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  • MIL-OSI USA: Speech of Commissioner Summer K. Mersinger to Keynote at the S&P Global Commodity Insights Nodal Trader Conference

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    Good morning, and thank you for the warm welcome.  A special thank you to Nodal for inviting me to join your annual Trader Conference again this year.  It is truly an honor to address all of you this morning.  I am more than two years into my role as a commissioner at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and I still feel humbled by the opportunity to stand on a stage with a microphone to address accomplished professionals like all of you.  My children, on the other hand, are surprised that anyone would want to hear me talk about anything, and they are even more shocked that I would need a microphone to be heard as they are convinced that the only volume I ever use when speaking is shouting.

    The topic for my speech on today’s agenda is:  New Perspectives on Energy Trading and Power Markets, and I plan to focus on the road ahead for these markets.  But before discussing the road ahead, I will start with a story from my childhood about when I learned to drive.  I say this is a story from my childhood because in South Dakota, children as young as fourteen years old are allowed to obtain a driver’s license.  As much as I miss my home state, when I look at my fourteen-year-old son and think about him driving, I see the wisdom in Virginia’s approach.

    At the ripe old age of twelve, my dad decided it was time for me to learn how to drive.  As a tall child, I could reach the gas and brake pedals, which was apparently the minimum criteria for beginning driving lessons on the farm.  To be honest, I was scared to death of driving.  But my parents said I should learn because if there was ever an emergency, and I was the only one home, I may need to drive for help.  That logic just made me scared of driving and being left alone on the farm.

    My experience as a parent teaching two teenagers to drive involved multiple practice sessions in empty parking lots before slowly graduating to quiet side roads before paying another adult to do the really scary stuff, such as driving on highways and making left turns across oncoming traffic.  I suspect that sounds familiar to many in this room as well. 

    But that suburban approach is not how I learned to drive.  My lesson – notice I said lesson, not lessons—was a little more hands-off.  On the day I learned to drive, my dad had me jump in the passenger seat of his 1977 blue Chevy pick-up truck to take a ride with him.  Oddly, my older brother jumped in another farm truck and followed close behind.

    After driving a few miles away from our house, my dad drove the truck into the middle of a freshly plowed field.  Dad threw the truck into park, jumped out, and told me to slide over to the driver’s seat.  He then shut the door, leaned into the window, and told me to drive around the field until I was comfortable enough to drive myself home.  At that point, I realized why my brother had followed us in another vehicle—it was my dad’s getaway car.

    Honestly, I panicked.  I screamed, pleaded, and begged.  But my dad was confident in his approach.  And he left me with this advice:  always keep your eyes on the road.  But don’t just look at the road immediately in front of the vehicle; be sure to watch the road ahead so you know where you are going—and so that you do not smash into a deer.

    I’m sharing this story with you today for two reasons.  First, to offer some entertainment.

    Second, I found the advice my dad gave me that day relevant to the topic for my speech today.  Specifically, I want to share with you some thoughts and observations on energy markets, the road ahead for these markets, and potential down-the-road effects on the derivatives markets that are regulated by the CFTC.

    Being a derivatives regulator can feel a little like being that driver who is looking down the road to see what is ahead.  Our markets are forward looking, offering a view into points off in the distance so drivers are prepared for the path ahead.  But, just like a careful driver needs to see what is right in front of the vehicle as much as what is on the road ahead, careful regulation requires us to also keep our eyes on current market conditions, in addition to ensuring the reliability and safety of the futures markets, which reflect the road ahead.  The CFTC is always surveilling markets, spotting trends, and monitoring for risk that could impact the futures markets.

    Now, here is where this speech will diverge from my story of learning to drive.  While I was left to teach myself how to drive and had no one willing to share their expertise with me, our work at the CFTC in following markets occurs with the benefit of a variety of internal resources (such as the Market Intelligence Branch of the Division of Market Oversight and the Office of the Chief Economist) as well as external resources (such as our advisory committees).

    At the CFTC, we have five advisory committees, each of which is sponsored by a commissioner.  These committees are comprised of subject matter experts representing a variety of viewpoints, such as private sector stakeholders, non-profit groups, academia, and other governmental entities.  As many of you know, especially those who are members, I sponsor the Energy and Environmental Markets Advisory Committee.

    Growing up on a farm in South Dakota, I always understood that the price of energy had a major impact on whether it was a good year or a bad year for the farm.  Even at a young age, I could tell you the exact cost-per-gallon of diesel because either my dad was grumbling about it as he left for the field, or it was the topic of discussion at the local café in town where the older farmers convened for their morning coffee.

    The price of diesel determined the cost of running planters, tractors, combines, and trucks.  The cost of fertilizers and pesticides are also directly linked to fossil fuel input prices, and spreading those fertilizers and pesticides required hiring a spray pilot whose services were priced based on the cost of the aviation fuel.

    Even after our crops were harvested, energy costs were critical.  Energy prices influenced the cost of storage at the grain elevators and transportation; barges and ships run on bunker fuel and trains need diesel.  Everything in the farm economy depends on the price of energy.  You might have perfect temperatures, exactly the right amount of rain at exactly the right time, and high yields but still see your net profit shrink due to high energy prices.

    As the only Commissioner with a background in production agriculture, sponsoring the Commission’s Agriculture Advisory Committee may have seemed like the obvious choice.  But I saw the EEMAC as an opportunity to focus on sectors critical to the agricultural economy and to study those energy markets to understand their impact on the markets we regulate.  The goal is for the energy futures complex to serve end-users who need to hedge those costs and to mitigate the frequent price volatility experienced by the underlying cash markets.

    As the EEMAC has held meetings and participated in discussions around energy markets, we have heard over and over that the United States has critical gaps in its energy and power infrastructure.  As those gaps widen, so do risks to the stability of these markets that become more sensitive and less resilient to forces beyond US control.  Instability and volatility in spot energy markets and prices have a direct impact on the derivative products we regulate.

    Energy infrastructure’s impact on energy prices is something that cannot be ignored, and this reality has become even more apparent in the last decade.  Of course, it makes sense that energy transmission and delivery directly impact the cost to the end consumer.  However, truly understanding how energy infrastructure market fundamentals influence energy spot and derivatives prices requires hearing directly from hardworking domestic energy producers and seeing the infrastructure up close.

    With that in mind, the EEMAC has held a series of meetings on the road, and members of the advisory committee have joined me in getting outside of Washington to see our energy production and infrastructure and to talk directly with the experts who manage these facilities.

    In our first meeting, we visited Oklahoma and focused on more traditional energy markets such as crude oil and natural gas.[1]  We visited Cushing, Oklahoma, where the WTI Crude Oil contract settles to see the pipelines and storage facilities as well as to talk with those in charge of storing, blending, and moving the oil to locations throughout the US.  During the EEMAC meeting, a witness from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission described an anomaly in the price of natural gas in New England.[2]  Despite having one of the largest concentrations of natural gas in the Marcellus Shale just over two hundred miles away, a lack of pipeline capacity makes it impossible to fully supply New England with gas from the Marcellus Shale.[3]  This situation means that New England relies on liquified natural gas (“LNG”) supplies from tanker ships.  As a result, the price New England end users pay is based on the Henry Hub price for exported LNG, rather than the domestic production price.  This circumstance creates an unusual situation where the spot price that a natural gas-fired power plant in Massachusetts pays for its fuel is more dependent on Europe’s desire for natural gas and a global market thousands of miles away than on the price and availability of natural gas produced two states away in Pennsylvania.

    To examine power markets and electrification, we held meetings in Roy, Utah; Nashville, Tennessee; and Golden, Colorado.[4]  In the course of those meetings, we had the opportunity to tour a large Ford EV production facility in Spring Hill, Tennessee, the Bingham Canyon Copper Mine in Utah, and a startup company looking to reuse mine tailings to produce critical metals and minerals in Golden, Colorado.

    Here in the United States, we have some of the largest deposits of the metals necessary for power generation, transmission, and use, but large gaps in our infrastructure and policies render these advantages almost meaningless.  In Golden, Colorado, we learned that despite a startup company’s cutting-edge technology that can turn mine waste into critical metals and minerals, China’s dominance in rare earth markets means that they can manipulate prices at will and squeeze out competition and force any US production into bankruptcy.

    Southwest of Salt Lake City, Utah, we toured the Bingham Canyon Copper Mine.  The Bingham County Mine is the largest man-made excavation in the world.[5]  It’s also the world’s deepest open pit mine, and it has produced more copper than any other mine in the world.[6]  As you can probably guess, the US has abundant supplies of copper; however, because of a lack of domestic smelting capacity, much of the copper mined in the US must be shipped overseas, often to China, to be processed and refined.  In fact, since 2000, China has been responsible for 75% of the global smelter capacity growth.[7]

    Finally, in Spring Hill, Tennessee, we learned that car companies are increasingly concerned  about logistical challenges reducing their  ability to provide cost-competitive electric vehicles.  This is not an idle concern.  Just four weeks ago, Rivian disclosed that it will be forced to reduce production and decrease its sales target in 2024 by almost 20% because of difficulties sourcing a component used in its electric motor.[8]  And last week, to secure a steady supply of lithium, GM announced an almost $1 billion investment in the Thacker Pass mine in Nevada.[9]

    For years, the problem for domestic energy policy was how to mine, drill, and import enough raw materials to satisfy America’s growing energy demand.[10]  Even after the oil glut of the 1980s and lower energy prices, we were still concerned with our reliance on foreign energy.[11]  The continuous mantra of Presidents starting with Richard Nixon was the concept of “Energy Independence” as a policy goal.[12]  Now, not because of government mandates, plans, or policies, but thanks to technological innovation, hard work, and the deployment of private capital, that goal has largely been achieved.  We have the raw materials in the ground that we need to power American energy independence; however, we need our infrastructure to catch-up with our domestic supply.

    Returning to my driving lesson, when I look at the road ahead, I see the United States coming to a crossroads.  One road leads to more resilient infrastructure, lower prices, and energy abundance.  The other road leads to energy scarcity, higher prices, and a loss of energy independence.  The direction we take as a country will have a major impact on the energy markets and the futures markets we regulate at the CFTC.  Unfortunately, gaps in energy infrastructure lead to instability and volatility in energy markets, which have a direct impact on the derivatives markets.  If derivatives markets fail to offer adequate price discovery and risk mitigation, they will no longer serve producers and end users as appropriate tools to hedge their exposure.  That is a road we cannot afford to go down.

    As a regulator, the CFTC is not the driver of this car, but we definitely have an interest in taking the road that leads to liquid, stable, and vibrant derivatives markets that serve as a tool for hedging against risk. We can do that by ensuring that new derivative products come to market efficiently without the fear of litigation or unreasonable staff positions, and by cultivating new market structures that minimize conflicts and instill market confidence.  Our enforcement efforts should be focused on ‘bad actors’ and not on trying to shortcut deliberative policymaking.  The CFTC should prefer “responsible regulation” over “regulation by enforcement.”  To arrive at our desired destination, we all need to keep our eyes on the road, to see what is right in front of us while simultaneously paying attention to the road ahead.

    Thank you for taking this road trip with me today.  I look forward to answering your questions.

    [1] CFTC Energy and Environmental Markets Advisory Committee meeting in Stillwater, Oklahoma, September 20, 2022.

    [4] CFTC Energy and Environmental Markets Advisory Committee meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, February 28, 2023.  CFTC Energy and Environmental Markets Advisory Committee meeting in Roy, Utah, June 27, 2023.  CFTC Energy and Environmental Markets Advisory Committee meeting in Golden, Colorado, February 13, 2024.

    [5] Kristine L. Pankow, Jeffrey R. Moore, J. Mark Hale, Keith D. Koper, Tex Kubacki, Katherine M. Whidden, and Michael K. McCarter.  “Massive landslide at Utah copper mine generates wealth of geophysical data.” Geological Society of America, vol. 24, no. 1, January 2014.

    [7] Securing Copper Supply: No China, No Energy Transition, WoodsMcKenzie, August 2024, Nick Pickens, Robin Griffin, Eleni Joanides, and Zhifei Liu.

    [8] Ed Ludlow and Kiel Porter. “Rivian Misstep Triggered Parts Shortage Hobbling Its EV Output.” Bloomberg, October 7, 2024.

    [9] Camilla Hodgson.  “General Motors increases investment in lithium mine to nearly $1bn.” Financial Times, October 6, 2024.

    [10] US Energy Information Administration, “U.S. energy facts explained, Imports & Exports.”  Last updated July 15, 2024, with data from the Monthly Energy Review.

    [12] Charles Homans, “Energy Independence: A Short History.”  Foreign Policy, January 3, 2012.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Our nuclear childhood’: the sisters who witnessed H-bomb tests over their Pacific island, and are still coming to terms with the fallout

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Christopher Hill, Associate Professor (Research and Development), Faculty of Business and Creative Industries, University of South Wales

    Nuclear detonations were the backdrop to Teeua and Teraabo’s childhood. By the time the sisters were eight and four, the Pacific island on which they grew up, Kiritimati, had hosted 30 atomic and thermonuclear explosions – six during Operation Grapple, a British series between 1957 and 1958, and 24 during Operation Dominic, led by the US in 1962.

    The UK’s secretary of state for the colonies, Alan Lennox-Boyd, had claimed the Grapple series would put Britain “far ahead of the Americans, and probably the Russians too, in super-bomb development”. Grapple, the country’s largest tri-service operation since D-Day, also involved troops from Fiji and New Zealand. It sought to secure the awesome power of the hydrogen bomb: a thermonuclear device far more destructive than the atomic bomb.

    Britain’s seat at the top table of “super-bomb development” was emphatically announced in April 1958 with Grapple Y: an “H-bomb” 200 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. This remains Britain’s largest nuclear detonation – one of more than 100 conducted by the UK, US and Soviet Union in 1958 alone.

    More than six decades later, the health effects on former servicemen based on Kiritimati, as well as at test locations in South and Western Australia, remain unresolved. Greater Manchester’s mayor, Andy Burnham, has called the treatment of UK nuclear test veterans “the longest-standing and, arguably, the worst” of all the British public scandals in recent history.



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    Unlike the Post Office, infected blood and Grenfell Tower inquiries in 2024, there has been no UK inquiry into British nuclear weapon tests in Australia and the Pacific. Yet veterans and their descendants maintain these tests caused hereditary ill-health effects and premature deaths among participants. The British government has been accused of hiding records of these health impacts for decades behind claims of national security.

    Over the past year, the life stories of British nuclear test veterans have been collected by researchers, including myself, for an oral history project in partnership with the British Library. Whether from a vantage point of air, land or sea, the veterans all recall witnessing nuclear explosions with startling clarity, as if the moment was seared on to their memories. According to Doug Herne, a ship’s cook with the Royal Navy:

    When the flash hit you, you could see the X-rays of your hands through your closed eyes. Then the heat hit you, and it was as if someone my size had caught fire and walked through me. To say it was frightening is an understatement. I think it shocked us into silence.

    British servicemen describe their nuclear test experiences. Video: Wester van Gaal/Motherboard.

    But what of the experiences of local people on Kiritimati? I have recently interviewed two sisters who are among the few surviving islanders who witnessed the nuclear tests. This is their story.

    ‘A mushroom cloud igniting the sky’

    At the start of Operation Grapple in May 1957, around 250 islanders lived on Kiritimati – the world’s largest coral reef atoll, slap bang in the centre of the Pacific Ocean, around 1,250 miles (2,000km) due south of Hawaii. The island’s name is derived from the English word “Christmas”, the atoll having been “discovered” by the British explorer James Cook on Christmas Eve 1777.

    In May 2023, I visited Kiritimati for a research project on “British nuclear imperialism”, which investigated how post-war Britain used its dwindling imperial assets and resources as a springboard for nuclear development. I sought to interview islanders who had remained on the atoll since the tests, including Teeua Tekonau, then aged 68. In 2024, I visited her younger sister, Teraabo Pollard, who lives more than 8,000 miles away in the contrasting surroundings of Burnley, north-west England.

    Far from descriptions of fear and terror, both Teeua and Teraabo looked back on the tests with striking enthusiasm. Teraabo recalled witnessing them from the local maneaba (open-air meeting place) or tennis court as a “pleasurable” experience full of “excitement”.

    She described having her ears plugged with cotton wool before being covered with a blanket. As if by magic, the blanket was then lifted to reveal a mushroom cloud igniting the night sky – a sight accompanied by sweetened bread handed out by American soldiers. So vivid was the light that Teraabo, then aged four, described “being excited about it being daytime again”.

    An Operation Grapple thermonuclear test near Kiritimati, 1957-58. Video: Imperial War Museums.

    In view of the violence of the tests, I was struck that Teeua and Teraabo volunteered these positive memories. Their enthusiasm seemed in marked contrast to growing concerns about the radioactive fallout – including those voiced by surviving test veterans and their descendants. As children, the tests seem to have offered the sisters a spectacle of fantasy and escapism – glazed with the saccharine of American treats and Disney films on British evacuation ships.

    Yet they have also lived through the premature deaths of family members and, in Teraabo’s case, a malignant tumour dating from the time of the tests. And there have been similar stories from other families who lived in the shadow of these very risky, loosely controlled experiments. Teraabo told me about a friend who had peeked out from her blanket as a young girl – and who suffered from eye and health problems ever since.

    ‘Only a very slight health hazard’

    Kiritimati forms part of the impossibly large Republic of Kiribati – a nation of 33 islands spread over 3.5 million square kilometres; the only one to have territory in all four hemispheres and, until 1995, on either side of the international date line. Before independence from Britain in 1979, Kiribati belonged to the Gilbert and Ellice Island Colony, which in effect made Kiritimati a “nuclear colony” for the purpose of British and American testing.

    In 1955, Teeua and Teraabo’s parents, Taraem and Tekonau Tetoa, left their home island of Tabiteuea, a small atoll belonging to the Gilbert group of islands in the western Pacific. They boarded a British merchant vessel bound for Christmas Island nearly 2,000 miles away. Setting sail with new-born Teeua in their arms, the family looked forward to a future cutting copra on Kiritimati’s British coconut plantation.

    The scale of this journey, with four young children, was immense. Just how the hundred or so Gilbertese passengers “managed to live [during the voyage] was better not asked”, according to one royal engineer who described a similar voyage a few years later. “There were piles of coconuts everywhere – perhaps they were for both food and drink.”


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    Within two years of their arrival, the family faced more upheaval as mother Taraem and her children were packed aboard another ship ahead of the first three sets of British nuclear tests in the Pacific. Known as Grapple 1, 2 and 3, they were to be detonated over Malden Island, an atoll some 240 miles to the south of Kiritimati – but still too close for the comfort of local residents.

    According to Teeua, the evacuation was prompted by disillusioned labourers brought to Kiritimati without their families, who went on strike after learning how much the British troops were being paid. But the islanders’ perspectives do not feature much in the colonial records, which give precedence to British disputes about logistical costs and safety calculations.

    The Grapple task force resolved that the safe limit set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection should be reduced, to limit the cost of evacuations. A meeting in November 1956 noted that “only a very slight health hazard to people would arise from this reduction – and that only to primitive peoples”.

    Shocking as this remark sounds, it is typical of the disregard that nuclear planners appear to have had, both for Indigenous communities and the mostly working-class soldiers. These lives did not seem to matter much in the context of Britain’s quest for nuclear supremacy. William Penney, Britain’s chief nuclear scientist, had bemoaned how critics during tests in Australia were “intent on thwarting the whole future of the British Empire for the sake of a few Aboriginals”.

    Tekonau, Teeua’s father, was one of the 30 or so I-Kiribati people to stay behind on Kiritimati during the Malden tests in May and June 1957. As one of the only labourers to speak English, he had gained the trust of the district commissioner, Percy Roberts, who invited Tekonau to accompany him during inspections of villagers’ houses in Port London, then the island’s only village. On one occasion, Teeua said, the islanders did not recognise her father as he had been given a “flat top” haircut like the Fijian soldiers. “This means he had a nice relationship with the soldiers,” she told me. “Thank God for giving me such a good and clever dad.”

    Since the initial tests did not produce a thermonuclear explosion, the task force embarked on further trials between November 1957 and September 1958, known as Grapple X, Y and Z. In view of expense and time, these were conducted on Kiritimati rather than Malden Island – and this time, the residents were not evacuated to other islands. Rather, families were brought aboard ships in the island’s harbour and shown films below deck.

    After these tests, the islanders returned to find the large X and Y detonations had cracked the walls of their homes and smashed their doors and furniture. One islander found their pet frigate bird, like so many of the wild birds on Kiritimati, had been blinded by the flash of Grapple Y. No compensation was ever paid to the islanders, although the Ministry of Supply did reimburse the colony for deterioration of “plantation assets”, including £4 for every damaged coconut tree (equivalent to £120 today).

    A month before Grapple Y, Teraabo was born. Her earliest and most vivid childhood memories are of the US-led Operation Dominic four years later, by which time evacuation procedures had been abandoned altogether.

    This series of tests was sanctioned by Britain in exchange for a nuclear-powered submarine and access to the Nevada Proving Grounds in the US – regarded as pivotal to the future of British weapons technology ahead of the signing of the Test Ban Treaty in October 1963, which would prohibit atmospheric testing.

    Dominic’s 24 detonations on Kiritimati – which usually took place after sunset around 6pm, between April and November 1962 – were “awesome”, according to Teraabo. Recalling the suspense as the “tannoy announced the countdown”, she described “coming out of cover [and] witnessing the bomb [as] an amazing experience … When the bomb set off, the brilliance of the light was tremendous.”

    Each explosion’s slow expiration would re-illuminate the Pacific sky. One, Starfish Prime, became known as a “rainbow bomb” because of the multi-coloured aurora it produced over the Pacific, having been launched into space where it exploded.

    So spectacular were these descriptions that I almost felt I had to suspend disbelief as I listened. At one point in my interview with Teraabo, she leaned in to reassure me that she had no interest in exaggerating these events: “I’m a very proud person,” she whispered, “I would never lie.”

    ‘In our blood’

    More than six decades on from the Grapple tests, I was sitting in Teeua’s kitchen in the village of Tabwakea (meaning “turtle”), near the northern tip of Kiritimati. I had driven here in a Subaru Forester, clapped-out from the many potholes on the island’s main road, itself built by royal engineers over 60 years ago.

    Teeua Tekonau in her kitchen during the author’s visit to Kiritimati in 2023.
    Christopher R. Hill., CC BY

    Teeua’s home, nestled down a sand track, had a wooden veranda at the front where she would teach children to read and write under shelter from the hot equatorial sun. Handcrafted mats lined the sand and coral floor, fanning out from the veranda to the kitchen at the back.

    The house felt full of the sounds of the local community, from the chatter of neighbours to the laughter of children outdoors. No one could feel lonely here, despite the vastness of the ocean that surrounds Kiritimati.

    As Teeua cooked rice and prepared coffee, we discussed the main reason for my visit: to understand the impacts of the nuclear tests on the islanders, their descendents, and the sensitive ecosystem in which they live. Teeua is chair of Kiritimati’s Association of Atomic Cancer Patients, and one of only three survivors of the tests still living on Kiritimati. She pulled up a seat and looked at me:

    Many, many died of cancer … And many women had babies that died within three months … I remember the coconut trees … when you drank [from the coconuts], you [were] poisoned.

    Both Teeua’s parents and four of her eight siblings had died of cancer or unexplained conditions, she said. Her younger brother, Takieta, died of leukaemia at the age of two in November 1963 – less than a year after Operation Dominic ended. Her sister Teraabo, who discovered a tumour in her stomach shortly after the trials, was only able to have her stomach treated once she moved to the UK in 1981, by which time the tumour had turned malignant.

    Teeua’s testimony pointed to the gendered impacts of the nuclear tests. She referred to the prevalence of menstrual problems and stillbirths, evidence of which can be inferred from the testimony of another nuclear survivor, Sui Kiritome, a fellow I-Kiribati who had arrived on Kiritimati in 1957 with her teacher husband. Sui has described how their second child, Rakieti, had “blood coming out of all the cavities of her body” at birth.

    A rare military hospital record from 1958 – stored in the UK’s National Archives at Kew in London – also refers to the treatment of a civilian woman for ante-partum haemorrhage and stillbirth, though it is unclear whether this was a local woman or one of the soldier’s wives on the passenger ship HMT Dunera, which visited briefly to “boost morale” after Grapple X.

    Members of the Kiritimati Association of Atomic Cancer Patients.
    Courtesy: Teeua Taukaro., CC BY-ND

    Having re-established the Association of Atomic Cancer Patients in 2009, Teeua has continued much of the work that Ken McGinley, first chair of the British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association, did after its establishment in 1983. She has documented the names of all I-Kiribati people present during the tests, along with their spouses, children and other relatives. And she has listed the cancers and illnesses from which they have suffered.

    In the absence of medical records at the island hospital, these handwritten notes are the closest thing on the atoll to epidemiological data about the tests. But according to Teeua, concerns about the health effects of the tests date back much longer, to 1965 when a labourer named Bwebwe spoke out about poisonous clouds. “Everyone thought he was crazy,” Teeua recalled.

    But Bwebwe’s speculations were lent credibility by Sui Kiritome’s testimony, and by the facial scars she bore that were visible for all to see. In an interview with her daughter, Sui explained how she was only 24 when she started to lose her hair, and “burns developed on my face, scalp and parts of my shoulder”.

    In a similar manner to claims made by British nuclear test veterans, Sui attributed her health problems to being rained on during Grapple Y – which may have been detonated closer to the atoll’s surface than the task force was prepared to admit.

    When I asked Teeua why her campaigning association was only reformed in 2009, she explained it had been prompted by a visit from British nuclear test veterans who “told us that everyone [involved in the tests] has cancer – blood cancer”. They had been told this in the past but, she said, “we did not believe it. But after years … after our children [also] died of cancer, then we remembered what they told us.”

    After some visiting researchers explained to Teeua and the community that the effects of the tests were “not good”, she concluded that “our kids died of cancer because of the tests … That’s why we start to combine together … the nuclear survivors, to talk about what they did to our kids”.

    I found Teeua’s testimony deeply troubling: not only because of the suffering she and other families have been through, but in the way that veterans had returned to Kiritimati as civilians, raising concerns among locals that may have lain dormant or been forgotten. The suggestion that radiation was “in her blood” must have been deeply disturbing for Teeua and her community.

    But I reminded myself that the veterans who came looking for answers in 2009 were also victims. They made the long journey seeking clues about their health problems, or a silver bullet to prove their government’s deception over the nuclear fallout.

    As young men, they were unwittingly burdened with a lifetime of uncertainty – compounded by endless legal disputes with the Ministry of Defence or inconclusive health studies that jarred with their personal medical histories. And, like the islanders, some of these servicemen died young after experiencing agonising illnesses.

    The scramble for the Pacific

    My research on British nuclear imperialism also sheds light on how imperial and settler colonial perceptions of “nature” shaped how these nuclear tests were planned and operationalised.

    British sites were selected on the basis of in-depth environmental research. When searching the site for Britain’s first atomic bomb (the Montebello Islands off the west coast of Australia), surveyors discovered 20 new species of insect, six new plants, and a species of legless lizard.

    Monitoring of radioactive fallout from nuclear tests fed into the rise of ecosystem ecologies as an academic discipline. In the words of one environmental specialist on the US tests, it seemed that “destruction was the enabling condition for understanding life as interconnected”.

    Since H-bombs would exceed the explosive yield deemed acceptable by Australia, Winston Churchill’s government in the mid-1950s had been forced to look for a new test site beyond Western and South Australia. British planners drew on a wealth of imperial knowledge and networks – but their proposal to use the Kermadec Islands, an archipelago 600 miles north-east of Auckland, was rejected by New Zealand on environmental grounds.

    So, when Teeua and her family landed on Kiritimati in 1955, their journey was part of “the scramble for the Pacific”: a race between Britain and the US to lay claim to the sovereignty of Pacific atolls in light of their strategic significance for air and naval power.

    The British government archives include some notable environmental “what ifs?” Had the US refused the UK’s selection of Kiritimati because of its own sovereignty claim, then it would have been probable, as Lennox-Boyd, Britain’s colonial secretary, admitted, that “the Antarctic region south of Australia might have to be used” for its rapidly expanding nuclear programme.

    Instead, this extraordinary period in global history recently took me to a Victorian mansion in the Lancashire town of Burnley, where I interviewed Teeua’s younger sister, Teraabo, about her memories of the Kiritimati tests.

    ‘No longer angry’

    Teraabo’s home felt like the antithesis of Teeua’s island abode 8,300 miles away: ordered instead of haphazard, private instead of communal, spacious instead of crowded. And our interview had a more detached, philosophical tone.

    Teraabo Pollard with her father’s nuclear test veteran medal.
    Christopher R. Hill., CC BY-ND

    Like her sister, Teraabo has worked to raise awareness about the legacy of the nuclear tests, including with the Christmas Island Appeal, an offshoot of the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association that sought to publicise the extent of the waste left on Kiritimati from the nuclear test period.

    The appeal succeeded in persuading Tony Blair’s UK government to tackle the remaining waste in Kiritimati – most of which was non-radiological, according to a 1998 environmental assessment. The island was “cleaned up” and remediated between 2004 and 2008, at a cost of around £5 million to the Ministry of Defence. Much of the waste was flown or shipped back to the UK, where 388 tonnes of low-grade radioactive material were deposited in a former salt mine at Port Clarence, near Middlesbrough.

    Yet Teraabo’s views have evolved. She told me she is “no longer angry” about the tests, a stark contrast to her position 20 years ago, when she told British journalist Alan Rimmer how islanders had “led a simple life with disease virtually unknown. But after the tests, everything changed. I now realise the whole island was poisoned.”

    Whereas the Teraabo of 2003 blamed “the British government for all this misery”, she has since become more reflective. In the context of the cold war and the nuclear arms race, she even told me she could understand the British rationale for selecting Kiritimati as a test site. This seemed a remarkable statement from a survivor who had lost so much.

    Over the course of the interview, it became clear Teraabo had grown tired of being angry – and that she had felt “trapped” by the tragic figure she was meant to represent in the campaigns of veterans and disarmers. Each time Teraabo rehearsed the doom-laden script of radiation exposure, she admitted she was also suppressing the joy of her childhood memories.

    A turning point for Teraabo seems to have come in 2007, when she last visited Kiritimati and met her sister Teeua. By this time, the atoll’s population was 4,000 – quite a leap from the 300 residents she grew up with. “It is no longer the island I remember,” she said.

    The Kiritimati of Teraabo’s memory was neat and well-structured. The one she described encountering in 2007 was chaotic and unkempt. She had come to the realisation that the Kiritimati she had been campaigning for – the pristine, untouched atoll of her parents – had long since moved on, so she should move on with it. The sorrow caused by the test operations would not define her.

    Radioactive colonialism

    Not long after I left Kiritimati in June 2023, the global nuclear disarmament organisation Ican began researching the atoll ahead of a major global summit to discuss the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Descendants of Kiritimati’s nuclear test survivors were asked a series of questions, with those who provided the “right” answers being selected for a sponsored trip to UN headquarters in New York.

    The chosen representatives included Teeua’s daughter, Taraem. I wondered if the survivors of Kiritimati are doomed to forever rehearse the stories of their nuclear past – a burden that Teeua and Teraabo have had to carry ever since they stood in awe of atomic and thermonuclear detonations more than 60 years ago.

    They have had to deal with “radioactive colonialism” all their adult lives – the outside world demanding to see the imprint of radioactivity on their health and memories. But the sisters’ fondness for British order, despite all they have been through, prevails.

    Their positive memories of Britain may in part reflect the elevated role of their father, Tekonau Tetoa – a posthumous recipient of the test veteran medal – within the British colonial system. During my visit, I happened upon an old photo of Tekonau, looking immaculate as he hangs off the side of a plantation truck in a crisp white shirt. Knowing Teeua did not possess a photo of her parents, I took a scan and raced to her house down the road.

    “Do you recognise this man?” I asked, holding up my phone.

    She flickered with recognition. “Is that my father?”

    I nodded, and she shed a tear of joy.

    Tekonau Tetoa, father of Teeua and Teraabo, hangs off the door of a coconut plantation truck in Kiritimati.
    Courtesy: John Bryden., CC BY-ND

    Memories of Teeua and Teraabo’s father are preserved in the island landscape of their youth: pristine, regimented by the ostensible tidiness of colonial and military order.

    But such order masked contamination: an unknown quantity that would only become evident years later in ill-health and environmental damage. It was not only the nuclear tests: from 1957 to 1964, the atoll was sprayed four times a week with DDT, a carcinogenic insecticide, as part of attempts to reduce insect-borne disease. In the words of one of the pilots: “I had many a wave from the rather fat Gilbo ladies sitting on their loos as I passed overhead, and gave them some spray for good measure!” British tidiness concealed a special brand of poison.

    Today, the prospect of a meaningful response from the UK to the concerns raised by the islanders and servicemen alike seems slim. In October 2023, the UK and France followed North Korea and Russia in vetoing a Kiribati and Kazakhstan-proposed UN resolution on victim assistance and environmental remediation for people and places harmed by nuclear weapons use and testing.

    Over in Kiritimati, meanwhile, Teeua still tends to a small plot where Prince Philip planted a commemorative tree in April 1959, shortly after the British-led nuclear tests had ended. It is rumoured he did not drink from the atoll’s water while he was there.


    For you: more from our Insights series:

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    Christopher Hill receives funding from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, UK Cabinet Office. The research for this article was also supported by funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), UKRI. The author wishes to thank the following for their support with this article: Fiona Bowler, Ian Brailsford, Joshua Bushen, John Bryden, Jon Hogg, Brian Jones, Rens van Munster, Wesley Perriman, Maere Tekanene, Michael Walsh, Rotee Walsh and Derek Woolf. Sincere thanks to Teeua Tekonau and Teraabo Pollard for sharing their family stories.

    – ref. ‘Our nuclear childhood’: the sisters who witnessed H-bomb tests over their Pacific island, and are still coming to terms with the fallout – https://theconversation.com/our-nuclear-childhood-the-sisters-who-witnessed-h-bomb-tests-over-their-pacific-island-and-are-still-coming-to-terms-with-the-fallout-239780

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: King Charles heckled in Australia: the crown’s role in Indigenous rights in the Commonwealth

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Philip Murphy, Director of History & Policy at the Institute of Historical Research and Professor of British and Commonwealth History, School of Advanced Study, University of London

    That the recent visit of King Charles to Australia – his first as the country’s sovereign – attracted protests will have come as a surprise to very few people.

    The right-wing press in the UK anticipated some kind of snub to Charles from republican, “woke leftist” Australians. The palace had prepared the ground for the visit in a letter to the non-partisan independence group the Australian Republican Movement which repeated its longstanding position that, as with any of the other Commonwealth realms, the question of whether the country became a republic was “a matter for the Australian public to decide”.

    But the message from the most prominent protester was, perhaps, less expected. At the end of a speech by the king at Parliament House in Canberra on October 21, he was heckled by Lidia Thorpe, an independent senator of Aboriginal (Djab Wurrung, Gunnai and Gunditjmara) origin.

    She told him: “You committed genocide against our people. Give us our land back. Give us what you stole from us – our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people.”

    Earlier in the day, Thorpe had issued a statement outlining her position. In it, she claimed:

    As First Peoples, we never ceded our Sovereignty over this land. The crown invaded this country, has not sought treaty with First Peoples, and committed a genocide of our people. King Charles is not the legitimate sovereign of these lands. Any move towards a republic must not continue this injustice. Treaty must play a central role in establishing an independent nation. A republic without a treaty must not happen.

    Historic treaties

    The recognition of the rights of Aboriginal peoples through a formal treaty has been a demand of Australian indigenous rights campaigners for decades. Indeed, Australia is unusual among British settler colonies in the failure of the crown to forge treaties with Indigenous peoples in the process of imperial occupation. In New Zealand and Canada these treaties continue to be invoked as an historical underpinning of indigenous rights.

    The 1840 Treaty of Waitangi between Māori leaders and the crown as well as the rights and principles that followed from it are certainly politically contentious in New Zealand. Yet the Treaty is still widely regarded as the country’s founding document and a key symbolic basis for inclusion and reconciliation.

    In Canada, the treaties signed by the crown with First Nations peoples are explicitly referenced in the country’s 1982 constitution and are cited by the Canadian government as “a framework for living together and sharing the land Indigenous peoples traditionally occupied.”

    It should not come as much of a surprise that the issue of the the absence of similar treaties in Australia has been raised during the king’s visit. The rather dull itineraries of royal visits provide activists with a perfect opportunity to have their voices heard by journalists desperate for something interesting to write about. There is a history of Aboriginal protesters using them in this way.

    In 1972, the Larrakia people, the traditional owners of the Darwin region in the Northern Territory, used a visit by Princess Margaret to draw attention to a petition asking Queen Elizabeth II to assist them in their demand for land rights and political representation.

    The palace and the governments of the Realms are keenly aware of these sensitivities and plan royal tours accordingly. During his visit to Canada in 2022, for example, while he was still Prince of Wales, Charles made a point of meeting the survivors of the country’s notorious residential schools where thousands of indigenous children suffered abuse.

    Ironically, indigenous treaties with the crown have complicated the republican issue, forcing campaigners for a republic in both New Zealand and Canada to offer assurances that the rights and obligations in those treaties would not be lost if the monarchy was to be abolished.

    The question of reparations

    Charles has followed his Australia visit by flying to Samoa for the summit of the Commonwealth Heads of Government. Again, the UK press sensed trouble ahead, predicting that as head of the Commonwealth Charles might be caught up in a row between the British government and Caribbean nations over the call for reparations for slavery.

    The UK is not the only government in the Commonwealth having to wrestle with colonial legacy issues. But there is no avoiding them.

    Britain has a monarchy steeped in imperial history, with a king who is quite separately sovereign of 14 other realms. Its government continues to profess a belief in the value of the Commonwealth, when its members have little else in common except that most of them were colonised by Britain.

    A recent report by the UK thinktank Policy Exchange, which imagined the Commonwealth playing a greater role in British diplomatic, defence and trade policy, seemed blithely unaware of the tensions within the organisation and the barriers to collective action.

    In a similar vein, UK prime minister Keir Starmer has claimed that he wants to “look forward” and focus on issues such as climate change and boosting prosperity rather than reparations.

    But the Commonwealth is simply not a logical framework for the discussion of these matters. On the other hand, it is uniquely qualified to debate the impact of colonialism and the question of reparatory justice. And even if Britain doesn’t want to have that conversation, other Commonwealth countries certainly do.

    Philip Murphy has received funding from the AHRC. He belongs to the European Movement UK.

    – ref. King Charles heckled in Australia: the crown’s role in Indigenous rights in the Commonwealth – https://theconversation.com/king-charles-heckled-in-australia-the-crowns-role-in-indigenous-rights-in-the-commonwealth-241993

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The full and safe participation of women is crucial to successful peacebuilding efforts: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Statement by Lord Richard Hermer, Attorney General for England and Wales and Advocate General for Northern Ireland, at the UN Security Council meeting on women building peace in a changing environment.

    Location:
    United Nations, New York
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    On UN day, I want to start by recalling that last month my Prime Minister gave a clear recommitment to the United Nations, to the rule of law, and to the need to work together for peace, progress and equality. 

    And empowering women and girls is a vital part of this. Addressing structural gender inequality is a vital part of this, tackling misogyny is a vital part of this, and ending impunity for conflict related sexual violence is a vital part of this.

    We are approaching the 25-year anniversary of the Women, Peace and Security agenda and I’m proud of the role the UK has played.

    There is much to celebrate. Yet the overall implementation is lagging. Not one of the peace agreements reached in 2023 included a women’s representative or women’s representative group as signatory. The proportion of women killed in conflict has doubled compared to 2022.

    Building on her excellency Thomas-Greenfield’s essential three I’s. May I propose three areas for our collective action?

    First, conflict prevention.

    Conflict is at a post-WWII high. Women and children are disproportionately impacted. And we need to reinvigorate conflict prevention efforts, taking a gender-responsive approach.

    Through our ‘Resourcing Change’ project, the UK is supporting women’s participation in formal and informal mechanisms for the prevention and resolution of conflict, including in Nigeria and in South Sudan. 

    Second, we must stand together to prevent conflict-related sexual violence and end impunity.

    The UK remains committed to the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative and our work with the International Alliance to build a stronger international response. PSVI programmes have contributed to vital legislative changes around the world.

    We have sanctioned perpetrators for CRSV crimes in seven countries. And I call upon all states to redouble efforts to seek justice and accountability and support the survivors.

    Third, I call upon member states to support women’s right’s organisations as the driving force behind the WPS agenda.

    I am proud of the UK’s £33 million partnership with the Equality Fund who have supported over 1000 women’s right’s organisations, including in conflict settings, since 2019.

    In Sudan, the UK has supported the establishment of the anti-war, pro-democracy coalition, working with 200 women. 

    In Myanmar, the UK is contributing over $1.3 million over three years in long-term support to grassroots women and LGBTQ+ led organisations to build capacity and support inclusive and strategic cooperation amongst local-level women leaders and community representatives.  

    Women’s full, equal, meaningful and safe participation is crucial to achieving lasting peace, and we condemn the shocking levels of reprisals against women peacebuilders.

    But we must also recognise this, that the long-term solution to gender based violence in conflicts requires all societies to address its root causes. It requires addressing gender inequality systemically, not just in criminal courts or in peace negotiations halls, but in how girls and boys, men and women relate to each other in classrooms, in playgrounds, workplaces, public life and online.

    The link between gender inequality and gender-based violence in conflict must be systematically addressed.

    So as we approach the 25th anniversary, we must celebrate women’s rights organisations and peacebuilders who have championed this agenda. We welcome the Secretary General’s Common Pledge to prioritise women’s participation in peace processes to address this gap.

    But we must go further and faster to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful future for all.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local Government Association Conference

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A speech from the Deputy Prime Minister

    Location:
    Harrogate
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    Firstly, I want to say a massive thank you to you, some of our most dedicated, brilliant public servants in this room. 

    For everything that you do, every day, to keep our country going. 

    You’ve shown remarkable resilience through some tough – and very tough – years. 

    During the pandemic, you kept vital services running in our communities. 

    Through this period of economic instability, you’ve made tough choices to protect the most vulnerable. 

    And following a summer of violent far-right disorder, you stood up for the values of decency and community that define our country. 

    And time and again, you step forward to support your local communities. 

    Now, I understand that this conference was originally planned for just before the General Election. 

    I have to admit that I’m much happier to be stood here as your Deputy Prime Minister! 

    Last year in Bournemouth, I said that if we were elected, we would deliver a plan for change. 

    A new way of governing. A government of public service.  

    And just over 100 days into government and we are getting on with the job. 

    We’re fixing the foundations to build a country that works for working people. 

    And local government is at the heart of this vision.  

    Because as you all know, I am a creature of local government. 

    I loved my job as a home help for Stockport council.  

    And I learned the importance of a good local service, and what it meant to really know and trust your community.  

    Back then, local government wasn’t on its knees.  

    Don’t get me wrong, things weren’t easy. 

    But we had the time and resource to provide a good service.  

    I know that good, functioning local government looks like great working with a good central government working in genuine partnership to deliver better outcomes. 

    So I know we can’t deliver true change for Britain without the support of every one of you in this room.  

    We can’t deliver for our missions without you. 

    Take our plans to deliver 1.5 million homes, including a new generation of secure, social and affordable homes.  

    The delivery of safer streets, an NHS and social care system that’s back on its feet. 

    The sustained economic growth we need to raise living standards.  

    And the strong communities on which good lives are built. 

    That’s why, in my very first week in the job – as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government – I put local government back where it belongs. 

    At the heart of my department’s name and mission.  

    And I’m lucky I have Jim by my side, the Minister of State for Local Government – who has run a council and knows local government from the inside out – and he’s here with me today and as part of the team.  

    Louise, your new Chair, also represents the best of local government – a fierce commitment to public service and leadership steeped in years of experience – not too many years, but a few. 

    And the fact that her predecessor, Shaun, has now joined us in the House of Commons just goes to show we are a government that believes in the power of local government.  

    We know what’s possible when you give people with skin in the game the power to change lives.  

    And, after an incredibly difficult few years, it’s time to unleash that power.  

    Which means resetting our relationship with local government and rebuilding its foundations.  

    It means ditching the slogans and gimmicks and going back to basics: delivering services that people can rely on. 

    You don’t need me to tell you how much harder that job has been after fourteen years of neglect.  

    [Redacted political content] 

    Councils stuck in a doom loop with money pouring out of a system with too many cracks. 

    And it isn’t just the scandal of wasted money. It’s the heartache of the wasted lives and potential.  

    [Redacted political content] 

    For all the promises about localism and levelling up, there was an assumption that if something needed doing, it should be done from Whitehall.  

    With central government hoarding power, micromanaging you, intervening in an uncoordinated and unhelpful way.  

    A begging-bowl system of wasteful competitive pots that led to councils bidding to pay for chess tables in public parks.  

    No more.  

    We’re going to turn the page on this failed approach – bringing local government into the heart of government.  

    As part of a partnership based on honesty and respect.  

    And it’s in that spirit that we need to face up to the financial crisis facing local government.  

    We all know that there’s no quick fix.  

    The dire public finances – the £22 billion black hole – we’ve inherited mean that it’s going to take hard graft on all sides to get us back on the road to recovery.  

    We knew things were bad, but on entering office, we uncovered a shocking crisis in local government which was far beyond what we had anticipated.  

    Councils of all political stripes have been left shelling out millions to plaster over the government’s mismanagement.  

    [Redacted political content] 

    To make matters worse, we discovered that over the last decade, the last [Redacted political content] government ripped away any financial oversight of council spending, scrapping the Audit Commission and pushing councils to borrow more and more.  

    This reckless approach has left the government with no transparent system in place to warn the public when a council is struggling. 

    And more and more authorities are struggling to stay afloat with communities in the most deprived parts of our country disproportionately affected, through cuts to services that they desperately depend on, as people’s [inaudible] go up. 

    And get it.  

    And I know we need change urgently. 

    You’ve all heard me say it – I’m going provide multi-year funding settlements, that will give you the stability and certainty to plan and invest for the long-term. 

    And that we will end the Dragon’s Den-style bidding wars between councils for competitive funding pots.  

    Instead, we’ll show you some respect with long-term funding, giving you flexibility to spend it where it is needed.  

    And through the next Local Government Finance Settlement and beyond, we will provide more detail on how this is going to work.  

    Let me be clear that we can’t fix the system overnight.  

    [Redacted political content] 

    And I have to say, looking at the numbers we inherited, I am shocked by the scale of neglect. 

    It is going to be a long, hard slog to get local government back on its feet.  

    And in the short term, we’re doing all that we can to protect severely struggling councils, which is why I can announce that we are scrapping the punitive ‘pay day loan’ premium on borrowing for councils in need of Exceptional Financial Support.  

    This government will take a collaborative and a constructive approach to councils in financial difficulty. 

    You know I can’t go into detail about the Spending Review. 

    So let me talk to you today about things that I can tell you. 

    Fundamentally, I want to work together, across central and local government to reform high-cost public services and focus on preventing people from needing them in the first place. 

    Tackling profiteering in broken markets serving vulnerable groups, like we’ve seen in some of the private children’s homes. 

    When it comes to prevention, there can be few bigger priorities for us than preventing homelessness – one of the biggest pressures that you face. 

    By getting Britain building again. Speeding up the planning system and reintroducing mandatory housing targets. 

    I know that this will mean asking more from local councils.  

    Which is why we’re boosting the number of planners. 

    As part of our plans, to strengthen local planning departments and reinforce planning obligations to deliver more affordable homes on new developments – we will support you to hold developers to account. 

    And it’s why we’re also reviewing Right to Buy, to stem the loss of precious council homes.  

    But we’ll also tackle homelessness directly, by learning lessons from the past and working with local leaders to take action on all forms of homelessness.  

    We will develop a cross-government strategy to get us back on track to end homelessness. 

    We will also reform the broken local audit system in England that we inherited. 

    This should be the bedrock of local accountability and transparency, of trust and confidence in local democracy.  

    Instead, last year, just one percent of local bodies were able to publish audited accounts by the deadline. 

    This cannot go on.  

    We have already taken decisive action to introduce backstop dates to clear the backlog in unaudited accounts.  

    Local audit will and must provide value for money for the taxpayers and be fit for the future.  

    And similarly, when the way councils are run has gone wrong, central government hasn’t always responded constructively. 

    Instead kicking councils when they’re down for political reasons.  

    This Labour government are going to do things differently. 

    We will work with every council that needs it to put in place clear, deliverable plans to address problems and protect local taxpayers, rather than treating them as political footballs.  

    That’s the approach we’re taking in Birmingham.  

    Significant challenges continue to face the city council, but we’re going to work with the councillors and the community to solve them in partnership. 

    Birmingham has huge potential – and we’re going to work closely with the partners across the West Midlands to unlock that potential, including with the Mayor Parker of the West Midlands Combined Authority. 

    And that’s the change that we represent.  

    Not punishment, but collaboration. 

    Getting places into a stable financial footing by, yes, making difficult decisions, but with the interests of residents at the heart. 

    Our aim is to support councils to perform at their very best.  

    Councillor conduct / standards framework 

    Standards in local government matter – both the delivery of services and personal conduct.  

    Every decision you make has an impact on the daily lives of those you serve. 

    And most councillors meet the highest standards of public office and I am so proud to be representing you in government.  

    But sadly we all know there are rare occasions where bad behaviour occurs.  

    I’ve been made aware of cases of persistent bullying and harassment by councillors, even, in some cases, leading to victims’ resignations. 

    We don’t have a system that protects victims or empowers councils to deal with unacceptable behaviour. 

    And this cannot go on and we will give councils the powers to address poor conduct.  

    We will consult on reforms to the local government standards framework, including a proposal to allow for the suspension of members who violate codes of conduct.  

    But we also recognise that too often, councillors become victims themselves. 

    Too often I speak to dedicated councillors who are facing death threats and intimidation.  

    And I take this very seriously and recognise the impact this has on the lives of dedicated public servants and their families. 

    That’s why we are taking decisive action to prevent councillors from being subjected to intimidation and harassment by removing the requirement for members’ home addresses to be published.   

    [And I want you to know] this is a government that respects and appreciates the huge contribution made by councillors who work tirelessly for residents – and we will always have your back.  

    We are also taking a more collaborative approach to pressing issues like the widespread workforce challenges you are experiencing.  

    Ninety-four per cent of councils say they’re having difficulties with recruitment and retention. 

    This isn’t just your problem – it’s all our problem because council staff are on the frontline serving local communities.  

    So, we’re ready to work hand in hand with you to find creative solutions to staffing issues.  

    We’ll launch a Workforce Development Group in partnership with the sector to gain a shared understanding of the most immediate priorities and focus our efforts on where we can add the most value to your work. 

    And when we say we’ll work in partnership with the sector, every step of the way, we mean it.  

    I have formally launched our new Leaders’ Council at this very conference – which will give local government a voice at the heart of government – this a mark of just how seriously we take this.  

    The Council will bring together local government leaders and ministers to tackle shared problems and deliver for the communities they all ultimately serve. 

    We will use it to learn from the exciting innovations that councils are pioneering.  

    And we hugely respect your knowledge and expertise. 

    But it’s more than that.  

    The Leaders’ Council will be critical for co-designing policy at the highest levels. 

    And I look forward to working closely with the Council over the coming years. 

    Gone are the day of diktats from above.  

    It is time for those with skin in the game to be put in the driving seat.  

    That is what our devolution agenda is all about.  

    We will make it easier for you to come together and form combined authorities and devolve more powers to existing ones – meaning access to new powers over skills, transport and employment support.  

    Our landmark English Devolution Bill will deliver our manifesto commitment to transfer power out of Whitehall, making devolution the default setting.  

    And look, I know the coming years won’t always be easy, but I’m confident that, working in partnership, we can fix the basics so that you can focus on the things that really matter to our and your communities. 

    My starting point is that we should be clear about what we ask of you and then give you the autonomy and the support you need to deliver.   

    So, where we don’t need to get involved, we won’t.  

    It’s not our place, for example, to decide whether councillors should attend your meetings remotely or use proxy votes when they need to.  

    So, I can announce today that we’re putting forward proposals to let councils make the decision for themselves.  

    Which means making it possible for people from all walks of life to have a stake in local democracy, whether they have caring responsibilities or aren’t able to make it to the town hall in person because of illness or disability. 

    It’s right that we make it easier for more people to get involved in making their community a great place to live.  

    It’s also right that we expect the highest standards of local government – with central government playing its part as a responsible steward.  

    And for me this is personal.  

    I’m passionate about backing you with the long-term funding and certainty that you need. 

    The powers you need. 

    And the new relationship that we all need. 

    So local government can once again be a strong, functioning arm of the state, providing public services that people can rely on.  

    And I want to thank you, once again, for everything that you do for our communities.  

    This is a government of service that is on your side. 

    And the road ahead won’t always be a smooth path, but we will walk it together and build a better Britain.  

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Respect for international law has never been more important: UK Statement in the UN General Assembly

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Statement by Lord Richard Simon Hermer, Attorney General for England and Wales and Advocate General for Northern Ireland, in the UN General Assembly Plenary Debate on the International Court of Justice.

    Location:
    United Nations, New York
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    May I start by thanking President Salam for his leadership during what has been an exceptionally busy period for the Court. As today’s report highlights, the past year has seen a significant increase in the number of States involved in both contentious and advisory proceedings.  

    And I would like on behalf of the United Kingdom to express my gratitude to all Members of the Court and the Registry for their continued commitment to the sound administration of justice and the peaceful resolution of international disputes. Our thanks goes for their independence, for the quality of their judgement and for the central and vital role they play in our international rules-based order.

    The United Nations Charter has served as a font of inspiration for generations. Its clarion call on behalf of the peoples of the United Nations for a  determination that we should establish conditions under which respect for international law should be maintained has never been more important. And through Chapter XIV of the Charter we sought to give real and practical effect to the aspiration of the creation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). 

    We came from a myriad of distinct legal cultures and traditions to recognise that the security and prosperity of us all can be met by the compliance with law and peaceful resolution of disputes through international judicial means.

    We recognized that the world for future generations will be better when we settle disputes in courtrooms not on battlefields. 

    And as the globe currently faces critical challenges, there has never been a more important moment for us all to reaffirm our commitment to that ideal, to the international rule of law and thus to the important world of the ICJ.   

    The United Kingdom has demonstrated its support for the Court in part by accepting compulsory jurisdiction. And I reiterate the call made by the General Assembly for States that have not yet done so to consider accepting the jurisdiction of the ICJ in accordance with its Statute. 

     And our commitment to the future of the Court and our commitment to the very highest standards in international law is such that I am delighted that the UK National Group has decided to nominate Professor Dapo Akande for election to the Court for the 2027-2036 term. 

    The United Kingdom would once again wish to thank the President of the Court for the report and at this critical moment to reaffirm our unwavering support for its vital work.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on Women, Peace and Security [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Madam President, Excellencies,

    First, let me begin by wishing everyone a happy UN Day.

    Every year, in this Chamber, the global community reaffirms its commitment to ensuring women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in conflict prevention, resolution, and recovery, and to upholding their rights during times of war.

    Yet, progress remains dishearteningly slow. 
     
    Peace and security decision-making is overwhelmingly dominated by men.

    And ending impunity for atrocities against women and girls is still but a distant goal.

    And the past year has been especially difficult.

    In Gaza, tens of thousands of Palestinian women and girls have been killed and injured amidst continued war and a terrible humanitarian crisis.

    Meanwhile, the plight of Israeli women still held hostage demands urgent action to ensure their safety and immediate release.

    In Lebanon, an escalation of destruction and displacement threatens women and girls’ safety and livelihood.  

    In Sudan, women are enduring extreme suffering, facing not only the loss of loved ones but also the dire lack of access to essential services and medical care.

    I reiterate the Secretary-General’s calls:

    Civilians must be protected, civilian infrastructure must not be targeted, and international law must be upheld.

    The United Nations remains steadfast.

    We will not look away or lose hope.

    The women, peace and security agenda will always guide our work and show a path forward. 

    Despite attacks on our offices, and the detention and killings of our staff in unprecedented numbers, allow me to honor the work of my colleagues and share examples of what they do.

    In peacekeeping missions, the women, peace and security agenda is a key political and strategic imperative.

    Our teams work tirelessly to help protect and assist women – from relocating human rights defenders to aiding women after their release from abduction by armed groups, from ensuring women’s representation in local dialogues to helping bring justice to women in places where sexual violence has long been met with impunity.

    In the Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, 57 percent of cases supported by the mission’s Prosecution Support Cells in 2023 involved conflict-related sexual violence, contributing to the conviction of dozens of members of armed groups and state security forces.

    In Abyei, earlier this year, one-third of participants in a post-migration conference were women – this was a first.

    In the Central African Republic, the mission is helping mobilize women for local elections that have not been held in 38 years.

    Deploying more diverse teams to peacekeeping operations has helped us deliver better on our mandates.

    The representation of women in most categories of uniformed personnel has doubled in the last five years, and initiatives have been put in place to foster gender-responsive work environments for all peacekeepers.

    Yet, much more remains to be done to improve the gender balance of our deployments and reap the benefits of inclusion and diversity.

    Success in peacekeeping hinges on the political support from Member States, especially those with the great honor of sitting in this Chamber to protect international peace and security.

    I commend the efforts of the United Arab Emirates to empower Women in Peace and Security. This initiative has provided training and capacity building opportunities for over 600 women from the Middle East, Africa and Asia in military and peacekeeping. The UN is a proud partner in these efforts that advance the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

    Throughout the world, the UN reaches millions of displaced women and girls and survivors of violence with food, medical support, legal aid, shelter, access to safe spaces, psychosocial support, education, and jobs and livelihood opportunities.

    Yesterday, survivors of conflict-related sexual violence from many war-torn corners of the globe gathered for a Survivor’s Hearing to mark the 15th anniversary of resolution 1888.

    Effective protection from sexual violence is fundamental to women’s effective participation in peacebuilding, conflict recovery, and sustainable development that leaves no one behind. 

    None of this would happen without women’s organizations in the frontlines of crises, and we are trying to find ways of channeling more resources to them.

    The Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund has supported over 1,300 local women’s civil society organizations since 2016, nearly half of them accessing UN funds for the first time, and 582 women human rights defenders and their families.

    Last year, the Secretary-General invited all partners to contribute to the goal of raising 300 million dollars for women’s organizations in conflict-affected countries.

    We still have a long way to go to get there.

    40 percent of all funding of the 25-million-dollar GBV-focused grant by the Central Emergency Response Fund to UN Women and UNFPA was sub-granted to local women’s organizations and delivered remarkable results, a powerful demonstration that localization is both feasible and effective.

    The Peacebuilding Fund has now exceeded its internal target allocation of 30 percent to gender equality for seven years in a row.

    We know that the inclusion of women and gender-related provisions in peace processes not only advances gender equality, but also results in more durable peace agreements. From Guatemala to Northern Ireland, from Colombia to Liberia, research has shown how women in formal processes worked with diverse women’s groups to not only reach an agreement but also to strengthen the substance of peace agreements and opportunities for implementation.

    Yet, women remain starkly under-represented from peace negotiations and conflict resolution efforts – including in some of the most intractable conflicts over the last year.

    Historical data underscores this challenge: between 1992 and 2019, women constituted only 13 per cent of negotiators and six per cent of mediators in major peace processes.

    More recent data from UN Women for 2023 shows that women on average made up less than ten per cent of peace negotiators and 13.5 per cent of mediators.

    The processes in Libya and Yemen, where conflict parties have not included women, highlight a continued resistance to progress.

    In Afghanistan, the regression of women’s rights highlights the severe impact of excluding women from governance – and society altogether.

    It is imperative that we reinforce our resolve to support women in Afghanistan and elsewhere, advocating for their rights, agency and inclusion at every opportunity.

    Collective action and solidarity are crucial.

    In today’s broader global mediation landscape, the United Nations is not always present.

    In fact, a diverse set of regional, state and other mediation actors initiates and leads mediation processes.

    Many contexts feature joint or overlapping peace initiatives.

    This means that no single mediator can affect global and meaningful change on women’s participation.

    It is why, today, on behalf of the Secretary-General, I am pleased to launch the “Common Pledge on Women’s Participation in Peace Processes”, an initiative that brings together a broad array of mediation actors. 

    By endorsing this Common Pledge, Member States, regional organizations and other mediation actors commit to join the United Nations in taking concrete steps on women’s participation in all peace processes they are involved in.   

    These commitments include: 

    Appointing women as lead mediators and ensuring women are an integral part of mediation teams;

    Ensuring mediators advocate with conflict parties for concrete targets and measures that promote women’s direct and meaningful participation in peace processes, including as members of their delegations;

    Consulting with a broad range of women leaders and women-led civil society organizations in all stages of peace processes; and

    Embedding gender expertise in their mediation teams to foster gender-responsive peace processes and agreements.

    This Pledge targets mediating entities and is intended as an operational initiative, and not another general statement of principle. 

    It focuses on measures and decisions that are under the control of mediators and their organizations.

    The Secretary-General invites Member States, regional organizations and other actors who are actively engaged in mediation to join this initiative and report on their progress at next year’s 25th Anniversary Security Council Open Debate on women, peace and security.

    Madam President,

    We have no illusions about the challenges posed by today’s geopolitical landscape and the complexity of achieving diplomatic outcomes.

     As long as gendered power inequalities, patriarchal social structures, systematic biases, violence and discrimination continues to hold back half our societies, peace will remain elusive.

    Yet, our collective experience has shown that progress is possible.

    Together, we can have an impact that is greater than the sum of our individual efforts.

    By leveraging our respective political capital and roles, let us dismantle the patriarchal power structures and advance gender equality, ensuring women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in political and public life.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ERO Boston arrests fugitive wanted for money laundering crimes in Colombia

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    WORCESTER, Mass. — Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston apprehended a Colombian fugitive wanted for money laundering crimes in her native country. Officers with ERO Boston arrested the 38-year-old Colombian fugitive Oct. 17 in Worcester.

    “This Colombian fugitive attempted to flee the law in her native country by seeking refuge in our Massachusetts neighborhoods,” said ERO Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “Now she will be forced to face the justice she sought to subvert. ERO Boston will not allow our New England communities to become safe havens for the world’s criminal elements. We will continue to prioritize the safety of our public by arresting and removing egregious noncitizen offenders.”

    The Colombian national lawfully entered the United States in January 2015. However, she violated the terms of her lawful admission.

    Colombian authorities issued an arrest warrant for the Colombian national Nov. 3, 2023, for the crime of money laundering.

    Upon learning the Colombian fugitive might be residing in Massachusetts, officers with ERO Boston arrested her Oct. 17 in Worcester and served her with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge. The Colombian fugitive remains in ERO custody.

    ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a separate entity from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

    As one of ICE’s three operational directorates, ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

    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, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for community members to participate in coal ash advisory committee

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 24 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for the Central Coast

    Lake Macquarie and Lake Munmorah communities are encouraged to take part in a new advisory committee set up to help inform the NSW Government’s remediation of sites containing coal ash repositories.

    The government is establishing the committee to support its response to the ‘NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into costs for remediation of sites containing coal ash repositories’ available here.

    In response to the Inquiry’s recommendations, NSW Health has commissioned a review of environmental data to determine whether people living close to power stations and coal ash dams are exposed to potentially harmful chemicals through air, water, soil or local fish and seafood.

    The committee will allow open discussions between NSW Health and representatives of the local community, stakeholder groups and local councils on the potential health impacts of coal ash.

    NSW Health is seeking applications from community members and those from local civic, professional, and environmental groups to apply to join the committee.

    Committee members will contribute to committee discussions, attend around four meetings a year, and help communicate information about the coal ash study to the broader community

    Those interested can obtain a nomination form by contacting independent Chair of the Community Advisory Committee: David Ross, at David.Ross@phoenixstrategic.com.au. Nominations close on 6 December 2024.

    Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

    “This new committee will allow us to gain a deeper understanding of the impacts of coal ash deposits on communities in Lake Macquarie and Lake Munmorah.

    “I encourage interested residents in those areas to take this opportunity to donate their time and expertise to find a way forward to clean up these sites for the lasting benefit of their communities.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New data laws unveiled to improve public services and boost UK economy by £10 billion

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    New Bill to unlock the secure and effective use of data for the public interest has been introduced into Parliament.

    • New government Bill will unlock the power of data to grow the economy and improve people’s lives
    • Measures will free up 1.5 million hours of police time and 140,000 NHS staff hours every year, potentially saving lives
    • The legislation will also support the creation of a national map of the UK’s underground infrastructure, reducing excavation accidents causing traffic jams and safety hazards on our streets

    A new Bill which will harness the enormous power of data to boost the UK economy by £10 billion, and free up millions of police and NHS staff hours has been introduced to Parliament today (Wednesday 23rd October).

    The Data Use and Access Bill will unlock the secure and effective use of data for the public interest, without adding pressures to the country’s finances. The measures will be central to delivering three of the five Missions to rebuild Britain, set out by the Prime Minister:

    • kickstarting economic growth
    • taking back our streets
    • and building an NHS fit for the future

    Some of its key measures include cutting down on bureaucracy for our police officers, so that they can focus on tackling crime rather than being bogged down by admin, freeing up 1.5 million hours of their time a year. It will also make patients’ data easily transferable across the NHS so that frontline staff can make better informed decisions for patients more quickly, freeing up 140,000 hours of NHS staff time every year, speeding up care and improving patients’ health outcomes.

    The better use of data under measures in the Bill will also simplify important tasks such as renting a flat and starting work with trusted ways to verify your identity online, or enabling electronic registration of births and deaths, so that people and businesses can get on with their lives without unnecessary admin.

    Vital safeguards will remain in place to track and monitor how personal data is used, giving peace of mind to patients and victims of crime. IT systems in the NHS operate to the highest standards of security and all organisations have governance arrangements in place to ensure the safe, legal storage and use of data. 

    Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    Data is the DNA of modern life and quietly drives every aspect of our society and economy without us even noticing – from our NHS treatments and social interactions to our business and banking transactions.  

    It has the enormous potential to make our lives better, boosting our National Health Service, cutting costs when we shop, and saving us valuable time.

    With laws that help us to use data securely and effectively, this Bill will help us boost the UK’s economy, free up vital time for our front-line workers, and relieve people from unnecessary admin so that they can get on with their lives.

    The Bill, delivered by the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, has three core objectives: growing the economy, improving UK public services, and making people’s lives easier. The measures will be underpinned by a revamped Information Commissioner’s Office, the UK’s independent authority responsible for regulating data protection and privacy laws, with a new structure and powers of enforcement – ensuring people’s personal data will be protected to high standards.

    Improving public services

    The Bill will unlock the power of data to relieve front-line workers in the NHS and police forces across the country from bureaucracy and enable them to better serve the public.  

    Police officers across the country will benefit from measures that will remove unnecessary manual logging requirements whenever accessing personal data to work on a case, for example every time an officer needs to look up a suspect or person of interest on the police database, freeing up to 1.5 million hours of valuable police time for our officers, so that they can be on the streets fighting crime rather than being bogged down by admin. This will help save around £42.8 million in taxpayers’ money every year.

    The legislation will also ensure that healthcare information – like a patient’s pre-existing conditions, appointments and tests – can easily be accessed in real time across all NHS trusts, GP surgeries and ambulance services, no matter what IT system they are using. It will require IT suppliers for the health and care sector to ensure their systems meet common standards to enable data sharing across platforms. The measure will free up 140,000 hours in NHS staff time every year, providing quicker care for patients and potentially saving lives.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    The NHS is broken, but imagine its enormous potential if each part of the system communicated properly with each other.

    That starts with sharing vital medical records between healthcare providers, because it shouldn’t be the patient’s responsibility to join the dots for their doctor.

    How can a GP diagnose a problem without knowing about someone’s recent hospital surgery?

    This Bill and our Ten Year Health Plan will ensure important data flows safely and securely through the NHS, freeing up staff time and speeding up patient care.

    I know people worry about Big Brother, which is why data will only be shared to the most relevant staff and anybody using data must comply with strict security protocols.

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

    It is vital police officers are able to dedicate their time to protecting the public on the beat, not in the office.

    Freeing up this valuable resource will see more officers out on our streets, making a real difference in fighting and solving crime.

    As part of our mission to make streets safer, this government will bring back neighbourhood policing, ensuring thousands of additional police and community officers are out patrolling our towns and communities.

    Vin Diwakar, National Director of Transformation at NHS England, said:

    This Bill is a significant step in creating a more responsive and efficient healthcare system. As an NHS doctor myself, I know it is vital that NHS staff have quicker access to more accurate and comprehensive data, giving them more face-to-face time with patients who need it most.

    These changes will lay the foundations for patient information to flow safely, securely and seamlessly, which will improve clinical outcomes, make decision-making more informed and speed up the delivery of care. By simply using data more efficiently, we can save time and money, and create a modern, digital NHS that continues to improve care for patients.

    Growing the economy

    The Bill is expected to generate approximately £10 billion towards the UK economy across ten years by legislating on data sharing to generate a host of benefits for both consumers and businesses.   

    Delivering on a key government manifesto commitment, the Bill will create the right conditions to support the future of open banking and the growth of new smart data schemes, models which allow consumers and businesses who want to safely share information about them with regulated and authorised third parties, to generate personalised market comparisons and financial advice to cut costs.

    This will pave the way for the model to expand in sectors such as energy, which could give customers the ability to compare utility prices, find better deals, and reduce their energy use, as well as foster tech innovation and boost competition, which will ultimately grow the UK economy. This potential has already been demonstrated in open banking, where 82 firms alone have raised over £2 billion of private funding and created over 4,800 skilled jobs in the financial year 2022-2023.

    The Bill will also help reduce the risk of accidents on underground water and energy pipes and broadband cables, which currently amount to 60,000 every year and cause prolonged disruption of roadworks and access to key amenities like energy and broadband to homes.

    The National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) will be put on a statutory footing, mandating that owners of underground infrastructure, such as water companies or telecoms operators, register their assets on the NUAR, which is a complete map of underground pipes and cables.

    The use of the Register will mean that companies will know exactly where any underground asset is placed, reducing the risk of accidents on pipes and cables, making construction safer for workers and reducing the disruption – and hazards – caused by holes being dug up in the streets. This will generate approximately £400 million a year, boost construction and tackle accidental damage currently costing the economy £2.4 billion a year.

    Davey Stobbart, Water Networks Regional Manager, Northumbrian Water:

    Our field crews have found the way information is presented in NUAR to be more useful than anything they have seen or used before.  It has reduced the time taken for crews to understand what lies below the ground where they are about to dig.  

    In the field, we frequently find the precise point of excavation needs to be made not-quite where our office-based planners predicted and previously in this case the job would have been delayed whilst a new plan pack was prepared.  Now with NUAR, our crews are simply able to pan and zoom to that point instantly, seeing everything they would have seen on all those individual plans without the back-office cottage industry and without these delays.  In fact, they will be seeing more because we’re now able to easily access information from local authorities through NUAR too, such as street lighting, highways gulleys and tree preservation orders all in one place. 

    We have found NUAR to be a great additional tool in the toolbox to help us reduce the likelihood of high potential utility strikes.

    Making people’s lives easier

    The rules proposed in the Bill will make Britons’ day-to-day lives easier, by simplifying important tasks such as renting a flat, starting work, or registering births and deaths, so that people and businesses can get on with their lives rather than being bogged down by admin.

    The Bill will legislate on digital verification services, meaning companies who provide tools for verifying identities will be able to get certified against the government’s stringent trust framework of standards, and receive a ‘trust mark’ to use as a result. As well as increasing trust in the market, these efficiency gains will boost the UK economy by £4.3 billion over the next decade. 

    The trust mark will be a new logo to show digital verification services are approved by the new Office for Digital Identities and Attributes (OfDIA) within Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

    The Bill will help make sure digital verification services are inclusive, secure and privacy-preserving, and will make it easier for people to know which services they can trust.

    The Data Bill will pave the way towards modernising the registration of deaths in England and Wales from a paper-based system to an electronic birth and death register – in turn supporting people at one of the most challenging times in life. The new law will enable registrations, which are required by local authorities, to be carried out over the phone, removing the need for face-to-face registration while retaining that choice.

    Access to data for research into online safety

    The Bill will also boost the UK’s approach to tackling online harms through a power to create a researcher data access regime.

    This will support researchers in accessing data held by online platforms so they can conduct robust and independent research into online safety trends. The move will boost transparency and evidence on the scale of online harms and the measures which are effective in tackling them. 

    Further details on the specific measures can be found below:

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 300

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Northern Ireland’s innovators encouraged to apply for Horizon

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The best of Northern Ireland’s research and development (R&D) sector will be on display in Lisburn today (Thursday 24 October) as part of a push to support bids for Horizon funding. 

    • Top innovators arrive in Lisburn to share their experience in applying for and receiving Horizon Europe funding in the hope of encouraging more successful bids 
    • Researchers, scientists and businesses based in Northern Ireland get the opportunity to network with potential collaboration partners and receive advice for their Horizon Europe applications.  
    • UK Government pushes more innovators from Northern Ireland to apply for Horizon Europe funding and realise their research ambitions – from new treatments to improved digital infrastructure. 

    The best of Northern Ireland’s R&D sector will be on display in Lisburn today (Thursday 24 October), as top researchers, scientists and businesses gather under one roof to exchange ideas and network with potential partners for the next successful bids for Horizon Europe funding. 

    Horizon Europe is the largest research collaboration programme in the world, worth over £80 billion. Through the UK’s association, researchers, innovators and businesses from up and down Northern Ireland can apply for funding grants that will help researchers fund projects across all sectors from health, to clean energy, to digital infrastructure.  

    Getting backing for their ideas could put the UK at the forefront of the next generation of technologies, which will be the foundations of the jobs and businesses of the future. Over £81 million was awarded to projects in Northern Ireland through its predecessor, Horizon 2020, so we know the opportunities are there. 

    The roadshow gives researchers and innovative businesses at all stages of their career from Northern Ireland the chance to speak to those who have been through the process of bidding for Horizon funding, gain support for their applications, and connect with likeminded innovators. This will highlight the opportunities available to both public and private sectors wanting to realise their research ambitions.  

    UK Science Minister, Lord Vallance said:  

    The discoveries and innovations on display in Lisburn today demonstrate the potential that researchers in Northern Ireland have to make the most of the UK’s association to Horizon. Their ideas are already attracting investment, driving  partnerships between some of the brightest minds from Europe, New Zealand, Canada and more.  

    With more successful bids for Horizon funding, researchers from the public and private sector in Northern Ireland could come up with the solutions we need to kickstart economic growth and improve living standards.

    Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor Chris Johnson said:

    Having made Northern Ireland my home and working at one of its great universities, I know what the brilliant minds here are capable of, and I am pleased to be here today to hear of the ambitious projects that have already been brought to life thanks to funding from Horizon. This roadshow is a great opportunity for researchers, scientists and businesses in the region to hear from innovators who have been through the application process and succeeded.  

    We want more researchers based in Northern Ireland to seize the benefits of Horizon Europe, to accelerate the discoveries that will boost our economy, and deliver new technologies that will improve all our lives.

    A litany of Northern Irish R&D projects received backing through Horizon’s predecessor, Horizon 2020. One example is the EYE-RISK project, a collaborative effort between a group of researchers based at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and several leading research centres around Europe to find a cure for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). AMD is a progressive and currently incurable disease leading to declining sight that progresses to the irreversible loss of vision. 

    The EYE-RISK team published many milestone papers and reviews, and the project is still considered as a flagship programme in Ophthalmology which focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. The researchers developed a computational model of potential risks, physiological activities, hazards, and the impact of aging on patients with AMD which can serve as the basis for future research initiatives. 

    Imre Lengyel and Tunde Peto, project leaders for EYE-RISK:

    The EYE-RISK project embedded the QUB ophthalmology cluster amongst the leading teams in Europe and gave us a leading edge worldwide. The academics and the early career scientists involved in this project have been given an excellent opportunity to be involved in breakthrough research and develop professional and personal friendships.

    An array of speakers from across government, including the Chief Scientific Advisors from both the UK Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and from the Northern Ireland Executive, are attending the roadshow. The roadshow which has been brought together in a collaboration between DSIT, Innovate UK, the Northern Ireland Government and Enterprise Northern Ireland.  

    Northern Ireland is already playing a big role in tackling the challenges facing the UK today, from driving cybersecurity through to seizing the opportunities of our push towards net zero. Queen’s University Belfast’s Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy is looking at ways we can build the UK as a net zero superpower, supported by £4.5 million from the Northern Ireland Executive. Grants awarded through the Horizon Europe programme could allow researchers to discover more in this area and ultimately help us protect our planet. 

    Innovative companies are increasingly making Northern Ireland their home. Recently, ASOS set up a £14 million tech hub that will create over 180 jobs in the coming years.  

    The roadshow in Northern Ireland is the latest event in a series of roadshows, following 2 previous sessions in Birmingham and Glasgow, building on a range of campaign efforts to get more businesses, researchers and academics to make the most of the benefits we can grasp from our association to the world-leading programme. 

    Backing the science and technology sectors is a central if we are to achieve the missions of this new government. The discoveries and solutions that researchers bidding for Horizon funding can produce will help us improve the daily lives of people across the UK – from transforming our NHS and transport systems so that they are fit for the future to securing more funding that will help us rebuild our economy.  

    We know from recent history that the UK can be a leader in this area. We have 4 of the top 10 universities in the world, and the second-highest number of Nobel prize winners. A quarter of projects in which the UK participated, funded through Horizon’s predecessor, were UK led. 

    Further information, including practical support on how to apply, is available on Innovate UK’s website and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) also host regular events that help guide businesses and researchers through the opportunities on offer and the application process. 

    Potential applicants can find Horizon Europe calls (funding opportunities) open to UK-based applicants using the European Commission’s funding and tender opportunities portal. They can apply for Horizon Europe funding through the European Commission’s funding and tenders portal, where the original funding call is found. More information on how to submit applications are available on the European Commission’s website. 

    NOTES TO EDITORS 

    The EYE-RISK project aimed to pinpoint who is at risk of developing the condition, and why loss of vision progresses in patients with the disease. This understanding is an important first step towards better diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Poor governance at Mermaids amounted to mismanagement, inquiry reveals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    In a report published today (Thursday 24 October 2024), the Charity Commission concludes that over several years, trans youth charity Mermaids was not governed to the standards it expects.

    The regulator cites the charity’s failure to ensure its governance, culture and practices kept pace with its growing size, demand for services and public profile, as a major factor that contributed to wider governance failings.  

    Mermaids’ objects are to relieve the mental and emotional stress of children and young people affected by gender identity issues and their families, and to advance public education about the same.  

    In September 2022, the Commission opened a regulatory compliance case into the charity after complaints were made by the public, and highlighted in the media. Concerns were raised around chest-binding services and online support offered to young people, and alleged ties between the charity’s now former CEO and the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. As charity regulator, the Commission looked at matters that fell within its remit, in relation to the trustees’ compliance with their duties and charity law.  

    The regulator escalated its engagement to a statutory inquiry in November 2022 after the findings of an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) review commissioned by Mermaids highlighted multiple issues of concern relating to the charity’s culture, operational management and processes. Today’s report noted that the charity has addressed these with an action plan and has provided evidence of this to the Commission alongside additional steps that were recommended in a separate and wider external review of the charity’s governance.  

    The inquiry examined the administration, governance and management of the charity, including its leadership and culture. It also sought to determine if trustees have fulfilled their duties under charity law, in line with the charity’s purpose. This included assessing if there is sufficient oversight of the charity’s activities and compliance with internal policies and procedures. 

    As part of its investigations, the inquiry met with charity representatives on multiple occasions to inspect records and obtain further information and documents. The charity’s trustees, senior staff members and former CEO were all interviewed, and the inquiry reviewed the charity’s complaints log and sampled calls, emails and online forum/web chat with users that took place between 2020 and 2023.  

    The inquiry report makes a number of findings of mismanagement, including around trustees failing to:  

    • address internal issues around culture and inclusivity at the charity  

    • carry out sufficient due diligence checks when recruiting trustees, which resulted in the recruitment of someone the charity said should “never have been appointed”  

    • properly adhere to their own internal HR policies when it came to the supervision of the former CEO and / or make clear to the former CEO and staff that the role did not fall into the charity’s normal HR management policy   

    The inquiry also found the purpose of the information about puberty blockers published on the charity’s website was unclear. Charities are by law required to ensure that information provided on an education basis is accurate, evidence-based and balanced. The inquiry provided statutory advice on this matter, which the trustees have since acted on. 

    The inquiry found that the charity had a detailed policy relating to its chest binder service and demonstrated compliance with this policy, though in a small number of cases could have been more transparent with service users when declining requests. Mermaids terminated the service in October 2023. However, the Commission has issued statutory advice to the charity requiring that, should it ever resume this service, its future policy and controls should reflect the recent Cass Review, or any future NHS guidelines on parental involvement. 

    The Commission did not uphold all concerns raised about the charity. The inquiry found no evidence that the charity:   

    • provided medical advice, which would have been outside its charitable purposes  

    • made medical referrals for young people without the approval of a parent or carer  

    • held inappropriate influence or ties to GIDS at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust or to private medical practices 

    • failed to have appropriate safeguarding policies in place. 

    Orlando Fraser, KC, Chair of the Charity Commission said:  

    “The provision of services to children affected by gender identity issues is a highly challenging area that requires great care and sensitivity. This is especially so for charities, given the authority that registered status will likely carry with children and their families.  

    “We have carefully scrutinised Mermaids’ activities through a statutory inquiry and have found mismanagement in a number of areas. Mermaids cooperated with our investigation and has been actively addressing the various concerns raised.  

    “Additionally, following the Cass Review, we have required Mermaids to present a more accurate picture on its website as to the risks involved in the use of puberty blockers, and to follow Cass Review findings on the involvement of parents in social transitioning as regards any future provision of chest binders to children.”  

    He added:  

    “As the report indicates, there are lessons for other charities working in these areas, including that they need to have regard to the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the Cass Review.”  

    The full inquiry report, detailing all findings, is available on GOV.UK.   

    Notes to editors:  

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

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to report on food, diet and obesity from the House of Lords Food, Diet and Obesity Committee

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on a report by the House of Lords Food Diet and Obesity Committee. 

    Dr Nerys Astbury, Associate Professor – Diet & Obesity, Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, said:

    “The House of Lords report concludes that obesity and diet-related disease are a public health emergency.  Whilst it’s great to have this acknowledged publicly by such a high-profile report, many, including those of us who work on diet and obesity research believe that this is already well established.  However, what is needed are immediate, specific, and measurable actions which have the potential to reduce obesity and diet related disease rates which contribute to ill health and have significant impact on the wider economy.

    “The report highlights that between 1992 and 2020, almost 700 policies were proposed by successive governments to tackle obesity in England.  Yet the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, as do the rates of many diseases associated with obesity including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain obesity-related cancers.

    “Whilst the report goes some way to suggest several key actions which have the potential to help reduce obesity rates and prevent other diet related diseases, time and political will are needed to envisage these changes.  Some of these policies suggested may be unpopular, and there will likely be resistance to making some of these changes, particularly from the food industry who try to resist policies which could impact their profit margins.”

    Prof Alex Johnstone, Theme Lead for Nutrition, Obesity and Disease at the Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, said:

    “I welcome this report from the House Of Lords and the ethos to support preventative strategies as part of healthy weight management in the UK.  Our own research on Transforming the UK Food System (TUKFS), funded by UKRI, on food insecurity and obesity, with focus on the retail food sector, supports the priority actions identified, which include strengthening policy and mandatory reporting.  As an academic, I particularly welcome opportunity for future funding for more mechanistic research on ultra processed foods impact on health.  The food system is complex and encompasses farm to fork, and we should not miss the lived experience of those with obesity.  These measures are only the first step to move towards access to healthy and sustainable food for all to reduce the dietary health inequalities in the UK.

    “The consultation was wide ranging and actively sought evidence from a wide range of food system stakeholders.  I submitted written evidence, both as an individual academic https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/130634/pdf/as and as part of a UKRI Transforming UK Food Systems research team https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/130616/pdf/.  This process was extensive; the report is transparent, with transcripts of oral evidence also provided.  The report does appear to be evidence based, with a balance of actions which also identify knowledge gaps, for example, more funding for more research on UPF, where the evidence is less clear.  The actions prioritise changing our food system, or food environment, which is welcome.  I would have liked to see more mention of the lived experience from people living with obesity being cited as evidence, and more direct actions on reducing food insecurity for people living with obesity.  I would have also liked to see some evidence on how we communicate about overweight and obesity, there is evidence on changing the narrative from body weight to a healthy weight (https://publichealthscotland.scot/news/2023/march/improving-how-we-communicate-about-health-and-obesity-in-scotland/).”

    Dr Katie Dalrymple, Lecturer in Nutritional Sciences, King’s College London, said:

    “The obesity epidemic presents a major challenge for public health across all stages of the life course.  Without effective and evidence-based interventions we will not see a reduction in obesity rates in our lifetime.  Those at particular risk of developing obesity are children and young people.  The report has highlighted the importance of preconception health of the mother as well as crucial role of the infant and early childhood diet and how they influence food choices.  Early years settings and primary schools also offer an opportunity to support children in accessing health food choices.  I hope the outcomes of this report result in tangible and effective interventions across this important stage of the lifecourse.”

    ‘House of Lords Food, Diet and Obesity Committee Report of Session 2024-25, Recipe for health: a plan to fix our broken food system’ was published at 00:01 UK time on Thursday 24 October 2024.

    Declared interests

    Dr Nerys Astbury: “No conflicts.”

    Prof Alex Johnstone: “Current Association for the Study of Obesity Scotland Chair (https://aso.org.uk/scotlandand), has a voluntary position with the British Nutrition Foundation Advisory Group (https://www.nutrition.org.uk/news/prof-alex-johnstone-to-join-british-nutrition-foundation-advisory-committee/).  She leads a TUKFS- Transforming UK Food System- FIO Food grant (Food Insecurity in people living with obesity, https://www.abdn.ac.uk/rowett/research/fio-food/index.php).”

    Dr Katie Dalrymple: “I have a COI, I worked for Danone Nutricia for 4 years from 2012-2016.  This is on my bio on the KCL website: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/kathryn-dalrymple.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Strengthened Football Governance Bill launched to protect clubs and support fans

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Government will take its first step to address the significant issues facing the financial sustainability of elite men’s football in England with the introduction of a strengthened Football Governance Bill in the House of Lords.

    • New powers in the Bill deliver manifesto commitments and include consulting fans on ticket pricing, home stadium relocations, and fan representation at clubs
    • Parachute payments included in Regulator’s remit so it will have full oversight to tackle financial sustainability across the football pyramid
    • Requirement to consider government foreign policy dropped to cement regulator’s full independence

    The Government will take its first step to address the significant issues facing the financial sustainability of elite men’s football in England today [Thursday 24 October], with the introduction of a strengthened Football Governance Bill in the House of Lords. 

    The Bill comes at a critical juncture for English football, following the attempted breakaway European Super League, and a series of high profile cases of clubs being financially mismanaged. In recent years we’ve seen the devastating impact of the collapse of clubs like Bury and Macclesfield. These cases came about as a result of fundamental governance problems in the game that have led to excessive and reckless risk-taking, with many clubs living way beyond their means.

    The Bill, which delivers on the Government’s manifesto commitments, will establish an Independent Football Regulator and a new set of rules to protect clubs, empower fans and keep clubs at the heart of their communities. 

    The Regulator will tackle rogue owners and directors, implement a club licensing regime to help ensure a more consistent approach in how clubs are run, monitor club finances and improve fan engagement throughout the football pyramid – from the Premier League to the National League. It will also have a backstop measure to mediate a fair financial distribution down the Leagues should the Premier League and EFL (English Football League) not be able to come to an agreement. 

    In major changes to the previous draft of the Football Governance Bill:

    • The Regulator will now explicitly require clubs to provide ‘effective engagement’ with  their supporters on changes to ticket prices, and any proposals to relocate their home ground. 
    • The singular carve out of parachute payments in the previous draft of the Bill has been dropped. The Regulator will now be given the remit to include parachute payments, through the backstop mechanism, when assessing finances across the game. Excluding these payments, would have significantly reduced the ability of the Regulator to take a full view of financial stability and resilience across the football pyramid. 
    • The Regulator will no longer be required to consider government foreign and trade policy when approving club takeovers. The move ensures the Regulator will be fully independent of government and industry. 
    • The Regulator will now have the power to compel clubs to democratically select the fan representatives the club must engage with, rather than clubs making a unilateral decision. This will ensure meaningful engagement with as many supporters of a club as possible. 
    • There is now a clear commitment to do more to improve Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) within the game. Clubs will now be required to be transparent and publish what action they are taking on EDI as part of reporting against a new Football Club corporate governance code that the regulator will introduce, improving decision making at clubs. 

    The Government has made it a priority to strengthen the Bill since taking office, ensuring English football remains one of the country’s greatest exports, and places fans back at the heart of the game, so that local clubs in towns and cities continue to thrive for generations. 

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    English football is one of our greatest exports and a source of national pride which this Government wants to see thrive for generations to come.

    But for too long, financial instability has meant loyal fans and whole communities have risked losing their cherished clubs as a result of mismanagement and reckless spending. 

    This Bill seeks to properly redress the balance, putting fans back at the heart of the game, taking on rogue owners and crucially helping to put clubs up and down the country on a sound financial footing.” 

    Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said:

    Football would be nothing without its fans, and this strengthened Bill will deliver an Independent Regulator that puts them firmly back at the centre of the game. 

    From protecting club heritage such as shirt colours and badges that mean so much to so many of us, to requiring clubs to consult fans on changes to ticket prices, the Regulator will help make the game the best it can be.

    Working side by side with the football authorities, the Regulator will protect clubs and make sure they’re kept at the heart of their communities, where they belong.

    Kevin Miles, Chief Executive of the Football Supporters Association said:

    Earlier this year 200+ supporters’ groups signed an FSA open letter calling on all parties to get behind a new Football Governance Bill – we’re very pleased the Government has listened and look forward to working with Parliamentarians to ensure the Bill delivers upon its promise. 

    The FSA was at the heart of 2021’s Fan-Led Review of Football Governance which made a range of recommendations to strengthen the game’s governance – most notably the commitment to introduce an independent regulator. 

    The regulator has the potential to protect our historic community clubs and stop the being run into-the-ground by bad owners, rebalance the game’s finances, protect the heritage of all clubs, give supporters a bigger say in the running of the game and block any domestic clubs from joining a breakaway European Super League. The FSA wholeheartedly backs its creation.

    Dame Tracey Crouch, author Fan Led Review of Football said:

    For far too long fans have been at the back of the queue when it comes to their beloved football club. Football means so much to millions of people and I’m grateful the Government is taking action to protect football from the threats of rogue owners and breakaway competitions.

    The protections in the new Bill reflect the Fan Led Review’s recommendations that supporters should be placed back at the heart of the game and will have a genuine say on things like ticketing and club heritage.

    The Independent Football Regulator will crucially help put clubs on a sustainable financial footing and help secure our national game’s long term future.

    Former Manchester United and England player, football pundit and co-owner of Salford City FC Gary Neville said:

    Football is undoubtedly one of our country’s greatest assets, but now more than ever we need an independent regulator to act as a guardian for our game, to make sure that clubs and their fans are protected for the long term. 

    I’ve had the honour of experiencing football as a fan, player, pundit and now as a club co-owner, but I know my role is to act as a temporary custodian of an institution that belongs to its fans and community which will last forever. 

    Football is too important in this country to be left solely in the hands of individual owners to design its future. We’ve seen inequality across the game grow but now independent regulation can act as a catalyst to create a thriving and sustainable game for future generations.

    The new legislation echoes the sentiment from fans on the need for systemic change in football, as set out in Dame Tracey Crouch’s Fan Led Review of Football. While retaining many of the key findings, the Government believes the new Bill builds on these and delivers a stronger independent regulator for men’s elite football in England.

    Notes to editors:

    • The Fan Led Review of Football Governance can be found here.
    • Parachute payments will be assessed only if the Regulator considers them to be of systemic risk to financial sustainability. The Football Governance Bill will require clubs to continue to be protected from the risks that come with relegation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Bill to strengthen puppy and dog welfare across New South Wales

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Bill to strengthen puppy and dog welfare across New South Wales

    Published: 24 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Local Government

    The Minns Labor Government will today introduce a Bill to Parliament to strengthen puppy and dog welfare across the state by establishing clear guardrails and standards for dog breeders.

    Committed to during the election this legislation has been developed through close consultation with experts, industry and animal welfare advocates, to ensure community expectations are reflected in New South Wales laws.

    The Bill targets key risks to animal health and welfare associated with dog breeding practices that have been of concern for some time.  Changes under this Bill include:

    • Mandating that breeders must, for the first time, obtain a Breeder Identification Number through the NSW pet registry, enabling transparency of the sector and assisting people acquiring a puppy.
    • Setting a lifetime litter limit for fertile female adult dogs (those over 6 months old) to five natural litters or up to three caesarean litters, whichever occurs first.
    • Establishing a care standard of one staff carer for every 20 adult dogs ensuring sufficient care, food and water are provided.
    • Establishing a maximum cap of 20 fertile female dogs (over the age of six months) at any breeding premise.
    • A maximum penalty for individuals of $110,000, two years imprisonment or both and $550,000 for organisations will apply for breaches of this cap.

    This bill seeks to stop puppy farming by providing a robust and modernised regulatory system for all breeders to deliver good animal welfare without imposing undue regulatory burden on legitimate breeders.

    The Government is therefore enabling within the Bill that breeders with more than 20 fertile dogs will be able to apply for a limited exemption from this cap. This exemption will apply for ten years, giving breeders significant time to appropriately scale down their operations.

    Currently in New South Wales there has been no compulsory registration scheme for breeders and no restrictions on the number of breeding female dogs that a person or business can have, or the number of litters a female dog can produce in their lifetimes.

    Without these safeguards animal welfare has been jeopardised with unethical breeders in some instances establishing facilities of dozens or hundreds of dogs without providing essential care.

    The majority of the changes will come into effect from December 2025, allowing time for the Government to rollout an education campaign for breeders, dog owners and those considering acquiring a puppy.

    NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

    “With half of all households having a dog at home there is significant community concern about the welfare of these dogs as puppies, and about the practice of puppy farms.

    “Most breeders do the right thing, but there is a clear message from the community that large-scale, unregulated breeding practices are not acceptable, and breeders should be registered.

    “We came to Government with a commitment to clean up the sector and to enhance animal welfare because it means a lot to everyone in our community and for our dogs.

    “Our Bill ensures transparency, accountability, and appropriate animal welfare standards in all breeding operations across NSW.

    “This Bill is about stopping the bad apples of this industry while supporting good and professional people who prioritise the health and welfare of their animals.

    “These changes will be easy to understand for industry and will allow people to distinguish ethical breeders who promote responsible breeding practices from dodgy puppy farmers.

    Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

    “People expect that any dog purchased from a breeder has been treated well and has not been exploited by dishonest puppy farmers to turn a profit. 

    “This Bill applies a strict regulatory framework to provide the government with greater oversight to ensure all breeders are complying with animal welfare standards and community expectations.

    “All industry and animal welfare stakeholders agree that there is a need to clean out the bad actors and for better animal and customer protection against those few unethical breeders. That is what this Bill delivers.”

    Animal Welfare League NSW CEO Stephen Albin said:

    “The Animal Welfare League NSW strongly supports the Bill as it will crack down on breeders who are doing the wrong thing and improve animal welfare.

    “It also sets a new regulatory framework that will deliver higher standards in the breeding industry and give established breeders time to meet those standards.

    “We have seen a huge spike in breeding since COVID-19, with a big increase in dogs coming into the shelter, blowing out our waiting lists and making it extremely challenging to find new, loving homes for dogs, who are often just puppies.

    “Sadly, too many dogs are not finding a new home.

    “This Bill will help ease the pressure on our shelters and allow us to rehome dogs that have been surrendered or abandoned.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Strengthening enforcement to tackle illegal tobacco

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Strengthening enforcement to tackle illegal tobacco

    Published: 24 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Health

    The NSW Government will roll out reforms to better protect the community from the harms of illegal tobacco, including tougher penalties, more enforcement officers, and a new tobacco licensing scheme for retailers.

    A new licensing scheme

    Recent enforcement activities have observed a rise in illicit tobacco retailing including amongst rural communities in NSW, which adversely affects businesses that operate within the law. Illicit retailers undercut legitimate small businesses by selling illicit tobacco at lower prices and some have been found to be located in close proximity to schools.

    A new tobacco licensing scheme will also be introduced, to better protect those businesses doing the right thing and ensure greater oversight of the tobacco retail industry in NSW.

    Under these changes, retailers and wholesalers of tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products will be required to hold a tobacco licence and pay an annual fee.

    A licence will be able to be refused, or revoked, if the applicant has been convicted of a tobacco or vaping product related offence.

    The scheme will support comprehensive and targeted enforcement to identify and penalise those retailers and wholesalers doing the wrong thing.

    The proposed legislation includes penalties of up to $220,000 for corporations and $44,000 for individuals for selling tobacco without a licence under the new scheme.

    To ensure that applying for a tobacco licence is not burdensome for small businesses, a technical support phoneline will be available to everyone submitting an application.

    A tobacco licensing scheme will complement the NSW Government’s broader approach to tobacco compliance and enforcement.

    Tougher penalties

    The government will double maximum penalties for a range of tobacco retailing offences, including:

    • Individuals selling tobacco products to minors will be fined up to $22,000 for a first offence and $110,000 for a subsequent offence, with corporations liable for up to $110,000 for a first offence and $220,000 for subsequent offences;
    • Individuals selling tobacco products not in the required packaging or with the mandatory health warnings will be fined up to $22,000, and corporations up to $110,000; and
    • People impersonating or obstructing an inspector can be fined up to $1,100, up from $550.

    Enforcement & seizures

    NSW Health will also recruit an additional 14 enforcement officers to strengthen compliance efforts across the state. This doubles the number of authorised inspectors employed by the Ministry of Health. Ahead of these reforms, NSW Health boosted regional enforcement capacity by supporting the employment of four additional enforcement officers. This compliance workforce complements authorised staff who undertake inspections across local health districts

    From 1 July 2024 to 30 September 2024, NSW Health inspectors conducted 565 targeted retail inspections, seizing more than 3.2 million cigarettes and over 600kg of other illicit tobacco products, with an estimated value of over $3.7 million.

    NSW Health collaborates with NSW Police and other state and national regulatory agencies on enforcement related to illicit tobacco sales, including sharing intelligence, working on joint targets and joint operations.

    Information on NSW tobacco retailing laws can be found on the NSW Health website here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/

    Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected breaches of tobacco and e-cigarette retailing laws on the NSW Health website here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/let-us-know-reports-complaints.aspx

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park MP:

    “I am very concerned by the prevalence of illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes in our community, and their proximity to our schools and children.

    “These new laws are the most significant tobacco retailing reforms in NSW in the last decade and will help us combat the scourge of illicit tobacco sales across the state.

    “We are introducing tougher penalties for retailers doing the wrong thing, and boosting our team of enforcement officers to strengthen our compliance efforts.

    “The increased tobacco penalties reflect the seriousness of these offences. Retailers should be put on notice that if they are caught breaking tobacco retailing laws they will be penalised.”

    “A tobacco licensing scheme in NSW will also further enhance our state’s strong approach to enforcement of tobacco retailing laws. It will allow us to have better oversight over the tobacco industry and will support our comprehensive approach to help reduce the use, impact and associated costs of tobacco in NSW.”

    Quotes attributable to Member for Wagga Wagga Joe McGirr MP:

    “After being made aware of the escalating problem of illegal tobacco in my electorate and across the state, I prepared a Private Members’ Bill to require the licensing of tobacco retailers and increased penalties for offences.

    “This Bill was prepared with widespread consultation with industry and the community, with strong support for my proposals to tackle this growing criminal activity which is undermining health messaging and taking an expensive toll on legitimate retailers.

    “So, I am delighted that the government has met this challenge by proposing its own Bill, reflecting the content of my Bill, and I look forward to supporting the government in this endeavour when parliament resumes.

    “Licensing on its own will not eliminate the black market trade in tobacco but it will provide a valuable structure that will help to reduce the damaging effects of this rapidly-growing problem.

    “I congratulate the government for taking this strong proactive stance and I look forward to working together on further steps to tackle the illegal tobacco trade.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Health Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant:

    “NSW Health supports a holistic approach to tobacco control, recognising reducing supply and access to illicit products is one component.

    “Operating a tobacco licensing scheme will ensure NSW Health has accurate, up-to-date information on tobacco retailing and wholesaling activities in NSW, facilitating more efficient and effective enforcement activity.

    “If you think a tobacco or e-cigarette retailing law has been broken by a retailer in NSW, you can report this via the NSW Health website.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Building resilience against flooding in Tenterfield

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Building resilience against flooding in Tenterfield

    Published: 24 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

    Residents and motorists will soon see activity around the Molesworth Street Bridge in Tenterfield, as early work to improve flood resilience commences.

    Tenterfield Shire Council received just over $9.9 million in funding from to build a new concrete bridge over Tenterfield Creek and relocate adjacent infrastructure.

    Funding will be provided by the Albanese and Minns Governments’ Regional Roads Transport Recovery Package, through the joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

    Geotechnical work to help inform the design of the bridge redevelopment started in July, with construction scheduled to start mid-2025.

    The project will also include the relocation of a sewer line that runs adjacent to the bridge, which was damaged in early 2022 when severe weather events affected northern NSW.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:

    “The current bridge is vulnerable to natural disasters, leading to regular disruptions to the local community.

    “It’s why we’re building this bridge to a better standard, helping the community stay connected in the event of any future disasters.

    “We want to work with state and local government to make sure communities like Tenterfield are better prepared for natural disasters.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Planning Paul Scully:

    “The funding for this improvement to the bridge will allow councils and other road authorities to ‘build back better’ so infrastructure is more resilient.

    “Revitalising the bridge will allow the community, State Government agencies, Tenterfield Shire Council, and industry to withstand and respond to bushfires, severe weather and flooding events effectively.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

    “I was delighted to visit Tenterfield recently to thank Janelle Saffin and Tenterfield council for their advocacy efforts to ensure this vital bridge is rebuilt.

    “This project is a great example of all three levels of government working together to keep communities better connected during future natural disasters.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin:

    “This bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure for the residents of Tenterfield.

    “In a major flood it goes under water, isolating the town’s important medical services, including the 18-bed acute hospital with a 24-hour emergency department.

    “There is also no helipad, which reinforces the need for access to the hospital to be maintained.

    “In times of natural disaster, access to medical services can be a matter of life and death, so the community benefits of this project are obvious.”

    Quotes attributable to Tenterfield Mayor Bronwyn Petrie:

    “Tenterfield Shire Council is grateful for the full funding of the replacement and betterment of the timber Molesworth Street Bridge and adjacent sewer line by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package totaling $9,988,775.80.

    “Council is pleased to announce we have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Transport for NSW to deliver the bridge component of the project, fostering collaborative relationships and enhancing Council’s in-house skills, leveraging the professional and comprehensive expertise of Transport in design and construction.

    “Following geotechnical, planning and design work, construction work on the bridge will commence with detours via Duncan, High and Scott streets.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education Minister attending conference in Australia

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Education Minister is travelling to Australia today to attend the 23rd edition of public policy conference, Consilium. 

    “New Zealand and Australia share common challenges and aspirations for education. New South Wales has recently introduced a new curriculum that is explicit, sequenced and knowledge based while Victoria is requiring structured approaches to teaching reading from 2025,” Erica Stanford says.

    “I look forward to hearing more about their experiences and ideas, as well as sharing our Government’s plan to lift achievement and close the equity gap in New Zealand.”  

    Minister Stanford will speak to ‘Can Education in Australia be reformed?’ where she will share her plan to deliver a world-leading education system.

    While in Australia she will meet with Rt Hon Nick Gibb, former UK Schools Minister, Hon Sarah Henderson, Senator for Victoria and federal Shadow Minister for Education, and other education policy experts and officials. 

    Minister Stanford will travel to Australia on 24 October and returns to New Zealand on 27 October.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW Government and Transgrid announce support package for Far West residents impacted by electrical outage

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: NSW Government and Transgrid announce support package for Far West residents impacted by electrical outage

    Published: 24 October 2024

    Released by: The Premier, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Energy and Climate Change

    The NSW Government is today announcing financial support to residents and small-to-medium sized businesses in the Far West of the state impacted by the major electrical outage in the region.

    The electrical outage community support package is being delivered by the NSW Government with a contribution from Transgrid. This support will be provided as soon as possible through Service NSW.

    This follows the severe storm that destroyed seven Transgrid transmission towers on Thursday 17 October, causing significant disruption to the supply of electricity to the remote communities of Broken Hill, Tibooburra, Wilcannia, Menindee, White Cliffs and other surrounding communities.

    Over 12,000 properties have been without power, many for prolonged periods over the past week causing disruptions to families, businesses and community.

    The electrical outage community support package will be available to impacted households and small to medium-sized local businesses.

    • Payments of $200 will be made available to each of the residential electricity account holders impacted by the outage. These grants will be available via Service NSW.
    • Payments of $400 will be made available to impacted small-to-medium businesses. These grants will also be available via Service NSW.
    • While these grants are being established, the NSW Government will continue to support people’s immediate needs with pantry staples, fresh produce, food hampers and mobile cold rooms being made available in partnership with Foodbank NSW/ACT at key locations in the Far West to support communities where impacts have been greatest.
    • The NSW Government is also bringing together agencies and industry to support longer term recovery needs including working with the insurance sector to provide clear advice to people, charities and mental health support.

    The community support package is being provided by the NSW Government and will total $4 million, including a $1.5 million contribution by Transgrid.

    This package is in addition to a range of actions the NSW Government has already taken in the week since the power outage.

    A Natural Disaster Declaration was swiftly issued, unlocking State-Commonwealth disaster funding for the Broken Hill and Central Darling Shire Local Government Areas, as well as the Far West Unincorporated Area.

    The NSW Government has also declared an Electricity Supply Emergency for the Far West region of NSW under the Electricity Supply Act (1995). This declaration allows the Minister for Energy to give directions considered to be necessary to respond to the electricity supply emergency.

    The situation remains uncertain with work underway to restore mains power to the region. The region is primarily relying on Transgrid’s large-scale back-up generator while the company constructs interim towers which are expected to be in place by 6 November 2024.

    Transgrid and Essential Energy are getting more generators into the region to reduce reliance on the main back-up generator and it’s hoped that will negate the need for rolling blackouts that keep the wider network stable.

    To ensure the existing back-up generator can continue to function and meet community needs, particularly during the evening peak, communities are being asked to reduce energy use where possible between 5.30pm and 10.30pm (Australian Central Daylight Time). Key steps include:

    • Turning off any non-essential appliances.
    • Using lights only in occupied rooms.
    • If you are using air conditioning, consider raising the set point temperature to about 26 degrees and close all blinds, windows and doors.

    Outside these times, the community should continue to use electricity as they normally would.

    Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

    “This support package is a critical way to provide much needed relief to the people of the Far West impacted by the outage as we work to get the lights back on and support to those who need it.

    “The effects of this prolonged outage are having a significant impact on local residents’ daily lives, that’s why I am in the region today meeting with residents and businesses who have been impacted by this outage.”

    Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe said:

    “Electricity is a part of everything we do – at work, at school and at home – and we’re doing everything we can across government to support communities. This will be a challenging time for the next few weeks.

    “The best way to avoid load shedding is for households and small businesses to reduce their use of energy during the evening peak of 5.30 to 10.30pm.

    “This could be as simple as using the dishwasher during the day rather than at night, or turning off lights when rooms aren’t being used.”

    Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said:

    “We have teams on the ground responding to what we know has been a difficult period for the people of Far West NSW, and today’s package is an important addition to the support already announced under the Natural Disaster Declaration.

    “Emergency response personnel from the Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service are providing ongoing support for Far West communities, including generators and emergency connectivity. Thank you to the volunteers who are helping communities during this time.”

    Independent Member for Barwon, Roy Butler said:

    “NSW communities in the Far West region of NSW are experiencing significant hardship across the Far West, and this package will go some way toward addressing the impacts at home and work.

    “I wrote to the Premier on Monday asking for compensation for individuals and businesses, and I thank the NSW Government for such a quick response.

    “The people of Far West NSW deserve a reliable supply of electricity and a robust back-up system, and the Government is taking action to ensure that is the case going forward.”

    CEO Transgrid, Brett Redman said:

    “Transgrid acknowledges the impact of the outage and is working with the NSW Government and Essential Energy to do everything we can to reinstate the permanent power supply as soon as practicable.

    “Our primary focus is on safely restoring supply and working to minimise impacts to the community. We hope that this financial support goes some way to assisting those impacted during the past week and we again thank the community for their patience.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Sharing the National Collection: Two works return to their old home in Bowral

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    Two works by Australian artists Charles Blackman and Russell Drysdale will adorn the walls of National Trust-listed estate Retford Park in New South Wales’ Southern Highlands, thanks to the Albanese Labor Government’s Sharing the National Collection program.

    The countrywoman (1946) by Drysdale and The anteroom (1963) by Blackman will be on loan from the National Gallery of Australia for two years from the beginning of November.

    Located just outside Bowral, Retford Park was built in 1887 by prominent Sydney architect Albert Bond, with the heritage house and grounds now home to an impressive collection of artworks and sculptures.

    The two paintings were originally housed in Retford Park until their generous donation to the National Gallery’s collection by the late arts patron and philanthropist, James Fairfax AC.

    The loan will bring the artworks out of storage and give visitors to Retford Park the chance to once again view them in the unique setting of their old home.

    Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the loan was an opportunity to highlight exceptional but lesser known works within the National Collection and share them with communities for whom they hold special significance.

    “The National Collection holds over 155,000 artworks of great beauty and cultural value, but at any one time 98 per cent of it is in storage.

    “The Sharing the National Collection initiative gives more Australians the chance to see works by artists whose names they may be familiar with but whose work they perhaps haven’t yet had a chance to see.

    “Thanks to the great legacy of James Fairfax, these two significant artworks belong to the Australian people – and it’s fantastic to see them return home to Retford Park for the next two years.”

    Member for Whitlam, Stephen Jones said the two artworks will draw additional visitors to Retford Park and enrich the estate’s existing collection. 
    “I am pleased these two artworks lent by James Fairfax AC to the National Collection will now return to Retford Park for two years.

    “Mr Fairfax believed Retford Park should be preserved for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations, and I have no doubt these two artworks will attract more locals and visitors to the Portuguese Pink mansion in Bowral.”

    National Gallery Director Dr Nick Mitzevich said, “A generous supporter of the National Gallery, the late James Fairfax AC’s extraordinary cultural leadership, erudition as a collector, and his deep feeling for Australian art, is demonstrated by the works he chose to gift to the national collection.

    “Fairfax donated works by renowned Australian artists Charles Blackman and Russell Drysdale which we now have the great pleasure of lending to the Southern Highlands of NSW through this partnership with Retford Park.”

    Debbie Mills, Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust said, “James Fairfax AC was a great patron of the arts and a passionate supporter of the National Gallery of Australia, so it is fitting that these works will soon hang proudly on the walls of his former home once again.
    “We thank the National Gallery for generously granting this loan through the Sharing the National Collection initiative.

    “We encourage everyone to visit and enjoy these special artworks; two fabulous additions to the incredible collection of 16th, 17th and 18th Century fine art, furniture and textiles already on display at Retford Park.” 

    Sharing the National Collection is part of Revive, Australia’s new national cultural policy, with $11.8m over four years to fund the costs of transporting, installing and insuring works in the national art collection so that they can be seen across the country for extended periods.

    The Drysdale and Blackman works can be viewed via the National Gallery’s website. 

    Regional and suburban galleries can register their expressions of interest via this link.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Building Homes for NSW program delivers sites for another 1,600 homes

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Building Homes for NSW program delivers sites for another 1,600 homes

    Published: 24 October 2024

    Released by: The Premier, Minister for Homelessness, Minister for Housing, Minister for Lands and Property, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

    The Minns Labor Government is continuing to deliver more homes through its Building Homes for NSW program, including through its statewide property audit, announcing a further 30 sites to build around 1,600 homes.

    Land audit sites

    The Government has identified 14 sites through the property audit to provide land to build around another 1,400 homes.

    Today’s announcement includes two sites at Box Hill and Riverstone to be transferred to Homes NSW for potential development of almost 50 social and affordable homes and over 35 market homes.

    A further nine sites across Sydney and three sites in regional NSW have been identified for future housing development by either Landcom or in partnership with the private sector, to allow the estimated delivery of more than 1300 market and affordable homes.

    The Sydney sites include unused government land at three sites at Rouse Hill, and sites at Edmondson Park, Stanmore, Earlwood, North Sydney, Chippendale and Fairfield. The three regional sites are located at Broadmeadow, Morisset and Orange.

    The final approach to delivering housing on these sites, including details on the quantity and types of housing, will be confirmed following further due diligence and subsequent planning and regulatory approvals.

    The announcement of these sites follows the NSW Government’s previous confirmation of 14 other sites across Sydney and regional NSW that will be transferred to housing delivery agencies.

    Homes NSW sites

    In addition to the sites identified through the property audit, the Government will also shortly commence construction of 194 new social homes on 16 further sites across the state owned by Homes NSW.

    These sites are in regions including Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Northern Rivers, and the Riverina, with construction on the first sites due to start before the end of the year.

    The Building Homes for NSW program will deliver up to 30,000 homes on government sites, including 8,400 new public homes, giving priority to women and children fleeing violence. For more information, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/homes-nsw/building-homes-for-nsw

    The property audit is part of the Building Homes for NSW program. For more information about the property audit, visit https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/our-business/advisory-and-transactions/nsw-government-property-audit-for-housing.

    Premier for New South Wales Chris Minns said:

    “We know housing affordability and availability is the single biggest pressure facing the people of NSW and our property audit continues to focus on ensuring unused or surplus government land becomes available to deliver more housing.

    “Today’s announcement of further sites across Sydney and regional NSW is part of our commitment to provide for housing for renters, first home buyers and the most vulnerable members of our community.”

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

    “The Minns Labor Government continues to deliver on its commitment to identify land it owns that could be better used for housing. 

    “The property audit is another part of our plan to deliver more homes and is bolstered by the reforms to the NSW planning system and investment in Landcom that allows it to deliver more homes.”

    Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

    “The property audit has been methodically assessing government land and is now in full swing delivering surplus land for more homes, with 28 sites so far announced and capable of providing more than 3,000 residential dwellings.

    “The ongoing property audit continue to deliver much needed sites to help address the housing crisis currently being faced in NSW.”

    Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

    “Delivering more social and affordable homes is critical to rebuilding our housing system,

    the two Sydney sites identified for social housing are well-located close to public transport and services so they can deliver accessible, modern housing with over 250 new homes for those most in need.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government crackdown on single-use vapes

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ban on sale and supply of single-use vapes in England to come into force on 1 June 2025

    Single-use vapes in a green space

    New legislation to ban the sale of single-use vapes from 1 June 2025 has been laid in Parliament, Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh confirmed today.

    Single-use vapes are not rechargeable or refillable, and are typically discarded as general waste in a bin or littered, rather than recycled – contributing to a flood of litter on our streets. Even when they are sent to recycling facilities, they usually have to be disassembled by hand – a slow and difficult process which will struggle to keep up with the pace of vape production. Their lithium-ion batteries can also present a fire risk to waste industry workers. 

    Last year, it was estimated that almost five million single-use vapes were either littered or thrown away in general waste every week in the UK, almost four times as much as the previous year and the equivalent of eight being thrown away per second. In 2022, more than 40 tonnes of lithium from single-use vapes was discarded, which is the same amount used to power 5,000 electric vehicles. 

    Making the sale of single-use vapes illegal, delivers on the Government’s commitment to act on this important issue, and kick-starts the push towards a circular economy and helps to curb the rise of young people taking up vaping, while also protecting our natural environment and town streets from a tide of litter.   

    Vape usage in England grew by more than 400% between 2012 and 2023, with 9.1% of the British public now buying and using these products. The long-term health impacts of vaping are unknown, and the nicotine contained within them can be highly addictive, with withdrawal sometimes causing anxiety, trouble concentrating and headaches.

    Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said:

    Single-use vapes are extremely wasteful and blight our towns and cities. 

    That is why we are banning single use vapes as we end this nation’s throwaway culture.  

    This is the first step on the road to a circular economy, where we use resources for longer, reduce waste, accelerate the path to net-zero and create thousands of jobs across the country.

    Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said:

    It’s deeply worrying that a quarter of 11-15-year-olds used a vape last year and we know disposables are the product of choice for the majority of kids vaping today.

    Banning disposable vapes will not only protect the environment, but importantly reduce the appeal of vapes to children and keep them out of the hands of vulnerable young people.

    The government will also introduce the Tobacco and Vapes Bill – the biggest public health intervention in a generation – which will protect young people from becoming hooked on nicotine and pave the way for a smoke-free UK.

    The public is in favour of restricting the sale and supply of single-use vapes, with 69% of consultation respondents supporting these proposals in February 2024. 

    Banning these vapes will stop them from being thrown into bins with general waste, where they typically end up in landfill or being incinerated, posing a fire risk due to their lithium-ion batteries and can cause poor air quality. Furthermore, it will stop plastic, lead, and mercury from leaching into the environment, which can cause waterways to be contaminated and poison our wildlife.  

    The Government has laid legislation to introduce the ban and, subject to parliamentary approval, businesses will have until 1 June 2025 to sell any remaining stock they hold and prepare for the ban coming into force. The UK Government and Devolved Governments have worked closely and will align coming into force dates.

    Libby Peake, head of resources at Green Alliance, said:

    Disposable vapes are the last thing our children and the planet need, and for too long the market for them has been allowed to grow unchecked. Every single one wastes resources that are critical to a more sustainable economy – like lithium, needed for the batteries that power electric cars.

    When they’re littered, the nicotine, plastic and batteries they contain are all extremely harmful. Even when they’re put in a bin, their batteries can catch fire. The government is right to ban these harmful devices – it’s a welcome step in the journey towards an economy where waste is reduced by design.

    Climate activist and environmental scientist, Less Waste Laura said:

    Disposable vapes exploded on to the market, becoming perhaps the first mainstream disposable electronic device to litter our streets, and reflecting the relentless evolution of the tobacco industry. 

    The UK Government’s action to ban these single-use products in 2025 is a welcome, and crucial, step. The ban isn’t just about cutting littered vapes; it challenges the broader rise in disposable technology driving a concerning larger increase in electronic waste, with its associated fire risk, and use of scarce materials.

    I welcome the ban from a health angle too, and see it as crucial to breaking the grip of vaping on our youth, alongside challenging the throwaway culture threatening to suffocate our planet.

    Recent government figures show that recycling rates for waste from households has fallen to 44.1% in 2022.  

    This ban is part of the government’s commitment to end the nation’s throwaway culture and stop the avalanche of rubbish that is filling up our high streets, countryside and oceans.   

    The Environment Secretary has made it one of his five core priorities to move to a future where we keep our resources in use for longer, accelerate the path to net zero and increase investment in critical infrastructure and green jobs.

    Please see here for further information on the environmental cost of single-use vapes.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Positive response to homelessness

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    ALMOST 1000 people either homeless or facing the prospect of losing their home were rehoused by Dundee City Council last year according to a new report.
    The figures, which show that the council met its statutory duty in 100% of cases are revealed in a review of year five of the Scottish Government -funded Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan (RRTP).
    Mark Flynn convener of the council’s neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee said: “While there was a 3% reduction in people presenting as homeless last year there was a full duty to rehouse in 993 applications. Of those we found permanent accommodation for 721.
    “But positive as this is, we know that there is still more to be done in the coming year to tackle things like the length of time people spend in temporary accommodation and the number of people who are still waiting for an offer of a permanent house.”
    The RRTP notes that during year five (2023/2024) temporary accommodation capacity increased in Dundee by 38% from the previous year but B&B accommodation continued to be used to meet demand.
    To tackle the ongoing challenges posed by homelessness in the coming year the plan outlines a number of activities. These include:
    reducing the use of B&Bs by bringing void properties back into use through the void recovery improvement plan;
    matching homeless applicants to suitable void properties at an earlier stage of the allocation process;
    exploring a procurement strategy to source temporary accommodation in the private sector;
    using the private rented sector where it is suitable to do so for applicants who wish to be housed in specific areas or house types; and
    increasing preventative measures through a strategic working group.
    The neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee meets on Monday (October 28).

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ocean Maid report and flyer published

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Grounding and subsequent loss of a stern trawler on Cairnbulg Point, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

    Image courtesy of Alex Young and www.marinetraffic.com

    Today, we have published our accident investigation report into the grounding of the stern trawler Ocean Maid (BA 55) on Cairnbulg Point near the port of Fraserburgh, Scotland on 24 October 2022. The vessel later broke up and sank.

    The report, available via this link, contains details of what happened, subsequent actions taken and recommendations.

    A safety flyer to the fishing industry has also been produced with this report.

    Media enquiries (telephone only)

    Media enquiries during office hours 01932 440015

    Media enquiries out of hours 0300 7777878

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Agricultural Census Statistics, June 2024

    Source: Scottish Government

    An Accredited Official Statistics Publication

    The June Agricultural Census 2024 shows a drop in the numbers of livestock in Scotland with the long-term trend in declining cattle numbers continuing.

    In 2024, there were 1.67 million cattle, a decrease of 2.4% when compared with the five year average (2019-2023) and a decrease of 0.9% when compared with 2023. Other livestock results show that the total number of sheep decreased by 3.8% to 6.47 million and the total number of pigs decreased by 6.5% to 315,500 pigs.

    The area of land used for growing cereals (wheat, barley, oats and other cereals) decreased by 0.8% compared with the five year average following a mixed year in 2024. The area used to grow winter crops (wheat, winter barley and winter oats) decreased. Spring planted crops (spring barley and spring oats) increased when compared with the five year average due to an increase in the area used to grow spring barley.

    The agricultural census also showed that the total workforce on agricultural holdings in Scotland increased by 0.5% to 67,400 people in 2024 when compared with the five year average.

    Background

    The June Agricultural Census provides an annual update on trends in agricultural activity across the country. It covers all main types of farming and the number of people working on agricultural holdings in Scotland. The agricultural census in 2024 also included questions on slurry destination and agricultural machinery.

    The full statistical publication is available on the Scottish Government website. 

    Official statistics are produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British High Commission celebrates King’s birthday, 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The British High Commission will today (23 October) host the King’s Birthday Party, its annual celebration to mark the British Monarch’s birthday.

    British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron with P Kumaran, Secretary of Economic Relations and Development Partnership Administration, Ministry of External Affairs

    The gala event pays tribute to His Majesty King Charles III as the UK’s Head of State.

    In addition to his official and ceremonial duties in the UK and overseas, His Majesty has championed a wide range of causes relating to the environment and sustainable development, the arts, healthcare and education for decades.

    A wide range of dignitaries from the Government of India, representatives from Commonwealth nations, business leaders, and eminent personalities from the fields of diplomacy, arts, education, research, business, and sports are expected to attend. The celebration will also highlight the vibrant business links that exist between our countries.

    The event reflects the modern partnership between the UK and India with a specially designed food menu of British Indian cuisine from Ambassador for the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland campaign Chef Vineet Bhatia MBE, music by DJ Lush Lata, and interactive displays from some of the UK’s leading businesses operating in India.

    Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said:

    His Majesty The King has an enduring interest in promoting a modern partnership with India and its people. It is such a privilege to celebrate His Majesty’s birthday with friends in India who have been so generous to me since I arrived. I can think of no more interesting country to live in, no better time to be here.

    I also extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone joining the celebration in Delhi; it is the people that make the UK-India partnership come to life, and the deep economic connections through companies like HSBC India that make it thrive.”   

    This year’s King’s Birthday Party celebrations in Delhi were made possible by the gracious support of HSBC India, Reliance Industries Ltd, OMA living – A Hero Motors Company, The Body Shop, bp, Airbus, BAE Systems, Shell India, British Airways, UK India Business Council, Aston Martin New Delhi, Truefitt & Hill, Diageo India, William Grant and Sons, Beam Suntory, Colliers Cheese and Fortune Gourmet Specialities, Nimkish Enterprises.

    Further information

    • free-to-use high resolution images from the event will be uploaded to Flickr
    • the King’s Birthday Party is celebrated by British Embassies and High Commissions around the world
    • the King’s Birthday falls on 14 November, but his official Birthday in 2024 was marked on 15 June, when The King’s Birthday Parade (also known as Trooping the Colour) was held in London
    • His Majesty has undertaken 10 official visits to India, most recently in November 2019 when he visited New Delhi and Mumbai to celebrate British-India connections with a focus on sustainable markets, climate change and social finance
    • His Majesty King Charles III was born in 1948 and became heir apparent on the accession of Queen Elizabeth II in 1952

    Media

    For media queries, contact:

    David Russell, Head of Communications
    Press and Communications, British High Commission,
    Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021. Tel: 24192100

    Media queries: BHCMediaDelhi@fcdo.gov.uk

    Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, Youtube and LinkedIn

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrations mark official opening of new Winchester 3G pitch

    Source: City of Winchester

    The installation of a new community 3G pitch in Winchester has been celebrated at an official opening event.   

    The high-quality pitch, which has replaced the current grass pitch at Hillier Way football ground, is a surface which can be used all year round.

    The Hillier Way ground is the home venue of Winchester City FC, a committee-run members club which has a history dating back to 1884. The club’s first game on the new surface was an FA Cup qualifying game against Weymouth.

    The facility is also used by Winchester City Flyers girls’ and ladies’ teams, and Winchester Youth FC.

    The official opening on 23 October 2024 

    The new pitch has been funded by: a grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation of £1,132,214; Winchester City Council Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding of £300,000; and £16,000 from Winchester City FC.

    It is also available for wider local community activity sessions and private hire, including use by schools, colleges and other clubs.

    Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of The Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country. 

    “Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities. 

    “We’re delighted that the local community in Winchester will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new 3G pitch at The Hillier Way Football Ground.”

    Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Engagement Cllr Kathleen Becker said: “We’re very pleased to celebrate the official opening of this fantastic new surface which cements existing opportunities for community sport. It opens up exciting new ones too, including increased opportunities for female coaches and players in the district.

    “Already being well used by the local community, we also look forward to seeing this pitch benefit schools and other clubs for sessions, holiday activity and private hire.”

    Winchester City FC Chairman Ken Raisbeck said: “The completion of the stadium development represents a significant moment in the history of the football club but also an opportunity for the community of Winchester.

    “Football is a great vehicle to bring people together as well as encourage health and wellbeing. This facility creates a home for the club and from five-year-olds through to the first team, we now have an asset that can be used by everyone.

    “I am delighted that the council supported the vision and through the football club we were able to bring investment to the city to provide this fantastic facility; it’s an exciting moment in the development of the club and our community partners.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cook up a Witches Brew Stew just in time for Halloween

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Cook up a Witches Brew Stew just in time for Halloween

    24 October 2024

    Strabane Health Improvement Project (SHIP) in the Ballycolman Estate is cooking up a Halloween experience that is sure to tantalise your tastebuds.

    Running on Tuesday, 29th October from 10am-12pm SHIP is hosting the Witches Stew Brew, this is an afternoon cookery session which aims to show locals how to make a tasty meal using vegetables which can be grown locally.

    Jarlath McNulty, SHIP project manager explained: “We were approached by Acorn Farm and Council to look at delivering a project based around cooking from local produce. When we had a think about it, we thought the Witches Brew Stew would be a great way to do it in the run up to Halloween.

    “The event is due to run for about two hours and is all about encouraging people to think about eating healthier and using items they could ultimately grow themselves. Harvest is the perfect time of year to hold an event like this and we are really looking forward to it.”

    Encouraging people to take part in the Witches Brew Stew, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council said: “The event hosted by Strabane Health Improvement Project is the perfect opportunity to learn how to introduce more vegetables into your diet in a fun and practical way. If you’re able to attend please do so, I’m sure you will pick up lots of useful cookery tips and of course come away with the recipe for a perfect Witches Brew Stew.”

    Anyone interested should turn up at 10am on Tuesday, 29 October at Strabane Health Improvement Project in the Ballycolman Estate. Contact: 02871 383557 if you need further information.

    For more information about any of the events taking place in the Strabane District this Halloween, go to www.strabanehalloween.com.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RYANAIR EXTENDS BIRMINGHAM ROUTE FOR WINTER 2024 & CELEBRATES OVER 5 MILLION PASSENGERS THROUGH CIT

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    RYANAIR EXTENDS BIRMINGHAM ROUTE FOR WINTER 2024 & CELEBRATES OVER 5 MILLION PASSENGERS THROUGH CIT

    24 October 2024

    Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, today (23 Oct) launched its Winter 2024 schedule for City of Derry Airport with 2 exciting routes – Birmingham & Manchester – giving Northern Irish citizens/visitors more choice and regular connections at the lowest fares in Europe this Winter.

    Ryanair relaunched its Birmingham route from City of Derry Airport in Summer 2024, which the airline will now extend it into the Winter season. Ryanair has also added an extra return service on its popular Manchester route, which will now operate 6 weekly flights to/from City of Derry Airport for Winter 2024 (Mon, Fri, Sun).

    Today’s launch comes as Ryanair carries 5 million passengers through City of Derry Airport. Ryanair has operated to/from City of Derry Airport for the past 24 years, supporting important regional development and growth, including the airline’s support of over 65 local jobs, and driving of year-round connectivity and tourism.

    To celebrate the launch of Ryanair’s Winter 2024 schedule for City of Derry Airport, the airline has launched a limited-time seat sale with fares available from just £19.99 available only at www.ryanair.com.

     

    Ryanair’s Head of Communications, Jade Kirwan, said:

    “As Europe’s No.1 airline, Ryanair is pleased to announce our Winter 2024 schedule for City of Derry Airport with 2 routes – Birmingham & Manchester. As well as extending our new Birmingham route for the Winter season, we’re also adding extra flights on our popular Manchester route, providing Northern Ireland citizens/visitors with even more choice at the lowest fares in Europe.

    Today’s announcement comes as Ryanair carries our 5 millionth passenger through City of Derry Airport – a significant milestone and reflection of our 24 years of operating to/from City of Derry Airport. This year, Ryanair’s City of Derry Airport traffic will grow +66%, demonstrating Ryanair’s long-term commitment to boost Northern Ireland’s air traffic, tourism, jobs, and economy.”

     

    City of Derry Airport’s Managing Director, Steve Frazer said:

    “We are thrilled to have Ryanair providing much needed air connectivity from the ‘Gateway of the Northwest’ and Birmingham and Manchester for travellers across the region this Winter.

    Passengers will benefit from a new Ryanair Birmingham service on a Monday, in addition to the existing Saturday service. This will be ideal for business travellers departing at the start of the week and returning at the weekend, as well as students who regularly commute, whilst offering leisure passengers a convenient weekend break.

    Ryanair’s Manchester will continue to operate on a Monday, Friday and Sunday, again ideal for both business and leisure travel, with additional services available across the Christmas holiday period to meet the needs of our local catchment area.

    We are extremely proud to have reached the momentous milestone of 5 million Ryanair passengers at City of Derry Airport, and we look forward to growing the airline’s presence in the Northwest for years to come.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Gaston sets the record straight on Commission questions about Michael McMonagle

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV MLA Timothy Gaston:

    “Both during and in the aftermath of yesterday’s disgraceful meeting of the Executive Office Committee, there have been suggestions that I have not explored issues related to the Michael McMonagle’s scandal with the Assembly Commission.

    “In the current session of the Assembly a total of 30 written questions have been submitted to the Commission by all MLAs – 19 of those are mine, almost two thirds of all questions.

    “A total of 25 questions have been asked by all MLAs on issues relating to the Michael McMonagle scandal. All but 7 of those were tabled by myself – over 70% of all questions on the issue.

    “The questions can call be read here.

    “Among the answers I have received is one revealing that just short of £110,000 of public money was paid by the Assembly to convicted child sex offender Michael McMonagle.

    “Other key questions – including whether the Commission will come to the Assembly chamber to answer questions on the issue remain unanswered. This was something I attempted to do by way of an urgent oral some weeks ago only for Alliance deputy speaker John Blair to reject the request. Telling, there are no questions in from any Alliance MLAs on these matters.”

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