and constraints of a site. It helps facilitate a smooth transition of the final design to EWCO.
    2. Planting a diverse mix of species is important for overall woodland resilience and protection against pests and diseases.
    3. Active management, including ongoing deer and squirrel control, is vital to long-term success.
    4. Public access is not just a ‘nice thing to do’, there are sound economic and business models behind it.
    5. Trees and woodlands provide a profitable investment.

    Further information

    See the brochure version of this case study: Blenheim Estate brochure (PDF, 1.08 MB, 4 pages).

    For guidance on woodland creation and information on grants and available support, visit: Tree planting and woodland creation: overview.

    Find out how other farmers and landowners are benefitting from woodland creation, visit: Tree planting and woodland creation case studies.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Creating a resilient woodland at Lowther Estate to boost diversity and timber supply

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Case study

    Creating a resilient woodland at Lowther Estate to boost diversity and timber supply

    Read about the 150 hectare woodland creation project on the Lowther Estate, which will increase access to woodlands for local communities and support wildlife.

    The Lowther Estate in Cumbria worked with partners including the Forestry Commission, Natural England and the Eden Rivers Trust to bring to fruition a new large scale productive woodland in the North West of England.

    In 2017 Lowther Estate gained approval for 170 hectares of new productive woodland, ‘Jacks Wood’, named after the estate’s recently retired forester, Ian Jack, who led the development of the project.

    The new woodland is largely within the Lake District National Park and has seen the planting of 121 ha of productive conifer, with the remainder made up of predominantly productive broadleaves. In total, 213,098 trees have been planted, making this one of the largest areas of productive conifer to be planted in England since the 1980’s.

    Lowther Estates used the Woodland Creation Planning Grant to help cover the planning and design costs for the new woodland. The estate also received approval for funding under the Countryside Stewardship scheme for the planting and maintenance of the woodland.

    David Bliss, Estate Manager for Lowther Estate said:

    Our success is entirely down to the work of Ian Jack. The Woodland Creation Planning Grant funding helped him plan and gain approval for this magnificent commercial woodland, which will support many local jobs and associated forestry businesses.

    Their woodland vision

    The new woodland blends existing blocks of monoculture conifers with new woodland made up of broadleaves, helping to restore the look of the landscape. This will create an extensive natural corridor linking the south of the estate with important pasture woodlands and a community woodland, which adjoins 2 local villages.

    The new section of wooded corridor will also be of huge benefit to the local wildlife, including the resident red squirrel population.

    Ian Jack, Head Forester, Lowther Estate (retired) said:

    Creating a woodland means so much more to me than just putting trees in the ground; we’re creating a beautiful place for the future, for the people and the wildlife. I won’t see this woodland fully mature, but that doesn’t matter to me, it’s taking the first step that matters.

    Working with the community

    The estate management team worked closely with a range of stakeholders from the outset, so that feedback from local groups was taken into consideration as early as possible during the planning process.

    The team worked particularly closely with the Eden Rivers Trust to ensure that the woodland will also provide multiple water benefits to downstream communities; improving water quality and ecology by decreasing the amount of run-off from the surrounding land and providing some mitigation against flood risk. The woodland will also benefit the wider public by extending current public access provisions, and will provide the setting for a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.

    Woodland creation benefits

    In addition to the wider benefits, a primary objective for the estate is to be able to manage the woodlands to generate a future income from timber sales, which will in turn support local forestry businesses.

    There are several strategic timber mills in Cumbria, which the estate currently supplies and it is expected that the trees planted now will mature and be ready for felling at the time when it is predicted that timber shortages will occur – providing much needed long term security. The provision of future stock to supply these mills will build confidence and help these businesses to continue to grow and invest over the coming years.

    Ian Jack, Head Forester, Lowther Estate (retired) said:

    There appears to be a renaissance of planting well designed, functional woodlands in the north of England and Scotland. It’s good to be part of that ground swell and to be able to plant all the right trees, in the right places, for the right reasons. I’m glad to be able to pass on a tangible legacy to the people of Cumbria.

    Further information

    See the brochure version of this case study: Lowther Estate brochure (PDF, 1.13 MB, 3 pages).

    For guidance on woodland creation and information on grants and available support, visit: Tree planting and woodland creation: overview.

    Find out how other farmers and landowners are benefitting from woodland creation, visit: Tree planting and woodland creation case studies.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: How Heathpatch Farm expanded woodland to support wildlife and their business

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments

    Case study

    How Heathpatch Farm expanded woodland to support wildlife and their business

    Find out how the farm expanded expanded woodland to create a species-rich habitat, reduce farm pollution and benefit the farm business.

    Key facts

    • site: Heathpatch, Ipswich, Suffolk
    • size: 260 hectares of woodland, expanded by 8.5 hectares in 2022 to 2023, with a further 3 hectares planned for 2024
    • type and species mix: predominantly native broadleaf trees and shrubs, a mix of 25 species selected to increase resilience with future climate in mind, including: oak, wild cherry, small-leaved lime, hornbeam, hazel, alder, silver birch and Scots pine, plus a mix of non-native conifer (Corsican pine and western red cedar)
    • date planted: winter 2022-23
    • grant: England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO)

    Main objective: to connect with existing woodland on site, creating a diverse habitat and wildlife corridors.

    Introduction

    Heathpatch is a 1,700 hectare farm 10 miles west of Ipswich. The farm includes 260 hectares of woodland, with a range of ages and species. Owned by the Buckle family, the farm is a traditional mix with a variety of crops, sheep and cattle, plus some equestrian land.

    Over the years, the farm has diversified and Heathpatch currently owns and runs a number of businesses, these include: manufacturing electro mechanical and electronic enclosures, renewable energy through anaerobic digestion, machinery sales including a wide range of forestry industry equipment, a brewery and a hospitality business consisting of a hotel, 2 pubs, and Nedging Hall Estate – a 10-bedroom country house and garden surrounded by the farm which is available for short lets.

    The farm itself has 145 hectares of woodland within 70 blocks, ranging from 0.5 to 11 hectares. The majority of these have been planted by the current owners. Two additional blocks of ancient woodland sit 5 miles away, Bonny Wood to the north and Raydon Wood to the south.

    Bonny Wood is a 15 hectare site, which is part of a larger woodland. Raydon Wood spans 99 hectares and has a disused railway line running through it. The wood was used by the US Airforce as an ammunition depot during the second world war to service the air defence and bombing campaign launched from East Anglia. At present, 2 full-time foresters work at Raydon Wood to convert a Plantations on Ancient Woodland Site to a working mixed woodland.

    The Buckle family is committed to woodland creation and management. They have added a remarkable 25 hectares of new woodland between 2020 and 2023, equating to a total of 45,000 young trees. This was with the support of Countryside Stewardship until 2021 and later with EWCO. The plan is to continue to expand woodland cover where it is most appropriate and to bring more of the existing woodland inventory into management.

    Creating a landscape that benefits wildlife

    Prior to the 1970s much of the tree and hedge cover in the area had been removed. Since the Buckles arrived in 1973, they have worked consistently to plant and restore the wooded landscape. Biodiversity and nature recovery have been their key drivers and several locations on the farm offer an impressive 360-degree view of woodland and hedges, all of which have been planted by the family.

    The planting over the years has always been majority native broadleaf trees together with a few conifers, in a largely agricultural landscape, and often with generous rides incorporated into the design to help increase suitable and diverse habitats for birds, mammals, and invertebrates.

    Planting alongside existing blocks of woodland or hedgerow has helped to connect habitats and provide wildlife corridors, supporting nature recovery and helping species to adapt to the changing climate. To complement the benefits of woodland creation and accelerate nature recovery, Heathpatch has created feeding plots for turtle doves and installed swift boxes on the farm; the boxes are complete with systems that play the calls swifts use when in their nest to help non-breeding swifts identify potential nest sites.

    The aquatic habitat and water quality of the River Brett which runs through the farm has been improved. Working closely with neighbouring landowners, this has been achieved with funding and operational support from the Environment Agency, Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Stour Valley Project and Heathpatch.

    To date, over 60 features have been placed in the river and its tributaries to modify the water flow; these include gravel glides, berms (low level shelves constructed to restore the natural flow of the river), flow deflectors and flood plain connections. To complement these measures, 5 to 20 metre-wide stretches of the riverbank have been fenced off from livestock, with more planned in the future. Some riparian strips have been planted with suitable tree species, while other areas have been left to allow vegetation to colonise naturally.

    A leading pond ecologist has surveyed the farm ponds periodically since 2006: there are over 50 ponds in existence, plus several ‘ghost ponds’ – ponds that have disappeared over the years having either silted up or been deliberately filled in due to changes in agricultural practices. The surveys have informed a programme of works, which involves the removal of shade-casting vegetation where appropriate, dredging and restoration. When dredging, particularly in the ghost ponds, the hope is to find rare vegetation seeds, which have survived under layers of leaves and mud. Restoring existing ponds encourages greater biodiversity to return, which typically happens more quickly compared to creating entirely new ponds. That said, 7 completely new ponds have been created in the last 4 years, all within or adjacent to the 25 hectares of newly planted woodland.

    Significant numbers of invertebrates are already present at the sites, and in one location robins were spotted using a brash pile nearby one of the new ponds for nesting only 6 weeks after the pile was made.

    James Buckle, Owner, Heathpatch said:

    It is a delight to walk around the farm, within the woods and along the river and to see the improvements being built upon year on year… we were showing off the results to a group of interested parties last year and, right on cue, a kingfisher flew across! It is heartening to see the riot of nature responding to the changes made, even within such a short period of time.

    Reducing farm pollution and capturing carbon

    Most of the new woodland has replaced agricultural land, which was previously used for grazing, hay, or crops. This land use change will make the farm’s arable management less intensive and will reduce the use and application of herbicides and manufactured fertiliser across the catchment, reducing the farm’s overall pollution output.

    The new woodland is set to capture carbon and is registered with the Woodland Carbon Code. Heathpatch holds 2 contracts under the Woodland Carbon Guarantee (WCaG), providing the option to sell carbon credits to the government every 5 or 10 years up to 2055-56 for a guaranteed price that is index-linked for the life of the contract. The plan is to sell some of the carbon units, either to the government under WCaG or on the open market, and to use other units to offset the emissions from group activities.

    Woodland management for the benefit of the business

    The owners are conscious of the impact of agriculture on the environment and take pride in their farm – feeling responsible to create a balanced landscape that can enhance biodiversity and their business, while providing amenity. They have always recognised the importance of woodland in the landscape and understood the opportunities that come with active management – and although secondary to improving wildlife and biodiversity, the woodlands must meet commercial objectives.

    A range of edge species (typically shrubs or coppice species) have been planted around most of the woodland blocks forming a graduated edge to the internal species, some of which will be managed for long-term timber production.

    Traditional silvicultural management (the process of tending, harvesting, and regenerating) will produce firewood, coppice products and subsequently a timber yield. The timber will be milled and used internally or sold to local markets. Any firewood produced has a ready-made market in Heathpatch – destined for homes and hospitality venues nearby. An evolving local market for added-value coppice products is providing more opportunities to make this woodland work for the farm business and for the wider environment.

    Top tips

    1. Don’t plant woodland if you are not prepared to manage it.
    2. Consider natural regeneration if you have the patience.
    3. Rides can never be too wide and remember to leave ample space around ponds and other woodland features.
    4. Volunteers can be highly effective: we have discovered that many people in our community like to spend time helping in the woods and are keen to get stuck in; volunteer numbers are growing.

    Further information

    See the brochure version of this case study: Heathpatch Farm brochure (PDF, 8.42 MB, 4 pages).

    For guidance on woodland creation and information on grants and available support, visit: Tree planting and woodland creation: overview.

    Find out how other farmers and landowners are benefitting from woodland creation, visit: Tree planting and woodland creation case studies.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments 2

    News story

    Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition 2025

    Created by the NPCC, Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition aims to highlight the vital contribution staff make to policing.

    Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition.

    This year, we took the opportunity to speak to a number of staff to gain an insight into their roles and personal achievements.  

    Vicki talked us through her role as Learning and Development (L&D) Business Partner.

    “As Learning and Development Business Partner, my role is to provide advice and guidance to the business on all aspects of learning and development, mainly in the areas of Leadership Development. I have responsibility for the senior leadership development programmes both within Force and via our partner agencies. I also hold the portfolio for our Digital Delivery, which includes all our eLearning packages, learning webinars and online learning content.

    “I’ve been with the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) almost eight years, starting off in Police Officer Recruitment which gave me a great grounding into the life of our new officers. I transitioned into L&D five years ago having specialised in instructional design and training as part of my long career within Human Resources.

    “No two days are the same in this role, and I love the challenge that new projects, training delivery and online content bring. I’ve been involved in many new initiatives in the corporate training arena during my time here and have recently qualified as a Level 5 CMI Coaching Practitioner. This supports the work I do as well as giving me a good insight into the lives of my coachees and their challenges. The rewarding part of my job is supporting the wider organisation and enabling those on the front line to be their best and encouraging those who may not think they have the opportunity to develop to do just that!”

    Caitlin shared some of her experiences as Inspections Manager.

    “I joined in October 2022 as the Inspections Manager. Prior to this I was a secondary school teacher for 12 years, teaching History and English – first in Australia, then in Scotland. I have spent the past two years undertaking significant study to gain my Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification, and have been working with the Inspections and Assurance team to carry out our annual inspections plan which has included reviewing the Corporate Induction and the annual Operational Inspection.

    “The aspect of the role I enjoy the most is getting to learn more about the way the organisation works – especially when visiting the various Operational Policing Units (OPUs). I like to believe that the work we do can create positive change as well, no matter how small.

    “Some of the highlights of my career have been some of the work I’ve been able to do outside my role with the CNC, including working with the Violence against women and girls (VAWG) team to introduce a range of initiatives. The one I am proudest of is establishing the CNC’s Domestic Abuse Contacts network so we can better support people in our organisation who are experiencing domestic abuse.”

    Kay spoke about her role as Vetting Officer.

    “After serving 31 years as an officer, I retired in 2021. I became Police staff as an intelligence officer in the South East Regional organised crime unit (SEROCU) for two years before returning to the online child abuse team within Thames Valley Police, where my role was to identify victims of online abuse.

    “I started working with CNC as a vetting officer six months ago as for my own mental health, I needed to move away from the subject matter which I had specialised in for much of my career. Police vetting was very much in the spotlight on a National basis which I found interesting.

    “Vetting is evolving and I am constantly learning. Since the day I joined, everyone in my team has been supportive and helpful – answering every question I have (and there have been many!). It is a great team to work with.

    “Surrounding yourself with good people is key to staying resilient and motivated when facing tough times. I have been very fortunate in my career to work with fantastic teams and that has continued with the CNC.”

    Speaking about the importance of Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition, Chief Constable Simon Chesterman said: “Police staff are an essential part of the team, performing vital roles, and we could not function without them.

    “It is great to see that there is now a Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition, dedicated to highlighting and acknowledging the incredible and valuable work our police staff colleagues carry out.

    “Understandably in an armed police force, the emphasis is often on the front-line, however, we should use this week to pause and reflect on the fact that without police staff, we would not have a front-line. Officers would not be recruited, trained, paid, equipped, deployed, and their wellbeing looked after without the police staff element of the overall CNC team.

    “So, to all our police staff colleagues – thank you for your outstanding contribution to our mission and to our success as an organisation”.

    Learn more about life in the CNC as a member of police staff and browse our current opportunities on our jobs website.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lassa fever contact tracing underway

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Lassa fever contact tracing underway

    UKHSA is tracing contacts of a person who travelled to England with Lassa fever and has since returned to Nigeria, with overall public risk remaining very low.

    The UK Health Security Agency has been informed under the International Health Regulations that an individual travelled to England from Nigeria while they were unwell with Lassa fever at the end of February. The individual returned to Nigeria where they were diagnosed.

    We are now working to identify people who were in contact with the affected individual while they were in the country.

    Lassa fever does not spread easily between people and the overall risk to the public is very low. If you have not been contacted by UKHSA then you are very unlikely to have had any exposure to Lassa fever and do not need to take action.

    Lassa fever causes acute infections which can range from very mild symptoms through to a severe viral haemorrhagic fever. People usually become infected with Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected rats – present in some West African countries where the disease is endemic. The virus can also be spread between people through contact with infectious bodily fluids.

    Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director at the UK Health Security Agency, said:

    Our Health Protection Teams are working at pace to get in touch with people who were in contact with this individual while they were in England, to ensure they seek appropriate medical care and testing should they develop any symptoms. The infection does not spread easily between people, and the overall risk to the UK population is very low.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Japan-UK Economic 2+2

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Japan-UK Economic 2+2

    The UK and Japanese governments have met for the Economic 2+2 Ministers’ Meeting

    On March 7, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for approximately 2 hours, the Japan-UK Economic 2+2 Ministers’ Meeting (“Economic 2+2”) was held. The meeting was attended by Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. MUTO Yoji, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, the Rt. Hon. David Lammy MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Rt. Hon. Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

    At the outset, Minister Iwaya stated that it was his pleasure to host the first Japan-UK Economic 2+2 Ministers’ Meeting in Tokyo, the establishment of which was announced by the leaders of Japan and the UK to promote dialogue on how trade and economic security converges with foreign policy; and hoped that today’s meeting would be an opportunity for both countries, as each other’s closest security partners in Europe and Asia, to strengthen their economic ties, building on the strong foundations of the Japan-UK Global Strategic Partnership articulated by the Hiroshima Accord.

    Minister Muto stated that he welcomed holding the Japan-UK Economic 2+2 Ministers’ Meeting and expressed his expectations for enhanced cooperation in areas such as economic security, energy, and innovation between Japan and the UK, which share fundamental values and continue to build a strong relationship.

    Foreign Secretary Lammy thanked Japan for hosting this inaugural meeting and underscored the importance of the dialogue in addressing the increasing convergence between economic and foreign policy issues and the significance of UK-Japan collaboration to forge a path in an increasingly volatile world.

    Minister Reynolds stated national security and economic growth are mutually reinforcing, and that he looked forward to using the discussion to explore areas of cooperation where the UK and Japan can jointly mitigate global risks to economic growth and trade.

    The global economic order now faces significant challenges. With shared fundamental values including freedom, democracy, and rule of law, the four Ministers from Japan and the UK committed to work to uphold these values by sustaining and strengthening a free, fair, and rules-based global economic order, and discussed issues on Economic Security, Free and Open International Trade, Energy Security, Global South as follows.

    Economic Security

    The four Ministers concurred that, given challenges in global trade, enhancing economic resilience internationally is an important contributor to sustainable and stable global growth.

    The four Ministers affirmed that coordination between partners and like-minded countries is essential to bolster economic resilience. Ministers also confirmed that the relationship between Japan and the UK is increasingly important and expressed their joint ambition to strengthen cooperation on economic resilience and economic security, including sharing analysis and insights, enhancing supply chain resilience and cooperation on critical and emerging technology issues.

    The four Ministers instructed officials to have meetings to take forward discussions to address the economic security challenges facing Japan and the UK, including enhancing supply-chain resilience, developing a fair market, and other relevant issues – with a view to enhancing their economic security partnership.

    The four Ministers concurred that this would support the industrial strategy partnership as discussed in the Strategic Economic Policy and Trade Dialogue.

     The four Ministers expressed concern over economic coercion, non-market policies and practices including harmful industrial subsidies, market-distorting practices of state-owned enterprises, as well as forced technology transfer, and harmful non-market overcapacity and other market distortions resulting from the non-market policies and practices.

     The four Ministers also reconfirmed the importance of cooperating with like-minded countries to build resilient and reliable supply-chains, including those for critical minerals that are essential for net-zero transition and digitalisation.

     In this regard, the four Ministers concurred to explore criteria that take into account not only economic factors, but also factors linked to the Principles on Resilient and Reliable Supply Chains, comprising of transparency, diversification, security, sustainability, and trustworthiness and reliability.

     Furthermore, the four Ministers concurred on continuing discussions to strengthen the coordination of their respective policies to further promote and protect critical and emerging technologies, recognising the importance of strategic public-private partnership, information exchange on economic security and the value of our two countries’ like-mindedness. The four Ministers concurred on deepening cooperation on export controls and research security to further facilitate the exchange of controlled goods and technologies between the two countries.

     The four Ministers welcomed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding between Japanese and UK industry partners that will facilitate joint Japan-UK supply chains and collaboration in the development of next-generation quantum computing.

     The four Ministers concurred on further strengthening effective export controls on materials, technology, and research that could be used for military purposes in a way that keeps pace with rapid technological developments.

     The four Ministers expressed their desire to see a just and lasting peace in Ukraine which ensures its future sovereignty and security. The four Minister reaffirmed their continued support to Ukraine in pursuit of peace through strength, in line with Ukraine’s needs. The four Ministers expressed their resolve to continue our comprehensive sanctions and economic measures to restrict as far as possible the revenues, goods, and technology Russia uses to fund and conduct its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

     To that end, the four Ministers concurred to continue action against Russia and countries supporting the Russian military complex through technical discussions to prevent diversion of key critical, specialist and emerging technologies. They reiterated their concern for China’s increasing support to Russia and Russia’s defense industrial base, which is decisively enabling Russia to maintain its illegal war in Ukraine.

    Free and Open International Trade

     The four Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core as an important structure that affords legal stability and predictability for businesses, and concurred on moving towards strengthening all of the WTO’s functions, including negotiation, monitoring, deliberation and dispute settlement, as it marks the 30th anniversary of its establishment with an eye to the outcome of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) scheduled for next March.

     The four Ministers recognised the role played by plurilateral discussions and negotiations within the WTO in advancing issues of interest and called for the early incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the Agreement on Electronic Commerce into the WTO’s legal framework.

     The four Ministers also confirmed that they will work closely together in WTO discussions, including addressing contemporary trade-related issues such as non-market policies and practices, as well as climate change.

     The four Ministers emphasised the importance of developing robust international rules and norms and effectively utilising existing tools to ensure a global level playing field.

     In addition, the Japanese Ministers welcomed the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) last December, and the four Ministers recognised that the CPTPP is an important pillar in promoting a free and fair rules-based economic order in the Indo-Pacific region.

     The Ministers confirmed that they would continue to work closely together with other parties to ensure CPTPP remains a modern, high-standards agreement.

    Energy Security

     The four Ministers discussed energy security risks and opportunities for Japan-UK collaboration to support further development of clean energy supply-chains.

     Ministers welcomed the signing of the Memoranda of Cooperation on offshore wind cooperation among governments, organisations, companies and on cooperation in advanced robotics and autonomous systems, and welcomed the  civil-nuclear collaboration between companies and research institutions of both countries, including on advanced nuclear technologies, fusion energy, and  nuclear decommissioning.

     They reaffirmed that they would continue promoting energy cooperation between Japan and the UK to deliver energy security for their citizens.

     Furthermore, they acknowledged their collaboration in the clean energy sector and emphasised the importance of creating Japan-UK collaborative projects to accelerate the clean energy transition in third countries and to strengthen coordination in pursuit of this.  

     The four Ministers also reaffirmed their shared commitment to keeping a limit of 1.5C temperature rise within reach and achieving net zero by 2050.

     They confirmed the need to reduce reliance on energy supply from unreliable and hostile actors.

     All four Ministers concurred that Russia’s illegal, unjustifiable and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine threatens the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, which is inseparable.

    Engagement with Global South

     The four Ministers shared the recognition that it is important to further enhance cooperation with Global South countries to maintain and strengthen a rule-based international economic order and affirmed that they would engage with the Global South towards sustainable development and trade mechanisms that support economic development and poverty reduction.

     They noted the importance of the WTO 14th Ministerial Conference, which will be held in Cameroon – in supporting this.

    The four Ministers reaffirmed the need for Japan and the UK to remain advocates of a free, open, and rules-based international economic order in the face of growing risks of global economic fragmentation and concurred on continuing their bilateral cooperation in areas such as the economic policies of both countries and economic security, while deepening discussions and cooperation with like-minded countries in related fields.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 7 March 2025 UHC-Partnership: Nigerians in Imo State are protected from financial hardship when accessing health services

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Favour Owuamanam, from Umuechetanmehe Amiri in Imo State, was 9 months pregnant and had been referred for a planned caesarean section due to the prospects of a high-risk delivery. When her labor started before her due date, she was rushed to Vaden Specialist Hospital for an emergency caesarean section and gave birth successfully. However, her baby had complications with neonatal asphyxia and jaundice and required additional care.

    The Imo State Health Insurance Agency facilitated the immediate transfer of the baby to the special care unit in Imo State Specialist Hospital. Both mother and baby were covered under health insurance and did not need to pay for any services.

    “Medical treatments are usually so high. I don’t know where I would have found the money to pay for my hospital bills. I am very grateful to the Imo State Health Insurance Agency Team,” said Favour.

    Marcus Moses and family, beneficiaries of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency. Photo by: WHO/Nigeria

    This is one of many health interventions by the Imo State Health Insurance Agency. The Agency has instituted one of the best and most responsive referral systems in Nigeria. In less than 10 months of implementation, over 516 cases have been referred through the health insurance programme, saving many lives through emergency surgery at no cost to the patient.

    Some of Nigeria’s poorest and most vulnerable populations are now able to access health care services without suffering financial hardship as a result. This is due to the passing of health insurance laws and the implementation of a health insurance programme that removes the burden of financial cost to the patient. Simultaneously, the quality of primary health care services is being strengthened, which has increased trust in and use of the services.

    This is a strong effort by the Government of Nigeria to ensure that its population is protected from financial hardship and is able to access timely and quality health services in line with the principles of universal health coverage (UHC).

    Engaging parliamentarians and the Executive to enable laws

    The enactment of mandatory health insurance laws and implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund in 2023 has changed the lives of many poor and vulnerable Nigerians in Imo State.

    To advocate and make a strong case for the establishment of the Imo State Health Insurance Program, WHO, through the UHC Partnership, helped to establish the State Health Financing Unit and Technical Working Group in the State Ministry of Health. WHO technical staff then worked to build capacity and generate evidence.

    “The Imo State Government is putting mechanisms in place to ensure the protection of all citizens against financial risks associated with health care in the state. Unfortunately, the demand for health services is relentless and people end up becoming poorer to stay alive whenever they are sick. These actions will mitigate the use of the regressive out-of-pocket payments in health that pushes people into the vicious cycle of poverty, disease, and death,” said Dr Uchenna Ewelike, Executive Secretary, Imo State Health Insurance Agency.

    Sustained high-level advocacy by WHO resulted in better understanding and synergy between the Executive led by the State Governor and the parliamentarians, and this led to the speedy passage and ascent of the Imo State Health Insurance Bill into Law.

    “More investment in health, and health insurance specifically, has huge returns for the economy. This is demonstrated by an investment case for health in Imo State, developed by WHO, that shows up to 200% increase in real GDP and 200% increase in the number of jobs created over 5 years. As health is a human right and duty of the state, WHO will work with Imo State to develop a plan that will guide a progressive increase in coverage to achieve the UHC benchmark of at least 80% of the state population,” said Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative to Nigeria.

    Nigeria is one of more than 125 countries and areas to which the UHC Partnership helps deliver WHO support and technical expertise in advancing UHC through a PHC approach. The UHC Partnership represents over 3 billion people. It is supported and funded by Belgium, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and WHO.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Secretary speech on driving economic growth in Scotland

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Scottish Secretary speech on driving economic growth in Scotland

    Speech at the University of Edinburgh setting out how Scotland has the potential to be the engine room of UK growth [political content removed]

    WELCOME

    Thank you for having me today

    And can I begin by thanking Chris Deerin and Reform Scotland

    for helping us bring such a great audience together for the event.

    I look forward to speaking with Chris later and taking some questions.

    And thanks to both Chris Murray, MP and Christina Boswell, Vice Principal here at University of Edinburgh, for their kind introductions.

    And for welcoming us to the Informatics Forum at Edinburgh University,

    home to AI excellence since 1963!

    1963 – the same year that Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, delivered his “white heat of technology” speech.

    And that speech could be delivered today given the pace of technological change and the huge opportunities with AI. Of course, this university, with the passion and expertise of Christina and her colleagues are driving this agenda.

    This university will be at the heart of the government’s AI strategy.

    The implications for industry, our economy, government, services and society are unlimited and we must grab this with both hands.

    I’ve just visited the robotics lab downstairs and it’s mindblowing.

    Harold Wilson, of course, warned his audience that if the country was to prosper a “new Britain” would need to be forged in the “white heat” of this “scientific revolution”.

    History is indeed repeating itself. 

    The AI revolution is happening as we enter a golden age of opportunity.

    And Scotland should and will be at the heart of it. Thank you for all you do Christina.

    I came to this university as a fresh faced 16 year old,

    straight from 5th year at Wester Hailes Education Centre

    as the first in my family to go to university.

    The Lothians Equal Access Program for Schools was my entry point to this university,

    and the gateway to a different life.

    The support of dedicated, inspiring and role model teachers at WHEC,

    alongside the chance to study here are the reasons I’m able to make this speech today.

    The power of education to tear down societal barriers should never be underestimated.

    We hear a lot about attainment gaps and Scotland’s failure to close them. 

    And I promise that is no statistical abstraction or political point to score.

    It is about the life chances of every child in Scotland,

    and until it is seriously addressed then, make no mistake,

    it translates directly into the waste of human talent and denial of opportunity that currently holds Scotland back.

    Whether it is an apprenticeship, re-skilling, a degree, a postgraduate qualification,

    or simply giving a wee boy from Wester Hailes a chance,

    education and training are the biggest and best investments we can make in our economy and our society. 

    At a conference a few weeks ago I outlined my own journey from growing up in a council estate,

    to sitting down at the Cabinet table in Keir Starmer’s government.

    That’s a journey that took many twists and turns, from the Codfather Chippy to the Edinburgh Festival.

    I had a long career in business and as an entrepreneur before getting into politics.

    I actually almost didn’t get into university because I was so bad at the drums.

    I was set to fail Higher Music with aplomb!

    My music teacher pulled me aside and persuaded me that if I wanted any chance of getting into uni, 

    I had to sing instead! 

    And no… it wasn’t the Hearts song

    So after all of that, when I finally sat at that Cabinet table

    and looked around at the faces that made up the most working class Cabinet in history,

    I thought of my parents.

    I haven’t often talked about this, but my father passed away when I was nine.

    My mother raised two boys on her own, working multiple jobs to get by:

    Woolworths as a cleaner; the Busy Bee Bar as a cook; a bookies as a cashier.

    She worked these jobs because she wanted to give her boys the best possible opportunities in life.

    Sitting down at that Cabinet table for the first time I made a promise that every decision I make in government will be in service to working people.

    A government of service.

    I learned a lesson from those years to take into my job now.

    My mum wasn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves to get things done.

    Neither am I – and neither is this government.

    And we have had no choice.

    But I am proud of how our Plan for Change has already started to work:

    The biggest upgrade in workers rights in a generation

    an industrial strategy to make sure we can take advantage of the jobs of the future:

    GB Energy, publicly owned, headquartered here in Scotland

    Glasgow City Region chosen as one of the priority investment areas for the National Wealth Fund

    £1.4 billion in local growth spending across Scotland

    Harland and Wolff saved thanks to a deal brokered by the UK Government, with sites in Arnish and Methill in Scotland protected 

    And of course, the announcement from our Prime Minister that we will allocate £200 million from the National Wealth Fund,

    to drive investment in a viable industrial future for Grangemouth.

    Delivered after the Prime Minister asked me and the Scotland Office to lead a cross-government taskforce to make it happen.

    Grangemouth was the first issue on which I was briefed on as Secretary of State.

    In just eight months, we have put together a plan for the future.

    That £200 million is a signal that this government does not see Grangemouth as a political problem to be solved,

    but a huge opportunity for industrial renewal.

    And on top of all that, we have delivered the largest budget settlement for the Scottish Government in the history of devolution.

    An end to austerity – we promised it in the manifesto and the budget delivered it.

    That’s how we fix the foundations, deliver our Plan for Change and begin to turn things around for Scotland.

    Turning things around will take time, but I know a thing or two about the hard graft it takes to do that.

    My journey from Wester Hailes to Westminster included time working as a small business owner and entrepreneur.

    I was broadcasting on the internet years before YouTube.

    I was doing live televised karaoke before Pop Idol was even a glint in Simon Cowell’s eye.

    I was doing festival events and concerts,

    I refurbished and re-opened a derelict hotel in West Linton,

    opened a bar in Newington,

    and sports bistro in Edinburgh city centre.

    It’s amazing what you learn in a tough industry like hospitality.

    Being a small business owner means you have to turn your hand to everything,

    from pulling pints, to cleaning toilets.

    Though thankfully not always at the same time!

    I know the ups and downs of running my own business.

    More than once, I had to put the staff wages on a personal credit card,

    because no matter how hard it got, the team came first,

    they needed to pay their bills.

    That’s why, by the way, I am so proud of this government’s make work pay agenda.

    Boosting the minimum wage, 

    banning exploitative zero hour contracts, 

    ending fire and rehire, 

    day one rights for workers.  

    As a former business owner let me be clear:

    page one, line one of your business plan should be how you will pay your staff properly.

    More security and better pay for working people will help drive growth.

    It’s good for workers and it’s good for business.

    It drove growth in that West Linton Hotel.

    By working together we turned things around.

    That once derelict hotel is still thriving.

    There are derelict hotel stories in every community and every sector right across Scotland.

    I think of that when I consider how this government has reset the relationship with the Scottish Government.

    And we are starting to see fruits of that productive relationship  – such as bringing the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow.

    And in the range of areas where the Scottish Government has accepted the UK government  legislating in devolved areas,

    to deliver change, faster.

    On tobacco, renters rights, public railways, children’s protection and more.

    Too many people are keen to suggest this reset is “over” at the first sign of political disagreement. 

    It doesn’t work like that. 

    These are different governments,

    Led by different political parties with different priorities and policies.

    But just because we don’t agree on everything,

    doesn’t mean we can’t agree on anything.

    I am certain that the single most important outcome which Scotland’s two governments should seek,

    is economic growth.

    Growth with a purpose.

    to raise living standards, improve public services,

    and tackle the unacceptable levels of poverty that continue to scar our communities.

    Scotland can be the engine room of UK growth.

    We have so much potential.

    Potential that for too long has gone untapped,

    World class universities,

    advanced manufacturing,

    food and drink,

    life sciences,

    Financial and professional services. 

    And the government will leave no stone unturned to unleash that potential.

    Tearing up red tape,

    harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to boost productivity,

    and delivering a proper industrial strategy, developed in partnership with businesses and trade unions.

    But delivering economic growth for Scotland is not something either of Scotland’s governments can do alone.

    It requires partnership and co-operation.

    Because the alternative costs us dearly.

    If Scottish growth had simply matched the sluggish UK growth in the last decade our economy would be nearly £10 billion larger.

    That is why we need a decade of national renewal.

    I know the will is there across Scotland’s cities, towns and villages.

    I know the will is there in Scotland’s businesses and trade unions.

    I know the will is there in Scotland’s third sector and charities.

    People up and down the country are full of enthusiasm and ideas for how to make their communities flourish.

    I was intrigued to read last week the leader of Glasgow City Council call for a ‘devolution deal’ for the city region.

    Not just money but powers too.

    This was echoed in a recent meeting with the Edinburgh region growth deal partners,

    who are calling for more powers over skills and transport.

    Devolution of powers to local communities.

    Just look at the impact an empowered Mayor has made to Greater Manchester.

    From 2014 to 2022 the Greater Manchester economy grew by almost 50%.

    If the Glasgow City Region had achieved that same level of growth,

    it would be £7.7 billion larger today.

    That’s an awful lot of jobs and opportunities lost.

    And we can see the real world impact on the high streets of Scotland’s towns and cities.

    As an entrepreneur, it’s painful to see boarded up shops and shuttered restaurants which once represented someone’s dreams and a community’s promise.

    That’s something both governments should be coming together to sort out, by empowering local communities with place based growth. 

    That place based growth is central to our Plan for change. 

    Money and power needs to be pushed out to communities,

    To give them all a fair kick of the ball,

    and create their own jobs and investment.

    And the single biggest opportunity to create good jobs is ensuring that Scotland wins the race to clean energy.

    With GB energy located in Aberdeen, and billions of pounds of investment on the table we need to grasp those opportunities.

    Re-skilling and retraining our workforce will be key to delivering a just transition,

    ensuring the job opportunities of the future are accessible to all.

    And when I think about the future, I think of my daughters.

    Zola, aged four years, and Lois just five weeks old. 

    The jobs and careers they will enjoy have likely yet to even be invented.

    (although Zola does want to be a police officer)

    Businesses and unions constantly tell me they worry about the skills landscape in Scotland.

    The Fraser of Allander Institute found a quarter of employers report vacancies,

    with 31% of these being classified as skill-shortage vacancies, up 10 per cent from 2020.

    We won’t grab these clean energy jobs for Scotland unless we equip our young people,

    and our existing workforce with the skills to do them.

    Now we gather today, at the end of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

    Apprenticeships and further education should be at the heart of how we take advantage of the race to clean power.

    There are 8,000 fewer college places today than there were just last year.

    Those places are at their lowest level in nine years.

    Just last week we saw that the attainment gap in Scottish schools between the richest and the poorest kids has widened again.

    Everyone deserves the opportunity and dignity that comes with good work. 

    Yet Scotland’s rate of economic inactivity is above the rest of the UK. 

    That’s people out of work, and not looking for work for various reasons. 

    If we simply matched the UK average, we would get over 40,000 people back to work and generate millions more for our economy and communities.

    The UK Government’s £240 million Get Britain Working Plan will overhaul Jobcentres so they focus on skills and careers.

    We need to see the Scottish Government engage with that plan and help us make it work.

    One of the reasons why Scotland’s inactivity rate is higher,

    is because more people in Scotland are out of work due to ill health.

    Many of those people want to work, but can’t.

    And far, far too many of them are stuck on an NHS Scotland waiting list.

    As it stands, NHS waiting times are one of the biggest blocks to growing our economy.

    Almost 300,000 Scots are out of work and not looking for work because they are either temporary or  long term sick..

    Over 700,000 Scots are on an NHS waiting list for treatment.

    Cut NHS waiting lists and you will grow our economy.

    A record settlement from the UK Government for public services in Scotland should deliver that. 

    I know that some of the decisions the UK Government took to fund that record settlement have been difficult and won’t please everyone…

    but we live in a world where 100,000 Scots have been stuck on an NHS waiting list for more than a year,

    28,000 Scots in the past 18 months have been forced to go private for health care.

    That is an unacceptable situation and we make no apology delivering the funding our NHS needs.

    Scotland has a proud industrial past,

    and we can have a bright industrial future, which delivers jobs and wealth for families for generations to come,

    but only if we get the race to clean power right.

    For too long Scottish workers missed out on the work.

    Now I worry a new generation will miss out on the skills.

    As my wonderful Scotland Office ministerial colleague and friend, Kirsty McNeill, often says:

    “We feel it in our bones.”

    It is why we believe in delivering the kind of economic growth that delivers jobs and opportunities for working class people and communities. 

    And one area where those jobs and opportunities could be created, is nuclear power.

    The Scottish Government has a long-standing opposition to nuclear power.

    That is their prerogative, but doing so means investment, jobs and opportunities for Scottish communities will continue to head south.

    Both Hunterston in North Ayrshire and Torness in East Lothian are prime spots for development.

    They have made fantastic contributions to the Scottish economy in the past and they can do so again in the future.

    For Hunterston, that could be 800 new jobs with £50-60 million in direct local wages. 

    For Torness, up to 1,000 jobs with £100m in direct wages.

    Together it would mean tens of millions of pounds being paid in business rates. 

    My message to the Scottish Government today is simple:

    stop blocking this investment, allow those jobs to be created, and let that revenue flow into Scotland.

    And crucially – please work in partnership with the UK Government to deliver it.

    Nuclear power stations aren’t built overnight.

    But they are an investment in our future.

    And another long term investment, for which our country is crying out, is aviation infrastructure.

    Or to put it simply – runways.

    I’ll be clear – I support a third runway at Heathrow. 

    It is a huge opportunity for Scotland’s economy and a massive opportunity for our Brand Scotland agenda,

    to sell Scotland to the world.

    Most passengers leave Scotland on a plane, not knowing that beneath their seat are crates of Scottish salmon and whisky. 

    Connectivity to get our world leading goods overseas is critical as an enabler to growth.

    But incredibly, Scottish exports as a percentage of GDP lag behind the rest of the UK. 

    The Scottish Government’s export target is to increase the value of Scotland’s international exports to 25% of GDP by 2029. 

    But that would still leave us behind the rest of the UK,

    and missed opportunities to improve connectivity to our own airports is partly why.

    It was the current First Minister himself who cancelled the Glasgow Airport Rail Link, over 16 years ago in 2009. 

    That was a missed opportunity for growth,

    given Glasgow Airport already adds over £1.4 billion to the Scottish economy and supports 30,000 jobs.

    It is incredible that in 2025 you can get a direct train from Glasgow Central to Manchester Airport, over 200 miles away.

    but not to Glasgow Airport, just a few miles from the centre of Scotland’s largest city.

    We need UK and Scottish government cooperation, to ensure that all Scotland’s airports, 

    including the publicly owned Prestwick Airport,

    makes the most of Heathrow expansion, and have a proper strategy to drive economic growth.

    The UK industrial strategy identifies eight growth driving sectors, and Scotland can benefit from all of them:

    advanced manufacturing, clean energy industries

    creative industries, digital and technologies

    financial services, life sciences

    professional and business services

    and most relevant this week – defence.

    The decision to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP is an act of generational leadership from our Prime Minister.

    as we chart a new course in an uncertain world and do what is necessary to defend our country and our continent.

    National security is the first duty of any government,

    but that increase in spending also represents a massive industrial opportunity for Scotland.

    More than £2 billion was spent by the Ministry of Defence in Scotland last year,

    the industry in Scotland employs more than 30,000 people, including 1,500 apprentices.

    The role must be to defend our nation,

    to stand in solidarity with our European partners,

    and to help Scottish industry lead the way in defence technology and manufacturing.

    On this issue, at this crucial time, we need cooperation between Scotland’s two governments,

    and I am determined that it should happen,

    in our national interest.

    So on these issues: skills, nuclear, aviation,

    infrastructure, defence, and employability,

    I will reconvene the Scottish Business Growth group

    co-chaired by me and the Deputy First Minister. 

    We will bring together voices from across Scottish business, industry,

    trades unions and civic society,

    to find a way through these challenges.

    It will be Scotland’s Growth Commission.

    Last year heralded a new era for the Scotland Office.

    An era of delivery.

    An era that will grasp the new golden age of opportunities for Scotland.

    The vast majority of Scots want their two governments to work together to increase living standards and improve public services. 

    Under my leadership, that is what this Scotland Office is determined to do.

    Since the election last July, I have completely reformed and restructured the department,

    so it can deliver the government’s missions for Scots.

    This new direction for the Scotland Office will have four strategic priorities:

    economic growth

    green energy

    Brand Scotland

    and tackling poverty.

    This new Scotland Office is the UK Government’s delivery arm for Scotland

    and Scotland’s window to Whitehall.

    We will deliver economic growth. 

    But growth with a purpose: 

    to reduce and one day eradicate the poverty which scars our communities. 

    Taking advantage of our enormous green energy potential and our world class brand to get there.

    So as we enter a third era of the Scotland Office post devolution, 

    I am reminded of the words of a Scottish Secretary from long before the devolution era, the great Tom Johnston, who wrote:

    “…if only we could lift great social crusades like better housing and health from the arena of partisan strife,

    what magnificent achievements might yet be ours.

    “In unity lies strength: in concurrence, the possibility of great achievement in better housing, 

    better health,

    better education, better use of leisure,

    greater security in income, and employment.”

    That is a lesson that the Scottish public have been demanding both their governments learn. 

    And that lesson is the path to deliver better living standards and ensure that

    plenty more boys and girls

    from communities like Wester Hailes,

    and from all over Scotland, 

    have the opportunities in life that can lead them to the Cabinet table.

    That is my motivation.

    That is my ambition for Scotland. 

    Thank you for your time this morning.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Permanent Secretary

    Source: Scottish Government

    Joe Griffin appointed top civil servant at the Scottish Government.  

    Joe Griffin has been appointed Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government and will take up post in April 2025.   

    Mr Griffin has served as a Director General in the Scottish Government since 2021 and led across a range of policy and delivery priorities during his 29 years in the Civil Service, including delivery of the expansion of Early Learning and Childcare to 1,140 hours per week, the same level as primary school. 

    This appointment has been made formally by the UK Cabinet Secretary, Chris Wormald, on the agreement of the First Minister, John Swinney, and the recommendation of the First Civil Service Commissioner. Mr Griffin will succeed John-Paul Marks, who will take up the role of First Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive of His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). 

    As chief official policy adviser, the Permanent Secretary works closely with the First Minister across the full range of responsibilities, including major strategic and policy issues, and is Secretary to the Scottish Cabinet.  

    The First Minister, John Swinney, said:  

    “My thanks to JP Marks for his devoted public service and leadership of the Civil Service. My Cabinet and I are grateful for the invaluable advice he has provided during his time at the Scottish Government. I join with so many across the Scottish public sector and beyond in wishing JP every success in his new role at HMRC.   

    “I welcome Joe Griffin’s appointment as Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government. He brings a wealth of experience to this role from his distinguished career in the Civil Service.  I know from his record of delivery, not least on the massive expansion of early learning and childcare that he led, that Joe will deliver an unyielding focus on delivering for the people of Scotland.” 

    UK Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald said:

    “I would like to congratulate Joe on his appointment. He brings extensive experience from his roles at Scottish Government, including as Director General for Strategy and External Affairs and previously Director General for Education and Justice. Joe is well placed to lead the organisation and provide excellent support to Ministers. 

    “I would like to thank JP Marks for his leadership of the Scottish Government over the last three years.”

    Commenting on his appointment, Joe Griffin said:

    “It is a privilege to be appointed Permanent Secretary and lead the Civil Service in the Scottish Government. I am grateful to the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for this opportunity. 

    “My focus will be on working with colleagues and partners to drive progress and deliver the government’s four priorities; eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling the climate emergency, and ensuring high quality and sustainable public services. I look forward to leading the organisation as we deliver in the service of Scotland.”

    Background

    As the principal accountable officer for the Scottish Government, the Permanent Secretary is personally responsible to the Scottish Parliament for the exercise of their responsibilities. This includes the management of the Scottish Government’s budget and the economic, efficient and effective use of all related resources. 

    Joe Griffin is currently Director General Strategy and External Affairs and has served as a Director General in the Scottish Government since 2021. Joe brings a wealth of experience leading across a range of policy and delivery priorities, including external affairs, intergovernmental relations, strategic cross-cutting policy alignment and the education and justice briefs. He is also DG ally for the Race Equality Network.

    Mr Griffin was previously Director of Early Learning and Childcare where he worked in partnership with local government to successfully expand services to 1,140 eligible two year olds, and all three and four year olds.

    Earlier in his career Joe was a diplomat at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office which included postings to New York and Paris.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mini Spartans excited to promote recycling message in St Patrick’s Day parade debut

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Mini Spartans excited to promote recycling message in St Patrick’s Day parade debut

    7 March 2025

    City of Derry Spartans’ legion of underage runners are set to highlight the circular recycling message of reusing, recycling and repairing items when they take part in this year’s St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival parade through the city centre.
    The youngsters will be wearing costumes made from old running t shirts from the Strabane Lifford and Waterside Half Marathons when they join hundreds of performers and tens of thousands of spectators at the spectacle on March 17th.

    The Flowers, Fur and Feathers themed parade, co-ordinated by the North West Carnival Initiative, will leave Bishop Street Carpark at 3pm.

    The Spartans, an institution of Derry sport who celebrated their 50th anniversary last year, have always had junior runners in their ranks and formally set-up a primary school age section, the Mini Spartans, 15 years ago.

    There are over 100 underage runners registered with the club and many of them will take part in their first appearance in the parade which is part of packed programme of events in and around the city centre to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. 

    “We are delighted to get the opportunity to take part in the parade and the youngsters can’t wait for it,” said Karen Farry from the City of Derry Spartans.
    “It’s a great chance for us to showcase our club at such a large scale event and highlight that we cater for runners of all levels and ages.
    “The mini Spartans have had great success as a team this season and they are excited to be able to celebrate this and St Patrick’s Day on March 17th.”
    “We want to thank the North West Carnival Initiative and the Council for the opportunity to get involved.”
    Last year’s Waterside Half Marathon and Strabane Lifford Half Marathon attracted a combined field of over 3,000 participants who secured the coveted commemorative t shirts and medals by taking part.
    The shirts are designed to be hard wearing and to dry easily so runners can reuse them on multiple occasions.
    Event organisers Derry City and Strabane District Council had a small surplus of shirts after the event from runners who were unable to take part and the North West Carnival Initiative’s talented dress making team have used them to create costumes that will be unveiled by the Spartans on March 17th.
    “The Waterside Half Marathon and Strabane Lifford Half Marathons are events that all our underage runners would aspire to race in when they are older so we are delighted to be wearing the upcycled T shirts,” Karen added.
    “Our club members love the T shirts from athletics events in the city and no matter what event or training session you attend there’s nearly always someone wearing a t shirt from the Half Marathons in Derry and Strabane.
    “Hopefully it will help highlight to runners that the t shirts aren’t just for race day and encourage people to recycle or reuse any event t shirts they have lying around the house that aren’t being used.”

    The 2025 St Patrick’s Day parade route will begin at Bishop Street and passes through The Diamond, Shipquay Street, Whitaker Street, Foyle Embankment, Harbour Square Roundabout and down the Strand Road to Strand Road carpark.

    The parade will feature hundreds of flamboyant performers from local dance groups, sports clubs and community organisations and will be the centrepiece of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s comprehensive programme of music, dance, food and folklore for its 2025 Spring Carnival celebrations.

    The full programme for the 2025 Spring Carnival celebrations for Derry and Strabane can be accessed now at derrystrabane.com/springcarnival.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work set to being at Derry’s new municipal cemetery

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Work set to being at Derry’s new municipal cemetery

    7 March 2025

    Work is set to commence on the ground next week at the site secured for the development of Derry’s new municipal cemetery, Derry City and Strabane District Council confirmed today.

    The site, located on the outskirts of the City on the Mullenan Road, will provide 3,500 new burial plots as well as a memorial garden, administration building, public toilets, storage buildings and parking.

    As well as main access to the site from Mullenan Road, the cemetery will be linked to the city via a new footway to Ballougry Road, which will facilitate a pedestrian and cycling connection to the greenway stretch know as ‘The Line’, subject to land acquisition.

    Much work has gone into selecting and assessing a suitable location for the new cemetery as space at the City Cemetery nears full capacity. It is envisaged that the new cemetery will facilitate up to 20 years burial capacity with the potential for further expansion on to adjoining lands

    Full planning permission was granted for the development of the site in September 2024, and the company behind the delivery of the £3.73m contract is E Quinn Civils Ltd, from Pomeroy Co. Tyrone. They hope to begin ground works on site from March 10th and it’s anticipated that the first phase of the development of the overall site will take approximately a year to complete.

    Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, welcomed the news, saying: “I want to acknowledge the extensive work that has gone into this key strategic project to date. There are many issues to consider when planning a new cemetery and it has meant a lengthy and complex process to reach this stage today. This marks a significant milestone and I am delighted to see work now begin on site to deliver this vital facility for our citizens.”

    The overall cemetery facility will be developed on a phased basis with a view to the first interments taking place at the conclusion of the first phase of development, but the plans can accommodate burials sooner than this if required.

    Council’s Director of Environment and Regeneration, Karen Phillips, said: “I am pleased to see the commencement of works on site next week, after what has been a lengthy and very challenging process to identify a suitable site that will fulfil the burial needs here in the city. Much consideration has gone into selecting a suitable site and I am confident the site at Mullenan offers a peaceful and serene setting in keeping with its use for visitors, with the space to accommodate all the facilities needed, and I look forward to seeing the work on the first Phase progress now at pace and brought into use in a timely manner.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ilona Maher and the myth of feminine fragility – how one rugby player is reshaping sport

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sheree Bekker, Associate Professor, Department for Health, University of Bath

    American rugby player Ilona Maher has risen to global fame. Not just because of her athletic ability (though that is remarkable, winning an Olympic bronze in 2024 in the USA rugby sevens team, and now signing a professional contract with England’s Bristol Bears), but because of what she represents.

    Maher received widespread attention during the Paris Olympics as she shared her journey to sporting success and acceptance on TikTok. It’s a streak she’s continued with a recent turn on the US reality contest Dancing With the Stars, in which she finished second.

    Now in Bristol to play 15-a-side rugby in preparation for the 2025 World Cup, Maher’s popularity (she has 3.4 million followers on Tiktok, more than any other rugby player in the world, of any gender) signals a generational shift. One that is increasingly rejecting outdated notions of femininity, fragility and women’s place in sport.

    Maher is unapologetically big, strong and bold, embodying traits that women have historically been told they shouldn’t possess. She doesn’t shy away from expressing herself. Instead, she has expanded the western cultural model of what strength and confidence can look like.

    On Dancing with the Stars, Maher reversed conventional gender roles by lifting her partner during routines. After the show, she spoke candidly about the financial challenges of being a professional athlete in women’s rugby. She highlighted how lack of investment in the sport has forced her to find additional ways to sustain her career, such as participating in the dance show.

    Maher lifted her partner on Dancing with the Stars.

    Breaking barriers

    This rebellion against gender norms is both personal and political. Sport has long been a site of this struggle for women.

    Participation itself was once radical, as women had to fight just to step onto the field. When American runner Bobbi Gibb broke the rules to run the Boston Marathon in 1966, it was a subversive act that sparked backlash. She ran without permission, having been told women weren’t capable enough, and completed the race easily.

    In our new book, Open Play: The Case for Feminist Sport, we explain how women who excelled in physically demanding sports were often vilified for threatening the traditional gender norms that placed them in passive or nurturing roles, rather than active, competitive ones.

    Athletes who showed strength, endurance and skill in these domains challenged deeply ingrained stereotypes of women as physically inferior and fragile. As a result, they faced intense scrutiny, both socially and publicly. Their achievements were often dismissed as anomalies, and they were frequently subject to sexist criticism, questioning their femininity or even whether they were “real” women at all.

    Maher, too, has faced this misogynistic criticism, with online trolls questioning her gender identity. She has spoken openly about the shame she felt as a child, growing up in a body which defied traditional expectations of femininity that are defined by smallness. Yet by confronting these prejudices, she offers the world a new example of what a woman’s body – and a woman’s power – can look like and do.

    Feminism and sport

    Feminism has historically focused on achieving equality in social, political and economic realms. Yet thinkers like Mary Wollstonecraft recognised early on that physicality was central to maintaining men’s dominance. Wollstonecraft argued in 1792 that women’s perceived physical inferiority wasn’t natural, but a product of their subjugation.

    Sport has since become a pivotal arena for challenging the myth of feminine fragility, which persists in part because of the supposedly objective proof that men outperform women in many physical feats. But Wollstonecraft’s insights remain relevant: men and women still do not compete on equal terms. Women’s sports receive a fraction of the funding, resources and cultural support of men’s.

    And the inequalities extend far beyond economic and cultural support. Women are often discouraged from participating in sport, and shamed if they excel.

    We argue that the segregation of women’s sport, often framed as necessary to “protect female athletes”, actually perpetuates inequality. Around the world, women are still barred from competing against men no matter how exceptional they are, while men retain access to the best facilities, funding and opportunities.

    In our book, we argue that this structural segregation reinforces the myth of women’s inferiority while denying women and other athletes with marginalised gender identities the chance to push boundaries and showcase their full potential. Ending this segregation would challenge the narrative of feminine fragility and open the best of sport to everyone.

    We believe that Maher embodies this challenge. Her fans see in her a bold rejection of outdated gender stereotypes and a celebration of what women can achieve when given the chance. But her visibility also threatens those invested in maintaining traditional hierarchies. The backlash she faces is a reminder of how high the stakes are.

    Sheree Bekker is Co-Director of the Feminist Sport Lab. She is also affiliated with the UK Collaborating Centre on Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport, an International Olympic Committee Research Centre.

    Stephen Mumford is Co-Director of the Feminist Sport Lab.

    – ref. Ilona Maher and the myth of feminine fragility – how one rugby player is reshaping sport – https://theconversation.com/ilona-maher-and-the-myth-of-feminine-fragility-how-one-rugby-player-is-reshaping-sport-248395

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: JSO judgment shows anti-protest laws must be ‘revised immediately’

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to the Court of Appeal’s judgment on the appeal made by 16 Just Stop Oil protesters against their prison sentences for a range of peaceful protests, Kerry Moscogiuri, Amnesty International UK’s Director of Campaigns, said:

    “Today’s ruling highlights the urgent need for the UK’s protest laws to be revised.

    “It’s good the Court confirmed that the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly will always be relevant to the sentencing of peaceful protesters, and it is welcome that some of the sentences in this case have been reduced. But we are in danger of having laws that only allow for protests that don’t bother anybody, and that treat peaceful protest worse than many violent offences. It’s incredibly unjust that peaceful protesters face being locked up for years.

    “We call on the UK government to drop the new anti-protest laws that they have just tabled themselves and institute a fully independent and public review of the protest laws that have been passed in recent years.”

    Policing protest in the UK

    Today’s ruling involved 16 JSO activists from four separate cases. The decision by the court to conduct the hearing as a single, mass two-day event highlighted the significance of this case – it is rare for so many different appeals to be combined.  

    The right to protest in England and Wales has been eroded in recent years, despite being protected under international law. In 2022, the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act handed police in England and Wales broad powers to shut down protests and expanded criminal offences and punishments for peaceful protest activities, including a maximum 10-year prison sentence for causing ‘public nuisance’ – the offence at the heart of many of the cases decided today.

    This was followed by the even more draconian Public Order Act 2023 and the particularly controversial Serious Disruption Regulations 2023, regulations that were recently found by the High Court to be unlawful, but which remain in place while the Government pursues an appeal.

    Thanks to this authoritarian legislation, police can define almost any demonstration as “seriously disruptive” and impose restrictions on it. Peaceful tactics like locking on, tunnelling and even causing “serious annoyance” were criminalised. New powers were created to issue orders banning people from even attending protests.  

    There has also been a steep rise in the use of facial recognition technology in the policing of protest. This is despite the UK Court of Appeal concluding in 2020 that the legal framework in place at the time for this technology violated human rights.

    Hundreds of protesters have been arrested. Some have received long custodial sentences and many prosecutions remain pending. Following his visit to the UK in January 2024, the UN Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders warned that environmental activists face a “severe crackdown” due to the repressive legislative framework and introduction of new criminal charges.

    New stop and search powers, including suspicionless stop and search, can be used against people at or on the way to protests. Existing evidence highlights that stop-and-search powers are disproportionately used against Black and other minoritised people, itself a feature of an institutionally racist policing and criminal justice system. The expansion of these powers serves as a gateway for further racialised police encounters.

    Anti-protest rhetoric and stigmatisation

    Climate change and pro-Palestine protesters in the UK have been heavily stigmatised and their actions used in part as justification for further anti-protest legislation. High-ranking officials labelled disruption created by environmental protests as “a threat to our way of life” and described activists as “using guerilla tactics”.

    Now the new government seems intent on following its predecessor, by introducing yet more anti protest measures in its new Crime and Policing bill. These include a power to criminalise the wearing of facial coverings at a protest, risking discrimination against Muslim women and people with health conditions, and the power for police to require foreign nationals such as student protesters to leave the country as a condition of issuing a caution, without any of the due process protections that apply to enforced removals.

    Existing international human rights standards require Governments not to introduce any measures that place disproportionate restrictions on people’s freedom of expression and assembly – it is accepted that protest by its very nature can be disruptive. 

    As well as calling for the scrapping of recently passed laws, Amnesty hopes the Government will move away from previously used stigmatising discourse and rhetoric, fuelling harmful stereotypes and portraying peaceful protesters in a way that fuels hostility. This includes characterising protesters as criminals, terrorists, threats to public order and security, or a nuisance to be crushed. Amnesty also recommends that regular and systematised data collection and reporting on restrictions imposed by authorities, including the police, is undertaken.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: International Women’s Day: Liz Saville Roberts calls for stronger protections against violence and harassment at work

    Source: Party of Wales

    ‘We must use all the powers we have at our disposal to keep women safe’ – Liz Saville Roberts MP

    Today (Thursday 6 March), ahead of International Women’s Day, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader, Liz Saville Roberts MP has delivered a speech in Parliament urging stronger protections against gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace.

    Highlighting the urgent need for action, Ms Saville Roberts introduced the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Amendment) Bill, which is set for its second reading on 7 March.

    Developed in collaboration with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Rights of Women, the Bill seeks to amend the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to place a legal requirement on employers to take proactive measures to prevent violence and harassment in the workplace.

    It also provides enhanced protections for women and girls and requires the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to develop and publish a comprehensive framework on workplace violence and harassment.

    Currently, the HSE does not classify gender-based violence as a workplace hazard and is not regarded as the primary authority for issues such as harassment, bullying, or domestic abuse in professional settings. This Bill would change that, ensuring that gender-based violence is addressed as a serious workplace safety issue.

    During a debate in the House of Commons to note International Women’s Day, Liz Saville Roberts MP said:

    “When we talk about a gender equal society, let’s be clear about where we mean. In the home, in public spaces, in the workplace.

    “A 2023 TUC poll found that three in five women had experienced sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse in the workplace.

    And reports of sexual assault, rape, stalking and coercive control from colleagues make up 56% of calls made to Rights of Women’s Sexual Harassment at Work advice line. But as it stands, protections are limited.

    “The Workers Protection Act 2023 created a “preventative duty” for employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

    “But an automatic investigation into a breach of this duty only takes place after an individual successfully brings a claim of sexual harassment. And many other forms of gender-based violence in the workplace are excluded.

    “Meanwhile, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 already places a duty on employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees at work.

    “So why not use the toughest mechanism we have in the workplace to tackle workplace gender-based harassment and violence too?

    “That’s exactly what my Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Amendment) Bill, developed with the brilliant Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Rights of Women, seeks to do.”

    Ms Saville Roberts closed:

    “If these are the differences we wish to make to women’s lives in the workplace, let us use all the powers we have at our disposal and make them work for women more effectively than they presently do.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scotland games on free-to-air TV a ‘Great result for fans’

    Source: Scottish Greens

    07 Mar 2025 Sport

    Football is for everyone.

    More in Sport

    The Scottish Greens have hailed news that the Scotland Men’s National Football Team games are set to return to free-to-air TV, with the BBC agreeing a deal to become the main broadcaster of matches.

    According to reports, the BBC has secured broadcasting rights for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The negotiations follow the withdrawal of private online broadcaster Viaplay.

    A campaign led by Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay to bring back free-to-view football received nearly 10,000 signatures. Ms Mackay also raised it with BBC Scotland’s Chief Executive in a Parliamentary evidence session.

    Ms Mackay said:

    “This is a great result and will be celebrated by fans all across Scotland. I am delighted that we will finally be able to watch the run up to the next world cup on free-to-view telly.

    “The Scottish Greens have joined supporters groups in calling for this for years, with thousands of people signing our petition and urging the BBC to take over the contract.

    “It’s a really important day for our national sport. Football should be for everyone, not just for those who can afford to enjoy it from behind a costly paywall.

    “Ticket prices are skyrocketing and simply getting to the ground is now out of budget for many. I hope that fans and families across our country will now have the option of watching our national team from home.

    “At its best, sport brings communities and families together like nothing else. I hope that free-to-view TV can become a permanent fixture and that young people will be able to grow up watching their heroes in action for years to come.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Axi to Attend the 2025 Invest Cuffs in Poland

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading online FX and CFD broker Axi announced that it is attending this year’s Invest Cuffs in Kraków, Poland, taking place on March 28-29, 2025, at the ICE Kraków Congress Center.

    Event attendees will have the opportunity to explore the broker’s exceptional trading conditions or learn more about Axi’s longstanding collaboration with Man City, Premier League Champions. Manchester City memorabilia and the club’s mascot will be on-site for photos and attendees stand the chance to win exciting prizes from the broker, including a signed player shirt and other merchandise.

    The brand has a longstanding partnership with Premier League club, Manchester City FC, as well as LaLiga club, Girona FC, and Brazilian club, Esporte Clube Bahia. In 2023, they also announced England international John Stones as their Brand Ambassador. In 2024, the broker was recognised with the ‘Most Reliable Broker – Europe’ award at the 2024 Global Forex Awards.

    CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.
    71.46% of retail client accounts lose money when trading in CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

    About Axi

    Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading brand, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Shares, Gold, Oil, Coffee, and more.

    For more information or additional comments from Axi, please contact: mediaenquiries@axi.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government appointed

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government appointed

    Joe Griffin has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government.

    Joe Griffin has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government. Joe, who is currently Director General, Strategy & External Affairs in the Scottish Government, was chosen following an open and fair competition chaired by the First Civil Service Commissioner. The appointment has been made by the First Minister of Scotland in agreement with the UK Cabinet Secretary. Joe will take up the post on 7 April 2025. 

    First Minister John Swinney said:

    My thanks go to JP Marks for his devoted public service and leadership of the Civil Service. My Cabinet and I are grateful for the invaluable advice he has provided during his time at the Scottish Government. I join with so many across the Scottish public sector and beyond in wishing JP every success in his new role at HMRC. 

    I welcome Joe Griffin’s appointment as Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government. He brings a wealth of experience to this role from his distinguished career in the Civil Service. I know from his record of delivery, not least on the massive expansion of early learning and childcare which he led, that Joe will deliver an unyielding focus on delivering for the people of Scotland.

    Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald said:

    I would like to congratulate Joe on his appointment.  He brings extensive experience from his roles at Scottish Government, including as Director General for Strategy and External Affairs and previously Director General for Education and Justice. Joe is well placed to lead the organisation and provide excellent support to Ministers. 

     I would like to thank JP Marks for his leadership of the Scottish Government over the last three years.

    Joe Griffin said: 

    It is a privilege to be appointed Permanent Secretary and lead the Civil Service in the Scottish Government.  I am grateful to the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for this opportunity. 

    My focus will be on working with colleagues and partners to drive progress and deliver the government’s four priorities; eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling the climate emergency, and ensuring high quality and sustainable public services. I look forward to leading the organisation as we deliver in the service of Scotland.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chief Inspector of Constabulary reappointed

    Source: Scottish Government

    Craig Naylor in post for a further three years.

    Craig Naylor has been reappointed as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland for an additional three years.

    Mr Naylor, who first took up the role in 2022, will continue to lead HM Inspectorate of Constabulary Scotland (HMICS) to deliver a programme of independent inspection, monitoring and evaluation of Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority.

    He will also be a source of professional independent advice on police matters, publish reports of inspections and produce an annual report to Ministers on the police service in Scotland.

    Justice Secretary Angela Constance said:

    “The role that HMICS plays in ensuring Scotland’s police officers and staff continue to perform their duties to a high standard, and that their systems and processes are accountable, is absolutely key to Scottish policing.

    “Craig’s first three years in post have been hugely productive, with scrutiny of roads policing, how Police Scotland manages mental health incidents and a series of joint inspections with Health Improvement Scotland among the significant reviews undertaken and published.

    “I am very pleased that Craig is remaining in post for another three years and look forward to the next HMICS scrutiny plan and continued constructive working to help maintain the high standard of policing in Scotland.”

    Mr Naylor said:

    “Over the last three years I have been honoured to serve as HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland and I am delighted to have been reappointed for another three years.

    “I feel extremely privileged to lead a dedicated team of very talented inspectors and support staff, working together to help improve policing across Scotland, and look forward to continuing this important role.”

    Background

    Craig Naylor was first appointed as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland on 17 March 2022, having been Deputy Director of Investigations at the National Crime Agency. He has more than 30 years policing experience and previously served with Police Scotland, where he held the role of Divisional Commander for Specialist Service and was responsible for firearms, public order, search and dogs. Prior to that, he worked in a number of roles across the former Lothian and Borders Police and the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency.

    The appointment is made by Royal Warrant and the post is entirely independent of Government, police and the Scottish Police Authority.

    HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland is an independent scrutiny body, which has been in existence since the nineteenth century. HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland is the senior professional police adviser to Scottish Ministers. The statutory duties of HMICS are set out in Chapter 11 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2102. For more information on HMICS please go to www.hmics.scot. 

    HMICS have also confirmed that Mark Hargreaves will be vacating the Assistant Inspector of Constabulary post as he retires from Police Scotland. Brian McInulty, currently a Lead Inspector with HMICS, will take on this role on a temporary basis until a new appointment is made.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Supporting people who self-harm

    Source: Scottish Government

    Funding for charity web service and training programme.

    A national service supporting people affected by self-harm is to benefit from £1.5 million of Scottish Government funding over the next two years.

    The funding for Self-Harm Network Scotland (SHNS) will enable it to continue its webchat service which offers 1-to-1 assistance out of hours and a peer support programme which has provided 2,851 sessions since funding began in 2021 – an average of eight sessions per person.

    SHNS also deliver free training to individuals and organisations – either in-person or online – to increase understanding of self-harm and reduce stigma. To date, 3,373 people in sectors including education and social work have taken part.

    SHNS is run by mental health charity Penumbra. Visiting the support centre at Hope Point in Dundee, Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said:

    “I am pleased to be able to announce this continued support for Self-Harm Network Scotland.

    “The way in which people seek support and discuss self-harm has changed in recent years with many looking online for help, so online peer support and the webchat service is a crucial addition to the existing range of mental health services available. This work is also helping to build our understanding about self-harm and the most helpful interventions so that we can continue to improve the services on offer.

    “It also encouraging that so many have taken up the offer of free training as this will go a long way towards reducing the stigma which can all too often prevent people from seeking the help they need.”

    SHNS Manager Darren Boyd said:

    “We are delighted to announce that Self-Harm Network Scotland has received additional funding from the Scottish Government for the next two years. This vital investment is a powerful vote of confidence in the work we do to support people who self-harm, their loved ones and professionals working with them. It enables us to broaden our community-based initiatives, continue our peer support services, and develop new resources – all designed to empower those in need with compassion, understanding, and hope.

    “We are grateful to be able to continue our work supporting the Scottish Government and COSLA in our shared vision that anyone in Scotland affected by self-harm receives compassionate support, without fear of stigma or discrimination.”

    Peer supporter Kayleigh Wanless said:

    “When I was around 14 years old, I began using self-harm to cope with anxiety and depression. I have spent time throughout my life in both child and adult mental health services. The realisation I had from my first time leaving CAMHS was ‘I want to help people like they’ve helped me’.

    “Since then, I have taken the upset I experienced and turned it into something valuable. SHNS has allowed me to take pride in the empathy and compassion I have gained from times of struggle and has given me the opportunity to become a person who now helps others to reach their goals.”

    BACKGROUND

    The £1.5 million is part of the wider Fairer Funding pilot which is providing more than £60 million to charities across Scotland.

    SHNS have offered peer support to people affected by self-harm since 2022. The website was launched in March 2023 and offers a range of advice and information as well an option to self-refer for peer support.

    The webchat facility has been operating since October 2023 and is open seven evenings a week. It is run by peer practitioners and volunteers who offer support to those at the point of self-harming.

    Outwith webchat hours people can leave a message and will receive a call within 24 hours. All services are available across Scotland  and can be accessed by anyone aged 12 and over.

    Self-Harm Network Scotland Penumbra

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Top award for lecturer’s work on access to justice

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Dr Imranali Panjwani, second right, receives his award

    Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) lecturer Dr Imranali Panjwani has received a national award for his important work helping vulnerable groups, including palliative patients at Farleigh Hospice in Chelmsford.

    At a ceremony at Westminster Park Plaza in London this week, Dr Panjwani won the Spirit in the Community category of the prestigious GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards.

    Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, paid tribute to the British Asian community, describing them as “some our greatest Britons” as she congratulated winners at the event, which was attended by more than 700 guests, including politicians, entrepreneurs, celebrities and leaders from ethnic minority communities across the UK.

    Dr Panjwani is a Senior Lecturer in Law and works within the Centre for Access to Justice and Inclusion (CAJI) at ARU, which undertakes research and works with communities on current issues and challenges facing access to justice and inclusion in contemporary society.

    Dr Panjwani also works closely with Chelmsford-based Farleigh Hospice, developing spiritual care for palliative patients from varying religious, non-religious and cultural backgrounds.

    His research critically reviews immigration procedures relating to religious, linguistic and cultural evidence, enabling the UK asylum system to assign proper weight to primary source evidence they might otherwise discount.

    His work resulted in 91 asylum seekers from the Middle East, North Africa, India and Southeast Asia being granted leave to remain in the UK. In addition to this work, Dr Panjwani trained 70 local nurses in spiritual healthcare as part of the East of England Palliative Care Network.

    “I am extremely humbled to receive the GG2 Spirit in the Community award. I thank God, my parents, wife and children for their support and sacrifices that I am able to make to help those who live on the margins of society.

    “If we are to forge ahead in these difficult times, we must never forget the golden rule – a rule that transcends religion, race, culture, gender and country, ‘Treat others as you would wish to be treated by them’.”

    Dr Imranali Panjwani, Senior Lecturer in Law at ARU

    The GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards, now in their 26th year, celebrate the best of ethnic minority talent in Britain and are established as the premier awards for diversity and leadership in the UK.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Owner convicted and fined for fatal dog attack on cat

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    ABC Council are urging all dog owners to ensure their pets are kept securely after a local resident was fined in court for a fatal dog attack on a cat.

    Martin Olali, from Whitethorn Lane in Kinallen pleaded guilty on Monday 3 March in Banbridge Magistrates Court, sitting in Newry, to a charge of  being the keeper of a Thai Ridgeback dog which killed a neighbour’s cat.

    On June 4, 2024 the dog warden from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council was alerted to an attack on a cat at Whitethorn Lane. An investigation commenced immediately, and the offending dog located. As a result of this attack, the dog owner must now comply with control conditions imposed on the dog’s licence, requiring that the dog, when not under control, must be kept securely confined in a building, yard or other enclosure and securely fitted with muzzle and leashed when in public place.

    Mr Olali pleaded guilty to a dog control offence under Article 28 of the Dogs (NI) Order 1983 (as amended), and was fined £250 and ordered to pay summons fee of £103; legal costs of £100; and a further Offenders Levy of £15.

    Welcoming the conviction, a spokesperson for ABC Council said: “Straying dogs can pose a very serious risk to other pets, wildlife and also to people. We have seen first-hand the distress which these attacks can cause and we are calling on all dog owners to ensure that their premises are secure.

    “We take all reports of dog attacks seriously and where appropriate, our officers will take enforcement action, which could result in restrictions, prosecution and costly court fines.”

    For further information on dog control, please visit the ABC Council website – www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/dog-control/

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