NewzIntel.com

Category: Great Britain

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland schools attendance survey

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    At the November 2024 Education Committee, the Council reported a review of the Highland Raising Attainment Strategy. Part of that review involves work around better understanding attendance challenges and the reasons for repeat absence from school. Two surveys are being distributed to schools across Highland for either pupils or parent/carers who struggle with regular school attendance to complete the short survey. The survey is anonymous and will run from Monday 24 February until Friday 14 March 2025.

    The surveys are available here:

    Parent survey on attendance: https://forms.office.com/e/vYZvATHXtC

    Pupil survey on attendance : https://forms.office.com/e/QgeMqY21UT

    Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “Highland’s Raising Attainment Strategy includes engaging with pupils and parents/carers through the GIRFEC agenda, as part of that work a survey has been distributed to all schools across Highland, and we ask pupils or the parents/carers of children who struggle attending school on a regular basis to take part in the survey.

    “Findings from the survey will be collated to assist our approaches to raise attainment, support health and wellbeing of learners and to help close the poverty related attainment gap.”

    24 Feb 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Construction underway at new Nairn Academy  

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Construction work is taking place on the new Nairn Academy which is programmed to be operational in August 2026.  

    The school has a planning capacity of 800 pupils and is part of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP).  

    Chair of the Education Committee, Cllr John Finlayson said: “This is an exciting development for the area and for members of the community who I am sure are eagerly awaiting its completion. 

    “The Highland Council is committed to improving the Education estate across Highland. Nairn Academy is a pilot project for us and is one of the first low energy complete ‘Passivhaus’ schools to be constructed in Highland.  

    “Improving our school estate is a challenge, but it is one we are committed to addressing with the support of our partners to offer more quality learning environments for school communities. We look forward in anticipation to a fantastic new school building for the pupils of Nairnshire.” 

    Housing & Property Committee Chair, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair said: “A great amount of work has taken place already in the preparation of the new school build, and we are beginning to see results of those great efforts from those involved in the project. The community will now be able to see the new school take shape as the steelwork goes up on site. This is really exciting, and we wish the construction team the very best with the build phase and look forward to progress updates.” 

    The campus will become Balfour Beatty’s second Passivhaus certified school building in Scotland – a quality assurance certification for the design and construction of low energy buildings and is due to be complete by August 2026.  

    Hector MacAulay MBE, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver this latest new project, further enhancing our legacy in delivering state-of-the-art, sustainable educational facilities across Scotland. 

    “With works now underway, we are working closely and collaboratively with The Highland Council to successfully deliver this new school which will provide an exciting and inspirational learning environment for hundreds of students and teachers, serving both current and future generations.” 

    The £61m contract awarded to Balfour Beatty is funded from Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s LEIP announced in December 2020, and capital funding for the project was approved by The Highland Council in September 2023. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Northwest Arkansas Man Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Prison for Operating an Illegal Money Transmitting Business Using Pandemic Funds

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FAYETTEVILLE – A Northwest Arkansas man was sentenced on February 20, to 51 months in Federal Prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, he was ordered to pay restitution of $725,558.00 on one count of operating an Illegal Money Transmitting Business. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing, which took place in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.

    According to court documents, Richard Harold Stone, age 77, waived indictment by a grand jury and pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging him with conducting an unlicensed money transmitting business in the State of Arkansas. Stone was the President or Chief Officer of numerous businesses registered with the Arkansas Secretary of State, including: Partex Oman Corp., Renewable Energy Campus Arkansas, Inc., Stonetek Global Corp., and Tires 2 Energy, LLC. Stone also was associated with Environmental Energy & Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation. The advertised purpose of these businesses was developing technology and facilities to repurpose waste materials, such as tires, into useable fuel sources. None of these businesses were registered with the State of Arkansas as a money transmitting business, as required by Arkansas law (Arkansas Code, Section 23-55-806(b)&(c)).

    Between November 2020 and March 2021, Stone received through various bank accounts associated with the above entities and other accounts under his control, deposits of funds from applications made on behalf of unwitting victims for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, Economic Impact Disaster Loans (EIDL), and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), totaling more than $600,000. After receiving these funds, Stone immediately transferred most of the funds by wire transfer to parties in locations including Berne, Switzerland; London, England; New York, NY; Chennai, India; and Mumbai, India.

    At the conclusion of Thursday’s sentencing hearing, Stone was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

    U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.

    The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter Bridges is prosecuting the case.

    Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston arrests illegal Brazilian alien charged with raping Massachusetts resident

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    FALMOUTH, Mass. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended an illegally present Brazilian national charged with raping a Massachusetts resident when officers arrested Willian Robert Vasconcelos-Dos Santos, 21, in Falmouth Jan. 21.

    “Willian Robert Vasconcelos-Dos Santos is charged with horrifically victimizing a Massachusetts resident and represents a significant threat to the residents of our communities,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “In this case, we appreciate the Falmouth District Court honoring the ICE immigration detainer and allowing our officers to take custody of Vasconcelos in the safety of a jail cell rather than having to arrest him at large. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our New England communities.”

    The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Vasconcelos after he illegally entered the United States near San Diego April 10, 2024. Border Patrol agents served Vasconcelos with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge and released him on an order of recognizance.

    The Falmouth Police Department arrested Vasconcelos January 20, 2025, and charged him with rape. ICE lodged an immigration detainer with the Falmouth District Court against Vasconcelos later that day.

    The Falmouth District Court released Vasconcelos into ICE custody Jan. 21, and ICE served him with a notice of custody determination upon his arrest. Vasconcelos remains in ICE custody.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X: @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Wales stands with Ukraine’ – Plaid Cymru statement on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion

    Source: Party of Wales

    On the third anniversary of the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Plaid Cymru’s leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth, and the party’s Westminster leader, Liz Saville Roberts said:

    “Today, on the third anniversary of Russia’s inhumane and illegal invasion of Ukraine, Plaid Cymru reiterates our unwavering support for Ukraine’s security and its sovereignty. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. 

    “We are deeply concerned about the decision by the President of the United States to exclude Ukraine from discussions whilst engaging directly with Russia. Decisions about Ukraine’s future must include Ukraine itself. We also believe it is vital that the UK does not capitulate to continued Russian aggression. 

    “The only route to a just peace includes Ukraine as a full and equal partner in any future negotiations.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Labour First Minister admits £1.5bn spent on tackling NHS waiting lists isn’t yielding results

    Source: Party of Wales

    The Labour Welsh Government “doesn’t have a plan to follow the pounds”, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said as he challenged the First Minister on whether she was getting “bang for her buck” on health spending.

    During First Minister’s Questions today (Tuesday, 18 February 2025), Mr ap Iorwerth challenged First Minister over the £1.5bn spent on bringing down NHS waiting lists since 2021 despite waiting lists hitting a record high every month since March 2024.

    There are currently 802,268 patient pathways waiting to start treatment in Wales, made up of about 619,100 individual patients.

    The First Minister responded by saying “we’re not quite seeing the kind of outcomes that we think we should be seeing from the investment that’s gone in.”

    Criticising Labour’s failure to deliver on their promise to tackle growing NHS waiting lists Plaid Cymru Leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said:

    “The Labour First Minister promised to prioritise tackling record-high NHS waiting lists. Yet six months on, the First Minister has admitted that the investment hasn’t delivered better outcomes for patients.

    “Despite this admission, there is no sense there’ll be a change of approach from government or a focus on preventative health measures – it doesn’t have a plan to follow the pounds.

    “Having spent £1.5bn since the 2021 Senedd election on tackling NHS waiting lists, it should not be the case that 1 in 5 people are waiting for a referral for treatment.

    “Only Plaid Cymru offers the NHS a fresh start, with a clear plan to tackle NHS waiting lists and proposals to change how our health service is run to ensure it is fit for the future.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Wales wants to punish lying politicians – how would it work?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stephen Clear, Lecturer in Constitutional and Administrative Law, and Public Procurement, Bangor University

    shutterstock Minerva Studio/Shutterstock

    Elected politicians and candidates in Wales who deliberately lie could face serious consequences, including being removed from office, under proposals aimed at restoring trust in politics.

    The Senedd’s (Welsh parliament) standards of conduct committee has recommended legally defining political deception, and strengthening existing rules to explicitly ban misleading statements. Proposed potential penalties range from a formal retraction to suspension or, in extreme cases, recall by voters.

    But the committee stopped short of recommending that deliberate deception be made a criminal offence. The idea that politicians who lie could be investigated by the police and courts had previously been mooted. The option of a civil offence with a lower burden of proof being introduced was also rejected.

    The committee has been working on the proposals as a way of restoring faith in politics, and trust in politicians, in the lead up to the next Senedd elections in 2026. While the report sets out options for change, the Welsh government has already promised to introduce a legal ban (in some form) before the next election.

    These efforts see Wales become the first UK nation to attempt to tackle the problem of dwindling trust in politics by modern day legislative force.

    Those championing the changes refer to how the deliberate rise in campaigns of misinformation, by those of all political persuasions, have in some instances led to electoral victories overseas.

    The need to act is also reflected in the public’s perception. Surveys have consistently found that trust in politicians to tell the truth has declined. A survey in 2023 placed politicians as the least trusted profession in the UK. Just 9% of the public said they trusted elected officials to tell the truth.

    More recently, findings from the British social attitudes report in 2024 revealed that the public is as critical now of how the UK is governed as it has ever been. A record high of 45% of respondents said they now “almost never” trust governments of any party to place the needs of the nation above the interests of their own political party.

    Restoring trust

    The Senedd committee had considered three different options for restoring trust.

    First, to create a criminal offence of deception. Second, to use an existing investigative body such as the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, and to bring in a civil sanction such as a fine. And third, to strengthen the code of conduct for Senedd members with enhanced sanctions. In other words, it would be dealt with through the Senedd’s own disciplinary procedures.

    To a certain degree there are some mechanisms already in place for dealing with deception in Welsh politics. For example, politicians are already expected to adhere to the seven principles of public life, which include honesty and integrity.

    Generally speaking, opposition Senedd members will hold the Welsh government to account by questioning and scrutinising their work. It is also possible to stage votes of no confidence as an accountability mechanism.

    Although as seen in the case of former first minister Vaughan Gething, it is questionable as to the extent to which they can be enforced. Gething initially refused to step down after losing such a vote.

    The electorate also has an important role to play in holding politicians to account. Ultimately an untrustworthy politician should, in theory at least, be unlikely to win any election. But Senedd elections only take place every five years.

    The standards of conduct committee already has the power to review complaints referred to it. It also has responsibility for reviewing the code of conduct for members of the Senedd, guidance on the code and complaints procedures, and rules for lobbying.

    Part of the perceived problem with this is that the committee is made up of Senedd members and are, therefore, responsible for setting the rules for themselves. Or alternatively, as Plaid Cymru MS Adam Price (who has campaigned on this issue for many years) put it, it’s like marking your own homework. The committee’s report offers a potential of recommending appointing lay members to sit alongside them.

    Proposals to legislate against politicians who lie in Wales were first raised by the Plaid Cymru MS, Adam Price.
    ComposedPix/Shutterstock

    Some may be concerned about the practical complexities of disqualifying candidates and Senedd members, and where that may, in turn, leave democracy and democratic processes. If sanctions were to be introduced, questions could also be raised about the potential for vexatious complaints to discredit electoral candidates.



    Read more:
    Wales could become world’s first country to criminalise politicians who lie

    In respect of making “deception” a criminal offence, concerns may have been raised about the constitutional principle of separation of powers, and whether it should truly be for unelected judges to take decisions about the democratically elected arm of the state. Or whether that could lead to the politicisation of the judiciary.

    While, research had found that more than two-thirds of Welsh voters supported a law criminalising political lying, judicial adjudication for serving Senedd members has been ruled out. The report also details concerns from the legal professions that existing resource pressures on the courts would have lead to long disputes, rather than the swift resolutions.

    But in reality, we are talking about strengthening safeguards for maintaining standards in public offices. In particular addressing deliberate mistruths by politicians to secure deceitful advantages during an election.

    In that sense, the new legislation is essentially bringing the political profession in line with others such as lawyers, doctors, journalistic and financial institutions, by having clearer repercussions when they lie and fail to maintain professional standards.

    Given the need for something to change in order to restore trust, and the extensive powers that politicians have to affect the lives of citizens, it is clear why Wales is trying a different approach towards restoring trust.

    Stephen Clear 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. Wales wants to punish lying politicians – how would it work? – https://theconversation.com/wales-wants-to-punish-lying-politicians-how-would-it-work-248728

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How virtual reality could help revive endangered language and culture

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Fabrizio Galeazzi, Associate Professor in Heritage and Creative Technologies, Anglia Ruskin University

    Every two weeks, a language is at risk of disappearing. According to the UN, at least 50% of the 7,000 different languages spoken around the world today could either disappear or become seriously endangered by the end of this century, leading to a significant loss of cultural diversity.

    “A language is not just words. It’s a culture, a tradition and a unification of a community, a whole history that creates what a community is,” as linguist Noam Chomsky once said.

    To help stem the tide, a collaboration between myself and colleagues at the StoryLab research institute at Anglia Ruskin University and creative industry partner NowHere Media is exploring the use of virtual reality (VR) technology and immersive storytelling to try to revitalise endangered indigenous cultures and languages.

    The results of our research interviews with participants suggest immersive stories, when created with communities, can be a powerful way of fostering group identity and promoting the long-term legacy and custodianship of cultural heritage.

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

    Created by NowHere Media before the start of our project, Kusunda VR is an immersive interactive film that encourages viewers to learn key words of the Kusunda language, which is under threat of disappearing in Nepal. The film documents the nomadic way of life of the Kusunda people. It features their language, in the form of interviews with its last remaining speakers.

    NowHere Media worked closely with shaman Lil Bahadur, just one of 150 Kusunda speakers left in the world, and his granddaughter Hima to capture the nomadic Kusunda world and language. They used volumetric filming and photogrammetry – techniques that create a three-dimensional space and allow for a highly realistic and immersive environment – to be played using virtual reality technology. Voice-based interactions help viewers learn some words in the Kusunda language.

    Lil almost lost his mother tongue when he gave up his hunter-gatherer lifestyle to live in the city at the age of 18. But researchers discovered that his teenage granddaughter was passionate about keeping her grandfather’s language – and culture – alive.

    “If the Kusunda language disappears then the existence of the Kusunda people in Nepal will also fade away,” Hima told us. “We’ll lose our identity. That’s why I want to save our language.”

    Hima began learning the language from community elder Gyani Maiya Sen-Kusunda, one of the last speakers of the language, an ambassador for its preservation and a teacher to the emerging generation. She was the original protagonist of Kusunda VR but died at the age of 83 in 2020 during the production of the film.

    Immersive technology

    StoryLab received a grant from the British Academy to evaluate the potential of immersive technology in bringing endangered languages back to life. Our research study, Reviving Kusunda, compared the interactive Kusunda VR experience alongside a short film created during the project. We wanted to to offer an insight into the role of immersive technologies in creating emotional understanding of the subject in comparison to regular film.

    Audio-visual 2D formats such as film have played an important role over the last century in documenting and archiving cultural heritage such as oral traditions, language and traditional art forms. However, we are keen to know how new technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, compare with existing audio-visual formats.

    Participants in our research – both members of the Kusunda community in Nepal and the public in the UK – identified many benefits to using multiple formats. However, they expressed a clear preference for VR. They highlighted the importance of interactivity and immersion in engaging viewers in the subject matter. With the VR experience, viewers are part of the story – a key aspect that helps revive stories and memories from the past.

    Participants considered VR especially effective in attracting their interest, creating a connection with the subject, and inspiring audiences to engage further with endangered languages and heritage.

    When viewing the VR experience, participants said they felt like a character in the film, and were immersed within the action which made them feel a strong emotional connection. They also noted how crucial it was to “feel” like the Kusunda people. This opens a range of possibilities for the use of VR for the revitalisation of endangered heritage and languages.

    The Reviving Kusunda project highlights how older speakers can educate younger generations about a language in a highly engaging way. We believe there are huge possibilities to use immersive 3D storytelling to revitalise other endangered languages.

    After the success of the Reviving Kusunda project, StoryLab now leads a €3 million Horizon Europe project called Revive. This looks specifically at two endangered European languages – Griko, spoken in parts of southern Italy, and Cornish, a language spoken in Cornwall in the southwest of England.

    This initiative brings together an international consortium of academic and industry partners to explore the integrated use of immersive technologies, data visualisation, archival research and co-creation to protect Europe’s heritage and linguistic capital.

    The aim is for immersive, interactive experiences to be hosted in museums and visitor centres to raise awareness of a region’s culture, as well as adapted to help with more formal language learning in schools and colleges for future generations.

    Participants of the Reviving Kusunda project universally acknowledged the unique way that VR can truly bring aspects of heritage to life, effectively “making intangible [heritage], tangible”.

    In the words of one participant from the Kusunda community: “When I watched the VR today, I felt I was watching the stories grandmother used to tell me. They were in front of my eyes as if they were real.”

    Fabrizio Galeazzi 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. How virtual reality could help revive endangered language and culture – https://theconversation.com/how-virtual-reality-could-help-revive-endangered-language-and-culture-247856

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Charity Commission Chair calls on philanthropists to invest in Welsh charity

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Charity Commission Chair calls on philanthropists to invest in Welsh charity

    Orlando Fraser KC visits four Welsh charities in one of his last official visits to the country.

    Charity Commission Chair Orlando Fraser meets with representatives from the County Voluntary Council for Wrexham.

    The Chair of the charity regulator is urging greater giving from those with deeper pockets, during visits to charities today and tomorrow where he is seeing first-hand the impact of voluntary organisations in north Wales. 

    Orlando Fraser’s comments came as he visited the Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham (AVOW) today with other visits planned for tomorrow (25th February) to three more charities as he celebrates Wales’s community spirit. 

    AVOW is the County Voluntary Council for Wrexham. It provides free advice and signposts local community and voluntary organisations. AVOW also provides health and wellbeing support to the local community in Wrexham.

    The charity is one of many recipients to obtain funds through the regulator’s Revitalising Trusts Wales programme.

    Last year, the Revitalising Trusts team helped a volunteer wind up Wrexham Care Association after it had fallen inactive but had remaining funds to spend. After identifying AVOW as a suitable charity to use the funds as intended, the regulator oversaw the transfer of over £30,000.

    AVOW has been able to fund its Community Hubs Coordinator role for a further year, helping ensure vulnerable people can access local and voluntary services through community hubs based in Gwersyllt and Acton (Wrexham). The charity hopes to expand its network to additional locations and share best practices with other community-based organisations.

    Today’s visit comes as the programme reaches £11.6 million revitalised in Wales alone, contributing to good causes, community foundations and charities across Wales. Since 2021, 346 Welsh charities have entered the programme, 80 of which are now operating again after years of inactivity. The remaining 266 inactive charities have all successfully transferred any dormant assets ensuring they continue to contribute to the sector.  

    Speaking on the Revitalising Trusts Wales programme, Orlando Fraser KC, said:

    The Revitalising Trusts programme demonstrates how the sector and we as regulator have a common goal – ensuring public good rises above all else.

    There are fantastic benefits to being a trustee, but we know it can be difficult to recruit, and due to pressures on charities, it can be hard to remain active.

    Our programme, working with Community Foundation Wales and the Welsh government, offers trustees the support to get back on track or, if the decision to close is taken, helps them effectively wind up and transfer funds in a way that will ensure the legacy of their great work lives on.

    Tomorrow, Orlando Fraser is expected to visit North Wales Recovery Communities, Clough Williams-Ellis Foundation and the Snowdonia Society. This forms part of a farewell visit as he concludes his term as Chair of the charity regulator for Wales and England.

    Discussing his visits, Orlando added:

    In my time as Chair, I’ve been privileged to see first-hand the fantastic charitable work across England & Wales, work made possible by dedicated trustees, staff and volunteers.

    I’m grateful to AVOW, North Wales Recovery Communities, Clough Williams-Ellis Foundation and the Snowdonia Society for taking the time to meet with me.

    There is a strong community spirit here in Wales – and, as my term as Chair comes to an end, I call on potential philanthropists here and further afield, to invest in this spirit.

    Orlando’s call for more philanthropists comes as new research suggests that the UK’s richest people give a smaller proportion of their wealth to charity than the average person. The data from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) indicates that the UK’s millionaires (people with investable assets of £1 million or more) gave the equivalent of 0.4% of their combined investable assets in 2023 (equating to almost £8 billion) compared to wider UK public donations of around £14 billion to good causes in the same year, equating to 1.6% of their income.

    Research by Centre for Cities also shows that while Wales is home to some of the most generous people in the UK (according to percentage of income donated), donations tend to go to national rather than local charities.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors:

    1. The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society. Find out more: About us – The Charity Commission (www.gov.uk) 
    2. The Revitalising Trusts programme ensures charitable funds that are lying dormant are spent and make a difference as originally intended. The programme helps charities by supporting and advising trustees who find it hard to spend their income, recruit new trustees, identify beneficiaries, or find time to run the charity.  
    3. If you are working with a charity possibly in need of our help, email the Charity Commission at CSrevitalisingtrusts@charitycommission.gov.uk  for information and advice.
    4. For more Revitalising Trusts Wales case studies please contact our Press Office.
    5. Set up in 2014, North Wales Recovery Communities provides therapeutic housing and services to individuals affected by substance misuse, offending and homelessness. The Snowdonia Society was established in 1967 to protect and enhance Snowdonia. The Clough Williams-Ellis Foundation was originally established by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in 1972, to protect his property in North Wales and ensure its conservation for long-term public benefit.
    6. Research sources: ‘Donation Nation: The geography of charitable giving in the UK’, Centre for Cities, 2024. ‘Donation nation: The geography of charitable giving in the UK Centre for Cities’ and ‘High Value Giving: How The UK’s Wealthy Give’, Charities Aid Foundation, 2025. CAF High Value Giving Report

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Boost for UK economy as Arbitration Act receives Royal Assent

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Boost for UK economy as Arbitration Act receives Royal Assent

    A new law to help the UK’s legal services sector maintain pole position and which will deliver millions more to grow the economy and help implement our Plan for Change.

    • New law to turbocharge UK’s position as the world-leader in arbitration
    • Modernised dispute resolution to attract more international business
    • Sector already worth £2.5bn boosted as part of Plan for Change to support growth

    The Arbitration Act, which received Royal Assent today (Monday 24 February), will help attract even more businesses from around the world to invest in the UK. It will re-enforce Britain’s position as the best place to resolve disputes without having to go to court.  

    This arbitration process saves companies significant costs in legal fees by providing a quicker alternative to court and reducing acrimony between the parties. Every year there are at least 5,000 domestic and international arbitrations in England and Wales – contributing at least £2.5 billion to the UK economy annually in fees alone.  

    Modernising arbitration law will ensure the UK remains the global destination of choice for the legal sector, outstripping competitors such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Paris. This will help generate greater employment in the sector to bring even more investment into the UK. 

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

    The UK’s legal sector contributes billions to the economy and employs hundreds of thousands across the country.   

    Companies from across the world look to the UK for our legal services and dispute resolution. This new Act ensures that arbitration law keeps this country ahead of the rest and supports economic growth as part of this government’s Plan for Change. 

    Today’s new law makes arbitration fairer and more efficient by simplifying procedures to reduce costs and protecting arbitrators from unreasonable lawsuits. It also strengthens the courts’ powers to support emergency arbitration so time-sensitive decisions can be made more easily. 

    International arbitration is a major and growing area of activity. Industry estimates suggest the sector grew by around 26% between 2016 and 2020, and in the past 10 years, UK exports of legal services have risen by more than 80%. 

    Cristen Bauer, Head of Policy, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, said:

    As the leading professional body globally for dispute resolvers, we are delighted to see the Arbitration Act reach Royal Assent. We worked closely with the UK Law Commission and other officials during the review of the Arbitration Act 1996, and were pleased that the majority of our recommendations were included in the final report, and that all of the review’s recommendations were adopted.

    The Arbitration Act will strengthen London’s position as an arbitration seat, and continue to set a high standard internationally. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of the Arbitration Act 2025 for many years ahead.

    This Act supports economic growth in a multi-billion-pound sector – the UK is the largest legal market in Europe and is second only to the US globally. 

    The new laws are the latest step in the government’s work to support the sector to grow. This includes the GREAT Legal Services campaign which was launched in 2017 to promote the strength of English and Welsh Law, the UK’s world-renowned independent judiciary, and our legal expertise to the global market.  

    The latest figures from 2022 show that the UK’s legal sector generated £34 billion. This will be enhanced by key agreements in recent months including with Japan, Greece and Malaysia to allow UK lawyers to practise abroad.  

    The government asked the Law Commission to review the law to ensure the UK remains ahead of the curve when it comes to dispute resolution. They consulted extensively before making recommendations which have been accepted in full.

    Once in force, the Arbitration Act will:   

    • Clarify which law underpins individual arbitration agreements thereby improving legal certainty and speeding up arbitrations.
    • Empower arbitrators to speed-up decisions on issues that have no real prospect of success to make arbitration more efficient.
    • Introduce a duty on arbitrators to tell parties any circumstances which could cast reasonable doubt on their impartiality in deciding an outcome of a dispute.
    • Empower the court to better support arbitration through orders supporting the actions of emergency arbitrators to enhance their effectiveness, and orders against third parties (those not involved in the proceedings) to for example preserve evidence or take witness evidence.
    • Extend arbitrator immunity against liability for resignations and the costs of the application to court for their removal, to support arbitrators to make impartial decisions.
    • Simplify court procedures related to arbitration to increase clarity as well as reduce delays and costs for parties.

    The new law will be commenced through regulations as soon as practicable.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston arrests illegal Guatemalan alien charged with armed home invasion, kidnapping crimes

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    PROVIDENCE, R.I. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended an illegally present Guatemalan national charged in Brockton, Massachusetts, with five counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of kidnapping, intimidation and armed home invasion when officers arrested Edilio Agustin-Orellana in Providence, Jan. 27.

    “Edilio Agustin-Orellana stands accused of some extremely egregious felonies and represents a significant threat to the residents of New England,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “We simply cannot tolerate such threats to our residents. ICE Boston remains dedicated to prioritizing the safety of our public by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from the streets of our communities.”

    The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Agustin after he illegally entered the United States Jan. 25, 2002, near Brownsville, Texas, and transferred custody to Immigration and Naturalization Services at the Port Isabel Detention Center in Los Fresnos, Texas. INS released Agustin on bond two weeks later.

    A Department of Justice immigration judge in Harlingen, Texas, ordered Agustin removed from the United States to Guatemala Sept. 23, 2002.

    The 6th Division District Court in Providence, Rhode Island, convicted Agustin Oct. 13, 2004, of eluding police, resisting arrest, and driving with suspended license. The court sentenced him to one year of probation and court costs.

    ICE encountered Agustin Nov. 13, 2006, following a subsequent arrest in Providence and lodged an immigration detainer against Agustin with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections

    ICE arrested Agustin Nov. 15, 2006, at the Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institute in Cranston and removed him from the U.S. to Guatemala Dec. 30, 2006.

    Border Patrol agents arrested Agustin after he illegally reentered the U.S. Feb. 7, 2007, near Ocotillo, California, and issued him a notice of intent/decision to reinstate a prior removal order. ICE removed Agustin from the U.S. to Guatemala Feb. 8, 2008.

    Agustin illegally reentered the U.S. Aug. 4, 2019, near Del Rio, Texas, and ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Agustin with Brockton District Court Feb. 20, 2024, following his arrest for armed home invasion. The Brockton District Court refused to honor the ICE detainer and released Agustin from custody.

    The Plymouth Superior Court in Brockton, Massachusetts, arraigned Agustin June 24, 2024, for five counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of kidnapping, intimidation and armed home invasion.

    ICE arrested Agustin, who was at large in Providence, Jan. 27. He remains in ICE custody.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X: @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ron McDowell on the SDLP opening a veritable Pandoras box for Republican funding

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV deputy leader Court Councillor Ron McDowell:

    “Struggling for relevance and seemingly desperate to find a niche for themselves in republican circles the SDLP this week launched anothetlr public attack on the funding of unionist bands through an article published by the Anderstown News group. The three bands in question received Arts Council funding for new instruments.

    “Ignoring for a moment the inaccuracies within the report regarding the playing style of the bands in question, the SDLP have written to the Arts Council to request that funding be returned by the bands after they attended a parade on the Shankill. Laying aside the already stated SDLP ignorance of the band fraternity in the article there is undoubtedly selective criticism from them on this issue.

    “For the record the TUV are quite happy to have this conversation, if the SDLP want to raise the issue of a band parading in a local parade for local people then let’s be consistent. The SDLP failed to mention the same awards pot being used to fund Sons of Ireland Flute band who have eulogised republicans such as Hunger Striker Kieran Lynch, IRA volunteer Kieran Doherty, republicans Henry Hogan and Declan Martin from the North Antrim Brigade on public social media forums.

    “Why stop there though? If we are to have a moral conscience on such funding as the SDLP have now developed we should be consistent and defund all terror fests. As the SDLP advocate lets now strip funding from any event that is used to glorify terror. Feile an Phobail for example received £114k from the Arts Council and £244k from Belfast City Council respectively. That’s £358k for a festival shrouded in controversy every year with the annual ‘up the Ra’ chanting with the festival engaging bands such as the Wolfetones and Shebeen.

    “The sad truth for Northern Ireland society in the 21st century is that ever since the SDLP leader John Hume held aloft Gerry Adams arms the sanitising of terrorism was enshrined as acceptable, when the DUP entered power sharing with Sinn Fein terror was sanitized more recently and for that reason the TUV have been consistent whilst the SDLP have been hypocrites. According to the latest security advice the IRA still control Sinn Fein, where are the SDLP on this? There has been millions of pounds of public money spent funding republican terror museums and the country is dotted with road side memorials to their heinous acts. Let’s be consistent, let’s claw back all terror related public funding and let’s then see the SDLP being ran out of West Belfast.

    “The definition of a bigot is to be prejudiced against or antagonistic towards a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular group. Let’s see this attack for what it is.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Say no to doorstep traders

    Source: Northern Ireland Direct

    Date published:

    There are dangers when you employ doorstep callers who offer to do improvement works to your property. You are advised not to use tradespeople who just turn up on the doorstep.

    Older and vulnerable people

    Some doorstep traders deliberately target older and vulnerable people who live alone.

    They call at their homes uninvited and offer to carry out home improvement works or repairs to a property.

    You could lose large sums of money for work that could prove to be of little value. 

    Also, people can sometimes feel intimidated and pressurised into agreeing to pay for additional work that they didn’t want or need.

    That work can then often result in people having to pay out large sums of money to legitimate traders to have the work fixed or finished.

    Local neighbourhood websites

    You should also be alert when using local neighbourhood websites where people post about the jobs they need doing, in the belief that they’ll avoid the sort of rogue traders who turn up on their doorstep. 

    The doorstep criminals have adapted their methods and now have a presence on these websites and often respond to such requests.

    The traders often use fake profiles and vastly under-quote for jobs to get a response.

    In reality, many of these traders are criminals who will charge vastly-inflated prices for shoddy work or for work that is not needed.

    In many cases, the trader will start work on the property immediately and then will leave it unfinished or in a very poor state of repair.

    What you can do

    To put off approaches from rogue traders in the first place you can place a sign in your door or window telling any doorstep callers looking for business that they are not welcome.

    You can point out the sign to any unwelcome callers and tell them that if they persist in trying to sell their services they may be committing a criminal offence.

    You can get ‘No Cold Calling’ signs and more help and advice from Trading Standards Service’s Consumerline. 

    The advice is:

    • don’t buy at the door – no matter who is calling or what they seem to be offering
    • consider fitting doorstep cameras and video doorbells
    • don’t open the door to anyone who turns up uninvited, no matter what their story is – keep the chain on
    • always take your time – legitimate traders will not rush you to make a decision
    • if possible, choose a trader who has been recommended by family or friends
    • get written quotes from at least three traders to compare prices
    • don’t pay until the job is finished to your satisfaction
    • watch out for vulnerable or older neighbours or family members
    • use the ‘Nominated Neighbour’ scheme 

    As well as the huge financial losses from using doorstep tradespeople, many people also suffer emotional trauma, the onset of health problems, and have a long fear of crime.

    More useful links

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New law to ban bonuses for polluting water bosses

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    New law to ban bonuses for polluting water bosses

    The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 has today received Royal Assent, boosting the powers of water sector regulators to tackle pollution.

    Major legislation to crack down on water bosses polluting Britain’s rivers, lakes and seas has today been signed into law in the most significant increase to enforcement powers in a decade.   

    The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 will give regulators new powers to take tougher and faster action to crack down on water companies damaging the environment and failing their customers.  

    The Act delivers on the manifesto pledges to clean up the water sector, including increasing the ability of the Environment Agency to bring forward criminal charges against water executives who break the law. It will create new tougher penalties, including possible imprisonment, for water executives who obstruct investigations.   

    The new legislation will provide powers for Ofwat to ban the payment of bonuses to water bosses if they fail to meet high standards to protect the environment, their consumers, and their company’s finances.     

    Other measures in the Act include automatic penalties to allow regulators to issue penalties more quickly, without having to direct resources to lengthy investigations. It will also introduce independent monitoring of every sewage outlet, with water companies required to publish real-time data for all emergency overflows. Discharges will have to be reported within an hour of the initial spill.  

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:

    “We promised to put water companies under tough special measures to clean up our waterways. Today, the Government has delivered on that promise as we continue to deliver on our Plan for Change.       

    “Polluting water bosses will no longer be paid undeserved bonuses. And if they break the law over water pollution, they could end up in the dock and face prison time. 

    “This is just the beginning. The Independent Water Commission will report back later this year to shape new laws that will transform our water system so we can clean up our rivers, lakes, and seas for good.” 

    The Act introduces bold new measures to clean up the industry, including:   

    • Enhanced enforcement powers: The Environment Agency will have increased ability to bring criminal charges against water bosses who break the law, who could face tougher penalties such as imprisonment of executives when companies fail to cooperate or obstruct investigations. The cost recovery powers of regulators will be expanded to ensure that water companies bear the cost of enforcement action taken in response to their failings.  

    • Ban on bonuses: Ofwat will have the power to set rules prohibiting the payment of executive bonuses if companies fail to meet high standards in protecting the environment, their consumers, and financial resilience.  

    • Automatic penalties: Automatic penalties will be introduced for a range of offences, allowing regulators to issue penalties more quickly without redirecting resources to lengthy investigations.   

    • Independent monitoring: Every emergency sewage outlet will be monitored, with data independently scrutinised and made publicly available within an hour of sewage spills occurring. This will ensure transparency and direct further investment to improving sewage infrastructure.   

    • Pollution Incident Reduction Plans (PIRPs): Water companies in England will be required to publish annual Pollution Incident Reduction Plans and report regularly on their progress, enabling the public and regulators to hold companies accountable for reducing pollution incidents.   

    The Act marks a major milestone in the government’s long-term approach to tackling the systemic issues in the water sector – helping to meet the challenges of the future, such as climate change, and driving economic growth.   

    Further legislation aimed at fundamentally transforming how our entire water system operates will be guided by the findings of the Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, which is currently conducting the largest review of the industry since privatisation.   

    Action taken so far 

    Immediate steps:   

    In his first week, the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed announced a series of initial steps towards ending the crisis in the water sector: 

    • After writing to Ofwat, the Secretary of State secured agreement that funding for vital infrastructure investment is ringfenced and can only be spent on upgrades benefiting customers and the environment not diverted for bonuses, dividends or salary increases.    

    • Water companies will place customers and the environment at the heart of their objectives. Companies have agreed to change their ‘Articles of Association’ – the rules governing each company – to make the interests of customers and the environment a primary objective.   

    • Consumers will gain new powers to hold water company bosses to account through powerful new customer panels. For the first time in history, customers will have the power to summon board members and hold water executives to account.   

    • Strengthen protection and compensation for households and businesses when their basic water services are affected. We have now doubled the compensation customers are legally entitled to when key standards are not met. The payments will also be triggered by a wider set of circumstances including Boil Water Notices.   

    Independent Commission:   

    • We have launched an Independent Commission into the water sector and its regulation, in what is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation.  

    • Former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, Jon Cunliffe, has been appointed as the chair of the Commission. With several decades of economic and regulatory experience, his appointment demonstrates the Government’s serious ambitions. The Commission will draw upon a panel of experts from across the regulatory, environment, health, engineering, customer, investor, and economic sectors.   

    • A set of recommendations will be delivered to the Defra Secretary of State, and Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.   

    • These recommendations will form the basis of further legislation to attract long-term investment and clean up our waters for good – injecting billions of pounds into the economy, speeding up delivery on infrastructure to support house building and addressing water scarcity, given the country needs to source an additional 5 billion litres of water a day by 2050.

    Further information:   

    Please see further details on the Water (Special Measures) Act here.

    Stakeholder quotes: 

    Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said:   

    “The passing into law of the Water (Special Measures) Act is a crucial step in making sure water companies take full responsibility for their impact on the environment.  

    “The increased regulatory powers introduced by this legislation will allow us to close the justice gap, deliver swifter enforcement action and ultimately deter illegal activity.   

    “Alongside these reforms, we are undertaking the biggest ever transformation to the way we regulate. By investing in additional resources, training and updated digital assets, we are ensuring the water system better meets the needs of both people and the environment, now and in the future.” 

    Huw Irranca-Davies, Wales’s Deputy First Minister for Wales with responsibility for Climate Change, said:  

    “Restoring our rivers and improving water quality is a key priority for us.  

    “We’ve been working in partnership with the UK Government to tackle pollution in our rivers, lakes, and seas, and to make sure the water industry is properly regulated.  

    “Today’s Royal Assent of the Special Measures Bill is another step forward and shows what we can achieve working together.” 

    Helen Campbell, Ofwat’s Senior Director for Sector Performance, said: 

    ‘’We welcome today’s Royal Assent of the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, which provides a clear signal to create a water sector that delivers for all customers and the environment.   

    “The Act gives Ofwat new powers to set requirements for companies on remuneration and governance, including prohibiting performance-related executive pay. These rules are an important step towards rebuilding public trust within the water sector, while also prompting water companies to focus on delivering a change in their culture that better meets the expectations of their customers. 

    “We are working at pace to implement these new rules and intend to launch consultations on the final proposals later this year.” 

    Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), said: 

    “Repairing people’s fractured trust in the water sector requires not only a vast improvement in environmental performance, but also a sea change in water company culture so customers’ priorities are put before profit.  

    “It will take time to transform the water sector, but these new legal powers mark an important step in tackling two issues which make people’s blood boil – water company executives being rewarded for failure and pollution in our rivers, lakes, and seas.  

    “Water companies will be placing much bigger demands on billpayers’ finances over the next five years, so people have a right to expect far more for their money.” 

    Mark Lloyd, Rivers Trust CEO, said:   

    “The Water Special Measures Bill is a welcome first step from the government towards building a water system which restores nature, builds resilience to drought and flooding, and tackles the widespread issues of pollution.  

    “We welcome the improvements made to the bill in its passage through the Lords and the Government’s acceptance of amendments strengthening the environment duty of Ofwat and a greater emphasis on Nature Based Solutions.   

    “We are engaging closely with the current Independent Water Commission which we see as a once in a generation opportunity to take several more, and bolder steps towards a more integrated and catchment-based approach to managing water.” 

    “We welcome Royal Assent of the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, an important step toward cleaning up the freshwater environment. Regulators must make decisive use of new enforcement powers wherever companies continue to pollute, and Ofwat should make the most of new financial disclosure rules to ensure that funds that ought to be spent cleaning up rivers are never again siphoned off for profit.  

    “As the Government has recognised, the Act is just a first step. It must be followed promptly by further legislation and action to clamp down on pollution and ramp up environmental investment across whole catchments and across all the sectors responsible for polluting our rivers.” 

    Ali Morse, Water Policy Manager at the Wildlife Trusts, said:  

    “It’s encouraging to see The Water (Special Measures) Act bringing welcome powers and resourcing for regulators, as well as protections for the environment, with additional sewage spill monitoring and a focus on reducing pollution. These are topics that customers really care about. It lays important groundwork for the future legislative changes which are vital to ensure that the water sector can achieve what it needs to in the interests of its customers, and the rivers, lakes, and seas which people cherish. 

    “The work of the Independent Water Commission offers a once in a generation opportunity to reshape the way that we secure the improvements our waters desperately need, across catchment and sectors, and we’ll continue to work with the Commission and Government to ensure that these vital changes are driven forward.” 

    Jamie Cook, Angling Trust CEO, said:  

    “We welcome the government’s early action on water pollution with this bill. The behaviour of water companies is a national scandal, and illegal sewage pollution must result in prosecutions.  

    “The Angling Trust’s network of water-testing volunteers regularly exposes horrendous pollution in waterways and damage done to fisheries. The Environment Agency must use its powers to prosecute any law-breaking water bosses and address any illegal sewage spills uncovered in its long-standing investigation into potential permit breaches.  

    “This bill is a first step toward cleaning up waterways and fixing the regulatory system. The Independent Water Commission must now drive systemic reform, leading to a stronger water bill later in this Parliament—one that transforms water management and safeguards rivers, lakes, seas, and the fish that depend on them.” 

    Ben Seal, Head of Access and Environment at Paddle UK, said: 

    “Paddle UK and The Clean Water Sports Alliance welcomes the Water (Special Measures) Act receiving Royal Assent today. This legislation is a shot across the bows of polluting companies. Banning bonuses for failures and issuing tougher penalties is a very welcome first step by the Government – a down payment on the promised future reform that our broken system so desperately needs” 

    “Enjoying time in, on, or alongside water is vitally important in supporting the health and wellbeing of millions of people. Our community has campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the impact pollution is having on both people and nature. We will be watching closely to ensure that these new powers are used to their fullest, to hold polluters to account and begin to restore our precious blue spaces”. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met officer dismissed for football hooliganism

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A Met officer has been dismissed without notice for football hooliganism, and handed a three-year banning order.

    A misconduct hearing was held last week for Arsenal supporter Detective Constable Gordon Irikefe, attached to Central South Command Unit, following his behaviour at a Bayern Munich v Arsenal match.

    The officer also attended Westminster Magistrates’ Court today, Monday 24 February, in relation to his actions at Arsenal matches between October 2022 and April 2024.

    Detective Superintendent Emma Bond, in charge of policing for the Central South area, said: “DC Irikefe has shown an unacceptable pattern of behaviour at football matches, for anyone, let alone a police officer who should uphold the highest of standards whether on or off duty.

    “His actions have not only seen him now subject to a football banning order, but have also cost him his job.

    ”I am grateful to professional standards and football unit colleagues for pulling together the evidence in this case to ensure we have been able to take decisive action.”

    A misconduct hearing was held on Thursday, 20 February following allegations DC Irikefe lit and threw a pyrotechnic into the crowd at a football match in Munich while off duty on Wednesday, 17 April last year.

    DC Irikefe was also arrested that day by German police for wearing a full balaclava and sunglasses inside the stadium. He was fined 100 Euros for the ‘masking’ offence.

    The hearing found he had breached the standards of professional behaviour for discreditable conduct at the level of gross misconduct.

    DC Irikefe resigned on Wednesday, 12 February but his notice period meant he was still a serving officer when his misconduct hearing was held, therefore he was dismissed without notice.

    He appeared at court today after investigating officers from the Met’s Central Football Unit made an application for a football banning order to prevent violence and disorder. DC Irikefe had been served with a summons on Thursday, 10 October.

    The court heard that since October 2022 DC Irikefe had come to police notice on numerous occasions for disorderly and anti-social behaviour at football matches, including the matters in Germany for which he had also been disciplined, receiving management action.

    In February 2023 he was heard ‘tragedy chanting’ at a Leicester City march, shouting ‘helicopter’. Other allegations included making lewd gestures and shouting abuse at a substitute player, ‘masking up’ to conceal his identify and intimating other fans including using pyrotechnics.

    The order was granted and will be in place for the next three years. DC Irikefe is banned from attending any regulated football matches in the UK and must surrender his passport when asked to do so in relation to football matches played outside the UK.

    He cannot go within one mile of the Emirates stadium if Arsenal are playing four hours before and after the match, nor visit any town, city or London borough four hours before and after an away match.

    He must not go without two miles of any stadium where the England national team are playing four hours before and after the match.

    Following his dismissal, DC Irikefe will also be placed on the barred list held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Media reporting of child homicide victims

    Source: Scottish Government

    Work to begin with stakeholders on non-legislative measures following consultation.

    The responses to a public consultation on media reporting of child homicide victims have been published.

    The 12-week consultation sought views on possible legislative and non-legislative approaches to reduce trauma that media reporting of child homicide cases can cause grieving loved-ones.

    The consultation heard from bereaved families, victim support organisations, children’s organisations, media and legal organisations and legal academics.

    After careful consideration of the responses, the Scottish Government has concluded that legislation would not be an effective way of dealing with the complexities of media reporting on child homicide cases. The consultation made clear there would be serious difficulties in developing legislation that could strike a balance between privacy rights and freedom of expression, and also be practically enforced.

    The Scottish Government will now work with stakeholders on non-legislative measures that could improve the experiences of families affected by reporting on child homicide cases. This includes supporting the development of guidance for journalists by media, victims organisations and regulators; exploring the potential for journalism courses, newsrooms or regulators to offer bespoke training for journalists; and working with Victim Support Scotland to consider how media guidance provided to bereaved families could be enhanced.

    Justice Secretary Angela Constance said:

    “I have great sympathy for the distress felt by bereaved families in child homicide cases, which can be compounded by the significant media attention that such cases attract, often well beyond the death and any court case if there is one.

    “I am grateful to everyone who responded to the consultation for their thoughtful, reasoned and heartfelt views, which I considered very carefully. What is clear is that there needs to be more sensitive media reporting in child homicide cases, while striking a balance between a right to privacy and freedom of expression.

    “I do not consider that legislation would be an effective way of dealing with the complexities of reporting on child homicide cases, or flexible enough to cover the diverse circumstances of cases and the people affected by them. Any legislative approach would also likely criminalise ordinary human responses to the tragedy of a child’s death, such as public tributes.

    “However, I understand that more could be done to highlight the impact on families and we will work with stakeholders on a range of non-legislative actions.”

    Background

    Consultation on media reporting on child homicide victims and next steps

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dr. Swati Dhingra reappointed to the Monetary Policy Committee

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Dr. Swati Dhingra reappointed to the Monetary Policy Committee

    Dr. Swati Dhingra has been reappointed as an external member to the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has announced.

    Her three-year term was due to end on 8 August 2025. Following her appointment for a second term, Dr. Dhingra will continue to hold the post until 8 August 2028.

    Dr. Swati Dhingra is an Associate Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics (LSE), and an Associate of the Centre for Economic Performance at LSE. Her research has been funded by the Economic and Social Research Council; European Research Council; International Growth Centre; UK Research and Innovation; and she was awarded the Office for National Statistics’ Research Excellence People’s Choice Award 2019. 

    From 1 January 2023, Dr. Swati Dhingra has been Director of the Review of Economic Studies. She has also been a member of the UK’s Trade Modelling Review Expert Panel and the LSE’s Economic Diplomacy Commission.

    About the reappointment process 

    Reappointments are not automatic, and each case is considered on its own merits. This reappointment was made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in line with the requirements of the Governance Code for Public Appointments.

    About the Monetary Policy Committee 

    The independent MPC makes decisions about the operation of monetary policy. It comprises of the Governor of the Bank of England, three Deputy Governors, the Bank of England’s Chief Economist and four external members. External members, who are appointed by the Chancellor, may serve up to two three-year terms on the MPC. 

    The appointment of external members to the MPC is designed to ensure that the Committee benefits from thinking and expertise in addition to that gained inside the Bank. Each member of the MPC has expertise in the field of economics and monetary policy. They are independent and do not represent particular groups or areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: GPs to launch ‘Nature Prescriptions’ with RSPB Scotland

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Three GP practices in Aberdeen have teamed up with RSPB Scotland, with support from Aberdeen City Council to roll out ‘Nature Prescriptions’, a pilot initiative designed to increase patients’ physical and mental health through a greater connection with local nature.  

    A ‘Nature Prescription’ is a guided conversation with a healthcare professional and patient which explores how wellbeing can be improved through a deeper connection with nature. Alongside the conversation, a ‘Nature Prescription Calendar’ is provided which contains seasonal activities, tailored to the local area.

    The calendar was informed by a community co-creation session supported by Aberdeen City Council. Suggested activities include spending time in a favourite nature space close to home, looking for signs of changing seasons, and recording the nature you see through photos, drawings or writing.

    Councillor Christian Allard, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council and Chair of Community Planning Aberdeen, said: “Research shows how spending time outdoors and being at one with nature helps people’s physical and mental wellbeing, which is why it is a key objective of Community Planning Aberdeen and the city’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP).

    “By being part of RSPB Scotland’s Nature Prescriptions initiative, local GP Practices in Aberdeen can offer their patients the opportunity to connect with nature on their doorstep through a calendar of local events and activities.  It’s a great initiative, which we hope more local GP Practices will sign up to.”

    Dawn James, RSPB Scotland Community Engagement Officer, said: “With a growing body of evidence that nature connection is important for our health and wellbeing, taking time in nature can be crucial. RSPB Nature Prescriptions can help patients build their relationship with nature in a meaningful way to improve wellbeing with support from a healthcare professional.

    “We are excited to be collaborating with GPs and Aberdeen City Council to deliver the project for people in the area. Included in the calendar are varied accessible activities which reflect nature and wildlife across Aberdeen which were informed by feedback from the local community. It’s encouraging to see nature have an increasing role in the toolkit of healthcare professionals across Scotland and we hope this will help many patients kickstart a stronger relationship with the nature around them to help better support their health.”

    Dr Adrain Crofton, Lead Clinician, Torry Medical Practice said: “We have a wonderful resource of parks, woods, seashore and rivers in Aberdeen. We now know that even the smallest contact with nature, of being outside observing and appreciating plants, other creatures or the flow of the seasons is of incredible value to our health and sense of wellbeing.

    “This locality-specific and user-friendly programme designed by RSPB Scotland is an excellent tool for us to give to patients who feel this might be something they would like to try but might not otherwise know where to start. The materials are of a high quality and very easy and fun to follow.

    “The great advantage of the nature prescription is that it is all on your doorstep and is something that can help anyone at any stage of life, and it’s free. In many ways, that makes it one of the best treatments we have”.

    A growing body of evidence finds that connection to nature can benefit physical and mental health in varied ways including reducing stress, boosting the immune system, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and improved memory and concentration.

    The Nature Prescription initiative was first trialled in Scotland in Shetland and in five GP practices across Edinburgh. 74% of patients who took part in the trial reported having benefitted and 91% of prescribing health professionals stated that they would continue to offer Nature Prescriptions. Since then, further trial schemes have been launched across Scotland including Orkney and Argyll and Bute, as well as in other parts of the UK.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bill McKay Trophy

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    AN ANNUAL award given to Dundee City Council’s Construction Services Apprentice of the Year has been picked up this year by an electrician.

    Lee Millar, in his second year as an electrician, was presented with the Bill McKay Trophy on Friday (February 21).

    Second year painter, Caitlin Vannet was the 2025 runner-up in the competition which recognises the apprentice who has achieved the best results at college and work during their apprenticeship.

    The trophy itself was donated in memory of the late Bill McKay, deputy director of Public Works (now part of the council’s neighbourhood services) from 1984 to 1993.

    Lynne Short, deputy convener of Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee who attended the prize-giving said: “A big well done to Lee for picking up this year’s award and to Cailin for a tremendous second place.

    “We should never underestimate the amount of hard work it takes for a young person to get this level of recognition from their peers and skilled trades people, both at college and on the tools.

    “Lee and Caitlin are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to hard-working apprentices in construction services putting in the effort to learn a trade for themselves, and with it helping the people of the city get their homes and buildings to the highest possible standards.”

    Lee picked up the winners’ plaque and a tool voucher for £125, while Caitlin took home the runner up plaque and a tool voucher for £75.

    Cllr Short, added: “Apprentices and other recruits can pick up valuable skills and opportunities through their roles with Construction services, which plays a major role in the council.

    “The council’s apprenticeship schemes, as a whole, contribute to helping our young people reach their full potential.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Trains overspeeding in south Wales

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Trains overspeeding in south Wales

    Trains overspeeding in blanket speed restrictions in south Wales, 27 January 2025.

    The start point of one of the blanket speed restrictions at Bishton (courtesy of Network Rail).

    Between 11:33 and 14:08 on 27 January 2025, at least eight trains did not observe blanket speed restrictions of 50 mph (80 km/h) that had been imposed at two locations along the South Wales Main Line. The speed restrictions were in place because of forecast high winds between Neath and Swansea, and an associated hazard from high-risk trees between Bishton and Newport.

    Although some of these trains travelled at speeds significantly above the imposed restrictions, there were no reported consequences.

    We have undertaken a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding this incident. Having assessed the evidence which has been gathered to date, we have decided to publish a safety digest.

    The safety digest will be made available on our website in the next few weeks.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of Lord-Lieutenant for Stirling and Falkirk: 24 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Appointment of Lord-Lieutenant for Stirling and Falkirk: 24 February 2025

    The King has been pleased to appoint Colonel Charles Wallace DL as His Lord-Lieutenant for Stirling and Falkirk.

    The King has been pleased to appoint Colonel Charles Wallace DL as His Lord-Lieutenant for Stirling and Falkirk, to succeed Alan Simpson CVO, OBE, FRSE following his retirement on 15th February 2025.

    Background

    Charles Wallace spent 35 years in the Army serving across the world from the Falkland Islands to Brunei and Hong Kong; and from India and Nepal to North America. He was on operational service in Northern Ireland, with the UN in the Former Yugoslavia (Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia), in Iraq and Afghanistan where, as the Chief Planner in Helmand Province, he was awarded the US Bronze Star.

    Charles was the Scottish Veterans Commissioner from September 2018 to March 2022. Deeply committed to addressing the challenges that individuals and their families face after military service, he sought innovative and novel approaches to highlight the impressive talent this group of people bring to our society.  He has been the Chairman of the Scottish Veterans Fund Panel and of the Highland and Lowland Brigades Club as well as the Vice Chairman (Army) for the Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.  He remains a trustee on the Royal Company of Archers Charitable Trust.

    He is currently the Secretary to the King’s Body Guard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers.  As Secretary, he was instrumental in orchestrating over 390 Archers across 21 different duties during the period of Mourning and State Funeral for the late Queen Elizabeth II in Scotland and London in 2022 and for the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Third Caithness Area Place Plan public engagement event takes place in Lybster

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The first public drop-in sessions held last week in Wick and Thurso saw many residents coming forward to provide their views on what should be in the new Caithness Area Place Plan.  At the same time, they were able to find out more and make comment about the Council’s Highland Investment Plan, Highland Local Delivery Plan and feed into the consultation on the Visitor Tourism Levy.

    These successful sessions saw residents from across Caithness being asked for their views and priorities across a number of themes including health and well-being; housing and population; transport and getting around; nature and environment; work and economy; community facilities and services.  An evening on-line session was also held for those not able to attend in person.

    The final drop-in session which will focus on the Area Place Plan, is being held in Lybster Community Hall from 2pm – 5pm on Wednesday 26 February. 

    There is also an opportunity to respond to the survey and pop your ideas on the virtual noticeboard. Young people will also find a specific “ideas board” so encourage the whole family to submit their comments.  The survey and ideas boards will be available on-line until Friday 7 March after which the draft Area Place Plan will be considered by Caithness Committee.

    Caithness Committee Chair Councillor Ron Gunn said, “We were delighted to see so many people come along to the engagement sessions which covered a number of plans and projects which are currently in development.  However, we would also welcome further engagement and hope as many people as possible will come along to the final drop-in session in Lybster or visit the website and leave their ideas there.”

    24 Feb 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Funding applications now open to support events for Dingwall 800 celebrations in 2026

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    In 2026, the Royal Burgh of Dingwall will recognise and celebrate the 800th anniversary of becoming a Royal Burgh.  This landmark anniversary will see a year of celebration with a wide range of activities being planned to mark this historic event.

    Recognising the importance of this key year, The Highland Council is now accepting funding applications which will support events which contribute to the Dingwall 800 celebrations.  The funding has been made available from the Place Based Investment Fund established initially to offset the four harms of Covid identified as direct health harms; health impacts not directly related to Covid; societal impacts and economic impacts.

    Chair of the Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee, Cllr Graham MacKenzie said: “We are delighted to be able to financially support the community as we come together to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Dingwall becoming a Royal Burgh.”

    The total fund available is £10,000 and applications for up to £2,000 are open to eligible groups from today, information on fund criteria, eligible applicants and how to apply can be found using the following link: https://www.highland.gov.uk/dingwall800fund

    24 Feb 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from Mid Ulster District of Northern Ireland in UK suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (February 24) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in the Mid Ulster District of Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom (UK), the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

         A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 910 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 1.34 million poultry eggs from the UK last year.

         “The CFS has contacted the British authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Westminster to tackle badly parked e-bikes with permanent parking bays | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    Westminster City Council is proposing to make parking bays for hire e-bikes permanent following an 18-month trial. 

    The network of 350 physical and virtual parking bays was introduced across the City of Westminster since 2023 as part of a e-bike parking bays trial, with the aim of reducing the number of abandoned bikes blocking pavements and creating safety hazards for disabled and partially sighted pedestrians. 

    The explosion in popularity of dockless e-bikes since 2021 has had a number of benefits for Westminster – more cycle journeys (around 600,000 per month) contributing to better air quality and improved health of Westminster’s residents as well as reducing carbon emissions resulting from short journeys. Research from CoMoUK shows that around half of bike share users are already cycling, while the other half are taking it up for the first time or returning to cycling after a break of a year or more.

    However, during this same period, the council has also been inundated with thousands of complaints about abandoned bikes in the middle of the pavement.

    Since 2023, the council has repurposed hundreds of underused car parking bays and introduced geo-fenced ‘virtual’ bays. It is now proposing to make 177 physical bays permanent parking spaces for hire e-bikes. And there are plans to consult on expanding the network to increase the number of bays.  

    Riders using Lime or Forest bikes who end their journeys in Westminster must park their bikes in these locations or face steep penalties. The council has worked closely with operators Lime and Forest to identify suitable locations for the bays and has lobbied bike companies to increase their fines on irresponsible users. 

    Bike companies operating in Westminster employ a team of ‘rangers’ who patrol the parking bays and streets to ensure that e-bikes are properly parked and to move any which are blocking the pavement. However, the council has used its powers under the Highways Act (1980) to seize abandoned bikes which it deems to be an “imminent danger” to public safety.

    Westminster City Council has repeatedly called for the government to introduce legislation to address the limited regulatory powers to manage dockless bike schemes in England, and has welcomed the English Devolution White Paper.

    Councillor Max Sullivan, Cabinet Member for Streets, said: 

    “Cycling is a great way to get around the city and, as a council, we want to make it as easy as possible to hop on a bike — but too often shared e-bikes in Westminster cause obstruction on our pavements.

    “That’s why I’m glad to confirm that our network of e-bike parking bays will continue to be a feature of Westminster streets, and part of lessening the impact on pedestrians of the over 600,000 journeys by shared e-bike per month in our borough.

    “This combined with fines from bike companies for irresponsible parking and the Council’s powers to seize abandoned bikes will help ensure Westminster’s streets remain clear and accessible for everyone.

    “The council welcomes the Government’s English Devolution White Paper and wants to see a new regulatory framework so councils can control e-bike hire schemes in their area.

    At the same time, we’re rolling our more secure cycle parking for residents, with another 41 hangers by the end of March, providing 246 parking spaces, so that more residents can choose to own and store their own bike, and accelerating the delivery of protected cycleways across Westminster.”

    The Cabinet Member for Streets is due to take a formal decision on the report on 28 February. The report can be found here. https://committees.westminster.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2660

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Vehicle theft equipment to be banned under new government law

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Vehicle theft equipment to be banned under new government law

    Possession or distribution of electronic devices used to commit vehicle theft will be banned, carrying a maximum sentence of 5 years.

    Sophisticated electronic devices used by criminals in 40% of vehicle thefts in England and Wales will be banned under new laws, as part of the government’s mission to make the nation’s streets safer.

    Having your vehicle stolen is a costly and distressing experience for victims. It disrupts livelihoods, stopping people from working and from seeing their families.

    As the government works to prevent crimes from impacting working people’s lives, police officers and the courts will be given new powers to target criminals who steal vehicles using electronic devices, including ‘signal jammers’, along with the organised groups who manufacture and supply these devices. 

    Previously, prosecution for handling these devices was only possible if it could be proved by police that they had been used to commit a specific crime.

    Under these new laws, anyone who is found in possession of one, or to have imported, made, adapted or distributed them, could receive a maximum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine. The burden of proof will instead fall on the owner to prove they were using the device for a legitimate purpose, to avoid being prosecuted.

    This new measure acts on a key milestone in our Plan for Change to protect our neighbourhoods and is part of the government’s flagship Crime and Policing Bill, which will be introduced to Parliament on Tuesday.  

    Minister for Policing, Crime and Fire Prevention, Dame Diana Johnson, said:

    These thefts have a devastating effect on victims, who need their vehicles to go about their everyday lives. We are aware of the real concerns people feel with the use of these electronic devices being so prolific.

    This is why we are introducing new laws focused on tackling this issue at source, which is what our Safer Streets mission and Plan for Change are all about. These new laws will prevent these devices from getting into the hands of thieves and organised crime groups.

    We will also continue to work closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, which includes supporting their National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership, which brings together the police and manufacturers to clamp down on vehicle crime.

    The most common way theft from a vehicle – or the theft of the vehicle itself – occurs is with the use of these electronic devices, with keyless repeaters and signal amplifiers being used to scramble the signal from remote locking devices.

    According to the 2022 to 2023 Crime Survey for England and Wales, an offender manipulated a signal from a remote locking device in 40% of thefts of vehicles. There were also 732,000 incidents of vehicle-related theft in the year ending September 2024.

    The Metropolitan Police Service estimates that, in London, signal jammers are used in approximately 60% of vehicle theft.

    A significant proportion of vehicle theft is driven by organised crime groups, as there is a demand for stolen vehicles, which means this is a highly attractive and lucrative area for criminals to gain profit. Organised criminals are constantly trying to find ways to overcome security measures on vehicles, even in the latest models, by exploiting vulnerabilities in vehicles and new technologies.

    In support of the new measures, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:

    With government statistics showing an average of 370 vehicles being stolen every day, outlawing the possession and distribution of signal jammers cannot come soon enough and we welcome the government’s action on this.

    Having your car stolen is not only a violation, it causes massive amounts of stress and inconvenience as well as higher insurance costs for the individual concerned and drivers generally.

    AA president, Edmund King, said:

    This is a positive step, and these tougher sentences should make would-be thieves think again before stealing cars. As fast as vehicle technology has evolved, thieves have always tried to keep pace and beat the security systems.

    Relay theft and signal jamming is all too frequent and these measures will give police forces more opportunities to tackle car crime.

    ACC Jenny Sims, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for vehicle crime said:

    We welcome the announcement of new offences to criminalise the possession, manufacture, sale and supply of signal jammers which have provided an easily accessible tool for criminals to use in the theft of vehicles for far too long.

    These devices have no legitimate purpose, apart from assisting in criminal activity, and reducing their availability will support policing and industry in preventing vehicle theft which is damaging to both individuals and businesses.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $25 million to ease congestion on Toongabbie Bridge

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Albanese Labor Government is building Australia’s future, investing $25 million to upgrade Wentworth Avenue and reduce congestion on Toongabbie Bridge. 

    Toongabbie Bridge is a critical connection road for residents of Western Sydney, impacting traffic flow between Parramatta and Seven Hills, as well as access to Westmead Hospital. 

    It is also one of the few connections across the rail line, and the only local crossing linking to the major arterials, including Seven Hills Road, Prospect Highway and the Cumberland and Great Western Highways.

    With a single lane in each direction, the 70+ year old bridge is a known pinch-point which experiences severe congested, especially during peak periods. 

    Today’s investment will focus on easing congestion on the bridge by increasing and improving traffic flow along Wentworth Avenue.

    The upgrades are expected to include intersection upgrades and lane widening, and will support increased productivity and improved liveability for residents and motorists of Toongabbie and its surrounds. 

    With significant population and economic growth predicted within Cumberland, Blacktown and Parramatta Local Government Areas, further pressure on the local transport network surrounding Toongabbie is anticipated.

    Recent planning and analysis of traffic around the bridge showed that notwithstanding the constraining nature of the bridge itself, significant congestion was due to intersections on Wentworth Avenue, either side of the bridge.

    The final project scope and delivery timeframes will be determined in consultation with the New South Wales Government, Cumberland City Council, Parramatta City Council and Blacktown Council. 

    This builds on the Australian Government’s existing investment of $18 billion for infrastructure projects in Western Sydney. 

    Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

    “We’re building Australia’s future right here in Western Sydney, currently investing $18 billion into Western Sydney’s infrastructure.

    “We know how important the Toongabbie fix is to the community here and the knock-on effect it has on the Western Sydney road network. 

    “We’re giving hours back to Toongabbie locals, Westmead workers and everyone in between with this record investment in Toongabbie Bridge.” 

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Parramatta Andrew Charlton:

    “This bridge has been a nightmare for forty years. Everyone said they were going to fix it – today we’re doing it. I went into bat with our community for Toongabbie; to get this fixed once and for all and Minister King backed us because this government builds and delivers. 

    “This investment will cut congestion, slash travel times, and make life easier for local residents who rely on this connection every day.”

    Quotes attributable to State Member for Prospect Hugh McDermott MP:

    “I’m really pleased I can work with Andrew Charlton to get this done. Andrew has delivered $25m to get the bridge upgrade finished and done.”

    Quotes attributable to Parramatta Councillor Sameer Pandey:

    “I am delighted the bridge is finally getting done. This is an excellent commitment that will help the community.”

    Quotes attributable to Cumberland City Council Mayor Ola Hamed:

    “This funding will place Council in a strong position to take the design work from concept to reality.

    “The Cumberland community has been voicing concerns over the traffic congestion in this area for many years so this funding will be welcome news to so many who have borne the inconvenience of this bottleneck for so long.

    “Council is appreciative of the Federal Government’s allocation of this money to build the much-needed infrastructure for our community, and we look forward to seeing the project come to life, complementing our planned public domain upgrades to the Toongabbie town centre”.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A 380-million-year-old fossil ‘fish’ from Scotland has been discovered in Australia

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gavin Charles Young, Departmental Visitor, Materials Physics, Research School of Physics, Australian National University

    3D printouts of the _Palaeospondylus australis_ holotype, enlarged x20. Carole Burrow

    Queensland is renowned for its fossils of Australia’s largest back-boned animals – dinosaurs, of course, like the Jurassic Rhoetosaurus, the Cretaceous Wintonotitan, and other large sauropods.

    However, our new paper published in the journal National Science Review documents the smallest vertebrate fossil animal described so far from the state.

    It’s a highly enigmatic tiny “fish” from a remote location close to the Northern Territory border. It lived in the shallow margins of a marine environment about 400 million years ago.

    A scattering of its skeletal elements was preserved in a small limestone outcrop at the southern end of the Toomba Range, on the edge of the Simpson Desert.

    Palaeospondylus, a fossil enigma

    Our paper describes a new species of the genus Palaeospondylus, only the second known. Remarkably, for the last 135 years, Palaeospondylus has been represented by a single species that lived in northern Scotland, on the other side of the world from our discovery.

    Unlike nearly all fossil fish of that age, Palaeospondylus was “naked”, lacking external dermal bones and scales. But it did have a mineralised internal skeleton.

    It is the oldest example from the fossil record to show a segmented vertebral column (a sort of backbone), hence its name – Greek for “ancient vertebra”.

    Palaeospondylus gunni specimen from Achanarras Quarry, northern Scotland.
    Carole Burrow

    The type species Palaeospondylus gunni is known from thousands of fairly complete specimens, almost all from a single flagstone quarry.

    When first described in 1890, it attracted a flurry of competing interpretations in Europe and North America. Which group of animals did it belong to?

    Since its discovery, it has been assigned to almost all major jawless and jawed vertebrate groups. All specimens were compressed, making the skeletal elements “melt” together. Imagination has always played a great role in trying to identify its parts.

    Even after the advent of 3D scanning, three recent studies reached different conclusions. According to those, Palaeospondylus was related either to chondrichthyans (sharks), or tetrapods (the land vertebrates). Or maybe it was a stem jawed vertebrate – branching separately from the base of the evolutionary tree for all vertebrates with jaws.

    The Queensland Palaeospondylus

    The story of discovery of our new Queensland species, Palaeospondylus australis, began in 1977.

    In the 1960s, geologist Reg Sprigg had predicted oil and gas beneath the northern Simpson Desert. The Bureau of Mineral Resources was conducting seismic surveys and microfossil sampling across the Georgina Basin, immediately to the north.

    Microfossils are tiny fossils that can only be studied with a microscope, but are crucial to determining the age of the rock. Numerous sedimentary rock samples are collected, preferably limestones, because these can be dissolved in acid. The insoluble microfossils can then be identified and studied in the acid residues.

    In 1977, I collected bits of limestone from an obscure gully in the Cravens Peak Beds, the sandstone forming the main ridge of the Toomba Range. Surprisingly, these produced a rich collection of Devonian fish microfossils. This was the first evidence that an arm of the sea had extended into central Australia during the Early Devonian (about 400 million years ago).

    The 1977 Cravens Peak limestone samples before being processed in acid.
    Carole Burrow

    In the 2000s, palaeontologist Carole Burrow at the Queensland Museum was investigating the internal structure of Devonian fish microfossils to assist in dating the rocks.

    In the Cravens Peak samples, she noticed some distinctively shaped, tiny elements composed of an unusual honeycomb-like tissue. Carole hypothesised this could be a new species of Palaeospondylus, the only record from outside Scotland.

    So, in 2006, we organised another field trip to this remote location.

    The 2006 field trip participants (Tim Senden, Tim Holland, Carole Burrow, John Long, Gavin Young) looking south from the end of the Toomba Range, the last rock outcrop for around 500 km across the Simpson Desert.
    Bruce Burrow

    Returning to the Queensland Museum after our field trip, Carole’s colleague from the Netherlands, palaeontologist Jan den Blaauwen, sent her new images showing similar honeycomb-like structure in the Scottish Palaeospondylus gunni.

    Carole was acid-etching the newly collected samples so she could extract any microfossils. Luckily, she noticed a slightly larger specimen appearing on the rock surface (although still tiny, only about 3.6 millimetres long). It was highly interesting because it seemed bilaterally symmetrical.

    Could this be a braincase (the bony capsule inside the skull that encloses the brain)? She immediately stopped acid etching before it disintegrated into crumbs.

    Palaeospondylus australis holotype, QMF 52826, ventral braincase exposed on the limestone surface by acid etching (left), and trimmed for CT scanning (right).
    Carole Burrow, Gavin Young

    The first uncrushed braincase

    At the Australian National University, our sample was carefully trimmed before CT scanning, revealing the first uncrushed braincase of Palaeospondylus known to science.

    It’s now the holotype – defining type specimen – for our new species. And we have about 400 other elements with the same honeycomb structure which belong to it, too.

    The unique uncrushed preservation of this braincase, revealed by CT scanning and 3D printing techniques, provides the first details of brain structure in this tiny animal from 400 million years ago.

    These include the shape of the cranial cavity and inner ear canals, the position of the pituitary gland and optic nerve openings, and details of the carotid arteries and jugular veins for blood supply to the brain.

    3D scan image, the first view of the upper braincase surface of Palaeospondylus, showing the large opening into the cranial cavity.
    Jing Lu/Insitute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Beijing

    More questions remain

    It is noteworthy that our curiosity-driven research into ancient brain morphology can be traced back to economically driven geological surveys of nearly 50 years ago, conducted to support exploration for oil and gas across central Australia.

    As with any research result, there are now new questions to be investigated. The honeycomb tissue seems unique to Palaeospondylus, but could be a precursor to calcified cartilage of some other groups, including modern sharks.

    Alternatively, it could be an early evolutionary stage for the spongy tissue (endochondral bone) filling the inside of most bones in modern land vertebrates, including humans.

    The unique holotype of our new species clearly shows that previous interpretations of the crushed Scottish material included many structures that were not part of the braincase.

    We’ve also now demonstrated that a recent study in the leading science journal Nature, which proposed that Palaeospondylus was closely related to our tetrapod ancestors, relied on many erroneous interpretations of braincase structure.

    Of one thing we can be sure – Palaeospondylus was not a stem tetrapod.

    Acknowledgements: Carole Burrow from Queensland Museum contributed greatly to this article.

    Gavin Charles Young has received funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. A 380-million-year-old fossil ‘fish’ from Scotland has been discovered in Australia – https://theconversation.com/a-380-million-year-old-fossil-fish-from-scotland-has-been-discovered-in-australia-250054

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘It’s disgusting that they can get away with this’: here’s how eviction can affect tenants’ lives

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Morris, Professor, Institute for Public Policy and Governance, University of Technology Sydney

    For people relying on rental properties to keep a roof over their heads, there are few things more scary than the possibility of being evicted from their home.

    The paucity of official statistics makes it difficult to know exactly how common evictions are. In 2019–20, 13.8% of private renters moved due to their lease being terminated or not renewed.

    Besides a report or two, we know little about what happens when households face the possibility of being evicted, or are actually evicted.

    Our research examines these consequences. Through in-depth interviews with 53 private tenants in New South Wales and Queensland, we found these experiences negatively shaped people’s lives well into the future. Here are four themes we identified.

    1. Poor mental health

    The ease with which landlords can terminate a tenant’s occupation evoked persistent anxiety for most of the interviewees (the interviews were conducted prior to the scrapping of no-grounds eviction in NSW, though such evictions are still allowed in other states and territories).

    This was especially so for low-income tenants.

    When interviewed, Susan* had recently been evicted from her apartment in Sydney. She was reliant on the Disability Support Pension for her income and lived in constant fear of being evicted and rendered homeless. She felt that having a disability and being from a non-English-speaking background made her precarity worse:

    if you are somebody who comes from a non-English-speaking background, or you have a disability, or have no ability to enforce [the legislation], it’s on the tenant to take up the laws and to do something about it. And if you don’t have any of those abilities, you’re just going to be on your way to homelessness very, very soon […]

    Grace lived by herself in Sydney. She had been given a no-grounds termination and was convinced it was linked to her landlord’s realisation that he could raise her rent considerably once she moved out. Her mental health was seriously affected by the eviction:

    It was just like out of nowhere […] so that was horrific […] I’m still trying to settle into this new place with that trauma of being uprooted all of a sudden […] I think it’s probably going to affect me for a while and particularly in terms of just the power that real estates and landlords have to be able to do that.

    2. Financial hardship

    For many of the low-income tenants, the financial implications of being evicted were severe.

    Sarah, her husband and their three children had been renting in Sydney since 2013. She estimated that since 2014, they had had to move at least six times. Most of the moves were not voluntary. She found the financial implications of evictions extremely distressing:

    It’s the finances of it that’s the hardest […] when you get asked to move, you need to have a bond ready to go at the next place before you receive your bond back, which is a killer […]

    She outlined all the expenses that came up each time she moved from one rental to another: professional cleaners, removalists and maintenance deducted from the bond.

    After her rented accommodation was condemned, Brenda, a single mum of two children, had 48 hours to move from her rental property in regional Queensland. The move consumed her savings:

    I had $200 after paying all my bills to move. So once I moved that was it. So I struggled the following week for everything. For food, […] getting my son to school, my daughter. It was just horrible.

    3. Reluctance to complain

    The knowledge that, at some point, the rent could be increased to an untenable level or they could be asked to vacate evoked silent compliance. This created a reluctance to complain or request basic maintenance.

    Alice was convinced she was evicted after complaining about the poor condition of the rental property she, her son and grandson had been renting for eight years in regional NSW. Her grandson’s bedroom was unusable due to excessive mould.

    However, her low income and the threat of eviction meant she held off complaining for an extended period:

    […] it’s just disgusting that they [landlords] can get away with this shit while charging top dollar, and […] that’s why I didn’t complain because I said to everybody, “as soon as I complain he’ll kick us out.” […] If I hadn’t complained, we’d still be there […]

    Sarah described how, despite feeling harassed and stressed by her landlord’s unannounced and constant intrusions, she felt the family had to accept the situation and not protest:

    I was petrified of being kicked out if we fought back and so […] we let him onto the property 16 times in 10 months and said nothing.

    When they couldn’t take it any longer and complained, they were given notice, the landlord claiming he needed to do maintenance that required the property to be vacant.

    4. Ending up in a worse home

    A common consequence of eviction is having to move to unsuitable, lower-quality accommodation.

    Jan and her partner were older renters and reliant on government benefits for their income. The flow-on effects of being evicted from their accommodation in Queensland, where they had been living for ten years, were devastating. Her partner attempted suicide, her relationship with him ended, and she was forced to live in a tent on a piece of land her mother had bought several years prior:

    our rental accommodation was sold out from under us to developers and we had to be out with nowhere to go. We looked around for somewhere else to rent and there was absolutely nowhere we could afford at all.

    It’s clear that eviction, or the threat thereof, can have devastating affects on people’s lives.

    Although there has been some movement around improving the lot of private renters, such as legislation abolishing no-grounds eviction in some jurisdictions, and rent increases being allowed only once a year, a lot more needs to be done to ensure tenants have acceptable security of tenure.

    *All names in this article have been changed to protect participants’ privacy.

    Alan Morris receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Joelle Moore receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Thi Thanh Mai Giang receives funding from The Australian Research Council.

    Yiran Li receives funding from funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. ‘It’s disgusting that they can get away with this’: here’s how eviction can affect tenants’ lives – https://theconversation.com/its-disgusting-that-they-can-get-away-with-this-heres-how-eviction-can-affect-tenants-lives-248221

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: More police set to start work as recruitment initiatives take effect

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 24 February 2025

    Released by: The Premier, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism

    More than 1,000 newly graduated police officers will start work across metro, regional and rural NSW this year – the largest number of recruits in two years to attest the Goulburn Police Academy and a major boost to frontline policing and community safety.

    This follows December’s notable attestation with more than 300 officers – the largest class in a decade – attesting and starting work at their new home stations across the state.

    Applications to join the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) have increased by more than 60 per cent since the Minns Labor Government announced paid study in October 2023 – with 3,360 people applying to join the NSWPF.

    Last year, the NSW Government introduced the ‘Be A Cop in Your Hometown’ initiative, allowing recruits from rural areas to serve in or near their hometowns after graduating from the Goulburn Police Academy. The next class to graduate will be the first to benefit from this new scheme.

    Today, we are pleased to report that 47 individuals have applied to return to regional locations under the program, and all will be deployed to these areas upon graduating from the Goulburn Police Academy.

    In the next class to graduate, nine recruits—seven men and two women—will be eligible to return to regional locations they have nominated, followed by another 23 in the class after that.

    Among them, one recruit is a mother of five who will be returning to her hometown of Coffs Harbour, and another is a father and daughter training together from Inverell.

    Under 12 years of the former Liberal Government, they had no plan for police recruitment, no plan for police retention and sent wages backwards for more than a decade.

    In fact, police officer turnover, more than doubled in the last term of the Liberal National Government, from 513 per year to more than 1286 per year.

    While we still have more work to do, this application and graduate data shows that the Minns Labor Government has been able to begin to arrest the slide in recruitment for New South Wales police.

    These initiatives are part of the Government’s broader, long-term plan to address the crisis in recruitment and retention of frontline workers, especially in law enforcement, and ensure the safety of our communities.

    This includes important initiatives including:

    • Abolishing the wages cap, ensuring fair and competitive salaries for police officers;
    • Delivering a historic wage increase, overwhelmingly backed by NSW Police officers with 96 per cent voting in favour;
    • Establishing a groundbreaking scheme to pay students while they study to become officers, resulting in a 67 per cent surge in applications over the past year; and
    • Launching two new targeted programs to attract both experienced officers and regional recruits.

    NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

    “When we entered Government, we committed to rebuilding frontline services, and I’m proud to say we’re making real progress in restoring our police force.

    “It’s a big job, it’s a very tough job, and we know how important police officers are, often risking their lives to keep us safe.

    “There’s still more work to do, but we’ve shown we’re prepared to take strong steps to back in our police force.”

    Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

    “These results show that the strategies we’ve put in place are working and that we are making real progress in addressing the recruitment and retention challenges that have long plagued the NSW Police Force.

    “While there’s more work to be done, we are confident that the tide is changing. We are attracting new recruits, retaining experienced officers, and making policing a more rewarding and attractive career.

    “This is just the beginning, and we will continue to build on this momentum to ensure that our police force is equipped and supported to keep our communities safe.”

    NSW Police Commissioner, Karen Webb said:

    “I am enormously proud of these numbers, they are a turning point as we plan for the next generation of police in NSW.

    “Police in NSW have never had better pay and conditions – now is the perfect time to become a police officer.

    “We will strategically fill critical positions where they are needed most, some of that focus will be on police numbers in regional towns as we face an escalating issue around youth crime.”

    MIL OSI News –