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Category: Great Britain

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Diplomats sharing global business expertise with British firms

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Diplomats sharing global business expertise with British firms

    Foreign Secretary dispatches top diplomats to all parts of the UK to boost regional ties and deliver economic growth under the Government’s Plan for Change.

    British diplomats are visiting every corner of the UK this summer to build connections with British businesses and champion their interests overseas.

    Ambassadors and High Commissioners are posted for long stints in other countries, and part of their brief is to get under the skin of the place where they are based. That includes getting to know the ins and outs of the business landscape, and spotting opportunities for British businesses.

    As part of a first-of-its-kind ‘domestic roadshow’, the Foreign Secretary has called some of the country’s top diplomats home to build relationships with mayors and regional businesses across all nations and regions of the UK so that they can represent them even better abroad.

    Over 10 visits have taken place so far, with more planned throughout the summer and into the autumn. The goal of the roadshows is to strengthen ties between British regions and the UK’s closest economic partners, to drive economic growth and deliver part of this Government’s Plan for Change. 

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    Our Ambassadors and High Commissioners are the salesforce for the UK economy.

    Through this roadshow, my top diplomats are meeting mayors and regional businesses to discuss trade and investment opportunities and strike new partnerships, ultimately so they can champion the UK’s interests overseas and deliver growth.

    In this Government’s Plan for Change, the economic interests of British businesses sit at the heart of our foreign policy.

    The roadshow follows the launch of the Government’s landmark Modern Industrial Strategy, with each roadshow stop designed to target one of the eight growth sectors, including defence, clean energy, life sciences, digital tech, advanced manufacturing, and financial services.

    The senior diplomats, who include ambassadors to Italy, Spain, and South Korea, have been told to harness the expertise of regional entrepreneurs to unlock growth opportunities overseas.

    The UK’s Ambassador to Italy, Ed Llewellyn was in South Yorkshire last Friday (4 July) where he visited steel manufacturer Marcegaglia, which announced a £50 million investment in Sheffield during Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Italy last autumn. This investment will build a new clean steel electric arc furnace, supporting 50 new jobs directly and indirectly.

    Ambassador Llewellyn also toured the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham – visiting Italian steel manufacturer Danieli and the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), which is part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult network of research centres. 

    Ambassador to Italy Ed Llewellyn said:

    It’s exciting to be in South Yorkshire as part of this first-of-its-kind roadshow – going the extra mile to develop relationships that will help us supercharge growth to every corner of the UK.

    Sheffield has had a close affinity with Italy since the 19th century, when many Italian workers arrived in West Bar and played a vital role in the city’s economy.

    We’re hitting the road to speak directly to community leaders and businesses, so that not a single opportunity is missed to generate trade and investment wins overseas. 

    The UK Government’s Plan for Change is making Britain the best country to do business with, and I am looking forward to building on today’s roadshow discussions to showcase South Yorkshire on the international stage.

    South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said:

    My job is growth – building not just a bigger economy, but a better one. But that kind of transformation doesn’t happen by accident. If we’re serious about creating an economy where everyone can stay near and go far, then we need to take our message to the world.

    That’s why having Ambassador Llewellyn right here in South Yorkshire is so vital. South Yorkshire is already home to world-leading companies and cutting-edge research, and we’re determined to grow our international footprint.

    By working directly with the UK’s diplomatic network, we can open new doors for local businesses, attract investment and build the partnerships that will power our economy for the future.

    Meanwhile Ambassador to Spain Alex Ellis was in Greater Manchester to attend a Business Roundtable with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and locally based businesses before meeting with the Leader of Manchester City Council, Councillor Bev Craig.

    Ambassador Ellis visited the University of Manchester for a meeting with Professor Fiona Devine, Vice-President and Dean for the Faculty of Humanities.

    On 30 June, Ambassador to Belgium Anne Sherriff visited South Wales for a meeting with the Welsh Government’s Director for International Relations. She also visited CSA Catapult, a not-for-profit research and technology organisation based in Newport which supports start-ups, SMEs, large organisations, and academia to commercialise compound semiconductor technologies.

    The first roadshow kicked off on Wednesday 25 June, as Ambassador to South Korea, Colin Crooks, headed to the North East of England. The ambassador visited firms linked to clean energy with a tour of the Tees Works freeport and met with the UK CEO of SeAH Wind, a South Korean company constructing a wind turbine manufacturing facility in Teesside.

    The roadshow comes as the Government marks one year in office. It is part of a wider effort by the FCDO, under the Foreign Secretary’s leadership, to represent the interests of British businesses and consumers overseas and use its international networks to support in the delivery of the Plan for Change and a decade of national renewal.

    In a speech to the British Chambers of Commerce in March, the Foreign Secretary laid out a ‘new partnership’ between the Foreign Office and businesses to drive economic growth in the UK and ensure this Government is delivering for the British public.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Homes England, NatWest and WMCA to support Aviva and Moda in £200m deal for major rental community in Birmingham

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Homes England, NatWest and WMCA to support Aviva and Moda in £200m deal for major rental community in Birmingham

    Homes England, Aviva Capital Partners, Moda Group, NatWest, and the West Midlands Combined Authority, have completed a landmark investment deal to unlock a 1,000-home rental community in Digbeth, Birmingham.

    The funding agreement for the £200m Stone Yard project in Digbeth showcases the strength of opportunity for regeneration through collaboration between the private and public sectors, driving the delivery of high-quality new homes.

    The funding package includes debt financing from NatWest and Homes England via the Home Building Fund. This will support the delivery of phase one of the build-to-rent (BTR) community, which will comprise 605 high-quality homes across four blocks.

    In addition, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has provided brownfield grant funding, enabling the project to increase its affordable housing provision to 20%, which will be offered at a Discounted Market Rent. This provision will be dispersed throughout the development, enabling community led regeneration whilst delivering the highest quality of place and accommodation.

    A future development phase will deliver a further three blocks, bringing the total number of homes at Stone Yard to 995.

    Last year, Homes England signed a Strategic Place Partnership (SPP) with the WMCA, setting out shared ambitions to advance locally-led housing growth and regeneration in key locations in the region, including the East Birmingham & North Solihull corridior which is anchored by Digbeth in the city centre. Homes England has supplied debt funding of around £40m to the Stone Yard financing package.

    The development will champion social and environmental sustainability, targeting top level certification from leading accreditors including Fitwel, Home Quality Mark and BREAAM.

    The new homes will be complemented by a range of amenity spaces for all residents, including co-working spaces, 24/7 gyms and studio spaces, lounges and private dining rooms.

    Alongside new homes, the scheme will include community-focused features such as commercial units, landscaped public areas, and links to local attractions will contribute to Digbeth’s emergence as a vibrant, inclusive neighbourhood.

    The buildings and new public realm will be operated by Moda with its signature focus on service, technology and health and wellbeing, ensuring the curation of a professionally managed, diverse community in the heart of Birmingham.

    Caddick Construction, Moda’s sister company, will build the neighbourhood and has commenced initial work on site. Completion of phase one is expected in 2028.

    Located on a prominent four-acre brownfield site, Stone Yard is in a highly accessible location on Deritend Road. The site sits at the heart of the city’s creative quarter, adjacent to the Custard Factory and directly opposite the new Eastside Metro extension and the forthcoming HS2 Curzon Street Station.

    Marcus Railing, Chief Investment Officer at Homes England, said:

    As the government’s housing and regeneration agency, our aim is to support public and private sector partners to unlock strategic housing sites, and we are committed to supporting stakeholders of all sizes to achieve their ambitions.

     Stone Yard is a prime example of how the Agency works collaboratively with both public and private partners to achieve our mission to build much needed new communities that people can be proud to call home.

    This funding agreement also represents how Homes England works with Mayoral Strategic Authorities by aligning investment, unlocking opportunity and delivering at scale through Strategic Place Partnerships.

    Sophie White, Regeneration Sector Lead at Aviva Capital Partners, said:

    We’re delighted to be working with Moda to provide high quality accommodation in Birmingham, helping to support the local economy and beyond. The partnership with NatWest, Homes England and WMCA has been critical in getting the scheme underway for this key brownfield site in Digbeth.

    Sustainability is at the heart of this development, with community and affordability critical elements helping to ensure it supports the local area to get ready for the future.

    Tony Brooks, Executive Chairman of Moda Group, said:

    This milestone is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work collaboratively to realise a shared, long-term vision for regeneration.

    Aligned, we will be able to deliver much-needed new rental homes, at pace. With high quality new public realm completing the neighbourhood, Stone Yard will be a pivotal part of the wider regeneration of Digbeth, transforming a brownfield site into a thriving urban community.

    Michael Goode, Director and BTR Lead, NatWest, said:

    Stone Yard is an exciting project for Birmingham. The delivery of much needed new homes, with enviable sustainability credentials, is aligned to NatWest’s ambitions in BTR.

    It was a pleasure working with Aviva Capital Partners and Moda, alongside our funding partners at Homes England and WMCA, in delivering an innovative financing solution.

    Notes to editors:

    1. The strengthened relationship between Homes England and the Combined Authority follows the publication of the government’s English Devolution White Paper in December 2024, which details the plan to empower local leaders and deepen devolution across England.

    2. The white paper highlights Homes England’s work on SPPs and the important part they play in devolution.

    About Homes England

    We are the government’s housing and regeneration Agency, and we’re here to drive the creation of more affordable, quality homes and thriving places so that everyone has a place to live and grow.

    We make this happen by working in partnership with thousands of organisations of all sizes, using our powers, expertise, land, capital and influence to bring investment to communities and get more quality homes built.

    Learn more about us: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/homes-england/about

    Press Office Contact Details

    Email: media@homesengland.gov.uk

    Phone: 0207 874 8262

    Media enquiries

    Aviva Capital Partners

    Joe Booth +44 (0)7800 698 836
    Claire Jermany Grange +44 (0)7385 148681

    Moda Living

    Emma Shone +44 (0)7538 555 332

    About Aviva Capital Partners

    • Aviva Capital Partners (ACP) is Aviva’s in-house capital unit that invests Aviva’s capital to open up new opportunities for UK growth: helping develop thriving, sustainable communities, while generating long term returns for our customers

    • ACP invests in urban regeneration projects, housing projects and sustainable infrastructure projects. It invests in the early stages of projects, creating optionality for ongoing investment by the wider Aviva business. ACP investments exemplify Aviva’s sustainability ambition, creating impact across the UK.

    • For more details on ACP, visit Aviva Capital Partners.

    About Moda Group

    • Moda Group is a leading developer, investor and operator in the UK rental living sector, working with global institutional capital across the BTR, PBSA and single-family markets to provide exceptional living experiences.

    • With £2bn of assets under management and a further £1.1bn of homes under construction, Moda Group provides a full range of integrated services to source, deliver and operate market[1]leading homes across the UK with a focus on service, design, technology and sustainability.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highlights from Tak£500+ at South Lake Leisure Centre

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Alderman Stephen Moutray, with representatives from Annaghmore Men’s Shed.

    We had a fantastic day at our third Tak£500+ event at South Lake Leisure Centre! A huge thank you to all the local groups who took part and shared their inspiring project ideas.  Attendees had the opportunity to vote for their favourite projects, helping decide which ideas will receive funding up to £1,000.

    Stay tuned, results will be announced this Wednesday – good luck to all the participants!

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Range of 24 new council homes springing up in Low Hill

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The council’s housing development team is leading on the project, with Morro Partnerships appointed to construct the homes using sustainable building methods.

    It will deliver a mixture of detached and semi-detached houses, bungalows and a small number of flats, plus 52 parking spaces, on a cleared site at the rear of Old Fallings Crescent, previously occupied by the former Peach Tree adventure playground and disused garages.

    The homes have been designed by BM3 Architects, with the houses being built to future adaptability standards and the bungalows to wheelchair standards.  All will have a high energy efficiency rating, electric vehicle charging point and solar panels.

    As well as 2-bedroom homes, 4 and 5-bedroom homes have also been included in the scheme to cater for larger families, with the first timber frames now being installed following ground works.

    The 24 new homes form part of the latest phase of new council properties coming forward across the city, with development works completed, underway or set to start in the coming months on 81 properties across six sites.

    The Low Hill development has been supported by a £1.74million grant from Homes England.

    Councillor Steve Evans, City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, said: “This development helps address the local area’s housing needs by providing a variety of council homes that will enhance the surrounding neighbourhood and foster a vibrant and inclusive community.

    “A lot of credit must go to our housing development project managers for working in consultation with existing residents to develop such a strong scheme.

    “I’m delighted to see the first timber frames going up on these well-designed homes, near to open spaces and community facilities, further providing much needed opportunities for Wolverhampton residents.”

    The carbon footprint of a timber frame is less than traditional structures, and this modern method of construction also helps to reduce energy consumption, helping to keep residents’ bills to a minimum.

    Tom Broadway, Managing Director (West Midlands) at Morro Partnerships, said: “Building on our successful refurbishment of the Bushbury Triangle Centre and collaborative efforts with Wolverhampton Council, this scheme strengthens Morro’s continued investment in environmental care and social infrastructure.

    “By embedding high-quality, energy-efficient council homes into the area, we’re helping reduce residents’ carbon footprints, support diverse family types, and regenerate previously underused land – delivering long-term benefit for Low Hill and beyond.”

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Harris Announces Grand Reopening This September

    Source: City of Preston

    Preston’s iconic cultural landmark is set to welcome up to half a million visitors each year following a £19 million major restoration.

    Made possible with funding from Preston City Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the UK Government’s Towns Fund, Lancashire County Council and many other generous partners.

    The Harris will officially reopen its doors to the public on Sunday, 28 September 2025 following a once-in-a-generation restoration as part of the Harris Your Place project. The transformation reimagines The Harris as a dynamic and inclusive cultural hub for the 21st century, blending art, history, community, and a refreshed library service to deliver an exciting new visitor experience.

    Located in the heart of Preston, The Harris will relaunch with an impressive exhibition programme, learning spaces, family-friendly facilities, a new café and shop, and new heritage tours that celebrate its architectural and civic legacy. The reopening will mark a new chapter for one of the UK’s leading regional museums, libraries and galleries.

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

    “The reopening of The Harris marks a proud and exciting moment for the city of Preston. This incredible transformation will not only safeguard our heritage but also create a vibrant, inclusive space that inspires creativity, learning and connection for generations to come. We’re immensely grateful to all our funding partners and can’t wait to welcome residents and visitors alike back through the doors of this much-loved building.

    “The Harris Your Place project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of key partners. We gratefully acknowledge Preston City Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, UK Government’s Towns Fund, Lancashire County Council and Arts Council England. Their vital contributions have helped preserve The Harris for future generations while strengthening access, learning and community engagement.”

    Helen Featherstone,Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:

    “We are proud to be supporting the Harris Your Place project, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. Working with Preston City Council, this exciting initiative will provide a sustainable home for the Museum’s collections, which will ensure that they are accessible for local communities and visitors to learn more about the city’s rich heritage.

    “We know that heritage can play a huge role furthering a sense of pride in local communities which in turn can boost the local economy, and this project is sure to be a wonderful example of that.”

    County Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Lancashire County Council, said:

    “We’re excited to see the Preston Harris Library reopening and back in this iconic building, which is such an important part of the community.

    “That’s why we have contributed £1.375m towards the project and our refreshed library.

    “This revitalised space will continue to house Preston’s biggest library and serve as a hub for learning and education for all residents.

    “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to this wonderful space.”

    Closed since 2021, essential works have included the safe removal of asbestos from the roof, comprehensive repairs to preserve the building’s historic structure, and vital improvements to heating, lighting, and accessibility throughout the building. When it reopens, visitors can expect a fully reimagined experience, with new galleries, and community facilities.

    Following the refurbishment of The Harris, annual visitors are expected to increase by approximately 100,000 on top of the existing 350,000 (in 2021).

    Additionally, The Harris is unveiling a fresh new look including a redesigned logo, brand identity, and new website. The modernised branding aligns with the aims of the Harris Your Place project: inspired by community input and honouring the building’s heritage while looking confidently to the future.

    More details about the reopening events, exhibitions and public programming will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information visit The Harris.

    Further Information

    About The Harris

    Opened in 1893, the Grade I listed building is owned and managed by Preston City Council. Based in Preston, Lancashire, The Harris is one of the leading museums, galleries and libraries in the region and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. Host to art collections of national significance, exciting activities and events for all ages and an award-winning contemporary art programme, The Harris is Preston’s landmark cultural hub.

    Currently delivering Harris Your Place project, made possible with National Lottery Heritage Fund; UK Government Towns Fund; Preston City Council; Lancashire County Council; the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal; DCMS; Arts Council England, public donations and a wide range of Trusts and Foundations including Garfield Weston Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, The Harris Charity, Harris Trust and Friends of the Harris.

    The magnificent Grade I Listed building is poised to reopen on Sunday, 28 September 2025. To learn more about The Harris, please visit The Harris.

    Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder of the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.

    Over the next 10 years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery player to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Labour took ‘little time taking hope away’ – this is Labour’s legacy after a year in Government – Plaid Cymru

    Source: Party of Wales

    Plaid Cymru Leader pledges ‘a new contract of respect and understanding’ with a Plaid Cymru government next May.

    Labour have turned their backs on the people who elected them, Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth has said.

    Noting one year since the UK General Election which saw Labour win a substantial majority, Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth accused Labour of spending the year displaying a ‘reckless attitude’ towards their party’s values, while Plaid Cymru have been creating plans to improve public services.

    Mr ap Iorwerth highlighted several examples of decisions made by UK Labour that shows them having ‘taken hope away’ from those who voted for them – including cutting the Winter Fuel Payment, changes to disability welfare and the introduction of inheritance tax on family farms.

    The Plaid Cymru leader continued by listing policies Plaid Cymru had announced in the last year that offers respect and understanding to the people of Wales, while Labour has ‘failed’ to make the relationship between Wales and Westminster ‘less unjust’.

    He said that a Plaid Cymru Government would ‘unlock Wales’ potential’.

    Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth, said:

    “The message – foregrounded and front-loaded in Labour’s 2024 General Election Manifesto – was, superficially at least, a nod to better days ahead. Exactly one year on since that General Election, the reality could hardly be more different.

    “The disabled fearful, pensioners paying the price and farmers furious. Seldom has an incoming government wasted so little time before taking hope away.

    “The ‘Change’ placards have long been flung on the scrapheap, replaced by a trudging managerialism at best, a reckless attitude towards some of the party’s values at worst, and tired platitudes which can so often be painful to watch. 

    “Eluned Morgan has never appeared to fully believe in our nation’s ability to stand on its own two feet, she’s also failed to make our relationship with Westminster less unjust.

    Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth, added:

    “I believe in Wales, its people and its possibilities.  Next May, the people of Wales have the opportunity to elect a new government underpinned by a new contract of respect and understanding. 

    “With Plaid Cymru’s plans to cut waiting times, support small businesses, tackle the cost of living crisis and harness our natural wealth, we can do things differently in Wales. 

    “For anyone who refuses to believe that this is as good as it gets for our communities, and for everyone let down by Westminster’s broken promises, real change is possible with a Plaid Cymru government next May.

    “Plaid Cymru are excited about what Wales’ future holds – we have real ambition for our nation. I know that the repeated disappointment from Labour in the Senedd and in Westminster is not the best that Wales can be. I know that with a Plaid Cymru Government in the Senedd in 2026, Wales’ potential can be unlocked.”

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor’s National Wealth Fund investment in major carbon capture project to boost 3,500 jobs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    News story

    Chancellor’s National Wealth Fund investment in major carbon capture project to boost 3,500 jobs

    Thousands of jobs could be created across Derbyshire, Staffordshire and the North West thanks to a £28.6 million National Wealth Fund investment in a major carbon capture project, the Chancellor has announced today, Monday 7 July.

    • National Wealth Fund-backed Peak Cluster project could secure around 3,500 jobs, boosting growth in our industrial heartlands as the government’s Plan for Change puts more money in people’s pockets.
    • Multi-million-pound deal will help decarbonise Britain’s cement and lime industry, securing its future role in rebuilding Britain as part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy and delivering on the Plan for Change.
    • Plan for Change in action – boosting economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets – with the investment supporting British industry to decarbonise and expand, helping to rebuild the country and supporting Britain’s transition to a clean energy superpower.

    This funding for the flagship Peak Cluster project is the first step towards the development of a leading carbon capture pipeline between cement and lime companies in the Peak District which will store emissions deep below the Irish Sea – accelerating Britain’s transformation into a clean energy superpower.

    The Peak Cluster project is the world’s largest cement decarbonisation project – preventing over 3 million tonnes of CO2 entering the atmosphere every year and providing a secure domestic supply of cement and lime products the British construction and manufacturing sectors rely on.

    Backed by £31 million from private partners including Holcim, Tarmac, Breedon, SigmaRoc, Summit Energy Evolution and Progressive Energy together with the Morecambe Net Zero project could create and secure 13,000 jobs in the Midlands and North West.

    This investment is the Government’s Plan for Change in action – boosting economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets. Not only could it secure and create thousands of new jobs, but it also supports British industry to decarbonise and expand, helping to rebuild the country and supporting Britain’s transition to a clean energy superpower.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    The National Wealth Fund is a force for growth, investing £3 billion into the British economy and securing 12,500 jobs.

    We’re modernising the cement and lime industry, delivering vital carbon capture infrastructure and creating jobs across Derbyshire, Staffordshire and the North West to put more money into working people’s pockets.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    This landmark investment will catalyse our carbon capture sector to deliver thousands of highly skilled jobs and growth across our industrial heartlands, as part of our Plan for Change.

    Workers in the North Sea and Britain’s manufacturing heartlands will drive forward the country’s industrial renewal, positioning them at the forefront of the UK’s clean energy transition.

    This will be the National Wealth Fund’s first investment in carbon capture since the Chancellor highlighted it as a priority in her new strategic direction for the Government’s principal investor back in March.

    Cement and lime are two of the hardest industrial sectors to decarbonise due to the high levels of CO2 emissions generated in the manufacturing process which cannot be reduced through transitioning to low carbon fuels.

    By investing alongside industry, supporting early development risk reduction and providing the critical financing for Peak Cluster through its development process, the National Wealth Fund will remove some of the barriers for private investment to further develop and construct the project.

    Through its support for Peak Cluster, it is also building the market and stimulating large scale future investments as the project progresses, and facilitating Spirit Energy’s development of the UK’s largest CO2 store for which a carbon capture pipeline is essential.

    The National Wealth Fund will commit at least £5.8 billion by 2030 in hydrogen, carbon capture, ports and supply chains, gigafactories and EV supply chains, and steel. This will help industries decarbonise and to accelerate Britain’s transformation into a clean energy superpower.

    John Flint, CEO of the National Wealth Fund, said:

    Substantial private investment, deployed at risk, will be needed to develop and deliver carbon capture projects across the UK. Through its investments, the NWF is well placed to support this. Capital must be committed now, especially in hard to abate sectors such as cement and lime, to ensure a pipeline of projects is ready for deployment and the UK is able to meet its ambitious carbon capture targets.

    The NWF has played a key role in structuring the transaction to crowd in private sector co-investment while taking early development risk to catalyse future investment. Our involvement demonstrates how we can use our risk capital to solve problems and manage investment uncertainty, amplifying government policy and ultimately removing the barriers for private investors to support this project post-FID.

    John Egan, CEO of Peak Cluster Ltd, said:

    Peak Cluster is focused on securing a sustainable future for the cement and lime industry. Together with MNZ, the UK’s biggest carbon store, we will capture, transport and store CO₂ to support industry to thrive in a low carbon future.

    Through the National Wealth Fund, Government will support the development of essential infrastructure to secure good jobs with good wages, produce sought-after low carbon products here in Britain, grow the UK’s supply chain and skills base, secure private investment and lead the global low carbon technology sector.  Peak Cluster, in partnership with MNZ, ticks every one of these boxes.

    We will work closely with Government to ensure that Peak Cluster and MNZ together can help secure the future of this foundation industry, creating a backbone of industrial opportunity that benefits communities across the Midlands and North West of England – for the UK and beyond.

    Further information

    • The £59.6 million equity investment in Peak Cluster is made up of:
      • £28.6 million from the National Wealth Fund
      • £31 million through a joint venture vehicle between Summit Energy Evolution Ltd (part of Sumitomo Corporation) and Progressive Energy Peak Ltd, as well as each of the Peak Cluster cement and lime producers (Tarmac, Breedon, Holcim, and SigmaRoc)
    • Together, Peak Cluster and Morecambe Net Zero could create and secure 13,000 jobs. The Peak Cluster jobs breakdown is as follows:
      • Over 2,000 existing jobs in the cement and lime industry supported
      • Around 300 new jobs created at manufacturing sites
      • 1,200 temporary jobs created for the construction of the pipeline and capture facilities

    Additional quotes

    Paul Lafferty, Summit Energy Evolution Ltd CEO, said:

    At SEEL, we have a considered focus on new energy and decarbonisation projects, leveraging Sumitomo Corporation’s interest across a broad spectrum of low carbon technologies, including hydrogen and CCS.

    Peak Cluster, as the largest cement CCS project globally, is a hugely compelling opportunity to drive this sector towards sustainability. We are delighted to have the opportunity to invest in Peak Cluster alongside the National Wealth Fund.

    Diana Casey, Chair of the Mineral Products Association said:

    Around 40% of all the UK’s vital cement and lime comes from the Peak District and more than 2,000 high-quality, well-paid jobs across the region are reliant on the industry. However, cement is responsible for 7.5% of all human-made CO₂ emissions globally and is not a sector which can be easily decarbonised. If our industry, and the jobs which rely on it, are to survive, and thrive into the future, we must implement carbon capture and storage without delay.

    Centrica Group Chief Executive and Chair of Spirit Energy, Chris O’Shea, said:

    This landmark first investment in carbon capture by the National Wealth Fund is an important and exciting step forward for the UK’s net zero ambitions, and our plans for Morecambe specifically. By transforming the Morecambe gas fields into the UK’s largest carbon store, Spirit Energy will provide the critical infrastructure needed to decarbonise hard-to-abate industries like cement and lime.

    The support of the National Wealth Fund, alongside private sector investment, demonstrates the strength of our collective commitment to a low-carbon future—securing jobs and growth, decarbonising industry, and delivering real progress on emissions reduction.

    Olivia Powis, CEO of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association said:

    The National Wealth Fund’s significant equity investment of £28.6m in the Peak Cluster is fantastic news for the future of the cement and lime industry in the UK. It is further recognition of the vital role of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) in decarbonising and futureproofing our critical industries.

    CCUS is essential for industries that produce products that enable us to build the homes, hospitals and schools we desperately need. Around 40% of the UK’s cement and lime industry is produced by companies in the Peak Cluster and so this critical project will make significant inroads into cutting CO2 emissions from our cement industry and permanently storing the emissions in the Spirit Energy’s offshore CO2 store – Morecambe Net Zero.  Transitioning industries to low-carbon operations is vital for their long-term viability and competitiveness in the UK, and will protect many thousands of skilled jobs in the region, providing economic growth and security.

    Neil McCulloch, CEO of MNZ’s developer, Spirit Energy, said:

    The NWF’s investment sends a crucially important and thoroughly positive message to those eyeing the UK for investment in the low carbon developments needed to power our economy and help deliver the government’s economic growth and decarbonisation.

    Through our partnership with the Peak Cluster, Spirt Energy’s MNZ carbon store will decarbonise 40% of this country’s cement production, safeguard thousands of traditional jobs and livelihoods, breathe new life into the North West’s industrial heartlands and help create new, highly-skilled jobs for this and for future generations.

    The NWF’s support demonstrates how industry and government can work together effectively to unlock the investment required to make the energy transition happen, and how the UK can show the rest of the world how to get it done.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A Shakespearean, small-town murder: why Australia became so obsessed with the Erin Patterson mushroom case

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Xanthe Mallett, Criminologist, CQUniversity Australia

    The “mushroom murder trial”, as it has popularly become known, has gripped Australia over the past 11 weeks. More than that, it’s prompted worldwide headlines, multiple daily podcasts, and even YouTube videos of self-proclaimed “body language experts” assessing defendant Erin Patterson’s every move.

    There’s an ABC drama series in the works. Acclaimed Australian author Helen Garner has been in the courtroom.

    But why did this tragedy, in which three people died and a fourth was lucky to survive, grip the public consciousness in way no other contemporary Australian case has?



    Read more:
    Erin Patterson has been found guilty in the mushroom murder trial. Legal experts explain why

    A not-so-wholesome family lunch

    On July 29 2023, in a sleepy town called Leongatha in the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges in Victoria, a very normal woman called Erin Patterson made an ostensibly very normal lunch of beef wellington.

    She was cooking for her in-laws, Gail and Don Patterson, Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, and Heather’s husband Ian. Erin’s estranged husband, Simon Patterson, was also invited, but chose not to attend.

    Simon and Erin had two children, a boy and a girl, who did not attend the lunch either.

    Shortly after the lunch, all four guests were admitted to hospital with suspected gastroenteritis. Erin Patterson also presented to hospital, but refused to be admitted.

    Within a few days, Gail, Don, and Heather all died as a result of what was later confirmed as poisoning with Amanita phalloides, better known as death cap mushrooms.

    Ian survived, but he was lucky. He spent seven weeks in hospital and needed a liver transplant.

    The questions became, how did the mushrooms get into the beef wellington? Was this an awful accident or something more sinister?

    Public obsession

    These questions became the focus of very significant public and media attention.

    Erin Patterson spoke to the media in the days after the incident. She presented as your typical, average woman of 50.

    That is, in my opinion, where the obsession with this case began.

    This case had the feel of a Shakespearean drama: multiple deaths within one family, death by poison, and a female protagonist.

    The juxtaposition between the normality of a family lunch (and the sheer vanilla-ness of the accused) and the seriousness of the situation sent the media into overdrive.

    Then there were the lies. Patterson lied about foraging for mushrooms, and about having cancer to encourage the guests to attend.

    The location also played a huge part. Leongatha is known for its staggering natural beauty and thriving food and wine scene. It’s hardly a place where the world expected a mass murderer to live.

    However, the perception that rural areas are utopias of safety and social cohesion, and cities are dark and dangerous places, is a myth.

    One study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare paints a different picture.

    For serious assault cases that resulted in hospitalisation, for major cities the rates were 65 per 100,000 people. In rural areas, this rose to 1,244 people per 100,000. And for murder, in very remote areas the rate was five per 100,000 population, but fewer than one per 100,000 in urban areas.

    Then there was Erin Patterson’s unusual behaviour. She disposed of the desiccator in which the mushrooms she had foraged were dehydrated. She used multiple phones, one of which underwent multiple factory resets on in the days following the lunch. One of these resets was done remotely after police seized her phone.

    There are also the much-discussed plates. The court heard she prepared her meal on a different-coloured plate to those of her other guests so they were easily identifiable.

    The public latched onto these details, each providing a new talking point around water coolers or spurring new Reddit threads dedicated to unpacking their significance.

    The courtroom as a stage

    Ultimately, after three months, Erin Patterson was charged with three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. She pleaded not guilty.

    The trial lasted 40 days. The prosecution alleged Patterson intentionally poisoned her guests, whereas the defence suggested it was all an awful, tragic accident.

    The jury took six and a half days to deliberate. During that time, various media outlets did everything they could to keep the story on the front page.

    Bizarre pieces began appearing online from credible sources such as the ABC, profiling people who had attended court. They included stories of people turning down work to attend the court daily, cases of friendships blossoming during the trial between regular attendees, and the outfit choices of locals turning up every day to watch the drama unfold.

    There were also articles profiling local cafe owners and how they felt about being at the centre of the legal theatrics. The daily podcasts continued even when news from the courtroom didn’t.

    The vibe felt more appropriate for a royal visit than a triple murder trial.

    It seemed everyone in Australia was gripped by one event, united in a way few other things could manage. We all waited with bated breath to see what the 12 men and women of the jury would decide.



    Read more:
    Justice on demand? The true crime podcasts serving up Erin Patterson’s mushroom murder trial

    Humanity behind the spectacle

    The end to this strange and unique criminal case came on Monday July 7.

    The result? Guilty on all four counts. Erin Patterson is formally a mass murderer, though many in the court of public opinion had reached the same conviction months earlier.

    Leongatha will always be known for being the setting of (arguably) the most infamous multiple murder case in Australian history. It will join Snowtown in South Australia (home of the “bodies in the barrell” murder case), Kendall in New South Wales (where William Tyrrell disappeared), and Claremont in Western Australia (the murder or disappearance of three women) as places forever linked to tragic crimes.

    While the trial is over, there’s much more content still to come, the public’s appetite yet to be satiated.

    But the final word should be saved for the Patterson and Wilkinson families. This is an awful tragedy, and there are no winners. Ian and Simon have lost loved ones. The Patterson children have lost grandparents and now have to come to terms with the fact their mother caused those deaths intentionally.

    Amid the spectacle, it’s easy to lose sight of the humanity at the centre. As the media spotlight dims, may the families get the privacy and respect they deserve.

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

    – ref. A Shakespearean, small-town murder: why Australia became so obsessed with the Erin Patterson mushroom case – https://theconversation.com/a-shakespearean-small-town-murder-why-australia-became-so-obsessed-with-the-erin-patterson-mushroom-case-259982

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A Shakespearean, small-town murder: why Australia became so obsessed with the Erin Patterson mushroom case

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Xanthe Mallett, Criminologist, CQUniversity Australia

    The “mushroom murder trial”, as it has popularly become known, has gripped Australia over the past 11 weeks. More than that, it’s prompted worldwide headlines, multiple daily podcasts, and even YouTube videos of self-proclaimed “body language experts” assessing defendant Erin Patterson’s every move.

    There’s an ABC drama series in the works. Acclaimed Australian author Helen Garner has been in the courtroom.

    But why did this tragedy, in which three people died and a fourth was lucky to survive, grip the public consciousness in way no other contemporary Australian case has?



    Read more:
    Erin Patterson has been found guilty in the mushroom murder trial. Legal experts explain why

    A not-so-wholesome family lunch

    On July 29 2023, in a sleepy town called Leongatha in the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges in Victoria, a very normal woman called Erin Patterson made an ostensibly very normal lunch of beef wellington.

    She was cooking for her in-laws, Gail and Don Patterson, Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, and Heather’s husband Ian. Erin’s estranged husband, Simon Patterson, was also invited, but chose not to attend.

    Simon and Erin had two children, a boy and a girl, who did not attend the lunch either.

    Shortly after the lunch, all four guests were admitted to hospital with suspected gastroenteritis. Erin Patterson also presented to hospital, but refused to be admitted.

    Within a few days, Gail, Don, and Heather all died as a result of what was later confirmed as poisoning with Amanita phalloides, better known as death cap mushrooms.

    Ian survived, but he was lucky. He spent seven weeks in hospital and needed a liver transplant.

    The questions became, how did the mushrooms get into the beef wellington? Was this an awful accident or something more sinister?

    Public obsession

    These questions became the focus of very significant public and media attention.

    Erin Patterson spoke to the media in the days after the incident. She presented as your typical, average woman of 50.

    That is, in my opinion, where the obsession with this case began.

    This case had the feel of a Shakespearean drama: multiple deaths within one family, death by poison, and a female protagonist.

    The juxtaposition between the normality of a family lunch (and the sheer vanilla-ness of the accused) and the seriousness of the situation sent the media into overdrive.

    Then there were the lies. Patterson lied about foraging for mushrooms, and about having cancer to encourage the guests to attend.

    The location also played a huge part. Leongatha is known for its staggering natural beauty and thriving food and wine scene. It’s hardly a place where the world expected a mass murderer to live.

    However, the perception that rural areas are utopias of safety and social cohesion, and cities are dark and dangerous places, is a myth.

    One study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare paints a different picture.

    For serious assault cases that resulted in hospitalisation, for major cities the rates were 65 per 100,000 people. In rural areas, this rose to 1,244 people per 100,000. And for murder, in very remote areas the rate was five per 100,000 population, but fewer than one per 100,000 in urban areas.

    Then there was Erin Patterson’s unusual behaviour. She disposed of the desiccator in which the mushrooms she had foraged were dehydrated. She used multiple phones, one of which underwent multiple factory resets on in the days following the lunch. One of these resets was done remotely after police seized her phone.

    There are also the much-discussed plates. The court heard she prepared her meal on a different-coloured plate to those of her other guests so they were easily identifiable.

    The public latched onto these details, each providing a new talking point around water coolers or spurring new Reddit threads dedicated to unpacking their significance.

    The courtroom as a stage

    Ultimately, after three months, Erin Patterson was charged with three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. She pleaded not guilty.

    The trial lasted 40 days. The prosecution alleged Patterson intentionally poisoned her guests, whereas the defence suggested it was all an awful, tragic accident.

    The jury took six and a half days to deliberate. During that time, various media outlets did everything they could to keep the story on the front page.

    Bizarre pieces began appearing online from credible sources such as the ABC, profiling people who had attended court. They included stories of people turning down work to attend the court daily, cases of friendships blossoming during the trial between regular attendees, and the outfit choices of locals turning up every day to watch the drama unfold.

    There were also articles profiling local cafe owners and how they felt about being at the centre of the legal theatrics. The daily podcasts continued even when news from the courtroom didn’t.

    The vibe felt more appropriate for a royal visit than a triple murder trial.

    It seemed everyone in Australia was gripped by one event, united in a way few other things could manage. We all waited with bated breath to see what the 12 men and women of the jury would decide.



    Read more:
    Justice on demand? The true crime podcasts serving up Erin Patterson’s mushroom murder trial

    Humanity behind the spectacle

    The end to this strange and unique criminal case came on Monday July 7.

    The result? Guilty on all four counts. Erin Patterson is formally a mass murderer, though many in the court of public opinion had reached the same conviction months earlier.

    Leongatha will always be known for being the setting of (arguably) the most infamous multiple murder case in Australian history. It will join Snowtown in South Australia (home of the “bodies in the barrell” murder case), Kendall in New South Wales (where William Tyrrell disappeared), and Claremont in Western Australia (the murder or disappearance of three women) as places forever linked to tragic crimes.

    While the trial is over, there’s much more content still to come, the public’s appetite yet to be satiated.

    But the final word should be saved for the Patterson and Wilkinson families. This is an awful tragedy, and there are no winners. Ian and Simon have lost loved ones. The Patterson children have lost grandparents and now have to come to terms with the fact their mother caused those deaths intentionally.

    Amid the spectacle, it’s easy to lose sight of the humanity at the centre. As the media spotlight dims, may the families get the privacy and respect they deserve.

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

    – ref. A Shakespearean, small-town murder: why Australia became so obsessed with the Erin Patterson mushroom case – https://theconversation.com/a-shakespearean-small-town-murder-why-australia-became-so-obsessed-with-the-erin-patterson-mushroom-case-259982

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Wimbledon expansion plan goes into legal tie-break

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Wimbledon fans will have eyes only for the tennis this week but for those who run the world’s oldest and most prestigious Grand Slam, the real high-stakes contest will unfold not on their grass, but in London’s Royal Courts of Justice.

    On one side of the legal net is the campaign group Save Wimbledon Park, while facing them in a judicial review of their ambitious expansion plan on Tuesday and Wednesday will be the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC).

    It is the latest stage of a long-running fight that has split the south-west London “village”, which has been home to the Championships since 1877.

    Last September the AELTC secured planning permission from the Greater London Authority (GLA) to treble the size of the main site to include 39 new courts including an 8,000-seat show court by redeveloping a former golf course on parkland land it already owns.

    The 200-million-pound ($272.92-million) expansion aims to increase daily capacity to 50,000 people from the current 42,000, upgrade facilities and move the qualifying rounds on site to mirror the Australian, French, and U.S. Opens.

    The plans have the backing of several leading players, including Novak Djokovic, and 62% of 10,000 residents in Merton and Wandsworth, the London boroughs that share the new site, also support the scheme, according to the AELTC.

    “Our confidence in the development and the proposals that we’ve been working on for many years is as strong as it ever has been,” Wimbledon tournament director Jamie Baker told Reuters.

    “For the championships to continue to be in the position that it is and to deliver all the benefits to stakeholders including the local community it is vital that we are able to stage the tournament on one site and bring all the grounds together.”

    However, this week’s judicial review will decide whether the GLA’s decision to grant planning permission was unlawful.

    Opponents of the development, including Thelma Ruby, a 100-year-old former actress who lives in a flat overlooking the park, and West Hill Ward Councillor Malcolm Grimston, say the club’s plans will cause environmental damage and major disruption to the area.

    “It’s terribly important that it does not go ahead not just for myself but for the whole planet and future generations,” Ruby told Reuters.

    “I overlook this beautiful landscape and there are all sorts of covenants that say you mustn’t build on it, and yet the tennis people have this unnecessary plan they admit will cut down all these glorious trees, which will harm wildlife.

    “They’re using concrete, building roads, they’re going to have lorries polluting and passing my window every 10 minutes. The whole area will be in chaos as they’re closing off roads,” she said.

    Save Wimbledon Park says the GLA failed to consider covenants that were agreed by the AELTC, including restrictions on redeveloping the land, when it bought the Wimbledon Park golf course freehold from Merton council in 1993 for 5.2 million pounds.

    The AELTC paid a reported 63.5 million pounds to buy the Golf Club’s lease, which was due to run until 2041.

    The campaign group also believes the GLA failed to consider the land’s statutory Public Recreation Trust status which means it should be held as “public walks or pleasure grounds”.

    “It is not antipathy towards the AELTC that’s driving this, as some of the benefits are real, such as the extension of lake,” councillor Grimston told Reuters.

    “The problem is that it will treble the footprint of the current Championship and turn what currently has very much a feel of being rural England and a gentle pace of life into an industrial complex that would dominate the views of the lake.

    “That’s why it’s classified as Metropolitan Open Land, which is the urban equivalent of the green belt that has been protected for many decades in planning law in the UK and rightly so,” he said.

    The AELTC say the plans will improve the biodiversity of the park, as well as bringing parts of it back into public use.

    “The London Wildlife trust have endorsed the plans, they’ve spent many hours scrutinising our analysis and our expert views,” the AELTC’s head of corporate affairs Dominic Foster said.

    “We know that this expansion will deliver a very significant benefit to biodiversity, whereas golf courses are not good for biodiversity.”

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-Evening Report: In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erica Kuligowski, Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow, School of Engineering, RMIT University

    Harrowing stories are emerging in the wake of catastrophic and sudden flooding over the fourth of July weekend in Texas – where many people were camping, and children were at riverside summer camp.

    More than 80 people are confirmed dead (28 of whom were children) and 12 people are still missing. Parents have described finding children’s bodies while picking through flood debris searching for their own missing kids.

    In Texas, the floodwaters rose very rapidly and in the middle of the night. Authorities had issued flood warnings but many people were still caught off-guard.

    Sudden floods can also happen in Australia, as seen recently in New South Wales around Taree and Lismore, in the wake of ex-Cyclone Alfred.

    As climate change makes severe weather events more frequent, it’s worth asking: how ready is Australia for its next sudden flood? And what could help to encourage people to leave while there’s still time?

    It’s hard to appreciate how suddenly floods happen

    Decades of research shows disasters can emerge and change very quickly. Hazards at night are especially difficult, because much can change while people are sleeping.

    Even when flood warnings are issued, authorities can struggle to convince people the problem will affect them.

    People often base their risk assessments on what’s happened in the past. So, if they live in an area that has experienced minor flooding before, they may think the current flood will be similarly minor.

    Research also shows people often wait for extra evidence to confirm the initial warnings from officials. They might look to see if people around them are preparing to leave, or look for cues from the environment such as a sudden burst of loud rain.

    Unfortunately, waiting can mean you miss the opportunity to leave. A road may close, or services may be overwhelmed and evacuation may no longer be an option. Escape options can narrow incredibly quickly, especially when people are asleep.

    What about early warning systems?

    The Albanese government announced in 2023 it would spend A$236 million over a decade to establish a national flood warning network. This will involve buying and upgrading flood gauges across Australia and trying to repair what the government has called “patchwork flood gauge network”.

    That’s important, and it’s also positive to see other research on ways we can use existing technology infrastructure such as mobile phone towers to get early warnings on rising floodwaters.

    But technology is only one part of the bigger picture. As growing body of research shows, many people do not evacuate even when warned about floods or fire.

    Communicating risk in a disaster

    Authorities must find ways to communicate disaster risk in a way that people will respond to.

    Research shows getting the message out through as many channels as possible is crucial. People need to hear about the warnings on TV and on radio and online through various platforms and via local groups as well as national authorities.

    The evidence also suggests people are more likely to trust messages coming from others in their community.

    So, emergency agencies should work through community “champions” to help spread the word about an impending flood threat. It could be the principal of a school, a trusted source in a non-English speaking community, local emergency services volunteers or the manager of a local neighbourhood centre.

    Emergency and government agencies need to identify trusted sources in communities, and build connections with them, before the crisis arrives to ensure information is disseminated smoothly in an emergency.

    Tailoring information is key

    Many people hear warnings and believe a flood is coming, but may think the worst impacts won’t happen in their area. This is a very common misconception.

    That’s why information should be tailored so people understand the risk at their particular location.

    Helping people understand the consequences of not evacuating is also vital. This might mean messaging such as “if you don’t leave now, the floods will be over your roof and we may not be able to come and rescue you or your children or pet”.

    Residents may not understand how fast floodwaters can move, that conditions may be very choppy and windy, or that large and dangerous debris will be coming at them and their children in a flood. This should also be communicated clearly.

    Education prior to the crisis event can help people understand what flood waters can do at their location. This community awareness should be conducted in flood-prone areas at regular intervals.

    Localised, tailored information can help people understand what will happen to them and their families if they don’t leave early enough – hopefully preventing devastating death tolls of the kind Texas is now grappling with.

    Erica Kuligowski has received funding from the Australian Research Council and from Natural Hazards Research Australia.

    – ref. In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods? – https://theconversation.com/in-texas-parents-search-flood-debris-for-missing-kids-are-australians-ready-for-our-own-sudden-floods-260581

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erica Kuligowski, Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow, School of Engineering, RMIT University

    Harrowing stories are emerging in the wake of catastrophic and sudden flooding over the fourth of July weekend in Texas – where many people were camping, and children were at riverside summer camp.

    More than 80 people are confirmed dead (28 of whom were children) and 12 people are still missing. Parents have described finding children’s bodies while picking through flood debris searching for their own missing kids.

    In Texas, the floodwaters rose very rapidly and in the middle of the night. Authorities had issued flood warnings but many people were still caught off-guard.

    Sudden floods can also happen in Australia, as seen recently in New South Wales around Taree and Lismore, in the wake of ex-Cyclone Alfred.

    As climate change makes severe weather events more frequent, it’s worth asking: how ready is Australia for its next sudden flood? And what could help to encourage people to leave while there’s still time?

    It’s hard to appreciate how suddenly floods happen

    Decades of research shows disasters can emerge and change very quickly. Hazards at night are especially difficult, because much can change while people are sleeping.

    Even when flood warnings are issued, authorities can struggle to convince people the problem will affect them.

    People often base their risk assessments on what’s happened in the past. So, if they live in an area that has experienced minor flooding before, they may think the current flood will be similarly minor.

    Research also shows people often wait for extra evidence to confirm the initial warnings from officials. They might look to see if people around them are preparing to leave, or look for cues from the environment such as a sudden burst of loud rain.

    Unfortunately, waiting can mean you miss the opportunity to leave. A road may close, or services may be overwhelmed and evacuation may no longer be an option. Escape options can narrow incredibly quickly, especially when people are asleep.

    What about early warning systems?

    The Albanese government announced in 2023 it would spend A$236 million over a decade to establish a national flood warning network. This will involve buying and upgrading flood gauges across Australia and trying to repair what the government has called “patchwork flood gauge network”.

    That’s important, and it’s also positive to see other research on ways we can use existing technology infrastructure such as mobile phone towers to get early warnings on rising floodwaters.

    But technology is only one part of the bigger picture. As growing body of research shows, many people do not evacuate even when warned about floods or fire.

    Communicating risk in a disaster

    Authorities must find ways to communicate disaster risk in a way that people will respond to.

    Research shows getting the message out through as many channels as possible is crucial. People need to hear about the warnings on TV and on radio and online through various platforms and via local groups as well as national authorities.

    The evidence also suggests people are more likely to trust messages coming from others in their community.

    So, emergency agencies should work through community “champions” to help spread the word about an impending flood threat. It could be the principal of a school, a trusted source in a non-English speaking community, local emergency services volunteers or the manager of a local neighbourhood centre.

    Emergency and government agencies need to identify trusted sources in communities, and build connections with them, before the crisis arrives to ensure information is disseminated smoothly in an emergency.

    Tailoring information is key

    Many people hear warnings and believe a flood is coming, but may think the worst impacts won’t happen in their area. This is a very common misconception.

    That’s why information should be tailored so people understand the risk at their particular location.

    Helping people understand the consequences of not evacuating is also vital. This might mean messaging such as “if you don’t leave now, the floods will be over your roof and we may not be able to come and rescue you or your children or pet”.

    Residents may not understand how fast floodwaters can move, that conditions may be very choppy and windy, or that large and dangerous debris will be coming at them and their children in a flood. This should also be communicated clearly.

    Education prior to the crisis event can help people understand what flood waters can do at their location. This community awareness should be conducted in flood-prone areas at regular intervals.

    Localised, tailored information can help people understand what will happen to them and their families if they don’t leave early enough – hopefully preventing devastating death tolls of the kind Texas is now grappling with.

    Erica Kuligowski has received funding from the Australian Research Council and from Natural Hazards Research Australia.

    – ref. In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods? – https://theconversation.com/in-texas-parents-search-flood-debris-for-missing-kids-are-australians-ready-for-our-own-sudden-floods-260581

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erica Kuligowski, Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow, School of Engineering, RMIT University

    Harrowing stories are emerging in the wake of catastrophic and sudden flooding over the fourth of July weekend in Texas – where many people were camping, and children were at riverside summer camp.

    More than 80 people are confirmed dead (28 of whom were children) and 12 people are still missing. Parents have described finding children’s bodies while picking through flood debris searching for their own missing kids.

    In Texas, the floodwaters rose very rapidly and in the middle of the night. Authorities had issued flood warnings but many people were still caught off-guard.

    Sudden floods can also happen in Australia, as seen recently in New South Wales around Taree and Lismore, in the wake of ex-Cyclone Alfred.

    As climate change makes severe weather events more frequent, it’s worth asking: how ready is Australia for its next sudden flood? And what could help to encourage people to leave while there’s still time?

    It’s hard to appreciate how suddenly floods happen

    Decades of research shows disasters can emerge and change very quickly. Hazards at night are especially difficult, because much can change while people are sleeping.

    Even when flood warnings are issued, authorities can struggle to convince people the problem will affect them.

    People often base their risk assessments on what’s happened in the past. So, if they live in an area that has experienced minor flooding before, they may think the current flood will be similarly minor.

    Research also shows people often wait for extra evidence to confirm the initial warnings from officials. They might look to see if people around them are preparing to leave, or look for cues from the environment such as a sudden burst of loud rain.

    Unfortunately, waiting can mean you miss the opportunity to leave. A road may close, or services may be overwhelmed and evacuation may no longer be an option. Escape options can narrow incredibly quickly, especially when people are asleep.

    What about early warning systems?

    The Albanese government announced in 2023 it would spend A$236 million over a decade to establish a national flood warning network. This will involve buying and upgrading flood gauges across Australia and trying to repair what the government has called “patchwork flood gauge network”.

    That’s important, and it’s also positive to see other research on ways we can use existing technology infrastructure such as mobile phone towers to get early warnings on rising floodwaters.

    But technology is only one part of the bigger picture. As growing body of research shows, many people do not evacuate even when warned about floods or fire.

    Communicating risk in a disaster

    Authorities must find ways to communicate disaster risk in a way that people will respond to.

    Research shows getting the message out through as many channels as possible is crucial. People need to hear about the warnings on TV and on radio and online through various platforms and via local groups as well as national authorities.

    The evidence also suggests people are more likely to trust messages coming from others in their community.

    So, emergency agencies should work through community “champions” to help spread the word about an impending flood threat. It could be the principal of a school, a trusted source in a non-English speaking community, local emergency services volunteers or the manager of a local neighbourhood centre.

    Emergency and government agencies need to identify trusted sources in communities, and build connections with them, before the crisis arrives to ensure information is disseminated smoothly in an emergency.

    Tailoring information is key

    Many people hear warnings and believe a flood is coming, but may think the worst impacts won’t happen in their area. This is a very common misconception.

    That’s why information should be tailored so people understand the risk at their particular location.

    Helping people understand the consequences of not evacuating is also vital. This might mean messaging such as “if you don’t leave now, the floods will be over your roof and we may not be able to come and rescue you or your children or pet”.

    Residents may not understand how fast floodwaters can move, that conditions may be very choppy and windy, or that large and dangerous debris will be coming at them and their children in a flood. This should also be communicated clearly.

    Education prior to the crisis event can help people understand what flood waters can do at their location. This community awareness should be conducted in flood-prone areas at regular intervals.

    Localised, tailored information can help people understand what will happen to them and their families if they don’t leave early enough – hopefully preventing devastating death tolls of the kind Texas is now grappling with.

    Erica Kuligowski has received funding from the Australian Research Council and from Natural Hazards Research Australia.

    – ref. In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods? – https://theconversation.com/in-texas-parents-search-flood-debris-for-missing-kids-are-australians-ready-for-our-own-sudden-floods-260581

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erica Kuligowski, Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow, School of Engineering, RMIT University

    Harrowing stories are emerging in the wake of catastrophic and sudden flooding over the fourth of July weekend in Texas – where many people were camping, and children were at riverside summer camp.

    More than 80 people are confirmed dead (28 of whom were children) and 12 people are still missing. Parents have described finding children’s bodies while picking through flood debris searching for their own missing kids.

    In Texas, the floodwaters rose very rapidly and in the middle of the night. Authorities had issued flood warnings but many people were still caught off-guard.

    Sudden floods can also happen in Australia, as seen recently in New South Wales around Taree and Lismore, in the wake of ex-Cyclone Alfred.

    As climate change makes severe weather events more frequent, it’s worth asking: how ready is Australia for its next sudden flood? And what could help to encourage people to leave while there’s still time?

    It’s hard to appreciate how suddenly floods happen

    Decades of research shows disasters can emerge and change very quickly. Hazards at night are especially difficult, because much can change while people are sleeping.

    Even when flood warnings are issued, authorities can struggle to convince people the problem will affect them.

    People often base their risk assessments on what’s happened in the past. So, if they live in an area that has experienced minor flooding before, they may think the current flood will be similarly minor.

    Research also shows people often wait for extra evidence to confirm the initial warnings from officials. They might look to see if people around them are preparing to leave, or look for cues from the environment such as a sudden burst of loud rain.

    Unfortunately, waiting can mean you miss the opportunity to leave. A road may close, or services may be overwhelmed and evacuation may no longer be an option. Escape options can narrow incredibly quickly, especially when people are asleep.

    What about early warning systems?

    The Albanese government announced in 2023 it would spend A$236 million over a decade to establish a national flood warning network. This will involve buying and upgrading flood gauges across Australia and trying to repair what the government has called “patchwork flood gauge network”.

    That’s important, and it’s also positive to see other research on ways we can use existing technology infrastructure such as mobile phone towers to get early warnings on rising floodwaters.

    But technology is only one part of the bigger picture. As growing body of research shows, many people do not evacuate even when warned about floods or fire.

    Communicating risk in a disaster

    Authorities must find ways to communicate disaster risk in a way that people will respond to.

    Research shows getting the message out through as many channels as possible is crucial. People need to hear about the warnings on TV and on radio and online through various platforms and via local groups as well as national authorities.

    The evidence also suggests people are more likely to trust messages coming from others in their community.

    So, emergency agencies should work through community “champions” to help spread the word about an impending flood threat. It could be the principal of a school, a trusted source in a non-English speaking community, local emergency services volunteers or the manager of a local neighbourhood centre.

    Emergency and government agencies need to identify trusted sources in communities, and build connections with them, before the crisis arrives to ensure information is disseminated smoothly in an emergency.

    Tailoring information is key

    Many people hear warnings and believe a flood is coming, but may think the worst impacts won’t happen in their area. This is a very common misconception.

    That’s why information should be tailored so people understand the risk at their particular location.

    Helping people understand the consequences of not evacuating is also vital. This might mean messaging such as “if you don’t leave now, the floods will be over your roof and we may not be able to come and rescue you or your children or pet”.

    Residents may not understand how fast floodwaters can move, that conditions may be very choppy and windy, or that large and dangerous debris will be coming at them and their children in a flood. This should also be communicated clearly.

    Education prior to the crisis event can help people understand what flood waters can do at their location. This community awareness should be conducted in flood-prone areas at regular intervals.

    Localised, tailored information can help people understand what will happen to them and their families if they don’t leave early enough – hopefully preventing devastating death tolls of the kind Texas is now grappling with.

    Erica Kuligowski has received funding from the Australian Research Council and from Natural Hazards Research Australia.

    – ref. In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods? – https://theconversation.com/in-texas-parents-search-flood-debris-for-missing-kids-are-australians-ready-for-our-own-sudden-floods-260581

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Corseford College future secured until 2027

    Source: Scottish Government

    Up to £1.4 million in funding for continued pilot.

    Scotland’s first dedicated complex needs college will receive up to £1.4 million to secure its future for the next two years.

    Since launching in 2022, the Corseford College pilot has received over £1 million from the Scottish Government, which has helped to provide 35 students with complex and additional needs an opportunity for further learning beyond school.

    An independent evaluation found the pilot provided valuable support to young people with complex needs. It also included key recommendations for the future model of provision in Scotland which the Government will be considering in the months ahead.

    The College has now received additional funding to continue the pilot for two more years. A total of 41 young people will benefit from specialist support in the 2025-26 academic year starting in August.

    Further Education Minister Graeme Dey said:

    “Corseford College has delivered vital support to many young people with complex additional needs since its launch three years ago. This has been recognised in an independent evaluation of the model, which is why we are securing the College’s future for another two years to ensure that its students can continue to be supported.

    “We are keen to explore a sustainable approach for specialist provision going forward, and the continued pilot at Corseford will help inform this. The evaluation provided a number of important insights and recommendations which we will be reflecting on and will allow us to evolve the best possible model for the future.

    “We are determined to support Scotland’s young people with complex additional needs and disabilities. Last month, we published our first national strategy that ensures young disabled people can access the help they need as they transition to adulthood. Our continued funding for Corseford will support this work.”

    Capability Scotland Chief Executive, Brian Logan, said: 

    “The Scottish Government’s funding decision following the independent evaluation is a vital endorsement of Corseford College’s pioneering approach to specialist post-school education.

    “We would like to thank Minister Graeme Dey and his team for their cooperation and unwavering commitment in making this possible.

    “This success reflects the dedication of the college’s staff, whose work is transforming the lives of young people with complex needs. The funding secures Corseford College’s future, but also marks a key step towards a national solution for those young people living with complex needs across the country.”

    Background

    The Scottish Government published its National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy for Young People in June 2025.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Arsenal sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Arsenal has completed the signing of Spain international midfielder Martin Zubimendi on a “long-term” contract.

    The 26-year-old, who had spent all of his career with Real Sociedad, joined last season’s Premier League runner-up for 51 million pounds (70 million U.S. dollars) and becomes the second player from the San Sebastian outfit to join Arsenal, after the arrival of Mikel Merino last summer.

    Jude Bellingham (R) of Real Madrid vies with Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad during the Copa del Rey semifinal 2nd leg football match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, in Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain, on April 1, 2025. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

    “This is a huge moment in my career. It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realize how big this club and this team are,” said Zubimendi, who had also attracted interest from Real Madrid and has 19 caps for Spain.

    “I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come,” he added in words published on the Arsenal website.

    Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta welcomed the signing of one of his club’s key summer targets.

    “We welcome Martin and his family to the club. We look forward to him settling in with his teammates and are very excited to see him playing in an Arsenal shirt.”

    “Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team. He will fit in really well, and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.”

    “The standard he has consistently performed at over the last few seasons for both club and country is exactly why we are so excited to have him with us,” added Arteta.

    Arsenal is also thought to be closing in on a deal to sign Noni Madueke from Chelsea, with the England winger said to have agreed to a five-year contract at the Emirates. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Kyle Walker leaves Manchester City for Burnley

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Veteran England defender Kyle Walker has joined newly promoted Burnley from Manchester City for a fee of around five million pounds (6.8 million U.S. dollars).

    Manchester City’s Kyle Walker (L) is challenged by Manchester United’s Fred during the FA Cup Final match between Manchester City and Manchester United in London, Britain, on June. 3, 2023. Man City won 2-1. (Xinhua)

    The 35-year-old has signed a two-year contract with Burnley to put a definitive end to eight seasons with Manchester City, who he joined from Tottenham in 2017, making 319 appearances and winning 17 trophies.

    The move sees Walker reunite with Burnley coach Scott Parker, who he played alongside at Tottenham.

    “I’m delighted to be here and I can’t wait to come in and add my experience and quality to what looks an exciting squad.”

    “When I spoke to Scott and heard about his plans for next season, it was an opportunity I jumped at. He’s done an amazing job here, guiding the club back to the Premier League,” said Walker on the Burnley website.

    Walker spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan after making 15 appearances for Manchester City, when he seemed to have lost some of the pace that made him such a key defender for Pep Guardiola.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chelsea confirm Jamie Gittens transfer from Dortmund

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Chelsea continued with its movement in the summer transfer market with the club on Saturday announcing the signing of England winger Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund.

    Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (L) of Dortmund vies with Phillipp Steinhart of 1860 Munich during a German Cup first round football match between TSV 1860 Munich and Borussia Dortmund in Munich, Germany, July 29, 2022. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)

    The 20-year-old Gittens has agreed a contract until the end of June 2032 and has cost an initial 48.5 million pounds (66.25 million U.S. dollars).

    He is the third attacking player to join Chelsea this summer, following Liam Delap from Ipswich and Joao Pedro from Brighton.

    Pedro joined up with Chelsea in the USA earlier this week and will be able to play for the club in the remaining rounds of the FIFA Club World Cup, but Gittens won’t be able to do that as he has already appeared for Dortmund, who plays Real Madrid in the quarter-finals later on Saturday.

    Gittens can play on either wing and he made 107 appearances for Dortmund after joining from Manchester City in 2021.

    “It feels great… It’s a great feeling to join such a big club as Chelsea.”

    “I can’t wait to learn from everyone in the team and to push myself to the max here. It’s an amazing feeling,” Gittens said on the Chelsea website. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Workers in line for £29,000 boost thanks to landmark Pensions Bill

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Workers in line for £29,000 boost thanks to landmark Pensions Bill

    The Bill is set to transform the pensions landscape for years to come and put more money in people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change

    • Pension Schemes Bill could boost returns to pension saving by thousands of pounds
    • Changes will also make it easier for savers to access and manage their pensions

    Working people on an average salary who save into a pension pot over their career, could benefit by up to £29,000 by the time they retire thanks to major Government reforms that will consolidate small pension pots, ensure schemes are value for money, and create larger pension schemes.

    The figure was revealed as the Pension Schemes Bill returns to Parliament for its second reading today [7 July 2025].

    Reforms in the Bill, which have received wide-spread support from the pensions industry and consumer groups, will support 20 million pension savers to get more from their pension pots and be better prepared for retirement.

    The Bill will bring together small pension pots worth £1,000 or less into one pension scheme that is certified as delivering good value to savers, making pension saving less hassle and more rewarding. At present many people struggle to keep track of multiple small pensions as they move jobs and can pay high fees as a result.

    In future pension schemes will also need to prove they are value for money, helping savers understand whether their scheme is giving them good returns and protecting them from getting stuck in underperforming schemes for years on end.

    These measures will lay the foundation for the upcoming Pensions Review to examine how we get to a fair and sustainable pensions system, supporting growth and delivering on the government’s Plan for Change by putting more money into people’s pockets.

    Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said:

    We’re ramping up the pace of pension reform, to ensure that people’s pension savings works as hard for them as they worked to save.

    The measures in our Pension Schemes Bill will drive costs down and returns up on workers’ retirement savings – putting more money in people’s pockets to the tune of up to £29,000 for an average earner and delivering on our Plan for Change.

    Other measures include:

    • New rules creating multi-employer DC scheme “megafunds” of at least £25 billion, so that bigger and better pension schemes can drive down costs and invest in a wider range of assets.
    • Simplifying retirement choices, with all pension schemes offering default routes to an income in retirement.
    • Increased flexibility for Defined Benefit (DB) pension schemes to safely release surplus worth collectively £160 billion, to support employers’ investment plans and to benefit scheme members.

    The reforms will also unlock long-term investment in the UK economy by removing barriers to growth, strengthening the security and governance of pension schemes and ultimately delivering better returns for people saving for their retirement.

    The pace of pension reform has ramped up with measures in the Bill set to revolutionise the pensions landscape in the coming years. While the benefits of the Bill are clear, significant challenges still remains with these benefits varied for different workers and different groups. This is why the upcoming Pensions Review will examine challenges such as pension adequacy to ensure underserved groups do not miss out on the benefits arising from these measures.

    Reforms announced as part of the Bill will also future proof the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) by leading to the consolidation of all £400 billion of assets into a small number of expert asset pools which can invest in local areas infrastructure, housing and clean energy.

    Minister for Local Government and English Devolution Jim McMahon OBE said:

    This Bill will ensure the Local Government Pension Scheme is fit for the future and harness its full potential, with assets due to reach £1 trillion by 2040, and will strengthen investment in local communities to accelerate growth as part of our Plan for Change.

    Zoe Alexander, Director of Policy and Advocacy for PLSA:

    The introduction of the Pension Schemes Bill is a significant milestone, bringing forward necessary legislation to enact important reforms that have the full backing of the pensions industry. This includes small pots consolidation, the Value for Money regime, decumulation options and changes to give DB funds more options for securing member benefits over the long-term.

    Once fully implemented, these measures should reduce the cost of administering pensions, remove complexity for savers and help ensure schemes are maximising the value they provide members.

    Additional Information

    • To build scale in the pensions industry and stimulate UK investment, the Pension Schemes Bill will:

    • Require multi-employer Defined Contribution schemes used for automatic enrolment, unless exempt, to have at least £25 billion of assets in their main default arrangement by 2030 or be on route to achieving that scale by 2035 through having £10 billion in their main default.
    • Allow more flexibility for trustees of well-funded Defined Benefit pension schemes to share surplus funds with employers and their scheme members, with strict funding safeguards, unlocking some of the £160 billion surplus funds to be reinvested across the UK economy, boosting business productivity and delivering for members.
    • Create a legislative framework for the regulation of superfunds to encourage growth of the superfund market and underpin the security of members’ benefits.
    • Relax restrictions to allow the Board of the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) to reduce the annual pension protection levy it collects from pension schemes, when it is not required and collect less from businesses up and down the country.
    • Extend the definition of ‘terminal illness’ in the Pension Protection Fund and Financial Assistance Scheme legislation, so that eligible members who are diagnosed as terminally ill can receive payments at an earlier stage of their illness.

    • Lead to all Local Government Pension Scheme in England and Wales (LGPS) investments being managed by FCA-regulated asset pools, who will be responsible for implementing investment strategies set by their partner LGPS Administering Authorities.

    • To ensure better outcomes for savers, the Pension Schemes Bill will:

    • Introduce powers to create a Value for Money framework to enable a shift in focus from cost towards value and protect savers from becoming stuck in underperforming arrangements for extended periods.

    • Implement Guided Retirement Options which will place duties on trustees to provide default solutions for their members, unless the member chooses to opt-out. The default will provide an income in later life, including consideration for longevity protection – which could include CDC provision.
    • Enable authorisation of providers to act as a consolidator scheme. This will also aid the building of scale with pots worth £1,000 or less consolidated into a small number of large, good value schemes.

    • Facilitate PPF and FAS information to be displayed on dashboards.

    • The Competent Court measure in the Bill will confirm the legal standing of The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) to make enforceable determinations in pensions overpayment recoupment cases without requiring a county court judge’s order, leading to quicker customer journeys and shorter waiting times.
    • The £29,000 boost to retirement pots is estimated through assuming greater investment performance through addressing underperformance and increasing diversification, reducing costs which could be passed onto savers and by investing for longer, ensuring worker’s pension pots work harder, for longer.
    • These figures are based on published annual earnings averages, which shows a full-time male will earn just over £37,000 a year and a woman just under £32,000.
    • Measures in the Bill mean that an average male earner at the start of their career could see up to £31,000 more in their retirement fund by the time they retire while a women could see £26,000 more in their retirement fund. See the Pension Schemes Bill Impact Assessment for further details on the calculations.
    • More information on the Government’s Pension Investment Review can be found here: Pensions Investment Review: Final Report – GOV.UK

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • Akash Deep dedicates historic Edgbaston Test win to sister battling cancer

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian pacer Akash Deep has dedicated India’s historic Test win at Edgbaston to his elder sister, who has been undergoing treatment for cancer for the past two months.

    Speaking after India’s victory over England in the second Test, the 27-year-old revealed that he had kept his sister’s illness private, focusing on cricket while his thoughts remained with his family.

    “I have not told this to anyone. My elder sister has been suffering from cancer for the last two months. She is stable now and doing fine. I think she will be the happiest seeing my performance. I want to dedicate this match to her. I just wanted to see a smile on her face,” Akash told Sony Sports after the match.

    He added, “This is for you. Whenever I held the ball in my hand, your face was on my mind. I want to see happiness on your face. We are all with you.”

    Akash Deep produced a match-winning spell at Edgbaston, claiming 10 wickets for 187 runs — four in the first innings and six in the second — to hand India their first-ever Test win at the iconic venue.

    His figures broke Chetan Sharma’s long-standing record of 10/188 (1986) for the best Test bowling performance by an Indian in England. He also became only the second Indian pacer to take a 10-wicket match haul on English soil.

    Before leaving for England, Akash Deep had spent weeks in hospital corridors attending to his sister. The pacer said his family’s struggle kept him grounded through the tour and that every delivery he bowled carried a prayer for his sister’s recovery.

    Behind the milestone, he said, was a simple wish: to see his sister smile.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Copper thief caught at Beulah Park

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A man was arrested after allegedly being caught red-handed stealing copper from a communications pit at Beulah Park overnight.

    About 1.30am on Monday 7 July, police were notified of an alarm activation within a cabling pit on the corner of The Parade and Shipsters Road, Beulah Park.

    Police attended and located the suspect and his vehicle nearby.

    A large quantity of copper piping was found inside the vehicle.

    A 40-year-old man from Leabrook was arrested and charged with property damage and theft.  He was refused police bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court later today.

    His vehicle was seized for further forensic examination.

    The extent of damage to the cabling and communications equipment is not yet known.

    CO TBA

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Much to celebrate as NAIDOC Week turns 50, but also much to learn

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lynette Riley, Co-chair of the National NAIDOC Committee and Professor in the Sydney School of Education and Social Work; and Chair, Aboriginal Education and Indigenous Studies.original Education & Indigenous Studies., University of Sydney

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and/or images of deceased people.

    In 1938, when Australia celebrated the sesquicentenary – 150 years since Captain Phillip and the First Fleet landed in Sydney Cove – the organisers wanted Aboriginal people to be involved in a re-enactment.

    More than 25 Aboriginal men were rounded up from Menindee in western New South Wales. They were told if they did not perform the role of running up the beach away from the British, their families would starve.

    Ngiyaampaa elder Beryl (Yunghadhu) Philp Carmichael, who was three at the time, recollected years later that all she could remember was the crying:

    All the women were crying. Whether they were taking them away to be massacred, no one knew.

    The re-enactment was of course a fallacy of what really happened on January 26 1788 – it was a “white-washing” of history.

    The mistreatment of the Menindee men illustrates the anger that was simmering over the status and treatment of fellow Aboriginal kin.

    Protests against Australia Day, which had been growing since the 1920s, led to the Aboriginal Day of Mourning, the first national gathering of Indigenous people speaking up against discrimination and dispossession.

    The Aboriginal Day of Mourning was regarded as one of the first major civil rights movements in the world.
    National Museum of Australia, CC BY

    The emergence of Aboriginal protest groups nearly a century ago gave birth in the 1970s to what eventually came to be known as the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC), which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary.

    Celebrating culture

    NAIDOC’s role is to encompass all Indigenous/First Nations peoples in Australia.

    One week is set aside each July:

    to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

    NAIDOC Week is essentially a celebration of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. Numerous events are held across the country – performances, art and photographic exhibitions, smoking ceremonies and the popular National NAIDOC Awards.

    They present a crucial opportunity to increase awareness in the wider community of Indigenous history and excellence, while acknowledging the challenges that remain.

    It is distinct from Reconciliation Week, which focuses on relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

    As a current co-chair of the NAIDOC Committee, I recognise the ongoing need, as initially established by our Elders as the founders of NAIDOC Week, to highlight the continuing issues for us as Indigenous peoples in Australia.

    NAIDOC themes

    We do this by setting a theme each year focused on a specific challenge.

    The themes are determined through deep consideration of the significant issues facing Indigenous peoples. They have evolved through political protests, social change, recognition, respect and appreciation of Indigenous rights.

    Some examples down the years from the 1970s include:

    • Advance Australia Where? (1972)
    • Self Determination (1974)
    • White Australia has a Black History (1987)
    • Understanding It Takes the Two of Us (1985)
    • Justice not Tolerance (1995)
    • Gurindji, Mabo, Wik – Three Strikes for Justice (1997)
    • Bringing Them Home (1998)
    • Advance Australia Fair? (2008)
    • Our Languages Matter (2017)
    • Voice. Treaty. Truth. (2019)
    • Always Was, Always Will Be (2020).

    NAIDOC Week helps promote to the wider community the importance of truth-telling and learning of societal issues, the heritage of culture and languages, and the history of interactions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

    Ask yourself: what do you know about the themes? Why are they relevant and what impact do they have on Indigenous peoples across Australia?

    Next generation

    The theme for 2025 is “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy”.

    It was selected following the committee’s distress at the way in which our youth are often demeaned in the media and presented as social pariahs and potential risks to the wider community’s safety.

    To us, our youth are our cultural and social strength, and the continuity for our communities.

    We therefore celebrate our youth. We wish to highlight these amazing young people in our communities, as our vision and legacy for our future.

    Look no further than our past NAIDOC Youth winners:

    • Dante Rodrigues 2024: a professional martial arts and kickboxer who runs health and wellbeing programs for young Indigenous people

    • Courtney Burns 2023: a marine biologist who is deeply passionate about the connection between ocean, Country and our Mob

    • Elijah Manis 20022: Young islander working in the fields of social justice issues and the effects of climate change on the Torres Strait.

    In NAIDOC and the ABC’s educational resource Culture Is Life, three young people speak of the kind of ancestor they would like to be to inspire future generations.

    Visual artist Irwin Lewis said he would want to be known for his conservation of cultural knowledge, stories and language.

    Foster care worker Shaylem Wilson nominated never turning away from hard truths, and working with young people who continue to be taken away from their families and Country, as well as maintaining and strengthening their family and cultural ties.

    Youth advocate Manny Williams noted he wanted to seek deeper connection to Country to help guide the next generations of young people:

    I want to be an ancestor who always nurtured everything
    from people to Country — guiding those who seek a deeper
    connection; sharing wisdom and knowledge to those who listen. An ancestor who is there to remind our people of the light we all have within ourselves.

    The future is in the hands of these remarkable Indigenous youth as they grapple with the human rights, political and societal issues facing their communities.

    Many Australians have much to learn from NAIDOC Week.

    All of us have much to celebrate.

    Lynette Riley is the co-chair of the National NAIDOC Committee

    – ref. Much to celebrate as NAIDOC Week turns 50, but also much to learn – https://theconversation.com/much-to-celebrate-as-naidoc-week-turns-50-but-also-much-to-learn-259900

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Old Reynella

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police are at the scene of a serious crash in Old Reynella.

    About 5.20am today (Monday 7 July), emergency services were called to Main South Road after reports that a car had collided with a pedestrian.

    Major Crash officers are attending the scene.

    Northbound traffic is closed from the Sherriffs Road intersection.

    Please avoid the area if possible.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP Ecosystem Enters a New Era as PFMCrypto Launches Revolutionary Smart Cloud Mining Contracts with Daily XRP Rewards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Farington, England, July 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Ripple’s XRP ecosystem gains global traction, PFMCrypto is proud to unveil a major advancement in accessible crypto mining: the official launch of XRP-focused cloud mining contracts. Now available on both web and mobile platforms, these flexible short-term contracts allow users to mine XRP remotely and receive daily XRP rewards—no mining hardware, no complex setup, and no prior experience required. For the first time, retail participants can engage with the XRP economy through a streamlined, fully integrated platform.

    Explore the PFMCrypto website or download the app today.

    XRP Cloud Mining Is Here—Simple, Smart, and Rewarding

    Traditionally viewed as a token for cross-border payments and institutional use, XRP now enters a new phase with PFMCrypto’s latest innovation: user-friendly cloud mining. Participants can mine XRP directly or rely on PFMCrypto’s intelligent AI engine to switch between top-yielding cryptocurrencies—such as BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDC, and more—to optimize returns. All earnings are paid out daily in your preferred cryptocurrency, ensuring stable returns regardless of market volatility.

    Designed for both everyday users and professional investors, this solution empowers users to generate consistent crypto income from anywhere, at any time.

    Key Features of PFMCrypto’s XRP Cloud Mining Contracts

    –  Full XRP Integration: Users can now deposit, purchase, mine, and withdraw XRP directly within the platform.

    –  Multi-Coin Mining Support: Mine and settle earnings in BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDC, USDT, SOL, LTC, and BCH.

    –  AI Revenue Optimization: Proprietary algorithms dynamically allocate mining power to the highest-performing assets to maximize mining revenue.

    –  100% Remote Access: No hardware required—fully accessible via the PFMCrypto mobile app or browser.

    –  Capital Protection: All contracts include full principal return at term completion, reducing risk while growing assets.

    Mining Contracts for Every Budget and Strategy

    PFMCrypto offers a wide range of cloud mining contracts, supporting XRP-based deposits and withdrawals. Each contract is designed for flexibility, risk control, and predictable returns:

    $10 Contract – 1 Day – Earn $0.66 daily (Free with signup bonus)

    $100 Contract – 2 Days – Earn $3.00 daily + $2 reward

    $500 Contract – 5 Days – Earn $6.15 daily

    $5,000 Contract – 30 Days – Earn $78.50 daily

    $20,000 Contract – 45 Days – Earn $380.00 daily

    Whether testing the waters or scaling a long-term strategy, PFMCrypto provides low-risk, high-transparency options for stable daily income in XRP.

    Click here to explore more contract options.

    Why PFMCrypto’s XRP Mining Stands Out？

    –  Accessible to Everyone: No mining rig, no setup, no complexity—just tap and earn.

    –  XRP-Native Integration: Deposit, mine, and withdraw XRP in one unified ecosystem.

    –  Stable Returns, Smart Allocation: An AI-powered engine dynamically adjusts mining strategies in real time, maximizing returns and ensuring stable daily earnings across supported cryptocurrencies.

    –  Multi-Asset Flexibility: Choose to mine XRP or diversify into top coins—all with one contract

    –  Instant Setup, Global Access: Works on any mobile device or browser—fully encrypted and secure

    Get Started Today in 3 Easy Steps:

    1. Sign Up – Create an account and receive a $10 welcome bonus
    2. Choose a Plan – Activate a short- or long-term contract (1–60 days available)
    3. Start Earning – Monitor daily profit and withdraw in your preferred token

    Start mining XRP now at https://pfmcrypto.net or through the PFMCrypto mobile app (available for iOS & Android).

    XRP Mining for a Digital Future

    Since 2018, PFMCrypto has enabled millions of users to earn passive crypto income through smart, cloud-based mining. With the introduction of XRP mining, the platform delivers the perfect balance of institutional-grade infrastructure and retail accessibility. Users now have the flexibility to earn directly in XRP or diversify across major digital assets—all within a secure, fully remote ecosystem.

    “XRP has always been fast, efficient, and scalable,” said a PFMCrypto spokesperson. “Now, it’s also mineable—securely, remotely, and profitably. We’ve removed the barriers so anyone can participate in XRP’s future growth.”

    While crypto markets fluctuate, daily mining income can remain steady. Join the XRP mining revolution today at: https://pfmcrypto.net 

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

  • India bury Birmingham blues, script record 336-run win over England in 2nd Test

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India created history with a 336-run win over England in the second Test at Birmingham, securing not only their first-ever victory at Edgbaston but also their biggest Test win away from home in terms of runs.

    Skipper Shubman Gill, along with pacers Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, spearheaded a collective team effort as India levelled the series, overcoming the Birmingham blues with a win that will be remembered for ages.

    This is India’s biggest away win in Tests, surpassing their 318-run victory over the West Indies at North Sound in 2016, as they defended a total of 419. Jasprit Bumrah picked up a memorable five-wicket haul in the match, while Ajinkya Rahane was named Player of the Match for his knocks of 81 and 102.

    Gill, besides breaking an endless list of records with the bat, also made history as captain. At 25 years and 301 days old, he became the youngest Indian captain to win a Test overseas, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar, who was 26 years and 202 days old when he led India to victory against New Zealand in Auckland in 1976.

    Coming to the match, England once again opted to field first. After removing KL Rahul (2) early, an 80-run stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal (87 off 107 balls, 13 fours) and Karun Nair (31 off 50 balls, five fours) helped India recover. Skipper Gill stitched valuable partnerships — 203 runs with Ravindra Jadeja (89 off 137 balls, 10 fours and a six) and a 144-run stand with Washington Sundar (42 off 103 balls, three fours and a six) — steering India to a mammoth 587. Gill scored a marathon 269 off 387 balls, hitting 30 fours and three sixes.

    Shoaib Bashir (3/167) was England’s most successful bowler, while Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue claimed two wickets each.

    In England’s first innings, India reduced them to 84/5. However, a 303-run stand between Harry Brook (158 off 234 balls, 17 fours and a six) and wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith (184* off 207 balls, 21 fours and four sixes) kept England alive. But Siraj (6/70) and Akash Deep (4/88) made the new ball count, bundling out the last five wickets for just 20 runs, dismissing England for 407 and giving India a 180-run lead.

    In reply, India’s batters piled on the pressure. Jaiswal (28 off 22 balls, six fours) and Rahul (55 off 84 balls, 10 fours) set the tone with a brisk half-century stand. A 110-run fourth-wicket stand between Rishabh Pant (65 off 58 balls, eight fours and three sixes) and Gill accelerated the charge, before Gill forged another epic 175-run stand with Jadeja. Gill smashed 161 off 162 balls, with 13 fours and eight sixes, while Jadeja remained unbeaten on 69* off 118 balls (five fours and a six). India declared at 427/6, setting England an improbable target of 608.

    In the run chase, England were quickly reduced to 50/3. Jamie Smith (88 off 99 balls, nine fours and four sixes) offered the only resistance before England were bundled out for 271, losing by 336 runs. Akash Deep’s brilliant spell of 6/99 gave him a ten-wicket haul for the match.

    Gill was named Player of the Match as India levelled the series 1-1. 

  • MIL-OSI: USDC and PFMCrypto Redefine Crypto Mining with Stablecoin-Powered Cloud Contracts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Farington, England, July 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a market where volatility can erase gains overnight, a new alliance is reshaping the future of crypto mining. USDC—the world’s leading dollar-backed stablecoin—has partnered with PFMCrypto, a trailblazer in AI-powered cloud mining, to launch a game-changing solution: The new cloud mining contract not only supports top digital assets such as BTC, XRP, DOGE, ETH and SOL, but now also allows users to mine and earn income in USDC.. This strategic collaboration delivers what investors have long been waiting for—secure passive income, zero technical setup, and real protection from the chaos of price swings.

    Click here to explore the cloud mining platform that supports USDC.

    Cloud Mining Just Got More Stable—Now Pay and Earn in USDC

    Cloud mining has often faced two major challenges: complexity and volatility. PFMCrypto’s 100% remote mining platform already solved the technical barrier. Now, with USDC-settled contracts, it also eliminates market risk. This new offering allows users to earn daily rewards in USDC—a fully regulated, dollar-pegged stablecoin—regardless of how Bitcoin, Ethereum, or altcoins move. With contract durations starting at just 1 day, anyone can start generating income without buying equipment or risking exposure to price crashes.

    Key Features of PFMCrypto’s USDC Cloud Mining Contracts:

    –  USDC-Based Payouts: Users can purchase mining contracts with USDC and withdraw earnings in USDC, ensuring stable returns that are unaffected by market volatility.

    –  Zero Hardware Required: Mine from any device (PC or mobile phone)—no rigs, no tech headaches

    –  Daily Earnings: Receive fixed daily income during each contract term

    –  Multiple Contract Durations: Tailored to your goals—short-term or long-term

    Flexible Mining Options for Every Budget

    To make crypto mining accessible to everyone, PFMCrypto offers a variety of contract tiers—all now supporting USDC payouts and withdrawals. From new users exploring passive income to experienced miners seeking risk mitigation, there’s a plan for every type of investor:

    $10 Contract – 1 Day – Earn $0.66 daily (free with signup bonus)

    $100 Contract – 2 Days – Earn $3.00 daily + $2 reward

    $500 Contract – 5 Days – Earn $6.15 daily

    $5,000 Contract – 30 Days – Earn $78.50 daily

    $20,000 Contract – 45 Days – Earn $380.00 daily

    These options let users stay active in crypto without sacrificing peace of mind—ideal for those who want steady growth while avoiding the stress of price charts.

    Click here to explore more mining contracts.

    What Makes USDC-Powered Mining with PFMCrypto Different?

    –  Stability Over Speculation:

    Unlike traditional mining rewards that fluctuate wildly, all income is delivered in stable USDC—allowing predictable reinvestment and better financial planning.

    –  Instant Access, Fully Remote:

    Contracts can be activated in seconds with no hardware required. Mining is managed entirely in the cloud. Mining can be done anytime, anywhere using only a browser or the PFMCrypto app—no equipment or technical expertise required.

    –  AI Optimization at Scale:

    Advanced algorithms automatically adjust performance to maximize daily returns across supported assets.

    –  Capital Protection:

    At the end of each contract, the full principal is returned—reducing financial risk and building long-term confidence.

    How to Get Started with PFMCrypto’s USDC Contracts:

    1. Sign Up Instantly – Receive a $10 bonus and start earning daily USDC rewards.
    2. Select a Plan – Try a short-term 5-day contract or explore higher-tier options.
    3. Start Mining – Let the AI engine handle everything while daily USDC rewards arrive automatically.

    A Safer, Smarter Way to Mine in a Volatile Market

    Since 2018, PFMCrypto has empowered users across the globe to earn passive crypto income through advanced cloud mining. With the integration of USDC rewards, the platform now provides unmatched income stability—blending innovation, automation, and financial protection into one seamless solution. Whether mining BTC, DOGE, XRP, or others, every reward is now pegged to the dollar and immune to sudden downturns.

    “Our partnership with USDC allows users to mine with confidence,” said a PFMCrypto spokesperson. “It’s not just about earning more—it’s about earning safer. These contracts bring together the best of both worlds: powerful mining and predictable returns.”

    The market may continue to swing, but earnings don’t have to. Experience stable, stress-free mining today at https://pfmcrypto.net 

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: USDC and PFMCrypto Redefine Crypto Mining with Stablecoin-Powered Cloud Contracts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Farington, England, July 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a market where volatility can erase gains overnight, a new alliance is reshaping the future of crypto mining. USDC—the world’s leading dollar-backed stablecoin—has partnered with PFMCrypto, a trailblazer in AI-powered cloud mining, to launch a game-changing solution: The new cloud mining contract not only supports top digital assets such as BTC, XRP, DOGE, ETH and SOL, but now also allows users to mine and earn income in USDC.. This strategic collaboration delivers what investors have long been waiting for—secure passive income, zero technical setup, and real protection from the chaos of price swings.

    Click here to explore the cloud mining platform that supports USDC.

    Cloud Mining Just Got More Stable—Now Pay and Earn in USDC

    Cloud mining has often faced two major challenges: complexity and volatility. PFMCrypto’s 100% remote mining platform already solved the technical barrier. Now, with USDC-settled contracts, it also eliminates market risk. This new offering allows users to earn daily rewards in USDC—a fully regulated, dollar-pegged stablecoin—regardless of how Bitcoin, Ethereum, or altcoins move. With contract durations starting at just 1 day, anyone can start generating income without buying equipment or risking exposure to price crashes.

    Key Features of PFMCrypto’s USDC Cloud Mining Contracts:

    –  USDC-Based Payouts: Users can purchase mining contracts with USDC and withdraw earnings in USDC, ensuring stable returns that are unaffected by market volatility.

    –  Zero Hardware Required: Mine from any device (PC or mobile phone)—no rigs, no tech headaches

    –  Daily Earnings: Receive fixed daily income during each contract term

    –  Multiple Contract Durations: Tailored to your goals—short-term or long-term

    Flexible Mining Options for Every Budget

    To make crypto mining accessible to everyone, PFMCrypto offers a variety of contract tiers—all now supporting USDC payouts and withdrawals. From new users exploring passive income to experienced miners seeking risk mitigation, there’s a plan for every type of investor:

    $10 Contract – 1 Day – Earn $0.66 daily (free with signup bonus)

    $100 Contract – 2 Days – Earn $3.00 daily + $2 reward

    $500 Contract – 5 Days – Earn $6.15 daily

    $5,000 Contract – 30 Days – Earn $78.50 daily

    $20,000 Contract – 45 Days – Earn $380.00 daily

    These options let users stay active in crypto without sacrificing peace of mind—ideal for those who want steady growth while avoiding the stress of price charts.

    Click here to explore more mining contracts.

    What Makes USDC-Powered Mining with PFMCrypto Different?

    –  Stability Over Speculation:

    Unlike traditional mining rewards that fluctuate wildly, all income is delivered in stable USDC—allowing predictable reinvestment and better financial planning.

    –  Instant Access, Fully Remote:

    Contracts can be activated in seconds with no hardware required. Mining is managed entirely in the cloud. Mining can be done anytime, anywhere using only a browser or the PFMCrypto app—no equipment or technical expertise required.

    –  AI Optimization at Scale:

    Advanced algorithms automatically adjust performance to maximize daily returns across supported assets.

    –  Capital Protection:

    At the end of each contract, the full principal is returned—reducing financial risk and building long-term confidence.

    How to Get Started with PFMCrypto’s USDC Contracts:

    1. Sign Up Instantly – Receive a $10 bonus and start earning daily USDC rewards.
    2. Select a Plan – Try a short-term 5-day contract or explore higher-tier options.
    3. Start Mining – Let the AI engine handle everything while daily USDC rewards arrive automatically.

    A Safer, Smarter Way to Mine in a Volatile Market

    Since 2018, PFMCrypto has empowered users across the globe to earn passive crypto income through advanced cloud mining. With the integration of USDC rewards, the platform now provides unmatched income stability—blending innovation, automation, and financial protection into one seamless solution. Whether mining BTC, DOGE, XRP, or others, every reward is now pegged to the dollar and immune to sudden downturns.

    “Our partnership with USDC allows users to mine with confidence,” said a PFMCrypto spokesperson. “It’s not just about earning more—it’s about earning safer. These contracts bring together the best of both worlds: powerful mining and predictable returns.”

    The market may continue to swing, but earnings don’t have to. Experience stable, stress-free mining today at https://pfmcrypto.net 

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Energy Chamber (AEC) Reaffirms Support for West African Energy Summit (WAES) 2025 Delegation Heads to Aberdeen

    Source: APO

    The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) – the leading voice of Africa’s energy industry – is proud to reaffirm its support for the West African Energy Summit (WAES), scheduled for November 18-19, 2025, in Aberdeen, Scotland. In the lead-up to the event, NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC, will visit Aberdeen on July 11 to speak at the OGV Taproom, where he will deliver a keynote address titled Opportunities in Africa – a strategic presentation tailored for the UK supply chain. 

    Organized in partnership with OGV Group, the WAES is positioned as a premier platform for catalyzing investment, technology transfer and cross-border collaboration between African energy makers and global service providers. Ayuk’s visit underscores the AEC’s commitment to cultivating robust energy partnerships between Africa and Europe, particularly in light of Africa’s dynamic oil, gas and energy transition landscape. 

    Ayuk’s July 11 appearance in Aberdeen will preview key themes from African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, the continent’s premier energy event organized by the AEC, which returns to Cape Town from September 29 to October 3, 2025. This year’s edition will host the G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum, highlighting Africa’s role in the global energy transition and providing a platform for project developers, financiers and service providers to shape the continent’s energy future. 

    WAES 2025 builds on the success of last year’s edition held in Ghana and will showcase some of the most lucrative energy opportunities across West Africa. This year’s event is co-hosted by the Scottish Africa Business Association, in collaboration with the Society of Petroleum Engineers, Energy Industries Council and the AEC. The two-day summit aims to highlight upstream development, emerging markets, technology deployment and decarbonization strategies that support Africa’s just energy transition. 

    West Africa continues to stand at the forefront of Africa’s energy renaissance, offering a wealth of opportunities for global investors, service providers and strategic partners. From deepwater oil exploration in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea to major LNG developments in Senegal and Mauritania, African nations are advancing ambitious strategies to monetize resources, attract investment and strengthen regional energy security. 

    These developments are underpinned by aggressive investment strategies, regulatory reforms and strengthened national oil company participation – creating a competitive environment for foreign capital and technology. As countries across the region seek to reverse production declines, fast-track new discoveries and drive regional energy integration, platforms like the WAES event are critical to forging the cross-border partnerships needed to realize Africa’s goals of energy security, economic growth and a just energy transition. 

    At the event, Ayuk will participate in the high-level Africa’s Opportunity for UK Supply Chain Engagement session, where he will provide actionable insights on the investment-ready landscape across key African markets such as Nigeria, Senegal, Angola, Namibia and Mozambique. He will also outline the AEC’s vision for inclusive growth, local content development and the importance of aligning global expertise with Africa’s long-term energy security goals.  

    “Africa’s energy future depends on strategic partnerships that deliver technology, capital and capacity building. The UK supply chain has a crucial role to play – not as outsiders, but as long-term partners invested in Africa’s growth and resilience,” states Ayuk. 

    The WAES event will provide an essential gateway for UK service companies to align with Africa’s energy ambitions – ranging from deepwater developments and LNG production to renewables and hydrogen deployment. By connecting global innovation with Africa’s resource wealth, the summit aims to unlock sustainable development, economic growth and greater energy access across the continent.  

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Parents urged to read more to boost children’s life chances

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Parents urged to read more to boost children’s life chances

    Education Secretary urges parents to swap scrolling with reading as she launches a National Year of Reading for 2026 to boost kids’ literacy and life chances.

    The Education Secretary is calling on parents to lead by example and make reading a daily habit to help reverse the decline in reading for pleasure, to help give kids the best start in life as part of the Plan for Change.

    The call comes as the Department for Education and National Literacy Trust join forces to launch a National Year of Reading, starting in January 2026 to kick start a reading revolution. It will reverse the trend as just one in three aged 8 to 18 said they enjoyed reading in their free time in 2025.  

    Bringing together parents, schools, libraries, businesses and literacy experts, the campaign aims to foster a love of reading for pleasure in children and young people, ensuring all children get the best start in life.   

    Reading for pleasure isn’t just a hobby. It’s linked to a range of benefits including stronger writing skills, improved wellbeing and confidence, and even higher future earnings, with new data showing those proficient in reading and writing in primary school earn £65,000 more over their lifetime.  

    The government inherited a system which is holding too many children back from future success with over a quarter leaving primary school not meeting the expected standard in reading. This grows to 40% and 59% respectively for children from white-working class backgrounds and those with special educational needs.   

    The Year will build on the action already underway to drive high and rising standards in literacy including investing £27.7 million to support the teaching of reading and writing in primary school and targeted support for struggling readers in secondary school, as well as the ongoing curriculum and assessment review.     

    The campaign contributes to the government’s driving mission to break the link between a child’s background and what they go on to achieve and comes as the Education Secretary sets out her vision for ensuring every child gets the best possible start in life and starts school ready to learn including by boosting early literacy skills through the expansion of the government’s network of English Hubs.  

    Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:  

    As someone whose love of reading was sparked in childhood, I know just how powerful books can be in shaping young lives.   

    Reading holds the keys to so much of children’s education, so the decline in reading for pleasure among young people should sound alarm bells loud and clear.   

    This can’t be just a government mission. It needs to be a national one. So, it’s time for all of us to play our part, put our phones down and pick up a book.

    When parents take the time to read with their children early on, they lay the foundations for strong literacy skills, helping kids to be school ready. By making reading a daily habit, even just 10 minutes a day, we can help give kids the best start in life, as part of the Plan for Change.

    To kick start the reading revolution this summer, the National Literacy Trust will distribute over 72,000 new books to children in areas with the highest rates of child poverty to support positive reading habits at home.  

    This comes during the Summer Reading Challenge to ensure more children have the opportunity to take part and build a love of reading over the break.   

    CEO of the National Literacy Trust, Jonathan Douglas, said:  

    At a time when we are witnessing the lowest levels of reading enjoyment and daily reading in a generation, we are delighted to be working with the government to deliver the National Year of Reading 2026 – a bold, society-wide campaign to reimagine how we understand, support and promote reading. Reading is the foundation of a successful life – the key to unlocking potential, strengthening social cohesion, enhancing wellbeing and boosting skills.  

    The National Year of Reading 2026 presents an opportunity to join forces across sectors and redefine reading as a powerful, contemporary activity for a generation. Working closely with schools, families, libraries, communities and partners across the country, we will make reading a shared national mission – because every child, no matter their background, deserves the best start in life and every adult deserves to get the best out of life.

    The campaign will be packed full of exciting school and community events and activities supported by a dedicated website, backed by over 30 organisations so far including Premier League, Julia Rausing Trust, Arts Council England, the Very Group and a range of publishers.  

    Clare Sumner, Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer at the Premier League said:   

    The Premier League has worked alongside the National Literacy Trust for nearly 25 years, using the power of football to inspire children across England and Wales to develop a love of reading from a young age. Through our Premier League Primary Stars and Premier League Inspires education programmes we continue to support children and young people aged five to 18. Since 2017, we have provided over 350,000 free books to schools and a range of free curriculum-linked resources using children’s passion for football to engage them in learning. We look forward to working alongside the National Literacy Trust and the Department for Education to engage young people as part of the National Year of Reading.

    CEO of the Publishers Association, Dan Conway, said:    

    Publishers are proud to be working with the government and partners to help transform lives through reading. A wide range of publishers of all sizes have contributed financially and the whole publishing industry is ready to get behind this campaign to ensure it sparks lasting behaviour change. This is a once in a generation opportunity for us to work with the government and make a huge difference for the benefit of society. Reading for enjoyment is the best indicator of a child’s future success and brings a huge number of benefits from supporting mental health, helping develop empathy and encouraging children to explore their interests independently.

    Karen Napier MBE, CEO, The Reading Agency said:

    The Reading Agency is delighted to be here in the No 10 Garden to champion this year’s Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge, which brings together the magic of nature and the joy of books. It is a wonderful moment to celebrate the power of stories to spark imaginations across the country.  

    We believe every child deserves access to the transformative power of reading, and that journey begins in the library this summer. Sign up for this free, fun way to keep children reading all summer long.  

    With 26 years of evidence behind it and with the National Year of Reading approaching, we look forward to everyone building on the 15 million reading journeys already started through this life-changing programme.

    Simon Fourmy, Director of The Julia Rausing Trust, said:

    The National Year of Reading 2026 is an exciting campaign that builds on the Trust’s longstanding support of literacy initiatives. It will encourage people across the UK to engage with books, bringing opportunities to develop essential skills and a life-long love of reading. The Julia Rausing Trust is proud to be an early funder, and we encourage others to join us in supporting this important campaign.

    The Education Secretary will address businesses and leading literacy advocates tomorrow (7 July 2025) at No.10 to rally further support ahead of the National Year of Reading.

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police search for man at Parafield Airport

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police are searching for a person who was seen running on the runways at Parafield Airport.

    About 3.25pm today (Sunday 6 July), police were called to the airport on Kings Road after reports that a man dressed in dark clothing was seen near the runways.

    No flights were affected or aircraft put in danger.

    The man ran into a stormwater drain.

    STAR group officers were called in to search the area but the man was not yet been located.

    Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    MIL OSI News –