NewzIntel.com

Category: Great Britain

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Women’s Rugby World Cup coming to Sunderland AFC fan zone this Saturday

    Source: City of Sunderland

    The Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy is taking pride of place at Sunderland AFC’s pre-match fan zone this Saturday.

    Its star appearance on International Women’s Day is just one of the attractions lined up for the free rugby themed event at the Beacon of Light on Saturday 8 March.

    Families visiting the fan zone ahead of the Sunderland v Cardiff City match can have a go at a whole range of exciting rugby inspired activities on the day.

    Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re really excited to have the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy at our fan zone takeover on International Women’s Day.

    “The fan zone event is all about showcasing everything rugby has to offer as we count down to England’s Red Roses in the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup at the Stadium of Light on Friday 22 August.

    “It’s a fantastic opportunity to find out about the sport and about how you can get involved, even if you’ve never picked up a rugby ball in your life.

    “There’ll be something for everyone no matter what your age or ability, including walking rugby, fun fitness sessions with a rugby twist, children’s activities, tag rugby, and rugby skills on show from local rugby clubs.

    “So this is a brilliant chance to come along and find out all about what new community rugby activities are on offer in Sunderland and learn more about our fantastic local rugby clubs. You’ll also be able to find out how to get tickets for the England v USA opening match. And, you can even have your photo taken with the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy.”

    The Beacon of Light will be hosting the fan zone take over from 12:30 -2.30pm on Saturday 8 March, with both match goers and non match goers alike welcome to come along and join the fun. All activities are free. There will also be the opportunity to win family tickets to the England v USA opening match.

    Match-goers will also be able to see girls from Houghton Rugby Club’s under 14’s team demonstrating their rugby skills when they take to the pitch at the Stadium of Light at half time during the Cardiff City game.

    The fan zone takeover is being organised by Sunderland City Council’s Active Sunderland, the RFU, University of Sunderland, local rugby clubs, the Foundation of Light, SAFC, Sunderland BID, Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle Rugby Foundation.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Conference – It’s In Your Hands

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Lord Mayor Councillor Sarah Duffy and Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Kyle Savage launch It’s In Your Hands conference to support Ending Violence Against Women & Girls. Pictured along with Gary Scott, Safeguarding Officer and Alison Beattie from the Community Development Team.

    Violence against women and girls is a very serious challenge in our society. It is a problem that is hidden in plain sight and every day we see how it is affecting the lives of women and girls, wherever they learn, live, and work.

    Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council have been consistently campaigning for an end to violence against women and girls.

    As part of this campaign, they are hosting a conference designed to assist local organisations in addressing this issue and really making a difference.

    Entitled ‘It’s In Your Hands’, the conference aims to support organisations within the community to better understand the issues around ending violence against women and girls, to support them in changing attitudes and ultimately to help end this violence.

    A number of speakers will cover different topics including coercive control, partner violence, what a healthy relationship should look like and how we can educate everyone in our communities to prevent abuse and harm against women and girls.

    Dr Ngozi Anyadike-Danes is a Lecturer in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Ulster University and was part of the research team that authored ‘Every Voice Matters! Violence Against Women in Northern Ireland’ Research Report. This research explores women’s experience of violence and abuse across their lifetime and the impacts that this has had on mental health, well-being and social functioning.

    Marcella Leonard MBE assists organisations strategically and operationally to have robust safeguarding for children and adults at risk. She will be considering the issue of sexual violence against women and girls in the context of exploring the signs and symptom of those experiencing this form of abuse, how they may present, the impact of trauma on individuals, and consideration of appropriate measures organisations/groups can implement to support the reporting/disclosure of abuse.

    “I am a huge advocate for this campaign and in our collective responsibility to end violence against women and girls,” commented the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Sarah Duffy.

    “This conference which is free to attend, is a really important step as it is about making sure everyone understands that we all have a part to play in ending this. By coming together and having these conversations, we can help create a safer world where women and girls are treated with the respect they deserve.”

    The conference will take place on Monday 31 March, 9.30am to 4pm at Armagh City Hotel. To attend, please register here: https://evawgconference2025.eventbrite.co.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Travelling Cabinet to visit East Dunbartonshire

    Source: Scottish Government

    Kirkintilloch to host public discussion with Ministers.

    East Dunbartonshire residents will have the chance to put questions to First Minister John Swinney and his Cabinet later this month.

    The 54th Travelling Cabinet will meet at Kirkintilloch Town Hall on Monday 24 March and hear from the local community at a public discussion at 2pm.

    Residents are invited to book their place for the meeting in advance.

    Ahead of the public discussion, the First Minister and Cabinet Secretaries will visit a number of projects throughout East Dunbartonshire to highlight the Scottish Government’s four key priorities:

    • eradicating child poverty
    • building prosperity
    • protecting the planet
    • improving public services

    First Minister John Swinney said:

    “I am looking forward to visiting East Dunbartonshire with the Cabinet to share the government’s priorities for the local area and hear from the residents what matters most to the community.

    “Alongside the Deputy First Minister I am looking forward visiting projects that have made a positive impact on people’s lives in the area before the Cabinet meets in Kirkintilloch Town Hall.

    “The public discussion at 2pm offers residents the opportunity to get involved, ask questions, and share their insights directly with myself and the Scottish Government.

    “Travelling Cabinets help us shape and inform Government decision making as we strive to create a wealthier, fairer and greener Scotland.”

    Background

    Registration details for the public discussion can be found on Eventbrite: Ministers Touring Scotland – Kirkintilloch Tickets, Mon, Mar 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM | Eventbrite

    53 Travelling Cabinets have been held since 2008.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Efforts to improve riverside path take a step forward

    Source: City of York

    Published Thursday, 6 March 2025

    Work to invest £1.7m in improvements to a well-used riverside path could take a further step forward next week (11 March).

    At a decision session the council’s Executive Member for Transport will be asked to agree to progress work on the Jubilee Terrace to Scarborough Bridge riverside path to detailed design and construction.

    This meeting follows extensive consultation with the local community which over two engagement exercises has seen over 1,000 responses.

    In the latest consultation 85.6% supported the proposed design. This included creating separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians, improving lighting to help people feel safer when using the paths and changes to the road layout on Jubilee Terrace to improve that area for pedestrians and cyclists and formalise Blue Badge parking.

    It also includes work to raise the path, a move which could significantly reduce the average number of days the route is inaccessible each year due to flooding.

    Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport said:

    “This is a well-used path and we are committed to making it better for those who use it and those who’ve said they’ll use it once changes are made.

    “A key part of our local transport strategy is to make it easier and better to walk, wheel and cycle in our city. This project is just one example of the work we are doing to try and achieve this.

    “We are hugely grateful to the local community for their feedback as we progress this project. Their input has helped shape the designs which are being put forward and we look forward to continuing to work with them as the project progresses.”

    National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman said:

    “It’s fantastic to see York beginning to deliver a high-quality network to enable more people to walk, wheel and cycle.

    “By gearing up our streets for active travel and making sure routes are safe and accessible, we’re making sure that everyone has an opportunity to choose different ways of getting out and about. Listening to what local people say is a really important part of designing spaces that works for everyone.”

    Funding for the project has been generated through an award of £1.1 million from Active Travel England which is focused on improvements to the path with additional funding provided across both the council and the York Central programme.

    In recent months the council has been carrying out riverside embankment surveys to check their long-term stability. Following a review of this area the Executive Member will also be asked to agree to start work to explore a separately resourced and funded project with a brief to identify the need for remedial works to improve Riverside Embankment stability, ensuring the path can continue to be used for decades to come.

    The report will be considered at a decision session for the Executive Member for Transport. The papers are available to view online. The meeting will be available to view live or on demand.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Better alerts to make air quality part of everyday conversation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Better alerts to make air quality part of everyday conversation

    Expert-led review published to boost public awareness about air quality.

    At-risk groups will benefit from better access to information on air pollution as the Government publishes its Air Quality Information System (AQIS) review.

    The expert-led review – working with respiratory experts, the charity sector, central government and local authorities – makes a series of recommendations aimed at informing the public about the link between poor air quality and ill health.    

    It found the UK has world-class tools that monitor poor air quality, but that there is a need to better explain why air pollution is a hazard and who is most at risk from harm. 

    It also notes the need to improve teaching for medical professionals on air pollution, which will filter down to their patients, as well as for a public awareness campaign and wider engagement with community groups and schools to embed air quality in everyday conversation.     

    Welcomed by health professionals and campaigners, the Government has already started work on several of its recommendations, including:    

    • Working with the Royal Medical Colleges and DHSC to improve the teaching of air quality to medical professionals.     
    • Developing educational resources to help community groups raise public awareness.    
    • Updating the Daily Air Quality Index with the latest health advice on asthma management and exercise.    
    • Developing and launching a new air quality alert system so people can get up-to-date advice via text or email.    
    • Updating and improving air quality websites and moving them across to gov.uk to ensure a wider audience.    

    The review is a major step forward in recognising that air pollution is not just an environmental problem but has major implications for children, older people and those with respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

    Air Quality Minister Emma Hardy said:  

    Air pollution is damaging to people’s health and the environment. Its impacts are felt more by low-income communities, making health and social inequalities worse.   

    Significant progress has been made to reduce emissions from transport and energy production, and we will continue to take the action needed to ensure everyone has cleaner air to breathe.   

    We are grateful to all the experts and tireless campaigners who contributed to this groundbreaking review and continue to shine a light on this important issue.

    The work supports the Government’s mission to build an NHS fit for the future, which includes improving public knowledge of air quality to tackle cycles of poor health which hold back opportunities and growth.      

    Defra and UKHSA launched the review after the tragic death of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah at the age of nine from an asthma attack. An inquest concluded that air pollution was a contributing factor. The subsequent Prevention of Future Deaths report in 2021 found key areas for additional focus, noting there was low public awareness about air pollution.     

    The group looked at the efficacy of monitoring and how the information is displayed via tools like the DAQI (Daily Air Quality Index) or received via apps and notification alerts. It also looked at what messaging is used, existing public awareness, what constitutes an ‘at risk’ group and what is taught in schools and to medical students in England.

    Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer, said:

    Air pollution is an extremely important, but solvable health problem that can lead to many diseases including asthma in children, cancers, heart disease and stroke.     

    I welcome the publication of the AQIS report and support the recommendations for increasing awareness of the health harms of air pollution, particularly for those who are more vulnerable. 

    Professor Sir Stephen Holgate, Clinical Professor of Immunopharmacology and UKRI Clean Air Champion, said:

    The Air Quality Information System (AQIS) Review recognises not only the importance of air quality to people but also the critical role it plays as an unrecognised contributor to poor health.    

    The careful work that has gone into this review means that, in future, providing air pollution advice to the public and at-risk groups will draw on the very latest evidence, communicated widely, and in the most accessible way.

    Dame Jenny Harries, UK Health Security Agency Chief Executive, said: 

    Despite improvements over previous decades, air pollution remains one of the largest environmental risks to public health in the UK, which is why it is vital that the provision of air quality information to the public continues to improve.

    As this report highlights, the UK has significant technical capabilities for providing air quality information to the public, but these capabilities are not always being utilised to their fullest potential. Building on existing systems will improve public awareness of the major sources of air pollution and their harmful effects, helping to inform actions to reduce personal contribution and exposure.

    The UK Health Security Agency is already working to tackle air pollution through initiatives such as our Clean Air Programme, and we are committed to continuing our work with DEFRA and other stakeholders to act on the recommendations set out in this report, ensuring a healthier future for all.

    Jonathan Blades, Head of Policy at Asthma + Lung UK, said:

    This review – which the charity was involved in – is a step in the right direction and we look forward to working with the government to implement the recommendations as a matter of urgency.   

    Better air quality information will benefit us all, especially the millions of people who currently live with a lung condition in the UK, as it means people can make more informed decisions about their emissions and exposure. We hope to build on this positive dialogue with the government to make clean air a real legacy for generations to come.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework: Joint Statement, 6 March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework: Joint Statement, 6 March 2025

    The UK Government and European Commission gave a statement after the Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework meeting.

    The Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework met today, co-chaired by officials from the European Commission and the UK Government.

    The co-chairs took stock of the implementation of the Windsor Framework since the last meeting on 22 October 2024. They noted overall progress on the implementation of the Windsor Framework, notably in the area of human medicines, where the specific arrangements previously announced started applying on 1 January 2025.

    The co-chairs discussed further work underway in the areas of sanitary and phytosanitary goods / agrifood, pet travel, customs and veterinary medicines and trade, with a view to ensuring full implementation of all the elements of the Windsor Framework. They agreed to continue to step up implementation progress in these areas, which remains essential to ensure that the safeguards and flexibilities of the Windsor Framework operate for people and businesses in Northern Ireland and protect the Union’s Single Market.

    They noted the importance of continued constructive joint work to support implementation efforts and monitor progress in looking ahead to forthcoming milestones, to ensure the full, timely and faithful implementation of all the elements of the Framework.

    The Committee co-chairs also took stock of the work of the Joint Consultative Working Group and its structured sub-groups.

    They reiterated the importance of continued joint engagement with Northern Ireland stakeholders

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lurgan job fair highlights employment & training opportunities

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    From roles in construction and pharmaceuticals to accounting and engineering, there were plenty of opportunities for the 150 job seekers at the recent job fair at Lurgan Town Hall.

    The event was organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Labour Market Partnership, in collaboration with the local Jobs and Benefits Office.

    Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

    Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Sarah Duffy commented:

    “This has been a wonderful event in connecting job seekers with employers and support agencies who are actively recruiting for a wide range of vacancies. Together they’ve been able to explore and discuss the different routes into employment, and in some cases, options for getting back into education and training. Council events such as this are incredibly important in bridging gaps in skills or learning within our local economy.”

    The next job fair will be on Wednesday 26th March 2025 at Millenium Court Portadown, running from 10.30am to 1.30pm.

    Click here to find out more about the Labour Market Partnership.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: York school students get taste of construction careers

    Source: City of York

    Fifteen Year 11 students from across York got the chance to get a real-world insight into the construction industry.

    Their industry taster day began with a tour of the York Central construction site, where students learned about ongoing work on one of England’s largest brownfield development, and future career opportunities represented by this landmark project.

    Back at Sisk’s on-site office, the students met with eight employees from four construction businesses and quizzed them about their roles and career paths, learning about the huge range of careers available, from bricklaying to project management and from civil engineering to plastering.

    The students learned about the wide range of avenues open to them to get into a construction career, from T-Levels to degree apprenticeships.

    The group also heard from Paul Brown, CEO of Sisk, the infrastructure contractors appointed by Homes England and Network Rail to complete the civil engineering and infrastructure works phase of the project.

    Paul reflected on his own journey from a working-class childhood to becoming the leader of an international construction firm, and highlighted the benefits of choosing a skilled, in-demand construction career.

    After lunch, the students tried their hands at practical problem-solving challenges, working in small teams alongside industry professionals to create a tetrahedron structure using dowels and string, and build weight-bearing mini bridges.

    The session was organised by York’s Construction Skills Partners, including City of York Council, CITB, York College, Sisk, Simpson, Caddick, Equans and NYBEP.

    Cllr Pete Kilbane, Executive Member for Economy and Culture at City of York Council, said:

    “York is embarking on some exciting developments like York Central and our Passivhaus building programme, which will make our city a greener, more prosperous and better place to live.

    “This opens up great opportunities for our young people with a wide variety of skilled, well-paid jobs available in the construction sector.

    “Getting a real-world insight into the huge range of career paths offered by this industry is so valuable for young people at this crucial point in their education, and I’d like to thank all our construction partners for hosting this session and taking the time to inspire the next generation.”

    Richard France from York Construction Skills Partnership said:

    “We’re committed to ensuring that York’s future workforce has the skills needed to deliver on many exciting and varied projects around the city, whilst connecting residents to rewarding work with local employers.

    “The success of this taster day with a fantastic group of young people is a great example of how we’re putting this mission into action by helping students understand the many benefits that a career in construction can bring, and showcasing the wide variety of ways into an exciting career within our industry.

    “A huge thanks goes to all the organisations and construction employees who helped organise such a full and inspiring day for the students, and to those who came along to share their own career journeys. Lastly, I’d like to thank the students who took part in the day as it’s very encouraging to see young people engaging with the industry.

    “With the enthusiasm of those who attended it’s clear that the future of construction in York is bright.”

    Watch the video about the taster day.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The king has a tricky diplomatic role to play in inviting Trump for a state visit

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Francesca Jackson, PhD candidate, Lancaster Law School, Lancaster University

    As monarch, King Charles III is bound by constitutional convention to remain politically neutral. But that hasn’t stopped the UK government from deploying the king to advance its foreign policy agenda.

    During their inaugural meeting, Keir Starmer presented Donald Trump with a letter from the king, inviting the president for a “truly historic” and “unprecedented” second state visit to the UK and a visit to the monarch’s private Balmoral residence.

    Later that week, the government arranged for the king to meet Volodymyr Zelensky at the royal countryside retreat of Sandringham, to show support for the Ukrainian leader following his disastrous meeting with Trump.

    The government is walking a tightrope: it wants to avoid tariffs from Trump, while continuing to support Zelensky and Ukraine. And it is using the king to help it do so.

    Want more politics coverage from academic experts? Every week, we bring you informed analysis of developments in government and fact check the claims being made.

    Sign up for our weekly politics newsletter, delivered every Friday.

    It is not unusual for governments to use monarchs to boost international relations, particularly through state visits. The monarch has a huge amount of soft power and the pomp and ceremony of a state visit can help governments achieve their foreign affairs aims.

    State visits differ from regular diplomatic visits: they are the most formal way in which a foreign head of state can come to the UK, and happen just once or twice a year.

    Visitors are greeted by the king and other members of the royal family with a ceremonial welcome accompanied by gun salutes on the Horse Guards Parade ground in London. They then travel back to Buckingham Palace in a carriage procession, where they enjoy a formal state banquet at which the monarch toasts the visiting head of state.

    State visits are not cheap: Trump’s first visit cost £3.5 million in policing alone. But they can play a key role in diplomacy.

    A state visit to France by Queen Elizabeth II in 1972 helped seal the deal on the UK’s third attempt at joining the the European Economic Community. And in 2024, the UK’s defence partnership with Qatar was “strengthened” following the state visit of the Qatari emir.

    There is a danger that the monarch’s reputation is affected by hosting controversial heads of state. No doubt the palace PR team is less than enthused about the prospect of Charles being seen wining and dining Trump. The optics of hosting Trump during his first state visit reportedly put the late Queen Elizabeth in a “very difficult position”.

    But monarchs have little (if any) influence over who they host for a state visit. Charles will have been advised by the government to invite Trump in accordance with the cardinal convention. This fundamental constitutional principle requires the monarch to act on the advice of the government.

    Constitutional conventions are not legally binding. But in the UK’s constitutional monarchy, the monarch reigns but does not rule and power is exercised by democratically-elected ministers rather than the sovereign. Failure by the monarch to follow convention could spark a constitutional crisis, as fictional plays and dramas have long imagined.

    A royal invitation.
    Number 10 Flickr, CC BY-ND

    This is why the late queen had to host some controversial and less-than-democratic figures. It even once led her to hide in a bush to avoid encountering Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu in the Buckingham Palace gardens.

    And it is why Charles, on the government’s advice, will host Trump.

    Laying on the royal charm

    Usually, the public doesn’t see invitations for state visits, but we did see this particular letter. Signed “Yours most sincerely, Charles”, it feels particularly personal and designed to charm Trump, whose love of the British royal family is well known. The offer of an additional visit to Balmoral is a nod to the president’s mother, who was born in Scotland.

    The king’s invitation seems to have done the diplomatic trick. Trump ended his meeting with Starmer by stating: “I think we could very well end up with a real trade deal where the tariffs wouldn’t be necessary”.

    But the visit won’t be without controversy. In the days since, a petition asking for Trump’s invitation to be withdrawn has reached nearly 200,000 signatures. But Starmer has publicly dismissed calls to withdraw the invitation.

    No doubt Charles himself is less than thrilled to invite the president, both after his recent behaviour towards Zelensky and his decision to pull the US from the Paris agreement, given the king’s advocacy on environmental issues.

    Could the king raise such issues with Trump? Charles is bound by the doctrine of political neutrality: he must refrain from acting on political opinions. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be room for other senior royals not bound by the convention, like William, from doing so.

    Indeed, as prince of wales, Charles himself showed opposition to controversial leaders, effectively boycotting Chinese state visits in 1999 and 2015 allegedly in support for the exiled Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama.

    The monarch plays an important diplomatic role, especially during state visits. While the leaders they host may be controversial, the monarch must respect constitutional boundaries. Nevertheless, with an outspoken king and heir, this visit could prove to be even more unprecedented than it already is.

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

    – ref. The king has a tricky diplomatic role to play in inviting Trump for a state visit – https://theconversation.com/the-king-has-a-tricky-diplomatic-role-to-play-in-inviting-trump-for-a-state-visit-251308

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Harris receives £25,000 towards Alexander Frieze Conservation

    Source: City of Preston

    The Harris receives £25,000 towards Alexander Frieze Conservation from Pilgrim Trust, Henry Moore Foundation and Friends of The Harris.

    The Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library is pleased to announce successful awards totalling £25,000 from The Pilgrim Trust, The Henry Moore Foundation and Friends of the Harris to support conservation and redisplay of the Alexander Frieze.

    This significant funding will play a crucial role in displaying the frieze for future visitors to The Harris following the current Harris Your Place project; aimed at reimagining The Harris for future generations.

    The plaster frieze depicts Alexander the Great, leading his army into the city of Babylon in 331 BC after defeating the Persian king.

    The original version of the frieze was made in 1812 by Danish neoclassical sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, with several copies created in his lifetime. The Harris’ version was brought to England in 1862 and was gifted to the Harris by the V&A in 1987. It has become a visitor favourite over the years and fits perfectly with the neo-classical design scheme of the building.

    The sheer scale and intricate details of this masterpiece present a substantial challenge for the conservator and specialist installation team involved in its preservation.

    The conservation project beginning in March 2025, will involve meticulous work to ensure the frieze is preserved for future visitors to enjoy.

    The funding will enable The Harris to address the complex needs of this significant piece, ensuring its structural stability and visual integrity.

    Councillor Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council said:

    We are delighted to receive this generous grant from the Pilgrim Trust, Henry Moore Foundation and Friends of the Harris. The Alexander Frieze is an important part of our collection, and this funding allows us to undertake vital conservation work to ensure it can be enjoyed by visitors for years to come.

    The Harris Your Place project is all about protecting our historic collections while making them more accessible, and this support is a significant step towards that goal.

    Pilgrim Trust Director Sue Bowers added:

    We are delighted to support the conservation and redisplay of the Alexander Frieze with a £20,000 grant. It is a visitor favourite but now requires work form a specialist conservator to help stabilise and safeguard it for future generations to enjoy.

    Prof. Peter Lloyd ARE, Chair of Trustees for the Friends of The Harris said:

    The Friends of the Harris are proud to support the conservation of the Alexander Frieze, ensuring that people in Preston and beyond can continue to enjoy and be inspired by this remarkable piece of our shared heritage.

    The Harris will provide regular updates on the progress of the conservation project via its website and social media channels.

    Visit The Harris website – Alexander Frieze conservation project and the Harris Your Place project for more information.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: HM Land Registry Chair’s letter

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments

    Correspondence

    HM Land Registry Chair’s letter

    This letter sets out the government’s expectations and priorities for HM Land Registry over the coming year.

    Applies to England and Wales

    Documents

    HM Land Registry Chair’s letter

    HTML

    HM Land Registry Chair’s letter

    PDF, 578 KB, 6 pages

    Details

    The Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook, has written to the Chair of the HM Land Registry Board, Neil Sachdev, to set out his priorities for HMLR in delivering their role in registering and protecting land and property ownership and supporting an efficient property market.

    A Chair’s letter is issued annually to ensure there is a clear set of expectations of HM Land Registry’s leadership. This letter includes a number of key areas of focus for HMLR to support the government’s policy priorities, missions and Plan for Change.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 March 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: FMQs: Greens call for government action to tackle broken energy market

    Source: Scottish Greens

    06 Mar 2025 Housing

    We need to fix the broken energy market and cuts bills.

    More in Housing

    The Scottish Government must take action to deliver the overdue Heat in Buildings Bill to tackle the climate crisis and reduce bills, says Scottish Green Co-leader Patrick Harvie.

    In his first question to the First Minister, Mr Harvie said:

    “In April, energy bills are set to rise for the third time in less than a year.

    “People across Scotland are worrying about those bills, and at the same time energy companies are raking in vast profits at the expense of people and the planet.

    “Our energy markets are broken. No doubt we could both say what we think the UK government should do to fix those markets, but the Scottish Government has also promised action which hasn’t happened.

    “My last question to the FM was nearly three months ago. I asked him about his promise of a new law to end our reliance on gas for home heating – which is vital to tackling the climate emergency, and cutting people’s bills too.

    “It was already overdue, without explanation, back in December. Now here we are in March; there’s still no legislation, and no explanation. Where is it?”

    In his response the First Minister agreed with the principles of the Bill but did not confirm a timeline for its publication.

    Asking his second question, Mr Harvie said:

    “The government was already considering the consultation a year ago. The real concern is that they have been spending that time watering it down. That’s the fear that I have and that the industry has.

    “The reality is that Scotland is already behind many other European countries on this. France and Germany have been accelerating their action dramatically in recent years. Scandinavian countries are decades ahead of us.

    “The only way to catch up, and to give Scottish households the benefit of affordable, reliable heat and cutting the pollution that is destroying our environment, is for the government to act decisively and show clear leadership.

    “But just as the Scottish Government has slowed down on other green measures, by hiking rail fares and watering down rent controls, progress on clean heat has stalled.

    “Will the FM commit now to get this overdue legislation published this month, to give the clarity and leadership that has been lacking?”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Major military infrastructure upgrade completed at Leuchars

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Major military infrastructure upgrade completed at Leuchars

    Construction has completed on a major infrastructure project to benefit soldiers based at Leuchars Station in Fife.

    Representatives of the ABP Leuchars Project delivery team with REME personnel inside the new Central Servicing and Inspection Facility. Front row left to right: Barry Ray, DIO MPP Army Programme Delivery Leader; Brigadier Jody Davies MBE, Commander 51st Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland; Belinda Lunn, DEO Army Programme Director. Copyright McLaughlin & Harvey.

    Upgraded facilities have been delivered for The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and 2nd Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, including refurbished offices, garaging, a shared workshop, a central servicing and inspection facility and a new-build bespoke store.

    At the formal opening of the new facilities on 5 March, Belinda Lunn, Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme Director, said:

    I am delighted to see the result of this significant investment at Leuchars Station, which has delivered high-quality facilities for service personnel. This major upgrade in technical infrastructure has set the benchmark for our long-term programme to enhance the Army estate in Scotland.

    Brigadier Jody Davies MBE, Commander 51st Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland, said:

    This impressive infrastructure upgrade delivered at Leuchars Station will enable our soldiers and officers to undertake their day-to-day duties in a modern, comfortable, and efficient working environment. It is excellent to see such investment in improved infrastructure to enhance how our people live, work, train and operate in Scotland. 

    The £62 million Leuchars Station project was delivered under the legacy of the Army Basing Programme by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), contracting to McLaughlin & Harvey Construction Ltd and Mott MacDonald.

    Barry Ray, DIO MPP Army Programme Delivery Leader, said:

    DIO has been pleased to work over the past 2 years with our industry partners McLaughlin & Harvey and Mott MacDonald on the fifth and final phase of the ABP Leuchars project, to provide the modern infrastructure the Army needs at Leuchars Station.  We are thrilled that it is already making a positive difference for service personnel both today and will in future. This sits alongside the new Medical and Dental Centre, which is nearing completion, as well as plans for further new facilities.

    Martin Keys, Operations Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said:

    We are proud to celebrate the successful completion of this strategic defence project alongside our valued partners. Utilising our specialist knowledge and growing defence capabilities we have delivered facilities that meets the highest standards of security, resilience, and functionality. This achievement reflects the dedication and expertise of our entire team, and we remain committed to supporting national defence infrastructure with excellence and integrity.

    Paul Harrison, General Manager Defence, Mott MacDonald, said:

    This has been a showcase for a one-team integrated approach and we have worked to improve Defence infrastructure in an affordable, innovative, safe and collaborative way, overcoming significant challenges including extensive ground contamination, listed building constraints and legacy infrastructure. From planning and assessment, through to concept and design, then project managing the construction works contract on behalf of DIO, we are proud to have helped improve sustainable infrastructure development and contributed to an optimised UK Defence Estate.

    Further investment is to be delivered at Leuchars Station under the DEO Army Programme. Construction is due to start in 2027 on living and technical infrastructure across the site that will support Unit rebasing following the 2021 Defence Integrated Review and as announced in Future Soldier.

    The DEO Army Programme makes up the largest proportion of the MOD’s DEO Portfolio which is investing £5.1 billion in more modern and sustainable infrastructure across the Defence estate that meets future operational requirements and enhances the lived experience of military personnel.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Aberdeen Youth Movement wins Anne Frank Award 2025

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Aberdeen Youth Movement (AYM) has received the Anne Frank Award 2025 from Action for a Fairer World and Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC).

    The judging panel was unanimous in its view that the evidence met the standard for the award.  They found the AYM to be very strong in the area of children’s rights, strong in the areas of democracy and civil society, and had undertaken work to help raise awareness of genocide and persecution.

    The Aberdeen Youth Movement is the official voice of young people in Aberdeen.  It works with others across the city to improve representation of young people in Aberdeen.  It is made up of young people, aged between 14-25 years old, from different areas and interest groups in the city. 

    Councillor Christian Allard, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council said: “To receive the prestigious Anne Frank Award 2025, highlights the hard work, enthusiasm and dedication of all the members of Aberdeen Youth Movement, to give young people across the city a voice.

    “In these challenging times, it is essential that our young people feel included, have a voice, are listened to and are empowered to help them make a positive impact locally, nationally and internationally.”

    David Innes, Chair, Action for a Fairer World, said: “ “Action For a Fairer World are so pleased to be working with Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC) on these awards to recognise the work of children and young people.  We had several schools coming forward for the awards but were pleased that the first recipient came from the fantastic community based youth group AYM.”

    Maria Jose Pavez, Co-General Manager, Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC), said: “We are thrilled to relaunch the Anne Frank Awards this year acknowledging the work of Aberdeen Youth Movement to promote Equality and Human Rights.

    “We are looking forward to seeing AYM inspire more people, as well as seeing how other youth groups take their lead. It is key to see collaboration in innovative ways to raise awareness on key issues such as children’s rights, genocide and persecution, Holocaust education, discrimination and inequalities, and refugees and migration.”

    Specific feedback from the judging panel:

    • Children’s rights are a major strength and a central aspect of the ‘what and how’ of the Aberdeen Youth Movement.
    • There are specific activities the group are involved in which relate to other strands of the Anne Frank award. These include the White Armband Day to remember the campaign of ethnic cleansing in northern Bosnia-Herzegovina and also the awarding of grants to address inequality and benefit groups in the city.
    • The group has also done a considerable amount to raise awareness of and participation in local and national democracy.
    • Impressive breadth and depth of work, and really encouraging to see living and lived experience of young people so core to this work.
    • Congratulations on the TPAS (Tenant and Landlord Participation Advisory Service) Good Practice Award, really positive that AYM is engaging with Aberdeen City Council’s budget consultation discussions.
    • Also, great to see AYM engaging around remembering Bosnian genocide.

    Lily Macdonald , member of AYM steering group, said: “It is a huge privilege to receive the Anne Frank Award for our work advocating for youth empowerment and rights. We are delighted and grateful to receive such a meaningful award.”

    Sam Milne, member of AYM steering group, said: “It’s an absolute honour to be given this award and to get the recognition for all the good work our group does. I’m so proud of my friends and colleagues in AYM for all their hard work.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint statement between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheál Martin: 6 March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Joint statement between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheál Martin: 6 March 2025

    Joint statement between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheál Martin following UK-Ireland Summit.

    UK-Ireland 2030 Joint Statement

    1. This Joint Statement represents the starting point for a strengthened relationship between the UK and Ireland, informed by our co-guarantorship of the Good Friday Agreement, and to be taken forward through an ambitious programme of co-operation between our two countries through to 2030.

    2. The time has come to commit anew to delivering on the promise of our unique partnership to the benefit of current and future generations living across these islands. 

    3. Our renewed programme of co-operation will be taken forward in a spirit of respect and affinity, and by a shared ambition to reach the potential of our partnership across our islands, recognising that, in a changing world beyond our shores, the benefits and significance of a stronger and more settled relationship between our two countries have never been greater.

    The UK and Ireland working together at home and across the globe

    1. In a challenging geo-political and international security environment, Ireland and the UK confirm our commitment to the global multilateral system and international law as the foundations on which all our international engagement and partnerships are built.

    2. Building on these foundations, we will work together to strengthen international institutions for peace, promote conflict prevention, peace-building, sustainable development and climate action internationally.  Today, we have agreed in particular to collaborate on a strategic approach to the United Nations’ Peacebuilding Architecture Review and the World Bank’s Fragility, Conflict, Violence (FCV) Strategy. We also agree to collaborate on the Women, Peace and Security agenda and to pilot a joint lesson-sharing from the Northern Ireland peace process in an agreed priority country.

    3. We will support this intensification of our co-operation on foreign and security policy issues through annual political consultations.

    4. Continuing to ensure the safety and security of the people who live in Ireland and the United Kingdom is a priority we share.

    5. National resilience remains a priority for both of us.  We will strengthen co-operation and information sharing on emergency planning to best protect our peoples across these islands. 

    6. We will strengthen our co-operation in the area of maritime security, with a particular focus on critical undersea infrastructure, which will require greater international co-operation, including closer co-operation between Ireland and the UK.

    7. We value our good working relationship at an operational level on cyber security and will continue to co-operate to ensure that the sharing of information and best practices contribute to higher levels of cyber security across both countries. We will also work to develop approaches that benefit both countries particularly in the areas of skills development, cyber hygiene awareness and research projects.

    8. Since 2015, the UK and Ireland have cooperated on defence on the basis of a Memorandum of Understanding. We will pursue implementation of all aspects of that agreement, particularly in the areas of military training and education. To reflect the rebuilding and strengthening of our partnership, today we agree to review and update the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence by our next Summit in this series.

    9. We will continue to develop these areas of work, including through our structured security dialogue at senior official level.

    10. We will strengthen existing co-operation on criminal, civil and family law matters and exchange expertise on justice systems challenges, as well as collaborating on the rule of law and its promotion overseas. We will continue to work together to tackle threats to safety online.

    Ensuring a strategic and efficient approach to our shared maritime space to mobilise investment, support a healthy marine environment and provide clean energy for our islands

    1. We recognise the critical importance of the Celtic and Irish Seas and are committed to working together to harness their potential by deepening co-operation on offshore energy and interconnection, to help ensure our collective energy security as part of the green transition to net zero.

    2. Our countries are uniquely linked, not least through shared energy infrastructure and the Single Electricity Market (SEM) on the island of Ireland. This means we share common long-term challenges, including the need for secure, competitive, and sustainable sources of energy.

    3. We welcome recent progress on closer working between our countries in this regard, including through our two bilateral Memoranda of Understanding, and the opportunity for more formal co-operation between British and Irish system operators (EirGrid, Gas Networks Ireland, National Energy System Operator and National Gas).

    4. In order to meet our ambitious decarbonisation targets, we have agreed today to work together to mobilise investment into strategic infrastructure in the Irish and Celtic Seas by establishing frameworks to guide private investment and removing barriers to trade and investment.

    5. In this regard, we have agreed that our respective maritime policy, licensing and regulatory bodies will work together to establish co-operation in relation to data collection and usage, to continue to improve the management of the maritime area in the Irish and Celtic Seas through robust marine planning that includes a clear focus on our shared marine environment.

    6. We have also agreed to undertake new joint initiatives on mapping the sea basin to improve interoperability and resilience in UK and Irish waters, and to deepen existing co-operation on maritime decarbonisation, including on our joint efforts to establish green maritime corridors. 

    7. We will also broaden our existing Energy transition MoU to include industrial decarbonisation; knowledge sharing and exchanging best practices around retrofitting of homes and Community Benefit Funds; as well as formalising a staff exchange programme between UK and Ireland energy departments and agencies.

    8. Due to its geography, engineering expertise and interconnection to both Ireland and Great Britain, Northern Ireland can benefit from and be at the forefront of the clean energy transition. Co-operation between governments on infrastructure development will be key in both enabling Northern Ireland to have a renewable generation capacity of 3,550 MW by 2030 in order to deliver the target of 80% of electricity consumption from renewable sources, as well as supporting the Northern Ireland Executive’s ambition for 1GW of offshore wind from 2030 and Ireland’s ambition of at least 5GW of offshore wind by 2030, including through developing and supporting an all-island supply chain.

    9. Through our continuing co-operation we can act coherently and strategically, developing and sharing research and technical innovation to address our shared challenges, which in turn will deliver significant economic and social benefits to communities across our islands.

    Agile, open economies working together to attract investment, innovate from knowledge and accelerate growth

    1. The UK and Ireland are particularly close economic partners with a bilateral trade relationship worth approximately 100 billion euros annually. Ireland is the UK’s 6th largest trading partner and the UK is Ireland’s second largest trading partner and we are committed to building on these ties in order to attract new investment and accelerate economic growth across our two countries.

    2. Today we welcome substantial new investment announcements across a range of sectors including Digital, AI and Technology that are testimony to continued confidence in our economies and to the importance of our business and trading bilateral relationship. These commitments to invest will bring new jobs and opportunities to local communities and help drive up economic growth.

    3. The UK and Ireland have a longstanding partnership in sharing knowledge and experience in progressing infrastructure projects, and we share an ambition to accelerate the delivery of sustainable and resilient infrastructure to drive economic growth, enable new forms of economic activity, accelerate the transition to Net Zero by 2050, and support the delivery of housing and high-quality public services over the next decade.  Our countries and businesses are investing heavily in achieving this ambition but also face common challenges, including in relation to capacity and productivity. We have strong existing collaborations in the transport, housing and energy sectors, and today have agreed a new Framework for Co-operation to support infrastructure delivery to deepen these partnerships and extend them to further areas of mutual interest, including digital and modern methods of construction technologies.

    4. Today, we also reaffirm our support to small business in both countries and commit to working together to establish an SME Dialogue focused on sharing good practices in nurturing growth and productivity amongst SMEs to maximise commercial opportunities.

    5. We will also establish an Economic Security Exchange to share good practices and experiences, and develop common understandings in key areas for the economic security and prosperity of our two nations.

    6. The UK and Ireland share a close bilateral relationship in science, innovation and technology and commit to building on this through our collaboration within the current Horizon European Research and Innovation Framework Programme, including encouraging national contact points to work closely together. We agree to convene regular meetings between UKRI and Research Ireland to discuss issues of mutual interest and monitor and identify multilateral and bilateral opportunities.

    7. In early 2024, we launched the research Co-Centre for Climate, Biodiversity & Water, seeking to deliver solutions to the pressing challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity decline, and water degradation; and the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems, seeking to drive societal and political change in food system transformation and transition to climate neutrality by 2050. Following the launch of these Co-Centres, UKRI and Research Ireland will work together and with the Northern Ireland Executive to monitor progress and identify future opportunities to bring together researchers and innovators across the UK and Ireland.

    Developing the deep ties between our people and cultures

    1. We recognise the unique ability of arts, culture and sport to forge and foster ties between people across these islands. 

    2. We value the extraordinary influence and contribution of British and Irish cultures and heritages to the artistic and cultural wealth of the public realm and creative industries and institutions in both our countries. In recognition of this, today, we agree to establish a strategic partnership to deepen and amplify co-operation between our leading cultural institutions and to support wider public engagement with the contemporary culture and heritage of both our countries. Over the coming five years, this will comprise a range of measures to support collaborations in programming, professional exchange, research and policy, and an annual joint meeting of our leading cultural institutions each autumn.

    3. We look forward to our joint hosting of the EURO2028 Men’s Football Championship and the 2030 T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup and will work to ensure that both tournaments are enjoyed across these islands. We will explore future co-hosting opportunities in the area of sports.

    4. We recognise that to reach the potential of our partnership across these islands, we need to understand and respond to the aspirations and views of young people. Today, we have agreed to establish an Ireland-UK Youth Forum to bring together young people across these islands on an annual basis to discuss issues of importance to them and to make recommendations about how they can be addressed for consideration by both our governments.

    5. In order to build stronger connectivity amongst our children and young people, we will also encourage greater co-operation and contact between our schools and education systems. This will include areas such as early years learning and provision, social mobility, opportunity and inclusion; special education provision; curriculum and assessment reform; teacher professional development; and integrated education.

    6. We will promote greater understanding of educational opportunities for full-time students through improved knowledge, guidance and information using higher education entrance systems.

    7. The uniquely rich and dynamic connections between people across these islands are supported and made possible by our long-standing Common Travel Area arrangement.  We remain firmly committed to working together to protect the integrity and security of the Common Travel Area. Recognising also the importance of the Common Travel Area in facilitating the daily lives of citizens across these islands, we will work together to minimise barriers to work or travel for those who benefit from it.

    8. Underpinning our co-operation is our shared ambition of a more reconciled, peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland.  In progressing our co-operation across the board, we will ensure that our partnership includes and benefits Northern Ireland. We commit to ensure the successful delivery of the 2021-2027 PeacePlus programme and are agreed in principle to a successor programme.

    9. We agree to establish a UK-Ireland 2030 Steering Group led by the UK Cabinet Office and Department of the Taoiseach in order to take forward the range of commitments we are making today. Together we will ensure this complements the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and their crucial role at the heart of our essential and unique relationship.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DUP delivering on yet another Republican demand

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV vice chairman Causeway Councillor Allister Kyle:

    “Last night the Executive Office announced that they had begun the search for an Irish language commissioner.

    “The significance of this development should not be missed. Anyone who looks at the legislation will discover that the “main function” of the Commissioner is put in the form of a statutory duty to “protect and enhance the development of the use of the Irish language by public authorities” in respect of their provision of services. This is to be done by the Commissioner setting “best practice standards” for every public authority and monitoring their performance.

    “There will be no restraint on the exercise of the Commissioner’s functions through a unionist veto, because any “directions” as to the exercise of those functions must be from the joint First Ministers – meaning the First Minister would require Sinn Fein consent to any directions she wished to issue.

    “The lesson from Scotland and Wales on language Acts is that the toe in the door guarantees it will be pushed open wider over time. The mechanism for this is built in as the legislation provides for the Commissioner at any time to review the standards set and he or she must do that every 5 years.

    “I note that on social media Emma Little-Pengelly is playing up the forthcoming appointment of an Ulster Scots / Ulster British commissioner. The reality is that their powers and remit is minimal compared to the Irish Language Commissioner.

    The functions are merely to “enhance and develop the language, arts and literature associated with the Ulster Scots and Ulster British tradition”. Note, no reference to Orange culture, or any type of culture.
    The means by which the Commissioner is to exercise his function is to “produce and distribute publicity material”. Unlike Irish, no official recognition; no performance “standards” to be put on any public authority; no duty on public authorities to enhance the provision of services in Ulster Scots; no obligation for public authorities to produce a plan of action; no 5 yearly review.

    “Indeed, while the Commissioner must increase awareness and visibility of Ulster Scots services “which are provided by public authorities to the public”, that relates to provision as is, with no compulsion to enhance. What a contrast with Irish!

    “This is what Emma Little-Pengelly tells us amounts to a “reset” or “game changer”.

    “The truth is that in reality it’s the same old story of DUP roll over.

    “The bottom line is that while TUV is fighting the Republican agenda day and daily, the DUP have begun the process of delivering on another Sinn Fein demand – and bizarrely the deputy First Minister has tried to tell Unionists that it is some sort of victory! “

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Managing woodlands with community groups in the National Forest

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    Managing woodlands with community groups in the National Forest

    Read how the National Forest’s community groups support sustainable woodland management, improve health and wellbeing, enhance woodland access, and support wildlife.

    National Forest facts:

    • established in the 1990s: the first broadleaf forest to be created at scale in England for more than 900 years 
    • spans 200 square miles of the Midlands (Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire) 
    • overseen by the National Forest Company (NFC), with a mission to increase forest cover from 6% in the early 1990s to 33%; 25% cover has been achieved to date 
    • mainly rural and peri-urban native broadleaf woodlands 
    • woodlands are planted on both private and public land 
    • most community woods are managed for recreation and wildlife rather than timber production 
    • aims for 80% of the woodlands to have some level of public access, for walking and, in some cases, cycling and horse riding

    Community groups play a vital role in maintaining woods. By engaging local residents, these groups contribute to the sustainable management of woodlands through activities including:  

    • tree thinning 
    • habitat management and creation 
    • wildlife surveys 
    • litter picking 
    • organising local events 
    • helping to maintain newly planted trees 
    • leading guided walks  

    Thousands of people are already involved, volunteering through 70 community woods groups and conservation organisations. In 2021, these groups were brought together in an informal Community Woods network.

    Zoe Sewter, NFC Volunteer and Wellbeing Officer said:

    We have found that the range of works volunteers can undertake is limited only by skills, time and available resources. Given sufficient training, access to funding and a pool of able and motivated volunteers, the sky is the limit.

    Two community woods volunteers carrying out woodland thinning operations. Copyright Darren Cresswell Photography.

    Growing urban woodlands 

    In the National Forest, urban woodlands are typically on reclaimed land or within housing developments. It’s normally these types of woodlands that are community-managed, close to homes, often planted in the last 30 years and publicly owned. As part of a recent National Lottery Heritage Fund funded project, 9 new sites have been planted and 3 older woods brought under community management. 

    Public rights of way and permissive routes connect communities to the woods and link to nearby footpath networks. In urban woodlands, paths are mostly surfaced enabling year-round access. In the rural and peri-urban sites the paths are usually grassed rides, meaning that maintaining the paths and woodland can be tricky in wet winters.

    Pupils from Fairmeadow Primary School helping to create Oversetts community wood, a new woodland on the outskirts of Swadlincote. Copyright NFC.

    Funding and income 

    The NFC has secured external grants over the past 6 years to support its Community Woods programme, covering staff salaries, setup costs, land purchases, capital purchases, community engagement and volunteer training. Outside the National Forest, local councils, parish councils, or voluntary sector organisations may be able to provide seed funding for similar projects.  

    To ensure financial sustainability, community groups have also generated income through various methods, including: 

    • selling community shares 
    • charging annual membership fees 
    • paid events (such as wreath making and guided walks) 
    • renting space/facilities 
    • plant sales and charity events 
    • selling products (such as charcoal and wooden ornaments) 
    • obtaining grants for woodland management and tool purchases 

    Groups like the Heartwood Community Woodland Group have introduced schemes such as ‘logs for labour’, where volunteers can exchange work (helping to fell some trees in thinning operations) for wood fuel or green crafts.

    Heartwood volunteer starting the retort to make charcoal in the woods. Copyright Rod Kirkpatrick.

    Benefits for woodlands and people 

    The involvement of community groups has brought a wide range of benefits, including: 

    • for the woodlands: positive management improves biodiversity and habitat condition, as well as enhancing amenity value
    • for the owners: support with their woodland management; landowners gain committed volunteers who help maintain paths, monitor wildlife, and tackle conservation tasks
    • for the volunteers and local community: volunteering has health and wellbeing benefits and provides a closer connection to nature. Local people feel a stronger sense of connection to the woodlands as they develop, helping reduce anti-social issues like littering and vandalism
    • for visitors: improved quality of access to the woodlands and richer biodiversity to enjoy

    Zoe Sewter, NFC Volunteer and Wellbeing Officer said:

    It also means more eyes are looking at the wood and checking that everything is OK. Volunteers can report issues, flag safety concerns and keep pathways clear. Of increasing importance, regular visits in different seasons can spot signs of pests and disease early, and get reported to the landowner so mitigating action can take place as required.

    Creating a network 

    Before the introduction of the Community Woods programme, volunteer groups within the National Forest largely worked in isolation, each managing their own woodland without broader connections.

    The creation of the Community Woods network has been a transformative initiative, nurturing collaboration and knowledge exchange among these groups. By connecting volunteers, the network provides a platform for sharing experiences, skills, and resources, creating a vibrant community of practice. This peer-to-peer support has been particularly valuable for new groups, who can now learn from the successes and challenges faced by more experienced counterparts. 

    Overcoming challenges 

    Many groups face difficulties with volunteer recruitment, particularly in attracting younger members, but offering varied tasks and flexible schedules can help engage a broader range of people.  

    The departure of important volunteers can lead to a loss of momentum; however, building strong committees and sharing responsibilities can help maintain energy and focus over time. 

    A standout achievement of the Community Woods project has been the tailored training programme. Designed in consultation with the community groups themselves, the programme addresses their specific needs and has been funded through various grants. Training topics have included: 

    • leadership and organisation: leadership sessions for volunteer task days, to enhance confidence and team coordination
    • practical skills: coppicing, small tree felling, pond management, and hedge-laying
    • accredited certifications: emergency First Aid and Forestry, brush-cutter and chainsaw use, and tree inspections

    The programme has received strong engagement and overwhelmingly positive feedback, significantly enhancing the skills and confidence of volunteers across the network. As a result, groups are now better equipped to manage their woodlands effectively, ensuring sustainable conservation practices and fostering stronger community ties. This combined approach of networking and training has proven instrumental in building a resilient, interconnected community of woodland volunteers, capable of sustaining long-term benefits for both people and nature. 

    Volunteers network at the inaugural Community Woods Network gathering at Timber Festival, 2021. Copyright NFC.

    Zoe Sewter, NFC Volunteer and Wellbeing Officer said:

    It’s not just about the trees. Community woodland groups are made up of people with diverse motivations to give their time – passionate individuals committed to making a difference, as well as those seeking solace in nature, such as those dealing with bereavement, health challenges, or life changes. Understanding these personal stories and motivations is vital for creating a supportive and successful volunteer environment.

    Top tips for working with community groups 

    For anyone considering partnering with community groups in their woodland management, here are some top tips: 

    • establish trust and clear communication: building mutual trust between volunteers and landowners is essential; set expectations early and ensure open, ongoing communication
    • set realistic work expectations: ensure that the group has the necessary tools and support to complete tasks, for example, if the use of power tools is not permitted, avoid assigning overly large tasks that could lead to frustration
    • involve the group in management planning: having volunteers contribute to the woodland management plan ensures that potential issues are addressed early and everyone is aligned
    • enter into a formal agreement: use contracts, licences, or leases with clear terms (ideally 5+ years) to outline expectations and responsibilities. Include break clauses to allow for flexibility if circumstances change
    • plan for changes: if the relationship needs to end, ensure there’s an exit strategy in place, with plenty of notice to avoid frustration or feelings of wasted effort
    • build in flexibility: site constraints, such as wildlife designations or securing capital funding, can be challenging. A clear plan of action and thorough research before starting can help, but other problems such as bad weather can be unavoidable. Build flexibility into timescales and have contingency plans

    Zoe Sewter, NFC Volunteer and Wellbeing Officer said:

    Also, be prepared for the unexpected! The Covid pandemic disrupted plans and presented unforeseen challenges for many groups within the Community Woods network. But with resilience and flexibility, these obstacles can be overcome.

    Learn more about the National Forest

    For more information on the National Forest and how you can get involved, visit National Forest.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City set for return of Midlands’ largest light festival

    Source: City of Leicester

    WITH just days to go before the return of Light up Leicester, organisers are making the final touches to deliver a spectacular festival that will include joyful parades, inspirational performances and amazing light installations.

    Running from Wednesday 12 to Saturday 15 March, the free event will light up the city centre every evening, from 6pm to 10pm.

    Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “This promises to be a wonderful festival with something for everyone, including a unique event taking place on each night of the festival. We look forward to welcoming many thousands of people to our city to enjoy all that Light up Leicester has to offer.”

    Event highlights include:

    Wednesday 12 March

    11am-2pm – Schools’ opening parade. Led by local arts company Inspirate with music from Drum and Brass, 300 children will process from the Cathedral to the Clock Tower and back, with artwork that will form the leaves of the ‘Roots of our Tree’ light installation next to the King Richard lll Visitor Centre.

    6pm – Radiant Routes evening parade. Brazilian beats meet Bhangra in this parade led by Nupur Arts, with dancers performing as they move from the Cathedral to the Clock Tower and back again. They’ll be accompanied by samba band Sambando, with Japanese drumming and lanterns from Leicester Taiko.

    6.30pm – Unveiling of Cathedral, Crown and Culture, a major projection and digital animation installation on Leicester Cathedral, with reference to Leicester’s history, communities and the interment of King Richard lll. Produced by local company Metro Boulot Dodo, this will run for the duration of the festival.

    Thursday 13 March

    6.30-8.30pm – Illuminated Bike Parade. Everyone is invited to bling their bike with stickers and LED lights and join in a 1.5km ride  around the city centre. People can register at www.lightupleicester.com

    Friday 14 March

    6.30pm and 7.30pm – The Holi Experience at the Clock Tower. Nupur Arts bring high-energy dance performances celebrating Holi, to the Clock Tower.

    Saturday 15 March

    7pm-8pm – Fiers a Cheval by Compagnie des Quidams. Stunning four–metre high glowing inflatable horses will promenade their way down New Walk, culminating in an enchanting 30 minute performance outside Mattioli Woods on New Walk Place.

    Visitors to the city on Friday and Saturday evening will be able to see walkabout performances featuring Mexican skeleton puppets, LED ‘Glowbots’ and Enter Edem’s ‘Aquanauts’, as well as spoken word performances by Literati Arts. Light Up Leicester will also offer funfair rides, street food and an artisan night market. Find out more about everything that’s on offer at lightupleicester.com/events/

    Art installations

    In addition to events and performances, fixed art installations will be lighting up the city centre from 6pm to 10pm from Wednesday to Saturday. Highlights include:

    • Evanscent – Giant bubble-inspired structures, Jubilee Square
    • Double Flux – Pulsating waves of light from a mesmerising kinetic sculpture, Bath House Lane (pictured)
    • Hula Hoop – Geometric hoops of light and sound, High Street
    • Chorus – Light and motion sculpture fusing contemporary and classical Indian music sounds, Market Street
    • Noor Tower – LED light tower inspired by Moroccan architecture, Churchgate
    • Beacon – Dramatic 2km high light sculpture, Clock Tower
    • Henge – A light and sound installation inspired by ancient monuments, Town Hall Square
    • Nocturnal – Glowing inflatable wildlife installations, St Martin’s Square

    Light Up Leicester is presented by Leicester City Council, BID Leicester, Leicester Cathedral and Art Reach. It is made possible through the generous support of Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Global Streets, PPL PRS and headline sponsor Highcross.

    Michelle Menezes, centre director, Highcross Leicester said: “It is great that we are once again supporting Light Up Leicester, not only as headline sponsor but also as a location for ‘Double Flux’ a fantastic piece of illuminated artwork that will snake its way down Bath House Lane. This forms part of the new strategy for Highcross which includes developing new partnerships with local stakeholders to bring exciting events to the centre for the community to enjoy. I’m very much looking forward to seeing Light Up Leicester come to life, and delight visitors to the city and Highcross.”

    Simon Jenner, BID Leicester director said: “As a presenting partner and major sponsor, we’re proud to have led the festival’s marketing campaign once again and helped bring this spectacular event to life. Light Up Leicester is a testament to the power of partnership, with our partners working collaboratively together to create something truly special for the city. We can’t wait to see Leicester illuminated once again!”

    Greg Aiello, managing director of PPL PRS said: “It’s great that Light Up Leicester is returning to the city in 2025, with a programme filled not only with  fantastic light installations, but with dance, walking performers and music! PPL PRS is proud to support this event as it will bring additional visitors into the city to enjoy Light Up Leicester, as well as the brilliant hospitality venues we have. It will be a real treat for all that attend, and thanks to all those involved in organising it.”

    Festival organisers are committed to making the festival accessible to everyone. There will be a dedicated access support hub open every evening from 6pm to 10pm at the Visit Leicester information centre, where friendly staff will be ready to assist.

    Accessible tours are available to help people with additional access needs to get around the festival, using rickshaws, box bikes and gazelles which can carry children and wheelchairs.

    Leicester businesses are joining in the festival by offering tasty dining discounts throughout. Diners can enjoy 25% off the total bill at Kayal, Herb, and Merchant of Venice, 20% off at the Queen of Bradgate, Middleton’s and Restaurant 1573, or enjoy three courses for £20 at Turtle Bay. Details of all offers and deals available throughout the festival are on the Light Up Leicester website offers page. Offers – Light Up Leicester

    Full details of the festival, including information about all the installations, the opening day parades, free performances and a Gallowtree Gate night market, are available on the festival website at www.lightupleicester.com 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Outcome of Natural England’s review of bird of prey ‘wild take’ licensing for falconry and aviculture

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Outcome of Natural England’s review of bird of prey ‘wild take’ licensing for falconry and aviculture

    A change in Natural England’s approach means a ‘presumption against’ issuing wild take licensing for falconry and aviculture will be taken in future.

    ·  A Natural England-led review has concluded that taking birds of prey from the wild is not essential to the continued practice of falconry or aviculture in England and licenses will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

    ·  The move will help to protect wild birds of prey from unnecessary disturbance whilst enabling sustainable falconry practices to continue.

    Natural England has today (Thursday March 06) published the outcome of its review into the licensing of ‘wild take’, a practice that involves taking birds of prey such as peregrine falcon from the wild for use in falconry and aviculture.  

    Defra ministers have endorsed Natural England’s recommendation that there should be a presumption against the granting of future wild take licenses.

    This change will offer certainty for the falconry community and ensure that licenses to take birds from the wild are only issued where there is clear justification for doing. This decision will also help to allay concerns that wild take licenses could be abused, leading to an increase in the illegal export of wild-origin birds.

    This announcement follows a two-year review process during which licensing was suspended. This review involved extensive evidence gathering, including through workshops, interviews, a literature review, and a public call for evidence.

    John Holmes, Natural England’s Strategy Director, said:  

    “This change in approach to licensing will help to protect wild birds of prey whilst enabling sustainable falconry practices to continue unaffected.

    “This announcement will also help allay fears that licenses could be abused, leading to an increase in the illegal export of wild-origin birds.

    “The decision follows an extensive review process, and I would like to thank those who took the time to provide information through the call for evidence or by participating in interviews and workshops.”

    Natural England’s review process concluded that:

    • taking birds of prey from the wild is not essential to the continued practice of falconry or aviculture in England.
    • suitable birds can be readily sourced from existing captive stocks.
    • captive-bred birds can perform to a suitably high standard when appropriately trained and handled

    Natural England has a statutory responsibility, on behalf of Defra, for determining license applications to take birds of prey from the wild for use in falconry and aviculture. Defra ministers have endorsed Natural England’s recommendation to adopt a presumption against issuing licenses to take wild birds of prey for falconry and aviculture.  

    Whilst the power to grant licenses will remain on statute, Defra ministers support the view that licenses should not be issued, other than in exceptional circumstances. No evidence was provided during the review process that would support the issuing of licenses for any specific exceptional circumstances at the present time.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global: Electric shock equipment widely abused by law enforcement agencies due to alarming lack of regulation – new report

    Source: Amnesty International –

    40 countries including the UK where cases involving torture and other ill-treatment using electric shock equipment have been documented

    197 companies manufactured or promoted direct contact electric shock equipment for law enforcement – most companies based in China, India and the USA

    Survivors have suffered burns, numbness, miscarriage, urinary dysfunction, insomnia, exhaustion and profound psychological trauma

    Harrowing testimonies of people of electric shock equipment used against people

    ‘They hit my face with the back of a gun, gave electric shocks to my back, and beat me with batons on the bottom of my feet and hands…’ – schoolboy in Iran

    In the UK, Tasers were drawn, aimed or discharged 33,232 times between April 2023 to March 2024

    States and companies are manufacturing, promoting and selling electric shock equipment that is being used for torture and other ill-treatment, said Amnesty International in a new report calling for a global, legally-binding treaty to regulate the unchecked production of and trade in law enforcement equipment.

    The 72-page report – “I Still Can’t Sleep at Night” The Global Abuse of Electric Shock Equipment – draws on research carried out by Amnesty from 2014 to 2024 in over 40 countries including the UK, where cases involving torture and other ill-treatment using electric shock equipment have been documented.

    Law enforcement agencies are using inherently abusive direct contact electric shock weapons – including stun guns and electric shock batons– on the street, at borders, in migrant and refugee detention centres, mental health institutions, police stations, prisons, and other places of detention.

    The devices, which deliver painful shocks at the press of a button, have been used against protesters, students, political opponents, women and girls (including pregnant women), children and human rights defenders, among others. Survivors have suffered burns, numbness, miscarriage, urinary dysfunction, insomnia, exhaustion and profound psychological trauma.

    The report also looks at the escalating misuse of Projectile Electric Shock Weapons (PESWs) which can have a legitimate role in law enforcement but are often misused. Cases include the unnecessary and discriminatory use against vulnerable groups resulting in serious injuries and in some cases even death.

    Trade fairs in the UK

    In September 2024, Amnesty and the Omega Research Foundation found that a British company, The Squad Group Ltd led by retired police officers – including a former Assistant Chief Constable – were caught on camera demonstrating electric-shock torture equipment at a trade fair in Birmingham.

    The revelations raised serious questions about the enforcement of laws in relation to the prohibition of torture equipment as well as the staging of security equipment trade events. The trade in direct-contact and body-worn electric-shock weapons is illegal under laws regulating the arms and security trade, with UK companies and nationals banned from importing, exporting or in any way promoting these goods anywhere in the world. Electric-shock weapons are prohibited under The Trade in Torture etc. Goods (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, and current Government export control guidance clearly states that all trading activity, including promotion and marketing of these goods anywhere in the world, is prohibited.

    More information about The Squad Group Ltd here.

    Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s Chief Executive, said:

    “It’s shocking that prohibited torture equipment is openly being promoted and demonstrated by a UK company.

    “Despite raising this case directly with the UK government in September last year, no satisfactory answers have been provided to shed light on how these electric shock weapons have been able to be advertised, promoted and demonstrated despite seemingly robust legislation banning these activities. Alarmingly, since first alerting the authorities to this case, it has become clear that they have been demonstrated to several UK policing bodies.

    “Bringing any direct-contact electric-shock weapon into the UK must surely be a serious breach of current UK arms trade regulations that have been in place since prohibitions on electric shock weapons were first introduced by then Labour Foreign secretary Robin Cooke in 1997. To this day, these electric shock weapons are still being promoted for sale, suggesting that our existing rules are either not being properly enforced or are riddled with loopholes.”

    Tasers used in the UK

    In the latest use of force figures for England and Wales published by Home Office for April 2023 to March 2024, Tasers were used – that is drawn, aimed or discharged – a total of 33,232 times and police threatened to use Tasers against children 2,895 times with 66 charges. Five of those incidents, officers threatened to use Tasers against children under the age of 11.

    Tasers were used on Black people at a rate of 4.2 times higher than someone from a white ethnic group in England and Wales (excluding the Metropolitan Police). In the MET police area, Tasers were used at a rate of 4.4 times higher when percentages of Taser use by ethnicity were compared with the breakdown of ethnic groups in the general population in the 2021 Census. According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct found that Black people were more likely to be tasered for prolonged periods (over 5 seconds) than white people.

    Sacha Deshmukh added:

    “The police have a disturbing record of misusing Tasers, using them disproportionately against people from minority ethnic communities and those suffering from mental health crises, and also when people have been running away from officers and presenting no risk to them or the public.  

    “Tasers are potentially lethal weapons and they should only be made available to properly-trained specialist officers, and not normalised as a piece of weaponry available to every police officer operating on our streets.”  

    More information about Tasers used in the UK from page 30 in the report.

    Electric shock weapons used around the world

    During the 2022 “Woman Life Freedom” uprising in Iran, the military unit IRGC Basij battalion forced several boys to stand with their legs apart in a line alongside adult detainees and administered electric shocks to their genitals with stun guns. In another case, several schoolboys were abducted for writing the protest slogan “Woman Life Freedom” on a wall. One of the boys told Amnesty:

    “They hit my face with the back of a gun, gave electric shocks to my back, and beat me with batons on the bottom of my feet and hands…”

    PESWs have often been used as de facto direct contact electric shock weapons when deployed in “drive stun” mode. Recounting a raid by border guards on the Medininkai detention centre in Lithuania on 2 March 2022, one detainee from Sub-Saharan Africa said:

    “I was lying on the ground and still they have used tasers on me three times, and at the same time they beat me with the batons.” Another described being threatened by police officers who placed a “taser” on her forehead, telling her “‘Shut up or I will shoot you!’”

    Amnesty’s report reveals patterns of PESWs’ discriminatory deployment against racialised and marginalised groups, such as young Black men. In April 2024, police in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, were filmed using a Taser directly on the leg of a Black protester at a Palestine solidarity demonstration while he was pinned to the ground by three police officers and handcuffed.

    The urgent need for prohibitions and trade regulation

    At least 197 companies from all regions manufactured or promoted direct contact electric shock equipment for law enforcement between January 2018 and June 2023 – with most companies based in countries such as China, India and the USA.

    According to US-based Axon Enterprise, Inc., their Taser brand models are currently used by over 18,000 law enforcement agencies in more than 80 countries.

    Amnesty along with a global civil society network of over 80 organisations worldwide, is campaigning for the negotiation of a Torture-Free Trade Treaty that would introduce global prohibitions and controls on a wide range of law enforcement equipment, including electric shock weapons and equipment.

    Patrick Wilcken, Amnesty International’s researcher on military, security and policing issues, said:

    “Projectile Electric Shock Weapons are being used against individuals who pose no risk of violence, simply for punishment or compliance with orders.

    “Direct contact electric shock weapons can cause psychological distress, severe suffering, long-lasting physical disability. These include dart lacerations and penetration of the skull, eye, internal organs, throat, fingers and testis; electrical discharge induced burns, seizures and arrythmias; and a variety of injuries and deaths from falls. They are also being used in direct contact ‘drive stun’ mode, which should be prohibited.

    “Despite the clear human rights risks associated with their use, there are no global regulations controlling the production of and trade in electric shock equipment. Direct contact electric shock weapons need to be banned immediately and Projectile Electric Shock Weapons subject to strict human-rights-based trade controls.

    “There is an urgent need for a legally-binding treaty which would prohibit inherently abusive electric shock equipment and strictly control the trade in Projectile Electric Shock Weapons.

    “Companies should implement robust human rights due diligence and mitigation measures to ensure their products and services are not being systematically misused for torture or other ill-treatment. This includes ceasing production of direct contact electric shock devices and removing the ‘drive stun’ function from Projectile Electric Shock Weapons.”

    Alliance for Torture-Free Trade

    In September 2017, the EU, Argentina and Mongolia launched the Alliance for Torture-Free Trade at the margins of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The Alliance currently comprises 62 states from all regions of the world pledging to “act together to further prevent, restrict and end trade” in goods used notably for torture or other ill-treatment. In October 2023, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture presented a thematic report on the torture trade at the UNGA which argued for a legally binding instrument to regulate the production of and trade in law enforcement equipment and included lists of goods considered prohibited and controlled.

    This is one of a series of in-depth research reports showing the devastating human rights impact of law enforcement equipment; previous reports include work on tear gas, batons, rubber bullets, and the trade in less lethal weapons used to repress protesters.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Thurrock Council: Ministerial response to Commissioners’ fourth report

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Thurrock Council: Ministerial response to Commissioners’ fourth report

    Letter from Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government, in response to the Commissioners’ fourth report.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Thurrock Council: Ministerial response to Commissioners’ fourth report

    PDF, 170 KB, 1 page

    Details

    A copy of the letter from Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government to the Thurrock Commissioners in response to their fourth report. The Minister welcomes the significant progress made by the Council and notes the challenges that remain for Thurrock.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 March 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Thurrock Council: Letter to Dr Dave Smith extending his appointment as Managing Director Commissioner

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Thurrock Council: Letter to Dr Dave Smith extending his appointment as Managing Director Commissioner

    A copy of the letter to Dr Dave Smith, regarding the Secretary of State’s decision to extend his appointment as the Managing Director Commissioner at Thurrock Council.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Thurrock Council: Letter to Dr Dave Smith extending his appointment as Managing Director Commissioner

    PDF, 319 KB, 6 pages

    Details

    Copy of the letter from James Blythe, Deputy Director, Local Government Stewardship and Intervention, at Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to Dr Dave Smith, confirming the Secretary of State’s decision to extend his appointment as the Managing Director Commissioner to Thurrock Council until 1 September 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 March 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Woking Borough Council: Ministerial response to Commissioners’ fourth report

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Woking Borough Council: Ministerial response to Commissioners’ fourth report

    Letter from Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, in response to Commissioners’ fourth report.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Woking Borough Council: Ministerial response to Commissioners’ fourth report

    PDF, 153 KB, 1 page

    Details

    Copy of the letter from Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, to the Woking Commissioners in response to their fourth report. The Minister is reassured by Commissioners’ comments that the Council is committed to achieving the objectives that the Council have worked with Commissioners to set, which will radically overhaul the operation of the Council.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 March 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wales’s Clean Energy Industry boosted by Minister Nia Griffith’s visit to Copenhagen

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Wales’s Clean Energy Industry boosted by Minister Nia Griffith’s visit to Copenhagen

    Minister highlights Wales’s natural resources, world-class energy sector and skilled workforce on visit to Denmark.

    Wales Office Minister Nia Griffith and His Majesty’s Ambassador to Denmark, Joëlle Jenny

    • Wales at the forefront of the UK’s clean energy mission.
    • Minister highlights Wales’s natural resources, world-class energy sector and skilled workforce on visit to Denmark.
    • Expansion of the renewable energy sector in Wales will help kickstart economic growth and make the UK a clean energy superpower.

    Wales Office Minister, Dame Nia Griffith highlighted Wales’s pivotal role in the United Kingdom’s ambitious clean energy mission to Danish companies and potential investors on a trade mission to Copenhagen this week.

    Dame Nia’s three-day visit to the Danish capital came just one week after a major £600m investment deal in Welsh green energy projects between Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Bute Energy and Green GEN Cymru was announced. The development of new onshore windfarms planned across Wales by Bute Energy is planned to create up to 2,000 jobs.

    The visit highlighted collaboration between Wales and Denmark in renewable energy projects, including Danish companies already investing in offshore wind off the North Wales coast and in the construction of turbines used in onshore and offshore projects across Wales.

    Currently, 50 per cent of electricity in Denmark is supplied by wind and solar power while making Britain a clean energy superpower is one of the UK Government’s key missions.

    The UK Government is working with the Welsh Government and industry partners to develop floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. This would see wind turbines built on floating platforms to take advantage of the wind direction and would play a crucial role in the UK Government’s mission to make Britian at clean energy superpower.

    This technology could support up to 5,300 new jobs and generate up to £1.4bn for the UK economy, helping to kickstart economic growth and raise living standards as set out in the UK Government’s Plan for Change. 

    During her visit, Minister Griffith held a series of meetings designed to bolster cooperation on clean energy and explore investment opportunities. The itinerary included visits to leading Danish institutions and companies, discussions on renewable energy projects, and participation in events celebrating St. David’s Day with a focus on promoting Wales as a hub for clean energy innovation.

    Wales Office Minister Nia Griffith said:

    There are tremendous opportunities for partners and investors in Denmark to work with us to boost the clean energy sector in Wales.

    I am determined to make sure we achieve our clean energy mission which will bring energy security, drive down energy bills, create good jobs, and help to protect future generations from the cost of climate breakdown.

    Tim Morris, Head of Communications for Associated British Ports, said:

    Ports in Wales and Denmark share the ambition to play a foundational role in enabling the energy transition.

    It was great to sit down with other port operators and key stakeholders from the wider energy sector from both countries to share knowledge and insights. ABP has strong links with Danish organisations such as Orsted and the Port of Esbjerg and we look forward to deepening these relationships.

    The visit showcased Wales’s potential as a global leader in renewable energy, particularly in floating offshore wind, and set the stage for future collaborations and investments that will drive economic growth and environmental sustainability.

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cowes Library set to undergo building works to improve accessibility 6 March 2025 Cowes Library set to undergo building works to improve accessibility

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Cowes Library is set to undergo major renovations starting Monday, 24 March.

    The project follows a successful application to Arts Council England’s Libraries Improvement Fund and aims to make the library more accessible and user-friendly for all members of the community.

    Key improvements include the installation of an accessible front door and toilet, ensuring the library is welcoming and usable for people with mobility challenges.

    Additionally, the renovations will enhance facilities for community groups, making the library a more inclusive space for various activities and gatherings.

    This project builds on the success of previous works and investment at Lord Louis Library in Newport and Ryde Library.

    Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member for libraries, said: “Libraries are more than just buildings filled with books; they are sanctuaries of learning, creativity, and connection.

    “Making our libraries accessible to all residents is crucial in ensuring everyone can benefit from these vital community resources.”

    To facilitate these important upgrades, Cowes Library will close to the public on Friday, 21 March, and remain closed for around seven weeks.

    During this period, a pop-up library service will be available at the Beckford Centre, opposite the library building, with the following reduced opening hours:

    • Monday: 1.30pm – 4.30pm
    • Tuesday: 10am – 1pm
    • Friday: 10am – 1pm
    • Saturday: 1.30pm – 4.30pm

    There will be no public computers, photocopying services or groups and activities during the renovation period.

    However, staff will continue to engage the community through online Rhyme Times and Lego challenges via the Supporters of Cowes Library Facebook page.

    Photo: Getty Images

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Republic sponging off U.K. and Europe on defence

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV leader, Jim Allister MP:-

    “The current European security crisis brings into focus the sponger status of the Republic of Ireland when it comes to defence.

    “Clinging to neutrality, with derisory spend on defence, the Republic has lived off others paying, in men and money, for the defence of Europe.

    “The Republic can’t hide in the shadows of neutrality if it wants to be seen on the side of Europe in withstanding Putin. 

    “Of course, in Northern Ireland we see a reflection of this anti-West stance in the First Minister’s condemnation of the job-creating military hardware order to Thales.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Update on postal services to Australia

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Update on postal services to Australia
    **************************************

    ​Hongkong Post announced today (March 6) that, as advised by the postal administration of Australia, due to the impact of severe weather, mail delivery services to Queensland and New South Wales in Australia are subject to delay.

    Ends/Thursday, March 6, 2025Issued at HKT 14:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £1.3m self-screening trial aims to close inequity gap in Scotland’s cervical cancer deaths A project to understand the barriers to screening for a preventable cancer and to encourage women in the most deprived parts of Scotland to take part in cervical screening by self-testing has been awarded £1.3million.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    A project to understand the barriers to screening for a preventable cancer and to encourage women in the most deprived parts of Scotland to take part in cervical screening by self-testing has been awarded £1.3million.
    University of Aberdeen researchers will lead the Cancer Research UK-funded initiative to find new ways of reaching women least likely to engage with cervical screening and who are at the greatest risk of dying from cervical cancer.  
    Cervical cancer is a largely preventable cancer and since 2008 girls aged 11-13 have been eligible for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine which protects against around 90% of cervical cancers, with boys eligible for the vaccine, which can also protect boys from other HPV related cancers such as mouth and throat cancers, since 2019.
    Cervical screening remains an important way to help to prevent the disease, particularly in those who didn’t receive the vaccination in childhood.
    However, cervical screening is still important for all those eligible to detect pre-cancerous cells and enable treatment before they develop further. 
    Data from Public Health Scotland has shown that women in the most deprived areas of Scotland are twice as likely as those in more affluent areas to develop the disease and three times more likely to die from it.  
    Many of these women do not engage with screening and the project, called ‘AYEScreen’ will explore the reasons why – from lack of time or childcare, to fear, embarrassment or cultural and social barriers.  
    This will then inform a trial where women will be provided with self-sampling kits which will allow them to conduct the tests at a time and place of their choosing, and without the need for a medical professional.  
    Dr Sharon Hanley, a cancer epidemiologist at the University of Aberdeen, will lead the project.
    She said: “Cervical cancer is different from many cancers in that it can be detected and treated in the pre-cancerous stage. This is why getting screened regularly is so important. However, since the screening programme targets healthy individuals, many women may not feel the need to attend or for what might be an embarrassing or uncomfortable test.  

    AYEScreen is about empowering those most marginalised in society to make informed choices, including those who could face discrimination and are disproportionately disadvantaged, and help protect them from a highly preventable cancer.” Dr Sharon Hanley

    “In recent years the test has changed. In the past it was necessary to take samples from a specific part of the cervix to look for abnormal cells, now we look for the virus that causes these abnormal cells and the virus can be found in vaginal samples. This makes self-sampling possible. However, more research is needed on the best way to offer self-sampling. 
    “We would also like to include trans-men in the study as they are historically underserved and might be more willing to participate in self-sampling than attend for a test by a medical professional.” 
    The project will assess the effectiveness and cost efficiency of three different methods to reach under screened women in GP practices with the highest proportion of patients from deprived areas as well as those living in remote and rural areas who may have other barriers to testing such as access.  
    The first method will see women who are overdue screening and attend the GP surgery for another reason offered a self-sampling kit, the second will trial a text service offering self-sampling which can be returned by post and in the third, a nurse will call women to understand barriers to screening and offer the option of self-sampling, which will also be sent and returned by post. 
    It is hoped AYEScreen will provide the much-needed evidence base to inform future (Scottish) Government policy and that a nation-wide roll out of self-sampling for under screened women be implemented alongside the current screening programme. 
    “AYEScreen is about empowering those most marginalised in society to make informed choices, including those who could face discrimination and are disproportionately disadvantaged, and help protect them from a highly preventable cancer,” Dr Hanley added.  
    Cancer Research UK Senior Heath Information Manager, Claire Knight, said: “We are delighted to provide funding for this vital research. Cervical screening is a proven way to prevent cancer and stop the disease in its tracks. But some people face barriers to accessing the potentially life-saving test, like finding the test painful or embarrassing, and trials like this bring us closer to ensuring that everyone can benefit from screening health interventions. 
    “By offering an alternative to the standard GP appointment for people who haven’t taken up their invitation, self-sampling may help to address some of these barriers, and in turn tackle health inequalities.
    “If coverage of cervical screening and HPV vaccination increases, it’s possible that we can reduce cervical cancer to the point where almost no one develops it. Further research is now needed to better understand the accuracy of self-sampling and how it can be effectively rolled out to benefit more people.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor backs campaign urging people to quit this No Smoking Month!

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Mayor backs campaign urging people to quit this No Smoking Month!

    6 March 2025

    March is No Smoking Month and the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, has lent her voice to the campaign by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, encouraging smokers to ‘Make March Your Month to Quit’.

    Smoking is the single most entirely preventable cause of ill-health, disability and death, in Northern Ireland, responsible for approximately 35,000 hospital admissions and 2,200 deaths each year.

    Speaking today, Mayor Barr appealed for local people to heed the advice and avail of the support out there to help people quit. “Council has a duty to enforce smoke free legislation and ensure compliance by smokers and premises owners. Creating a smoke-free environment is essential for improving public health and wellbeing in our Council area and beyond, and it’s a responsibility we take very seriously.

    “The Make March your Month to Quit programme offers people who currently smoke a timely reminder that help is available when you wish to quit. We would encourage any smoker to avail of the Stop Smoking services available through the PHA and take the first step on their own personal journey to becoming smoke free.”

    Colette Rogers, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control, with the PHA, said: “March is No Smoking Month and a fantastic opportunity to make the commitment to stop smoking and improve your health.

    “Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and protect people around you from harmful second-hand smoke. Quitting will also save you money which is significant as people face tough times with the increased cost-of-living. You might have tried quitting before, but this March, try again and get support on your journey to healthier you with the help of a PHA-funded Stop Smoking service as it really will make a difference.”

    There is lots of support available throughout Northern Ireland for those who want to quit. A range of services are funded by the PHA and free to use, these services help and support people to quit every year and are offered through many community pharmacies, GP practices, HSC Trust premises, community and voluntary organisations, and by Cancer Focus NI.

    Naomi Thompson, Health Improvement Manager at Cancer Focus NI, is urging those who want to stop smoking to seek help and highlighted that support is available across the country to help make people’s quit journey as easy as possible:

    “Studies have shown that people are four times more likely to quit with help. We would encourage any smoker who is ready to quit, or even curious about giving it a go, to make March their month. Across Northern Ireland specialists are available to provide free tried and tested tips to make quitting as easy as possible.”

    Top tips for quitting smoking

    • Make a date to give up – and stick to it!
    • Make a plan. Think about what could help you stop smoking, such as using a nicotine replacement product, and have it ready before the date you plan to stop.
    • Get support from your local Stop Smoking Service. Also, let your family and friends know that you’re quitting. Some people find that talking to friends and relatives who have stopped can be helpful.
    • Keep busy to help take your mind off cigarettes. Try to change your routine, (and plan alternative activities for places you associate with smoking) and avoid the shop where you normally buy cigarettes.
    • Remind yourself that the money saved now from not smoking can be used for other things you or your family want or need.

    No Smoking Month is coordinated in Northern Ireland by Cancer Focus NI and includes a partnership with the PHA, the Healthy Living Centres Alliance, Health and Social Care Trusts, local councils, and community champions in Health Living Centres.

    For more information on the services available and useful tips to stop smoking, visit www.cancerfocusni.org/stopsmoking or www.stopsmokingni.info

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Acclaimed writer Michelle Nic Pháidín to deliver Strabane Irish Language Event

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Acclaimed writer Michelle Nic Pháidín to deliver Strabane Irish Language Event

    6 March 2025

    Strabane’s Irish language enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in literature during Seachtain na Gaeilge, with a special evening featuring acclaimed journalist Michelle Nic Pháidín at the Alley Theatre on March 11th.

    The free event, part of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s annual Seachtain na Gaeilge’ programme, will showcase readings from Michelle Nic Pháidín’s critically acclaimed short story collection ‘Súile Éisc agus Scéalta Eile’.

    “We are delighted to offer an event entirely in Irish that invites fluent speakers to engage directly with a remarkable author,” said Erin Hamilton from the Council’s Languages Team. “Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the themes of Michelle’s stories, ask questions, and connect with fellow Irish language enthusiasts.”

    The event is scheduled for March 11th at 6.30pm in the Alley Theatre. It is designed for fluent Irish language speakers, offering a unique opportunity to experience literature in its native tongue. The evening will be conducted entirely in Irish, providing a rich, immersive experience for the audience.

    Admission is free, but booking is essential. Attendees will enjoy light refreshments at the start of the event, creating a welcoming atmosphere for conversation and cultural exchange.

    To reserve a place please email [email protected]. Those seeking more information about this event or other Seachtain na Gaeilge activities can contact the council’s Irish language team through the same email address.

    ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    An scríbhneoir clúiteach Michelle Nic Pháidín le hImeacht Gaeilge a chur ar fáil do phobal an tSratha Báin

    Beidh deis ar leith ag Gaeilgeoirí an tSratha Báin iad féin a thumadh sa litríocht le linn Sheachtain na Gaeilge, le tráthnóna speisialta leis an iriseoir aitheanta Michelle Nic Pháidín in Amharclann na Caolsráide ar an 11 Márta.

    Seo imeacht saor in aisce, atá á eagrú mar chuid de chlár bliantúil Sheachtain na Gaeilge de chuid Comhairle Chathair Dhoire agus Cheantar an tSratha Báin, agus beidh deis ag an lucht éisteachta sult a bhaint as léamha ó chnuasach gearrscéalta Michelle Nic Pháidín, dar teideal ‘Súile Éisc agus Scéalta Eile’.

    “Tá lúcháir orainn an t-imeacht uathúil seo a chur ar fáil trí mheán na Gaeilge le deis a thabhairt do phobal na Gaeilge dul i dtaithí ar shaothar an údair” a dúirt Erin Hamilton ó Fhoireann Teangacha na Comhairle. “Beidh deis ag an lucht éisteachta na téamaí éágsúla a thaiscéaltar i scéalta Mhichelle a fhiosrú, ceisteanna a chur, agus nascadh le cainteoirí Gaeilge eile ar an oíche”

    Tá an t-imeacht ag tarlú ar an 11ú Márta ar 6.30pm in Amharclann na Caolsráide. Tá sé foirfe do chainteoirí atá líofa sa Ghaeilge agus tabharfaidh sé deis uathúil dóibh dul i dtaithí ar litríocht nuascríofa ina dteanga dhúchais. Beidh an oíche á stiúradh go hiomlán trí mheán na Gaeilge, rud a thabharfaidh deis don lucht éisteachta tumadh isteach i litríocht na Gaeilge.

    Tá an t-imeacht saor in aisce ach ní mór duit d’áit a chur in áirithe.  Cuirfear sólaistí ar fáil ag tús an imeachta, agus cruthóidh seo atmaisféar fáilteach le haghaidh comhrá agus malartú cultúrtha.  Le áit a chur in áirithe seol ríomhphost chuig: [email protected].  Is féidir leo siúd atá ag lorg tuilleadh eolais faoin imeacht seo nó faoi imeachtaí eile Sheachtain na Gaeilge dul i dteagmháil le foireann Ghaeilge na comhairle tríd an seoladh ríomhphoist céanna.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –