NewzIntel.com

Category: Great Britain

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Homeowners could save hundreds on energy bills from solar drive

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Homeowners could save hundreds on energy bills from solar drive

    Homeowners could save around £500 from the government’s drive for solar power on rooftops.

    • Homeowners could save around £500 from the government’s rooftop revolution 
    • rooftop solar could help bring bills down for British families through the Plan for Change 
    • government launches ‘roadmap’ to maximise the potential of solar on warehouses, homes and car parks 

    Families and businesses could benefit from cheaper bills and greater energy security through plans to drastically increase the deployment of rooftop solar across the country.  

    The government has today (Monday 30 June) launched a pathway for the UK to rapidly accelerate the roll out of solar, helping drive down bills, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and powering economic growth with clean energy. 

    Families could save around £500 a year on their energy bills by installing rooftop solar panels as part of the government’s rooftop revolution – making working people better off through the Plan for Change.  

    The Solar Roadmap sets out the steps needed for the government and industry to deliver 45-47 GW of solar by 2030 – which will support up to 35,000 jobs and use less than half a percent of total UK land.  

    This includes:  

    • increasing solar deployment on new build homes through the Future Homes Standard to save households money on bills
    • launching a call for evidence to understand how to harness the untapped potential of solar in car parks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland  
    • plans to launch a safety review to unlock portable plug-in solar panels, making it easier and cheaper for people living in rented accommodation and apartments to install solar on their balconies and rooftops
    • stronger engagement with industry and trade bodies to identify skills gaps in the solar sector to support more people into well-paid clean energy jobs

    Research suggests 88% of the British public are in favour of solar energy. Since July, the government has taken action to deploy the technology at scale, approving nearly 3 GW of nationally significant solar – more than the last 14 years combined. This is the equivalent of powering more than 500,000 homes with clean, homegrown power. 

    Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: 

    Families have been paying the price for the fossil fuel rollercoaster for years. 

    Our Plan for Change means delivering more homegrown energy that we control to boost the UK’s energy security and save money on your bills. 

    Through solar, we are rolling out the quickest to build and one of the cheapest forms of energy for families to start saving hundreds on their energy bills, all whilst helping tackle the climate crisis.

    The roadmap outlines practical actions for industry and government to overcome the challenges to delivering this ambition within the next five years and boost the UK’s energy security. This includes providing a new blueprint for industry to overcome barriers in planning, electricity networks, supply chain and innovation and workforce and skills challenges. 

    There are already over 1.5 million homes in the UK with rooftop solar panels installed. According to MCS, the body responsible for certifying renewable energy installers, 15,496 solar installations took place in January 2025 on existing homes, a 16.5% increase on the previous year.

    To help households with the finances of installing rooftop solar, the government is working with the Green Finance Institute, the finance sector, consumer bodies and the solar sector itself to provide financial solutions for households and businesses.  

    The government has also made rooftop solar more accessible, having recently announced all new build homes will have solar panels by default to help bring down bills for families, through the Future Homes Standard. This will also see new homes benefit from low-carbon heating, such as heat pumps and high levels for energy efficiency.    
     
    This means recipients of new build homes will save money on their energy bills through government support, tackling the cost of living crisis for aspirational young families and new house buyers. 

    Rooftop solar not only adds value through lowering bills but it can also increase the financial value of the property. The government wants homeowners to cash in on this and is working with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to ensure that the value of solar homes is assessed properly. 

    Renters and those living in apartments could also be set to experience the benefits of solar as the government sets out the steps required to make ‘plug-in’ solar available in the UK. Plug-in solar works in the same way as rooftop solar panels, except it is portable and is connected directly into plug sockets – ideal for apartments with balconies. 

    Plug-in solar is currently unavailable in the UK due to longstanding regulations. But in Germany, around 435,000 balconies had plug-in solar installed in 2024 alone, saving residents in apartments money on their electricity bills.  

    Last month, Great British Energy announced an initial £200 million investment in rooftop solar for hundreds of schools and hospitals, with savings around £200,000 a month for some hospitals. 

    Solar Energy UK Chief Executive and Co-Chair of the Solar Taskforce, Chris Hewett said:  

    Today marks the dawn of a transformative era for how the UK powers itself.  

    The Solar Roadmap highlights dozens of practical measures needed to expand solar generation, boost the supply of cheaper and more secure power, foster new industries, create skilled jobs, boost biodiversity and slash our greenhouse gas emissions.  

    The sector is already growing fast, with around 700 small-scale rooftop installations being completed each day, but needs to grow faster. 

    Garry Felgate, Chief Executive of The MCS Foundation said: 

    The UK is experiencing a solar boom, with record numbers of subsidy-free solar panels being installed on rooftops across the country.    

    We welcome the Solar Roadmap which sets out the many ways in which we can maximise British potential for clean, cheap electricity.   

    Following on from the announcement that the vast majority of new homes will be required to have solar panels under the Future Homes Standard, the Solar Roadmap clearly demonstrates this government’s commitment to home-grown renewable power.

    Matthew Boulton, Director of Solar, Storage and Private Wire at EDF Renewables UK, and member of the Solar Taskforce said:  

    EDF Renewables UK is proud to have contributed to the UK government’s Solar Taskforce and welcomes the publication of the Roadmap.   

    We are at a pivotal moment for the solar sector, and we fully support the clear, coordinated action set out in the Roadmap that will help unlock the UK’s full solar potential.  

    We look forward to continuing our collaboration with government and industry to turn this vision into reality.

    Alexandra Desouza, EMEA General Counsel, Lightsource bp and member of the Solar Taskforce said: 

    The publication of the solar roadmap comes at a big moment for the UK energy sector — and especially for solar. Solar is key to the UK’s future energy mix and has a critical role to play in delivering secure, low-cost power.  

    The deployment of more solar and battery storage helps keep energy costs competitive for UK businesses, boosting economic growth and making companies more resilient. 

    As per the solar roadmap’s aims and ambitions, the focus is to shift to delivery for Clean Power 2030. This is a real opportunity for the UK to align behind a shared goal — bringing communities together, supporting farmers, and accelerating the transition to renewable and domestic generation.

    Kamal Rajput, Tata Steel UK’s Strategic Business Development Lead, and Co-Chair of the Solar Energy UK, UK Supply Chain Steering Group said:  

    We very much welcome the publication of the Solar Roadmap, highlighting the vital role that UK manufacturers such as Tata Steel will play in helping government achieve its clean energy targets.  

    With our product innovations such as the recently launched Catnic SolarSeam roofing system, and our MagiZinc products used extensively in utility scale racking systems, Tata Steel is well-placed to play a significant role in the growing solar energy sector.

    Case studies

    Case study 1

    Phil lives in North Leeds with his wife and son. They installed 14 solar panels and battery storage on their detached 3 bed property in November 2022.   

    The installation cost approximately £20,000 in total – £8,000 for solar panels, £8,000 for the battery and the rest contributed towards and Electric Vehicle Charging port. 

    Phil says:

    I wanted solar because we had an electric car and the prospect of charging it from the sun was quite attractive. Over the last 90 days, our electric bill was minus £18.60 – in other words, we’ve cooked, cleaned, tumble-dried, showered, watched copious amounts of TV, ran the car for 2,000 miles and we are owed £18.60!

    With retirement looming, we wanted to invest in the house to make it as cheap to run as possible. Our monthly direct debit is less than half what it was before the install.

    Case study 2

    Tim is a retired teacher living south of King’s Lynn. He had 12 solar panels and a battery storage unit installed on his 3-bed property in March 2024. 

    His home is a new-build property with an EPC rating B+ that also includes an air source heat pump that is powered entirely through clean power supplied by the solar panels. He’s also installed an Electric Vehicle Charging point on his drive. 

    Since installing the rooftop solar panels, Tim’s electricity bill has gone from £1,200 a year to £150 a year – saving of over £1,000 a year. 

    Tim says:

    I’ve been delighted with the results so far. Before I put the panels up, I used 3 MWh of electricity. Over the past 12 months the solar panels alone have generated over double that amount – meaning I am technically my own electricity supplier selling back to the grid!

    The panels will pay for themselves in 12 years but will last for more like 25 years whilst adding value to my house, should I decide to sell it.  

    I used the lump sum from my pension to pay for the panels. I see it as an investment for the future – an investment in the planet, but also my own financial security as my bills are now so low.

    It is great to be part of the green energy revolution! In a world of global warming and climate change, at least the house is now self-sufficient in power. The advantages of solar are so great that my father, aged 90, has also had them installed recently on his house near Nottingham.

    Case study 3

    Stourton Park and Ride in Leeds is the UK’s first fully solar-powered park and ride, featuring a 1.2 MW system of solar panels, battery storage, and 26 Electric Vehicle charging points.   

    The Solar PV system is estimated to generate 852,000 kWh a year and offset 471 tonnes of carbon in its first year – the equivalent of removing over 200 cars from the road.  

    Notes to editors  

    The Bundesnetzagentur (Germany’s Federal Network Agency) registered about 435,000 new plug-in balcony solar panel installations in its core energy market data register in 2024. 

    View the full Solar Roadmap.

    Read the data on public support for solar: DESNZ Public Attitudes Tracker: Spring 2024.

    Contact details to the case studies can be made available on request.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: Public sends clear message that ‘PIP cuts are cruel’ and unjust – new poll

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Polling suggests a staggering 75% of the UK believe the Government’s plan to take   PIP away from people who need it is cruel  

    69% of respondents prefer the UK government to tax the super-rich rather than cut social security  

    ‘The message from the public is clear: poverty is a political choice, and this Government is dangerously close to choosing poverty and party politics over people’s rights’ – Jen Clark 

    New polling reveals that the vast majority of the UK public opposes the UK government’s plans to cut disability benefits, as Amnesty International UK warns the proposed changes to PIP are discriminatory and fundamentally out of step with public opinion. 

    Polling by Savanta, commissioned by Amnesty, reveals that 75% agree that taking PIP away from people who may need help is cruel – a view held consistently across all political, gender and age groups. 

    The findings come as Parliament considers a Bill that Amnesty says would entrench poverty, discriminate against disabled people, and fail to meet basic human rights standards. 

    Other key polling findings: 

    • 94% of people living with a disability say cutting PIP is cruel. 
    • 69% of respondents would prefer it if the UK government raised money through wealth taxes on the super-rich compared tocuts to social security. 
    • 59% believe that cutting PIP will not help more people get into work – undermining one of the UK government’s stated goals. 
    • 54% of UK adults say they do not support the UK government’s changes to PIP eligibility. 

    Jen Clark, Amnesty International UK’s Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Lead, said: 

    “The message from the public is clear: poverty is a political choice, and this Government is dangerously close to choosing poverty and party politics over people’s rights. 

    “Across every age group, background, and political belief, people agree that cutting PIP is cruel and they can see these proposals for what they are – unfair, unnecessary, and unjust.  

    “Disabled people are being targeted with harmful, ill-conceived changes that the majority of the public do not support. Taking vital support away from those who need it isn’t reform – it’s cruelty by policy. 

    “We’ve said it before: poverty is a visible sign of a failing social security system. When the Government knowingly pursues policies that make poverty worse, it is deliberately violating people’s basic human rights. The Government is steering us even further away   from being a society that support those most in need.   

    “Parliament must stand firm and refuse to back a Bill that risks rolling back disabled people’s rights and driving more people into poverty.” 

    Despite some proposed changes limiting the cuts to new claimants, Amnesty is calling on all MPs to stand firm and reject the current version of the Bill and demand a full human rights impact assessment, meaningful consultation with disabled people, and genuine reforms that reduce poverty rather than deepen it. 

    Amnesty’s key concerns with the Bill are: 

    • Cuts and freezes will push people into poverty, especially disabled people and those on low incomes. 
    • The Bill creates a two-tier system of support that deepens generational and economic inequality. 
    • The Government has failed to consult with disabled people and has not published a human rights impact assessment. 
    • PIP assessments remain discriminatory and unfit for purpose, with no guarantee that the upcoming review will address the reality. 

    ‘Consciously cruel’ – UK’s social security system  

    Amnesty’s recent report took a deep dive into the murky and divisive world of the UK’s social security system from the perspective of people’s human rights. The unique research examines violations of people’s basic rights to housing, food, education, healthcare and social security.   

    The report ‘Social Insecurity’ was a collaboration with over 700 benefit claimants and advisors to provide a platform for the people most gravely affected and show how politicians are playing with people’s lives and ignoring our most basic rights.  

    Regional polling results 

    Across the UK, people agree that taking PIP away from those who need it is cruel (the regions are polled as subsets within the wider poll): 

    • The North-West had the highest percentage of people in agreement, with a staggering 82% believing that PIP cuts are cruel.  
    • This was closely followed by 80% of people in the South-East.  
    • Of those polled in both Scotland and Wales, 77% believed that taking payments away from those who needed it is cruel and in Northern Ireland, the statistic was 74%.  
    • Other results included 76% in Yorkshire & Humber and in the East, 75% in West Midlands, 72% in East Midlands, 71% in London and 67% in both the North-East and South-West.  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Proposed merger of School Nursery Classes at Caol Primary and St. Columba’s Roman Catholic Primary.

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    On 26 June, The Highland Council took the decision to merge the school nurseries at Caol Primary School and St. Columba’s Roman Catholic Primary School.

    All such decisions must be ratified by Scottish Ministers. The Council has notified Scottish Ministers of its decision. They have an 8-week period from the date of the Council’s decision to decide if they will intervene by issuing a call-in notice. Within the first 3 weeks of that 8-week period, they will take account of any relevant representations made to them by any person on whether the decision should be called in, or not called in, for review by a School Closure Review Panel. 

    Anyone wishing to make a representation to the Scottish Ministers is asked to email schoolclosure@gov.scot or write to the School Infrastructure Unit, Scottish Government, 2-D (S) Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ, by midnight on Wednesday 16 July 2025 at the latest.

    Full details of the reasons for the recommendation are contained within the final report and associated papers, which can be accessed on the Council’s website.

    30 Jun 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council launches new electrical reuse facility at Nairn Recycling Centre

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council has launched a new facility at the Nairn Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), enabling householders to donate working electrical and electronic items for reuse.

    Residents can now bring old, unused, or unwanted items such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, toasters, air fryers, and TVs to the Nairn HWRC, provided they are still in good working order.

    These items will be collected by ILM Highland, a social enterprise based in Alness that specialises in electrical recycling. ILM Highland will test and clean the donated items before offering them for sale in their retail shop and online. Proceeds from these sales support ILM’s home improvement services, which assist some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

    This initiative is supported by a £135,000 grant from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund (Small Grant Scheme), awarded to The Highland Council and ILM Highland to promote circular economy practices for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) across the region.

    Councillor Graham MacKenzie, Chair of the Communities and Place Committee, said: “This new reuse facility is the first of its kind in Scotland, and I am grateful for the funding from the Scottish Government’s Small Grants Fund, which has enabled the Council and our partner ILM Highland to deliver this valuable new service. Increasing opportunities for the public in Highland to donate unwanted tech items for reuse is hugely important. It helps reduce carbon emissions, preserve precious metals, and create jobs—contributing to the growing circular economy for electrical devices.”

    Martin MacLeod, CEO at ILM Highland, said: “We’re proud to be working in partnership with The Highland Council to launch this new reuse facility in Nairn. At ILM Highland, we’re passionate about extending the life of electrical items and reducing unnecessary waste. By giving residents a convenient way to donate working appliances and tech, we can divert valuable resources from landfill and make them available to households who need them most. Every item reused helps to support our wider mission of tackling digital exclusion and delivering essential home improvement services across the Highlands. It’s a win for people, the planet, and the local community.”

    David Gunn, Manager (Recycling Improvement Fund) Operations at Zero Waste Scotland, said: “It’s fantastic to see recycling and reuse being made more accessible to rural communities through this new service. By supporting households across the Highlands to recycle their electrical items, whether broken or in working order, this initiative is not only helping to reduce waste but also playing a vital role in Scotland’s journey towards a more circular economy.”

    In addition to the Nairn facility, the funding will support the introduction of reuse facilities at three other Household Waste Recycling Centres in the coming months. These sites will allow for the separation and collection of domestic appliances suitable for reuse.

    The grant also covers the purchase of a new van for ILM Highland, which is being used to provide monthly waste electrical and electronic equipment collections in communities with limited access to recycling centres—further boosting recycling and reuse efforts across the region.

    Before donating smart devices, householders are advised to:

    1. Back up your data – Save photos, contacts, and documents to the cloud, a personal computer, or an external drive.
    2. Delete personal data – Wipe all data and remove SIM or memory cards.
    3. Reset the device – Log out of all accounts and restore the device to factory settings.

    For opening hours and more information about the Nairn HWRC, please visit https://bit.ly/nairnhwrc  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Members reappointed to National Park Authority and National Landscape boards

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Members reappointed to National Park Authority and National Landscape boards

    Members will continue protecting England’s landscapes through the North York Moors National Park Authority and the Cotswolds Conservation Board.

    A series of reappointments have been made to the boards of the North York Moors National Park Authority (NPA) and the Cotswolds Conservation Board.

    Abida Nayyar has been reappointed to the North York Moors NPA for a second term of four years, from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2029. 

    Katherine Chesson and Ellie Fujioka have both been reappointed to the Cotswolds Conservation Board for a second term of three years, from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028. 

    All reappointments have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  

    England’s National Parks and National Landscapes are home to some of our most important habitats and wildlife. The overall role of a board member is to contribute to the leadership, scrutiny, and direction of the National Park Authority or Conservation Board, and further its statutory purposes.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of Lord-Lieutenant for Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale: 30 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    Press release

    Appointment of Lord-Lieutenant for Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale: 30 June 2025

    The King has been pleased to appoint Mr John Jeffrey JP, DL as His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale.

    The King has been pleased to appoint Mr John Jeffrey JP, DL as His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, to succeed Richard Scott, The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry KT, KBE, CVO, DL, FSA, FRSE following his retirement on 4th July 2025.

    Background

    Mr Jeffrey was educated at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh and then at Newcastle University where he graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture. He is a fellow of the Royal Agricultural Society, a Justice of the Peace, and Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Roxburghshire. Mr Jeffrey runs his own farm estates business and has played Rugby nationally and internationally including on the Scotland Men’s national team and for the British Lions. John was a founding member and Vice-Chair of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation which works to find a cure for MND. He has held a number of Board and Governance roles including the Moredun Foundation for Animal Health & Welfare, Border Union Agricultural Society and the British Lions Trust. John is also the former Chairman of Scottish Rugby and vice-chair of World Rugby.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Explore Kilmocholmóg’s ancient past at archaeology open day

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Step into the past on Saturday 5 July 2025 at the Kilmocholmóg archaeology open day in Lurgan and uncover the secrets of an early medieval settlement right beneath your feet.

    Craigavon Historical Society is hosting this unique event at Kilmocholmóg (meaning ‘church of my little Colman’) with support from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Lurgan Townscape Heritage scheme.

    Over the past couple of weeks, hundreds of community volunteers and school children have joined a team from the Northern Archaeological Consultancy to uncover the remains of an early medieval settlement (400-1100 AD).

    With the dig finishing this week, members of the local community are invited to come along to the site, located just off Kilmore Road, to find out the results of the excavation, meet the team of archaeologists involved in the dig and get up close to the fascinating finds unearthed including an array of prehistoric flint, glass beads, early medieval ceramics, and post-medieval pottery and glassware.

    This event, which has been made possible thanks to the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, will also feature a range of heritage-themed activities from site tours to ground radar survey demonstrations, blacksmithing, weaving and artefact handling – guaranteed to keep all the family entertained!

    Those interested in attending the open day and learning about the area’s ancient past can choose one of two sessions: 10.30am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Places can be booked at www.eventbrite.com/e/1435053376279

    Parking at the Kilmocholmóg site is located in a field next to a private residence at 96 Kilmore Road, Lurgan, BT67 9LW and is accessible by a single-track lane. It is recommended that visitors arrive on time for their session to ensure the traffic flow remains uninterrupted along this route.

    To find out more about this event, contact David Weir at

    *protected email*

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Young pupils champion Deaf Awareness

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    The competition, which formed part of a wider initiative to promote deaf awareness, invited primary school pupils to create posters showcasing a superhero who is deaf, highlighting the importance of representation and understanding. 

    A judging panel selected three winning entries from the submissions received. The panel consisted of Councillor Ian Massie, member of the Learning and Families Committee, Fiona Mackay, Service Manager for Inclusion and Additional Support, David McPhee, Team Leader for Equalities, Ronald Burns, a resident and employee of the council who is a deaf BSL user and Kirsty Lockhart, Inclusion Co-ordinator. Additionally, Kirsten from Crieff High School and George Brodie, a previous pupil who is now studying Art at Dundee University were part of the judging panel. 

    The judges praised the entries as “very imaginative and eye-catching”, reflecting the pupils’ thoughtful engagement with the theme.  

    The winning entries from Hanna, Pitlochry Primary School, Taylor, Goodlyburn Primary School and Evie, Oakbank Primary School, were celebrated in a special presentation at the pupil’s schools where they received certificates and prizes for their outstanding work. 

    In addition to the poster competition, around 500 pupils participated in deaf awareness, using the online resource aimed at raising awareness about deafness and promoting inclusive communication strategies. The resource included a retelling of the well-know Elmer story in sign language by Hazel Burns, Librarian at Perth High School. 

    This resource will be a valuable addition to the ongoing work of the Hearing Support team who provide vital support to around 110 children and young people, both at home and within their educational setting. By complementing existing services, the resource will help further embed understanding and inclusion across primary schools within the Perth and Kinross area. 

    Congratulations to all the winners for their inspiring designs and to every pupil who took part in this important initiative.

    Councillor Ian Massie, selection panel judge and member of the Council’s Learning and Families Committee said: “This competition has been a fantastic way to engage young people in raising deaf awareness within their own and other schools in Perth and Kinross. The creativity and empathy shown in the pupils’ designs are truly inspiring, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts.”

    Councillor Peter Barrett, Equalities Lead for Perth and Kinross Council, added:
    “Raising awareness about deafness and promoting equality is vital in building a more inclusive community. The work these pupils have done, both through their superhero designs and the online resource, demonstrates a deep understanding and commitment to making a difference to those in our communities who are deaf. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Message to headteachers: understanding GCSE, AS and A level grading

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Message to headteachers: understanding GCSE, AS and A level grading

    A message to school and college leaders written by Sir Ian Bauckham, Ofqual’s Chief Regulator.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Message to headteachers: understanding GCSE, AS and A level grading

    Ref: Ofqual/25/7233

    HTML

    Details

    A message to school and college leaders detailing important information about the approach to grading for GCSE, AS and A level this summer.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cabinet Secretary visits landmark mine water heat scheme

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Cabinet Secretary visits landmark mine water heat scheme

    Welsh Minister Rebecca Evans opens Wales’ first commercial mine water heat scheme in Ammanford, showcasing low-carbon energy from former coal mines.

    Wales’ first commercial mine water heat scheme, in Ammanford, has been officially opened today by Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans.

    The pioneering project was developed by the Mining Remediation Authority, at its existing Lindsay mine water treatment scheme, in partnership with local renewable energy company Thermal Earth Ltd and Innovate UK.

    Low-carbon heating and hot water is now being delivered to an industrial unit and offices on the Capel Hendre Industrial Estate in a flagship example of how Wales is turning its industrial past into a sustainable energy future.

    Rebecca Evans MS, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, said:

    In Wales, we want to lead the way in renewable energy solutions that make the most of our industrial heritage.

    By repurposing our former mining infrastructure to provide clean, sustainable heat, we are not only reducing carbon emissions but also creating new economic opportunities in our communities and strengthening local economies.

    The Lindsay scheme uses heat exchangers submerged in treatment ponds to extract warmth from naturally heated mine water, which is then boosted to replace fossil fuel heating, saving an estimated 17.5 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

    It was identified as a prime opportunity through detailed mine water heat mapping commissioned by the Welsh Government and delivered by the Mining Remediation Authority.

    This work forms part of the Heat Strategy for Wales and highlights areas where mine water schemes could play a significant role in decarbonising heat and supporting local energy planning.

    Andrew Simpson, head of Innovation, By-Products and Service Delivery at the Mining Remediation Authority, said:

    Today marks a proud moment for everyone involved. This isn’t just a technical achievement, it’s a statement of intent. We’re showing that mine water heat can be a practical, scalable solution for decarbonising heat. It’s a model we hope to see replicated across Wales and beyond.

    Nick Salini, managing director of Thermal Earth Ltd, added:

    This project is proof that local innovation can drive national change. As a business rooted in Ammanford, we’re proud to be part of a scheme that’s not only reducing our carbon footprint but also demonstrating what’s possible when public and private sectors work together with a shared vision.

    Project partners and stakeholders toured the site, which has been operational since March 2025 and forms part of a broader programme by the Mining Remediation Authority to explore the geothermal energy potential of Britain’s coalfields, including any opportunities at more than 80 mine water treatment sites it already operates to protect and enhance the environment.

    This latest development builds on the success of earlier projects in the North East of England, including the privately funded scheme at Lanchester Wines, Gateshead, which has been using mine water to provide low-carbon space heating since 2018.

    More recently, the Gateshead Energy Company mine water heat network, the UK’s first large-scale scheme of its kind, began supplying heat to homes, public buildings and businesses in 2023.

    These projects have demonstrated the reliability and potential of mine water heat, laying the groundwork for wider adoption across the UK.

    Further momentum is building with the Seaham Garden Village project in County Durham, currently under development, which aims to use mine water heat to supply 750 new homes, showcasing how mine water energy can support large-scale, sustainable housing developments.

    The Mining Remediation Authority is also progressing discussions with local authorities and industry partners across Great Britain. This includes scoping of potential sites in Wales with Rhondda Cynon Taf, Caerphilly, Flintshire and Blaenau Gwent councils, as well as wider engagement to identify and develop future mine water heat schemes that can support the transition to low-carbon heating at scale.

    For media enquiries contact the community response team

    Email communityresponse@miningremediation.gov.uk

    Telephone 0800 288 4211

    For emergency media enquiries (out of hours) call: 0800 288 4242.
    Only urgent media calls will be attended to.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Significant Investment enhances popular car parks in Pitlochry and Perth

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    The enhancements include resurfacing of car parks in Ferry Road Car Parks and Rie-achan car parks in Pitlochry and Norie Miller and Back Wynd car parks in Perth, ensuring a smoother and safer experience for drivers. 

    In addition, improved street lighting has been installed to improve visibility and safety, particularly during the darker months. Back Wynd Car Park, has also undergone drainage improvements to better manage surface water and reduce the risk of flooding.

    Pitlochry, a popular tourist destination, is expected to particularly benefit from these upgrades, which support the town’s infrastructure and enhances the visitor experience.

    Councillor Eric Drysdale, Convenor of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure, said: “This investment demonstrates our commitment to maintaining high-quality infrastructure that supports both our local communities and the tourism economy.

    “By improving the condition and safety of our car parks, we’re making it easier and more welcoming for people to visit and enjoy what Pitlochry and Perth have to offer.”

    “These works are part of a broader strategy to ensure public facilities across the region are well-maintained and fit for purpose, improving everyday facilities for residents and supporting the local economy.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report recommends national reform over zonal pricing in UK electricity market A new report released today by the University of Aberdeen strongly advises against adopting zonal pricing in the UK electricity market, urging policymakers instead to focus on national market reform and investment in grid infrastructure.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    The study cautions that now is not the time to disrupt grid architecture, market structure and introduce uncertainty, given the scale of investment needed in generation and grid infrastructure.

    A new report released today by the University of Aberdeen strongly advises against adopting zonal pricing in the UK electricity market, urging policymakers instead to focus on national market reform and investment in grid infrastructure.
    The study, entitled ‘Should Zonal Pricing be introduced in the UK?’ is co-authored by Professor John Underhill, the University’s Interdisciplinary Director for Energy Transition, and independent energy analyst Matthew Porter, and evaluates whether zonal pricing aligns with the UK Government’s energy and Net Zero objectives.
    Zonal energy pricing sees the cost of electricity determined by regional supply and demand, meaning energy prices would vary depending on where the energy is generated and where it is consumed rather than being dictated by the current energy price cap.
    Advocates claim that Zonal Pricing has the potential to reduce costs for regions with abundant green energy sources, such as Scotland, however the report concludes that introducing zonal pricing would create investment uncertainty and risk deterring vital private sector capital, which is essential to meeting Net Zero targets.
    Unpredictable revenues and costs would make raising both debt and equity capital more difficult and expensive — costs that would ultimately be passed on to consumers.

    The UK now has a challenging objective: to rewire the country and deliver an expanded electricity grid fit for a renewable future.” Professor John Underhill, the University of Aberdeen’s Interdisciplinary Director for Energy Transition

    “In the UK our electricity grid has an evolutionary history, from local to national and from coal to gas,” said Professor Underhill. “The UK now has a challenging objective: to rewire the country and deliver an expanded electricity grid fit for a renewable future.”
    The study cautions that now is not the time to disrupt grid architecture, market structure and introduce uncertainty, given the scale of investment needed in generation and grid infrastructure. Such changes, the report argues, could delay progress and undermine the policy direction.
    Instead, the University recommends that the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) discount zonal pricing as a viable solution, prioritise reforming the national market system to support the energy transition, and investment in the grid.
    “A changing mix of generation types will inevitably require fresh investment in infrastructure,” added Mr Porter. “Ensuring an investment landscape attractive to this new capital will require stable and predictable forecasts of revenues and costs.”
    The report reinforces the importance of policy stability and clarity in achieving the UK’s long-term ambition to become a Clean Energy Super Power and meet its net zero emissions objectives.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Warmer seas are fuelling the dangerous ‘weather bomb’ about to hit NSW

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography, CQUniversity Australia

    Heavy surf and intense rains hit Sydney beaches during a 2020 East Coast Low. Lee Hulsman/Getty

    Right now, a severe storm likely to be the first significant east coast low in three years is developing off the coast of New South Wales. It’s expected to intensify today before approaching the coastline on Tuesday. Huge waves, sustained heavy rains and very strong winds are likely.

    At this stage, it’s expected to linger offshore south of Coffs Harbour – the same area hit hard by unprecedented floods on the Mid-North Coast last month. Residents on the coast or in low-lying areas have been asked to prepare.

    There’s nothing new about east coast lows, intense winter storms which can hit coastlines anywhere from southern Queensland to Tasmania. But what is new are the historically warm seas. Just like a tropical cyclone, east coast lows feed on ocean heat. And just like a tropical cyclone, they can intensify rapidly if the conditions are right.

    The storm looming this week has been intensifying very fast, to the point it could be classified as a “weather bomb” – a storm undergoing explosive cyclogenesis.

    If the storm shapes up as predicted, we can expect to see damage to houses and trees as well as significant beach erosion – especially in heavily populated areas exposed to the storm’s southern flank.

    The Bureau of Meteorology is issuing warnings about the looming east coast low.

    What to expect from this storm

    It’s too early to say just how bad this storm will be. Much depends on how intense it becomes and how close it tracks to the coast.

    Earlier storms have caused flooding of businesses and properties and significant disruptions to transport networks and electricity supplies.

    The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting strong to damaging winds and moderate to heavy rain for this deepening weather system from Tuesday onwards, and hazardous surf conditions for much of the week.

    Sea surface temperatures are 1 to 2.5°C above average off most of the NSW coast. This ocean heat will act as fuel for the storm, boosting the chance of even stronger winds and heavy rain if the centre moves closer to the coast and slows down.

    The NSW winter storm is intensifying and is expected to hit the Mid-North Coast on Tuesday 1 July.
    Bureau of Meteorology

    East coast lows are distinct

    Why do winter storms need their own title? East coast lows are quite distinct. They’re most common in autumn and winter, but they can occur any time.

    These weather systems usually form after an upper atmosphere low or deep trough gets stronger over eastern Australia.

    This triggers the development of a low pressure system at sea level near the coast to the east of the upper level system. These often intensify rapidly.

    During summer, these weather systems can occasionally form in the aftermath of a Coral Sea tropical cyclone as it moves towards the central east coast. By the time the decaying cyclone reaches the cooler waters of the Tasman Sea, it has lost its characteristic warm core. It can now rapidly transition into an east coast low.

    Two of Australia’s most populated areas, Sydney/Central Coast and Brisbane/Gold Coast are in the zone most likely to be affected by these intense storms.

    What role is climate change playing?

    About 90% of all extra heat trapped by greenhouse gases goes into the oceans. The world’s oceans are now at their warmest point on record.

    Marine heatwaves are causing many unwelcome changes. Warmer waters made South Australia’s ongoing devastating algal bloom more likely. A huge marine heatwave hit Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef before heading south. In southeast Australia, the warm East Australian Current is pushing further south, taking warm-water species into Tasmanian waters.

    The steady warming of oceans off southeast Australia not only fuels more extreme weather but damages marine ecosystems and commercial fisheries.

    As climate change intensifies, researchers have found intense east coast lows will actually become less common in the future – but the storms which do form could be more dangerous. A similar trend is likely for tropical cyclones around Australia.

    As the world gets hotter still, the intensity of rainfall extremes associated with these weather systems is expected to rise – especially short-duration rainfall.

    That means a higher risk of river and flash flooding, more damage from high energy wind and waves along exposed coasts and significant erosion of beaches and cliffs. Damage to the coasts will be worsened by rising sea levels.

    Bracing for more extremes

    It’s been a terrible six months for extreme weather. The year started with severe flooding in northern Queensland in February, followed soon after by Tropical Cyclone Alfred which hit heavily populated parts of southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.

    A couple of weeks later, intense rains devastated western Queensland, causing huge livestock losses. But even as floods hit the east coast, farmers across the continent’s southern reaches are struggling with extreme drought.

    As the Mid-North Coast braces for yet more extreme weather, residents should heed warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology, visit the NSW emergencies and natural disasters website and listen to information provided by the national broadcaster.

    Steve Turton has received funding from the Australian government.

    – ref. Warmer seas are fuelling the dangerous ‘weather bomb’ about to hit NSW – https://theconversation.com/warmer-seas-are-fuelling-the-dangerous-weather-bomb-about-to-hit-nsw-260070

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Here’s how First Nations landholders can share the benefits of the NSW energy transition

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heidi Norman, Professor of Australian and Aboriginal history, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, Convenor: Indigenous Land & Justice Research Group, UNSW Sydney

    Hay Local Aboriginal Land Council staff and members with researchers and actuaries from Finity Consulting. UNSW Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group

    The shift to clean, renewable sources of energy presents a rare opportunity for First Nations people, not only as energy users but as landholders.

    We wanted to explore the potential for First Nations land in the energy transition across New South Wales. The transition is well underway, but the pace must accelerate to meet state targets for 2030 and beyond.

    Our new report found the state’s 121 Aboriginal Land Councils have an opportunity to partner with renewable developers and build solar, wind or transmission lines on their own land.

    Such projects can offer jobs during construction and a smaller number of ongoing positions, as well as annual payments. This is why farmers and other landholders often look to renewable projects as a reliable source of income.

    To date, the 447 square kilometres of the state owned by Aboriginal Land Councils has not been actively used in the energy transition. As a result, First Nations involvement in the transition has been limited and the renewables boom has not flowed to these communities.

    Making this opportunity a reality will require collaboration with governments, electricity networks and industry, as well as policy support.

    The role of land councils

    In NSW, land councils have been operating since 1983, the year the state government passed laws recognising Aboriginal land rights. About a third of Australia’s First Nations people live in NSW.

    Each land council is governed by Aboriginal members, and they are located in most country towns and across Sydney.

    Land councils have a statutory responsibility “to improve, protect and foster the best interests of all Aboriginal persons within the Council’s area and other persons who are members of the Council”. These councils manage their land to protect culture and heritage.

    Generating wealth through the development of Aboriginal land is a key objective of Aboriginal land rights in NSW.

    Aboriginal goals in the energy transition

    Following analysis of the land potentially available to renewable energy projects, our research moved on to exploring what Aboriginal land councils want from the energy transition.

    We ran workshops with three land councils: Tibooburra in the far northwest, Hay in the southwest and Brewarrina in the northwest of the state. Each had expressed interest in renewable developments and concern around exposure to extreme weather events.

    In these workshops, land council members told us about their priorities for energy.

    Reliable energy was a major concern for Tibooburra, far from the main electricity grid.

    For Brewarrina on the Barwon River, energy security in the face of heatwaves and floods was front of mind. High energy bills in housing ill-equipped for extreme weather was another big issue.

    Members of Hay land council told us they wanted ownership and equity share in renewable energy projects. Their goal was to create opportunities to live, work and care for Country.

    The Hay Local Aboriginal Land Council (brown) is found in the South-West Renewable Energy Zone, while Tibooburra (green) and Brewarrina (orange) land councils are more remote.
    Norman, H., et al. (2025) APPI Policy Insights Paper, CC BY-NC-SA

    Renewable energy, First Nations land

    Aboriginal land councils own and manage about 450 square km of land in NSW. Resolving outstanding land claims would further expand the estate.

    Our analysis reveals current land holdings could host up to 11 gigawatts of solar or 1.6 gigawatts of onshore wind energy projects.

    But several barriers stand in the way. There are long delays in the processing of Aboriginal land claims and the return of vacant Crown Land. This limits options for land councils to contribute to renewable energy development.

    Realising opportunities in the energy transition

    Our case studies demonstrate the potential for Aboriginal land to support the state government’s renewable energy efforts. This can also bring economic and social benefits to Aboriginal communities. But the opportunities will vary from place to place.

    In areas at the edge of the grid, such as Tibooburra and Brewarrina, Aboriginal land could help meet regional energy demand through small to mid-scale wind and solar projects, microgrids and batteries.

    Hay Local Aboriginal Land Council, on the other hand, is in the South-West Renewable Energy Zone. This is an area where new renewable energy projects, storage facilities and high-voltage transmission lines are already being constructed. Land under claim here holds huge economic potential for both mid-scale renewable energy (solar installations feeding into the local electricity network) and large-scale renewable energy projects.

    Unlocking the power of renewable energy zones (NSW EnergyCo)

    How can authorities support land councils?

    At present, local Aboriginal Land Councils need expertise and resources to turn this opportunity into reality.

    Our report identified four broad areas for policy reform:

    1. Build capacity for land councils to manage clean energy opportunities and risks on their landholdings. This could include establishing a dedicated government team to support interested land councils, and funding land councils to engage expertise and develop renewable energy projects.

    2. Enable collaboration between electricity network distributors and land councils to set up microgrids. One case study, Tibooburra Local Aboriginal Land Council had land suitable for a microgrid and battery to support the energy provider. But early-stage support is needed to develop such projects.

    3. Pilot programs to develop mid- and large-scale renewable energy projects on land council holdings. A partnership between lands councils and planning authorities could demonstrate a model for arranging approval processes. Programs by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency have proven successful in the past. We recommend funding these organisations to run a program for land council-developer partnerships in large-scale renewables.

    4. Strengthen recognition of Aboriginal rights to unlock the renewable energy potential of Aboriginal land. This could include expediting land claims and land transfers and providing incentives for cooperation between land councils and Traditional Owners.

    The next five years will be crucial for NSW’s renewable energy transition. Getting the foundations right now could empower Aboriginal landholders and their regional communities to get the most out of this once-in-a-generation opportunity.

    Heidi Norman receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Australian Public Policy Institute, Boundless and the NSW Government.

    Saori Miyake receives funding from Australian Public Policy Institute and Boundless for this project.

    Sarah Niklas receives funding from the Australian Public Policy Institute and Boundless for this project.

    Therese Apolonio receives funding from Australian Public Policy Institute, Boundless and the NSW Government.

    – ref. Here’s how First Nations landholders can share the benefits of the NSW energy transition – https://theconversation.com/heres-how-first-nations-landholders-can-share-the-benefits-of-the-nsw-energy-transition-259702

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: North-West woman charged with drug trafficking

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    North-West woman charged with drug trafficking

    Monday, 30 June 2025 – 3:45 pm.

    A 36-year-old woman from Tasmania’s North-West has been charged with drug trafficking after her arrest near Ulverstone.
    Police allege the woman had 140 grams of methamphetamine (ice) in the vehicle she was driving.
    The quantity of drugs seized is equivalent to about 1400 ‘street deals’.
    The drugs were found during a search of the vehicle by officers from the Northern Drugs and Firearms Unit, after police had intercepted the car on the Bass Highway, near Ulverstone, last Friday.
    The woman has been charged with one count each of trafficking in a controlled drug, possess a controlled drug, and unlicensed driving and has been bailed to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court on October 6.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: World-first AI system to warn of NHS patient safety concerns

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    World-first AI system to warn of NHS patient safety concerns

    Pioneering AI technology will be developed to scan NHS systems to flag safety issues in real time and trigger crucial inspections earlier 

    • Pioneering AI technology will be developed to scan NHS systems to flag safety issues in real time and trigger crucial inspections earlier 
    • Patients to benefit from safer treatment thanks to faster identification of problems in care and greater quality assurance of data 
    • Initiative is part of government’s Plan for Change to shift NHS services from analogue to digital under the 10 Year Health Plan 

    Patients will receive better care thanks to a world-first AI early warning system being developed to automatically identify safety concerns across the NHS, helping stop failures before they escalate.  

    It follows a pledge by the Health and Social Care Secretary to overhaul health and care regulation, root out poor performance and guarantee patients safe, quality care.

    There have been growing concerns about safety in the NHS in recent years after a spate of scandals including in mental health and maternity services.

    The new safety warning system, being developed as part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, will rapidly analyse healthcare data and ring the alarm bell on emerging safety issues.

    Work on rolling out the system is already underway. A new Maternity Outcomes Signal System will launch across NHS trusts from November, using near real-time data to flag higher than expected rates of stillbirth, neonatal death and brain injury.  

    When fully implemented, it could analyse hospital databases to identify patterns of abuse, serious injuries, deaths, or other incidents that can slip through the net, cause harm and stop hospitals from running safely. 

    Where concerns are raised, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will deploy specialist inspection teams as soon as possible to investigate and take swift action.  

    The forthcoming 10 Year Health Plan will usher in a new era of transparency, a rigorous focus on high-quality care for all, and a renewed focus on patient and staff voice. This major intervention to boost patient safety will be on behalf of everyone whose healthcare has caused them unnecessary suffering – whether in scandals, or because they have received ineffective care from the NHS more broadly.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: 

    While most treatments in the NHS are safe, even a single lapse that puts a patient at risk is one too many. Behind every safety breach is a person – a life altered, a family devastated, sometimes by heart-breaking loss.

    Patient safety and power are at the heart of our 10 Year Health Plan. By embracing AI and introducing world-first early warning systems, we’ll spot dangerous signs sooner and launch rapid inspections before harm occurs.

    This technology will save lives – catching unsafe care before it becomes a tragedy. It’s a vital part of our commitment to move the NHS from analogue to digital, delivering better, safer care for everyone.

    By helping transform patient care, this initiative forms a key part of the government’s Plan for Change. It is built on the NHS Federated Data Platform, which allows healthcare staff to securely access the information they need in one place. That means less paperwork and manual inspections for staff, and more time caring for patients.

    This follows the government’s commitment last week to a rapid national investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal services to provide truth and accountability for impacted families and drive urgent improvements to care and safety. 

    Professor Meghana Pandit, Co-National Medical Director – Secondary Care, said:

    The NHS in England will be the first country in the world to trial an AI-enabled warning system to flag patient safety issues which will rapidly analyse routine hospital data and reports submitted by healthcare staff from community settings.

    The move will turbo-charge the speed and efficiency with which we identify patient safety concerns and enable us to respond rapidly to improve patient care.

    The adoption of the AI warning system is underpinned by the government’s transformation of the NHS from analogue to digital – one of the three key shifts outlined in the 10 Year Health Plan. 

    CQC’s Chief Executive Sir Julian Hartley said: 

    We will develop a stronger focus on all dimensions of quality, using data which we and partners hold on inequalities in access, experience, and outcomes to spot and act on risk earlier.  

    We are already developing our new clearer, simpler, assessment approach, and in the future our experienced teams of inspectors, led by our newly appointed Chief Inspectors, will be able to conduct more inspections and share feedback on the findings more quickly – so that providers can make faster improvements, and the public have timely information about care.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • Wimbledon 2025: Dates, top seeds and match schedule

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Wimbledon is a grasscourt Grand Slam organised by the All England Lawn Tennis Club. The tournament was first held in 1877. Here is what you need to know about the year’s third major after the Australian Open and French Open:

    WHEN IS WIMBLEDON 2025 HAPPENING?

    * The Championships will run from June 30 to July 13.

    WHERE IS WIMBLEDON TAKING PLACE?

    * Wimbledon is held in London every year.

    * The three main showcourts at the All England Club are Centre Court, Court One and Court Two. Unlike other Grand Slam venues, the All England Club does not name its courts after former players.

    * Centre Court is the largest with a capacity of nearly 15,000 spectators. Court One has a capacity of 12,345 while Court Two, nicknamed the ‘Graveyard of Champions’ due to the many early upsets there over the years, seats 4,000.

    WHO IS INVOLVED IN WIMBLEDON?

    * The top-ranked players automatically enter the main draw with 32 seeds announced prior to the draw to ensure they do not meet in the early rounds. From the 2021 Championships, seedings for the men’s and women’s singles are based on world rankings.

    * Italian Jannik Sinner, who won his third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, is the current men’s world number one. Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, also a three-times major winner, is the women’s top-ranked player.

    * Spanish world number two Carlos Alcaraz, fresh off his second French Open title, is looking to complete a hat-trick of Wimbledon titles.

    * American world number two Coco Gauff, the women’s champion at Roland Garros, is eyeing a first Wimbledon crown.

    * World number five Novak Djokovic will resume his quest for a record-extending 25th men’s Grand Slam singles title, while five-times major winner Iga Swiatek chases a first Wimbledon crown. Czech Barbora Krejcikova is the defending Wimbledon women’s champion.

    * Organisers also hand out wild cards for local hopes and notable players who have dropped down the rankings.

    TOP SEEDS

    Men:

    1 Jannik Sinner

    2 Carlos Alcaraz

    3 Alexander Zverev

    4 Jack Draper

    5 Taylor Fritz

    6 Novak Djokovic

    7 Lorenzo Musetti

    8 Holger Rune

    9 Daniil Medvedev

    10 Ben Shelton

    Women:

    1 Aryna Sabalenka

    2 Coco Gauff

    3 Jessica Pegula

    4 Jasmine Paolini

    5 Zheng Qinwen

    6 Madison Keys

    7 Mirra Andreeva

    8 Iga Swiatek

    9 Paula Badosa

    10 Emma Navarro

  • MIL-OSI Australia: City to hold flag raising ceremony to mark start of 2025 NAIDOC Week celebrations

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    The City of Greater Bendigo is inviting the community to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025 at a special Flag Raising featuring a Dja Dja Wurrung Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at 10am, Monday July 7 in the Bendigo Library Gardens.

    This year’s National NAIDOC Week will take place from July 6 to 13.  2025 marks 50 years of the week-long celebrations and the theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates achievements of the past and the bright future ahead.

    In Greater Bendigo a range of local activities will take including the Knuldoorong Art Exhibition 2025 which will launch at 5pm on Thursday July 3 at Dudley House in View Street.  The exhibition will continue on Friday July 4 to Sunday July 13 from 11am to 4pm.

    The Knuldoorong Art Exhibition showcases a range of artworks and pieces from First Nations artists and creatives.  It includes paintings, weaving and jewellery with all artwork available for purchase.

    City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the City will also light up the Rosalind Park Conservatory in Pall Mall to acknowledge and celebrate NAIDOC Week.

    “NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Cr Metcalf said.

    “It is also a great opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the oldest continuing cultures on the planet,

    “I encourage residents to come along to the annual flag raising in the Library Garden  and help celebrate this important annual event.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s cutest mammal is now Australia’s cutest three mammals

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cameron Dodd, PhD Student in Evolutionary Biology and Taxonomy, The University of Western Australia

    The long-eared kultarr (_A. auritus_) is the middle child in terms of body size, but it has by far the biggest ears. Ken Johnson

    Australia is home to more than 60 species of carnivorous marsupials in the family Dasyuridae. Almost a quarter of those have only been scientifically recognised in the past 25 years.

    Other than the iconic Tasmanian devil, chances are most of these small, fascinating species have slipped under your radar. One of the rarest and most elusive is the kultarr (Antechinomys laniger), a feisty insect-eater found in very low numbers across much of the outback.

    To the untrained eye, the kultarr looks very much like a hopping mouse, with long legs, a long tail and a tendency to rest on its hind legs. However, it runs much like a greyhound – but its tiny size and high speed makes it look like it’s hopping.

    Kultarr or kultarrs?

    Until now, the kultarr was thought to be a single widespread species, ranging from central New South Wales to the Carnarvon Basin on Australia’s west coast. However, a genetic study in 2023 suggested there could be more than one species.

    With backing from the Australian Biological Resources Study, our team of researchers from the University of Western Australia, Western Australian Museum and Queensland University of Technology set out to investigate.

    We travelled to museums in Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth to look at every kultarr that had been collected by scientists over the past century. By combining detailed genetic data with body and skull measurements, we discovered the kultarr isn’t one widespread species, but three distinct species.

    Three species of kultarrs

    The eastern kultarr (A. laniger) is the smallest of the three, with an average body length of about 7.5cm. It’s darker in colour than its relatives, and while its ears are still big, they are nowhere near as big as those of the other two species.

    The eastern kultarr is now found on hard clay soils around Cobar in central NSW and north to around Charleville in southern Queensland.

    The eastern kultarr (A. laniger) is the smallest of the three species.
    Pat Woolley

    The gibber kultarr (A. spenceri) is the largest and stockiest, with an average body length of around 9cm. They are noticeably chunkier than the other two more dainty species, with big heads, thick legs and much longer hindfeet.

    As its name suggests, the gibber kultarr is restricted to the extensive stony deserts or “gibber plains” in southwest Queensland and northeast South Australia.

    The gibber kultarr (A. spenceri) is largest and stockiest.
    Ken Johnson

    The long-eared kultarr (A. auritus) is the middle child in terms of body size, but its ears set it apart. They’re nearly as long as its head.

    It’s found in patchy populations in the central and western sandy deserts, living on isolated stony plains.

    The long-eared kultarr (A. auritus) is the middle child in terms of body size, but it has by far the biggest ears.
    Ken Johnson

    Are they threatened?

    All three species of kultarr are hard to find, making it difficult to confidently estimate population sizes and evaluate extinction risk. The long-eared and gibber kultarrs don’t appear to be in immediate danger, but land clearing and invasive predators such as cats and foxes have likely affected their numbers.

    The three species of kultarr seem to now inhabit smaller areas than in the past.
    Cameron Dodd

    The eastern kultarr, however, is more of a concern. By looking at museum specimens going back all the way to the 1890s, we found it was once much more widespread.

    Historic records suggest the eastern kultarr used to occur across the entirety of arid NSW and even spread north through central Queensland and into the Northern Territory. We now think this species may be extinct in the NT and parts of northwest Queensland.

    What’s next?

    To protect kultarrs into the future, we need targeted surveys to confirm where each species still survives, especially the eastern kultarr, whose current range may be just a shadow of its former extent. With better knowledge, we can prioritise conservation actions where they’re most needed, and ensure these remarkable, long-legged hunters don’t disappear before we truly get to know them.

    Australia still has many small mammal species that haven’t been formally described. Unless we identify and name them, they remain invisible in conservation policy.

    Taxonomic research like this is essential – we can’t protect what we don’t yet know exists. And without action, some species may disappear before they’re ever officially recognised.

    The authors wish to acknowledge the important contributions of Adjunct Professor Mike Westerman at La Trobe University to the research discussed in this article.

    Cameron Dodd receives funding from the Australian Biological Resources Study and Society of Australian Systematic Biologists.

    Andrew M. Baker receives funding from the Federal Government, State Governments, Australian Biological Resources Study and various Industry sources.

    Kenny Travouillon receives funding from Australian Biological Resources Study.

    Linette Umbrello receives funding from the Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS) National Taxonomy Research Grant Program (NTRGP)

    Renee Catullo 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. Australia’s cutest mammal is now Australia’s cutest three mammals – https://theconversation.com/australias-cutest-mammal-is-now-australias-cutest-three-mammals-260006

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Australia’s cutest mammal is now Australia’s cutest three mammals

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Cameron Dodd, PhD Student in Evolutionary Biology and Taxonomy, The University of Western Australia

    The long-eared kultarr (_A. auritus_) is the middle child in terms of body size, but it has by far the biggest ears. Ken Johnson

    Australia is home to more than 60 species of carnivorous marsupials in the family Dasyuridae. Almost a quarter of those have only been scientifically recognised in the past 25 years.

    Other than the iconic Tasmanian devil, chances are most of these small, fascinating species have slipped under your radar. One of the rarest and most elusive is the kultarr (Antechinomys laniger), a feisty insect-eater found in very low numbers across much of the outback.

    To the untrained eye, the kultarr looks very much like a hopping mouse, with long legs, a long tail and a tendency to rest on its hind legs. However, it runs much like a greyhound – but its tiny size and high speed makes it look like it’s hopping.

    Kultarr or kultarrs?

    Until now, the kultarr was thought to be a single widespread species, ranging from central New South Wales to the Carnarvon Basin on Australia’s west coast. However, a genetic study in 2023 suggested there could be more than one species.

    With backing from the Australian Biological Resources Study, our team of researchers from the University of Western Australia, Western Australian Museum and Queensland University of Technology set out to investigate.

    We travelled to museums in Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth to look at every kultarr that had been collected by scientists over the past century. By combining detailed genetic data with body and skull measurements, we discovered the kultarr isn’t one widespread species, but three distinct species.

    Three species of kultarrs

    The eastern kultarr (A. laniger) is the smallest of the three, with an average body length of about 7.5cm. It’s darker in colour than its relatives, and while its ears are still big, they are nowhere near as big as those of the other two species.

    The eastern kultarr is now found on hard clay soils around Cobar in central NSW and north to around Charleville in southern Queensland.

    The eastern kultarr (A. laniger) is the smallest of the three species.
    Pat Woolley

    The gibber kultarr (A. spenceri) is the largest and stockiest, with an average body length of around 9cm. They are noticeably chunkier than the other two more dainty species, with big heads, thick legs and much longer hindfeet.

    As its name suggests, the gibber kultarr is restricted to the extensive stony deserts or “gibber plains” in southwest Queensland and northeast South Australia.

    The gibber kultarr (A. spenceri) is largest and stockiest.
    Ken Johnson

    The long-eared kultarr (A. auritus) is the middle child in terms of body size, but its ears set it apart. They’re nearly as long as its head.

    It’s found in patchy populations in the central and western sandy deserts, living on isolated stony plains.

    The long-eared kultarr (A. auritus) is the middle child in terms of body size, but it has by far the biggest ears.
    Ken Johnson

    Are they threatened?

    All three species of kultarr are hard to find, making it difficult to confidently estimate population sizes and evaluate extinction risk. The long-eared and gibber kultarrs don’t appear to be in immediate danger, but land clearing and invasive predators such as cats and foxes have likely affected their numbers.

    The three species of kultarr seem to now inhabit smaller areas than in the past.
    Cameron Dodd

    The eastern kultarr, however, is more of a concern. By looking at museum specimens going back all the way to the 1890s, we found it was once much more widespread.

    Historic records suggest the eastern kultarr used to occur across the entirety of arid NSW and even spread north through central Queensland and into the Northern Territory. We now think this species may be extinct in the NT and parts of northwest Queensland.

    What’s next?

    To protect kultarrs into the future, we need targeted surveys to confirm where each species still survives, especially the eastern kultarr, whose current range may be just a shadow of its former extent. With better knowledge, we can prioritise conservation actions where they’re most needed, and ensure these remarkable, long-legged hunters don’t disappear before we truly get to know them.

    Australia still has many small mammal species that haven’t been formally described. Unless we identify and name them, they remain invisible in conservation policy.

    Taxonomic research like this is essential – we can’t protect what we don’t yet know exists. And without action, some species may disappear before they’re ever officially recognised.

    The authors wish to acknowledge the important contributions of Adjunct Professor Mike Westerman at La Trobe University to the research discussed in this article.

    Cameron Dodd receives funding from the Australian Biological Resources Study and Society of Australian Systematic Biologists.

    Andrew M. Baker receives funding from the Federal Government, State Governments, Australian Biological Resources Study and various Industry sources.

    Kenny Travouillon receives funding from Australian Biological Resources Study.

    Linette Umbrello receives funding from the Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS) National Taxonomy Research Grant Program (NTRGP)

    Renee Catullo 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. Australia’s cutest mammal is now Australia’s cutest three mammals – https://theconversation.com/australias-cutest-mammal-is-now-australias-cutest-three-mammals-260006

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigating suspicious structure fire, Rossarden

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigating suspicious structure fire, Rossarden

    Sunday, 29 June 2025 – 4:05 pm.

    Police are investigating a suspicious structure fire at Rossarden overnight.
    Emergency services were called to the former Rossarden School House in Schell Street just before 1am after reports of a fire.
    Tasmania Fire Service contained the fire before an investigation determined it was deliberately lit.
    Nobody was inside the structure at the time and police are asking anyone with information to come forward.
    Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.  Please quote offence report number 778719.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Island resilience fund opens

    Source: Scottish Government

    £4.4 million targeted support for businesses.

    A funding package developed to support island businesses affected by ferry disruption is now ready to accept applications.

    Businesses from eligible sectors on South Uist, Colonsay, North Uist, Eriskay, Benbecula, Berneray, Grimsay and Arran can apply.

    Eligible sectors include those that rely on tourism and those that are engaged in the manufacture or movement of perishable goods, such as seafood.

    £4.4 million has been allocated to the Islands Business Resilience Fund (IBRF) which was established to help address issues, such as travel disruption, that can have a disproportionate impact on people and businesses living, and operating on Scotland’s islands.

    Highlands and Islands Enterprise will manage the IBRF on behalf of the Scottish Government. Applications will be accepted from 2 July until 12 noon 1 September 2025 with decisions and payments expected by 31 October 2025.

    Funding awards will be based on demand and the scale size of organisations that apply for support but awards are expected to range between £3,000 and £35,000

    Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

    “We know that Scotland’s island communities face distinct challenges, not least in terms of their economic and social resilience. People and businesses require ferry services running reliably and frequently to support their livelihoods.

    “We worked with Highlands and Islands Enterprise to refine the eligibility criteria and identify how this money can make a real difference to the businesses who need it most.

    “Reliable and regular ferry services are key to this connectivity for people and businesses and we know that the current situation of delays and ongoing maintenance to some vessels has created real difficulties for some. We are determined to do everything we can to support islands, their local businesses and employers through these challenging times.”

    Rachel Hunter, HIE’s director of enterprise and community support, said:

    “Island businesses and social enterprises make an important contribution to local economies and provide vital rural employment that helps sustain many communities. Those operating in tourism and production or movement of perishable foods are particularly vulnerable to disruption such as we’ve seen in recent years.

    “This fund is about strengthening the resilience of those organisations operating in the sectors and islands most affected. Our focus will be assessing applications promptly so that funding can be awarded as soon as possible after the closing date.”

    Background

    The application form and guidance will be available on the Highlands and Islands Enterprise website from 12 noon on 2 July.

    Highlands and Islands Enterprise carried out detailed analysis of information and statistics provided by Transport Scotland and CalMac relating to ferry disruption.

    The islands of South Uist, Colonsay, North Uist, Eriskay, Benbecula, Berneray, Grimsay and Arran were chosen as eligible for the Islands Business Resilience Fund as they each had more than 15% ferry disruption over the last three seasons. The average cancellations of ferry services across the Calmac network is during that time has been around 7%. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Further details on welfare reforms published ahead of Second Reading

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Further details on welfare reforms published ahead of Second Reading

    New details on the Government’s welfare reforms will be published today (Monday 30 June 2025) ahead of Second Reading of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill on Tuesday.

    • Terms of reference for the first comprehensive review of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment in a decade to be published today.
    • Comes alongside draft regulations for the new Right to Try Guarantee – enshrining protections in law for disabled people and people with health conditions who want to try work.
    • Reforms to deliver greater certainty, independence, and dignity for disabled people, while ensuring the system is fair, sustainable, and fit for the future as part of the Plan for Change.

    New details on the government’s welfare reforms will be published today (Monday 30 June 2025) ahead of Second Reading of the Universal Credit (UC) and PIP Bill on Tuesday.

    The terms of reference for the first ever comprehensive review of the PIP assessment in over a decade will be published today. The review – led by Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms – will ensure the system is fair, supportive and reflects the realities of modern life.

    It will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, and MPs with the core objective of delivering better experiences and better outcomes for disabled people and people with health conditions.

    The review aims to respond to the changing picture of population health over the last decade including the rising prevalence of long-term health conditions and disability in the working-age population.

    Monthly PIP awards have more than doubled since the pandemic, rising from 13,000 to 34,000 – a rate of around 1,000 new claims per day, or the population of Leicester every year. Much of this increase is driven by mental health conditions with awards for anxiety and depression having tripled from 2,500 per month in 2019 to 8,200 in 2023.

    To better help those with mental ill health, the government has recruited more than 6,700 extra mental health workers since July while rolling out more access to occupational health services and developing digital resources, so employers better support their staff’s mental wellbeing.

    Many people have also reported poor experiences with the assessment process. The current system often fails to reflect the real-world impact of disability on daily life and is no longer fit for purpose – making reform urgent and essential.

    Alongside the review, draft regulations for the new Right to Try Guarantee will be laid in Parliament. This will, for the first time, enshrine in law the right for people receiving health and disability benefits to try work without fear of reassessment. This includes disabled people and people with health conditions – such as those recovering from illness – who want to return to work now their health has improved.

    This responds directly to concerns raised by disabled people and people with health conditions – 37% of whom say they want to work but are held back by fear of losing their benefits according to a DWP survey.

    Fixing the broken welfare system this government inherited is central to breaking down barriers to opportunity and driving up living standards – delivering on the government’s Plan for Change. The government’s reforms will ensure disabled people have the support they need to live independently, with dignity, and will unlock opportunities to get into work without facing the prospect of losing the help they need.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:

    We must build a welfare system that provides security for those who cannot work and the right support for those who can. Too often, disabled people feel trapped – worried that if they try to work, they could lose the support they depend on.

    That is why we are taking action to remove those barriers, support disabled people to live with dignity and independence, and open routes into employment for those who want to pursue it.

    This is about delivering a fairer, more compassionate system as part of our Plan for Change which supports people to thrive, whatever their circumstances.

    The Government will also set out details today of the changes they intend to make to the Bill as part of the government’s welfare reforms. The Government has listened to MPs who support the principle of reform but are worried about the pace of change for those already supported by the social security system.

    That’s why ministers have confirmed that as part of the Bill:

    • All existing PIP recipients will remain on the current system and the proposed changes to eligibility as part of the bill will only apply to new claims from November 2026.
    • 200,000 individuals in the Severe Conditions Criteria group – individuals with the most severe, lifelong conditions who are unlikely to recover – will not be called for a UC reassessment.
    • All existing recipients of the UC health element and new customers with 12 months or less to live or who meet the Severe Conditions Criteria will see their standard allowance combined with their Limited Capability for Work Related Activity (LCWRA) rise at least in line with inflation every year from 2026/27 to 2029/30.

    Nearly 4 million households will receive an income boost with the main rate of UC set to increase above inflation every year for the next four years – estimated to be worth £725 by 2029/30 for a single household aged 25 or over. This is around £250 higher than an inflation only increases.

    The Bill will also rebalance UC rates by reducing the health element for new UC claims to the equivalent of £50 per week from April 2026, fixing a system which incentivises people to define themselves as incapable of work by paying health element recipients more than double the standard amount.

    These reforms will be also underpinned by a significant investment in employment support. Funding will be brought forward to accelerate tailored employment, health and skills support to help disabled people and those with health conditions get into work as part of our Pathways to Work guarantee.

    £300 million will be brought forward over the next three years, increasing total employment support by £2.2 billion over four years – upholding our commitment to spend £1 billion per year by the end of the decade.

    This investment will accelerate the pace of new planned investment in employment support programmes, building on and learning from successes such as the Connect to Work programme, which already provides disabled people and people with health conditions with one-to-one support at the point when they feel ready to work.

    And for people whose health challenges make it difficult to find or stay in work, our initiative in partnership with the NHS, WorkWell, will offer personalised support to help individuals manage their health while preparing for or returning to employment. This will build on progress already made to get 384,000 people into work since this government entered office and will come alongside fundamental reforms to patient support as part of the landmark 10 Year Health Plan.

    Health professionals will be on hand to connect people with services like physiotherapy, mental health support, and more. They will also be supported by a dedicated employment adviser who understands their specific health needs and guide them every step of the way.

    For too long, meaningful reform to our welfare system has been ducked and delayed – stunting productivity, slowing down growth and ultimately holding British people and our country back. The government is taking decisive action and the difficult decisions needed to restore trust and faith in the system, providing opportunities for those who can work, and security for those who cannot.

    Further information

    • The UC and PIP Bill is scheduled for Second Reading in the House of Commons Parliament on Tuesday 1 July 2025.
    • The UC and PIP Bill legislates for:
    • A new additional eligibility requirement for the daily living component of PIP so that from November 2026 new claimants must score a minimum of 4 points must be scored on at least one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component.
    • Rebalancing of UC health and standard elementsincluding reducing the health top-up for new claims to £50 per week from April 2026.
    • Ensure that all existing recipients of the UC health element – and any new claimant meeting the Severe Conditions Criteria and/or that has their claims considered under the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL) – will receive the higher UC health payment after April 2026.
    • Increasing the UC standard allowance above inflation for the next four years – worth an estimated £725 by 2029/30 for a single adult aged 25 or over.
    • Exemptions from reassessment for those with the most severe, lifelong conditions.
    • The Government has also confirmed that it will amend the Bill at Commons Committee stage to:
    • Provide protection for existing PIP claimants—ensuring they remain on the current system and are unaffected by new eligibility rules.
    • For all existing recipients of the UC health element – and any new claimant meeting the Severe Conditions Criteria and/or that has their claims considered under the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL) – the LCWRA rate for this group will now be uprated each year this Parliament to ensure their combined rate of the Universal Credit standard allowance and LCWRA is protected in real terms.
    • The Bill currently includes a 13-week transitional period for the PIP changes, but this will be superseded by long-term protections for existing claimants.
    • The Terms of reference for the PIP review, draft regulations for the Right to Try Guarantee, the draft amendment to the Bill which will enact the change to PIP, and analysis of poverty impacts will be published later today.
    • The DWP work aspirations survey can be found here: Work aspirations and support needs of health and disability customers: Interim findings – GOV.UK; PDF, 1.2MB
    • Latest data published last week shows almost one-in-four adults in England have common mental health conditions – and that adults with problem debt and those out of work are far more likely to experience mental health conditions.
    • To better help those with mental ill health, the government is boosting access to support, with more than 6,700 extra mental health workers since July, marking a significant milestone towards its goal of 8,500 by the end of this Parliament.
    • It has also started rolling out more access to occupational health services and developing digital resources so employers can better support their staff’s mental wellbeing as part of its drive to get people back to health and back to work.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Reforms to Building Safety Regulator to accelerate housebuilding

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Reforms to Building Safety Regulator to accelerate housebuilding

    Reforms to the Building Safety Regulator bring new leadership, investment and process to accelerate housebuilding

    • New Fast Track Process to enhance the review of newbuild applications, unblock delays and boost sector confidence   

    • Measures will help delivery of 1.5 million safe, high-quality homes and speed up remediation  

    • Reforms pave the way for the creation of a single construction regulator, as recommended by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry

    Delays to building new high-rise homes will be unblocked through a new package of reforms to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) announced today. These reforms, which include a new Fast Track Process, changes to leadership and fresh investment, aim to support the delivery of 1.5 million safe, high-quality homes and take early steps toward establishing a single construction regulator – a key recommendation from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. 

    Andy Roe KFSM has been appointed as non-executive chair of a new board of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to take on the functions of the BSR as part of initial steps towards creating a single construction regulator.   

    Andy brings a wealth of experience in safety regulation and leadership from his previous role as Commissioner of London Fire Brigade and he will be supported by a new Chief Executive Officer for the BSR, Charlie Pugsley.   

    Alex Norris, Minister for Building Safety, said:  

    “The establishment of the Building Safety Regulator has been fundamental to centralising safety in the construction process and it’s time to take the next steps to build on that precedent and create a system that works for the sector whilst keeping residents and their safety at the heart of the process.   

    “That’s why we’re announcing a package of reforms to the BSR today to enhance operations, reduce delays, and unlock the homes this country desperately needs – delivering on our Plan for Change.”  

    This new organisational structure reflects the government’s commitment to prioritising building safety in its drive to build 1.5m new homes, and builds on the strong foundation created by the HSE in establishing the BSR, which has played a pivotal role in placing raising safety standards across the sector.   

    To support industry in achieving the government’s ambitious housebuilding targets, the BSR is also introducing a new Fast Track Process which will bring building inspector and engineer capacity directly into the BSR to enhance the processing and review of existing newbuild cases and remediation decisions. This will respond to concerns in the sector around delays whilst crucially keeping building and residents’ safety at the core of the process.   

    Alongside these improvements, long-term investment in the capacity of the BSR is being bolstered with the addition of over 100 new members of staff to support with enhancing operations, reducing delays and supporting progress towards building 1.5m safe, high-quality homes as part of our Plan for Change.       

    Andy Roe, non-exec Chair of the BSR, said:   

    “The creation of the new Building Safety Regulator was a watershed moment for housing and construction in this country.    

    “However, it is also clear that the BSR processes’ need to continue to evolve and improve, to ensure that it plays its part in enabling the homes this country desperately needs to be built.   

    “I look forward to working with colleagues both in industry and the BSR to tackle the current issues and delays head on and help get those homes built safely.”   

    HSE Chair, Sarah Newton said:  

     “Setting up an entirely new regulator has been complex and huge progress has been made in a short space of time.   

    “Protecting residents and making sure there is never another tragedy like Grenfell has been our priority throughout this process. We wish the new BSR team well in this most important mission.  

    “We are very proud of the work we have done to establish the BSR. It was always an option that once the new regulator was established that it would move out of HSE to enable the Government to implement the Grenfell Public Inquiry recommendations and we will work hard to enable the smooth transition to the next stage.”   

    Notes to editors: 

    • Government and the BSR are also working constructively with the sector to help industry meet the BSR’s requirements and demonstrate compliance with the law to reduce the number of rejected and unsuccessful applications.   

    • The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.  

    • The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is an independent body established by the Building Safety Act, 2022 and is part of HSE. The government asked HSE to establish BSR in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster and following recommendations in the ‘Building a Safer Future’ report by Dame Judith Hackitt.  

    • A new arm’s length body to MHCLG is being established with the intention for this to take on the functions of the BSR from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in due course. Andy Roe has been appointed to a shadow board pending its establishment as Executive Agency.  

    • BSR regulates the safe design, construction and occupation of higher-risk buildings in England and provides oversight for the safety and standards of all buildings, promoting competence across industry.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Will XRP Hit $5? PFMCrypto Expands XRP Mining Contracts to Meet Surging Investment Demand

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Farington, England, June 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XRP Builds Strong Momentum as $5 Price Target Comes Into Focus. PFMCrypto’s New XRP Mining Contracts Offer Investors a Unique Opportunity for Daily Passive Income and Long-Term Asset Growth.

    After nearly four years of legal proceedings, Ripple has officially ended its long-standing dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by agreeing to pay a $125 million fine and withdraw all ongoing appeals. With this legal uncertainty finally resolved, investor confidence in XRP has returned strongly, and speculation is growing: Will XRP reach $5?

    This renewed momentum has turned investor attention toward PFMCrypto (PFMCrypto XRP Mining Contracts)—an AI-powered XRP cloud mining project that is rapidly emerging as the preferred entry point for those looking to participate in the token’s next bull run.

    XRP’s Journey Toward $5: What It Means for Investors
    According to PFMCrypto’s Chief Analyst, the resolution of regulatory uncertainty has pushed the likelihood of a U.S.-approved XRP ETF to 95%, potentially triggering significant institutional capital inflows. For XRP holders and new investors alike, PFMCrypto provides a low-barrier, efficient way to take advantage of this growth opportunity. Through its AI-optimized XRP mining contracts, users can begin earning stable daily returns—without the need for expensive equipment or technical know-how.

    Why PFMCrypto’s XRP Mining Model Is Poised to Lead in 2025
    Unlike traditional mining that relies on Proof-of-Work (PoW), XRP uses a consensus protocol, making conventional mining unfeasible. PFMCrypto solves this by offering next-generation cloud mining solutions, combining smart contract flexibility, high-yield algorithms, and an easy entry point for all users. Its AI-powered yield engine dynamically allocates computing power to maximize performance, allowing investors to earn daily returns from XRP cloud mining in real time. Within just one week of launch, PFMCrypto saw XRP mining contract sales surge 378%, as users flock to its low-barrier, high-liquidity solutions.

    Key Features of PFMCrypto XRP Cloud Mining Contracts

    • No Hardware Required – Open to all users, with no mining equipment or technical setup needed.
    • Daily Returns – Earn daily profits based on your active contract.
    • Secure Asset Custody – Funds protected by PFMCrypto’s enterprise-grade security infrastructure.
    • Flexible Terms – Contract amounts range from $10 to $100,000, with durations between 1 and 50 days.


    Flexible XRP Mining Plans Now Available
    Following the success of its BTC cloud mining contracts, PFMCrypto now offers over 10 different XRP mining plans. With a 378% increase in weekly purchases, users can choose plans tailored to their budgets and financial goals. All contracts support XRP mining and guarantee full principal return at maturity—making them ideal low-risk entry points for both beginners and experienced investors.
    Sample plans include:

    • $100 Plan – 2 Days – Earn $3.00 per day (+$2 bonus)
    • $1,000 Plan – 9 Days – Earn $13.10 per day
    • $5,000 Plan – 30 Days – Earn $78.50 per day
    • $10,000 Plan – 40 Days – Earn $180.00 per day

    These figures are not speculative—they’re backed by real-time data from over 9.2 million users worldwide, and powered by PFMCrypto’s high-performance infrastructure and AI-optimized earnings model.

    Click here to explore more cloud mining plans.

    Why PFMCrypto XRP Mining Is Ideal for Both Beginners and Experts

    • No Hardware Needed – Instantly mine XRP using PFMCrypto’s enterprise-grade infrastructure
    • Zero Maintenance Costs – No electricity bills, no setup fees—pure profit
    • Instant Withdrawals – Daily earnings can be withdrawn anytime
    • $10 Welcome Bonus – New users receive $10 in free XRP upon registration

    With an investment threshold as low as $100, users can access XRP mining and enjoy stable short-term returns without taking on market volatility risk.

    How to Start XRP Mining in Just Minutes

    1. Register – Sign up and claim your $10 bonus + daily login rewards
    2. Choose a Plan – Pick a contract that suits your strategy, from 2 to 30 days
    3. Start Mining – Let PFMCrypto’s AI engine do the work while you earn daily profits

    About PFMCrypto
    Founded in 2018, PFMCrypto is a global leader in AI-powered cloud mining, serving over 9.2 million users across 192 countries and regions. The platform supports mining for XRP, BTC, ETH, LTC, DOGE, and SOL, offering a reliable choice for low-risk, high-reward cryptocurrency investments. As XRP edges closer to the $5 milestone, PFMCrypto’s XRP mining ecosystem presents one of the most practical and profitable ways to get involved.

    Explore more and start XRP mining today:     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 Global: Survey: Only four per cent of Canadians give schools an ‘A’ on climate education – students deserve better

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Karen S. Acton, Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy, OISE, University of Toronto

    Only nine per cent of Canadian students learn about climate change often in school, while 42 per cent say it’s rarely or never discussed in the classroom.

    These are some of the concerning findings from the new 2025 national survey at the nonprofit Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF), where I serve as a research consultant. Our team surveyed over 4,200 people, including students, educators, parents and the general public.

    The report, called “From Awareness to Action: Canadians’ Views on Climate Change and Education,” reveals a widening gap between public concern and the education system’s lack of response.

    We conducted the survey in partnership with the pollster Leger and supported by the federal government. It comes at a critical moment as Canadians grapple with increasingly severe climate impacts and growing recognition that education is vitally important to addressing climate change.

    The message is clear: Canadians want schools to do more. A strong majority of respondents (62 per cent) believe climate change should be a high priority in education. More than half (56 per cent) believe it should be taught by all teachers.

    Understanding is slipping

    According to the survey, 80 per cent of Canadians accept that climate change is real and impacting their lives. Most (67 per cent) believe we are in a climate emergency, yet this belief has declined from 72 per cent in 2022.

    Also slipping is Canadians’ understanding of climate change, as the pass rate for the survey’s 10-question quiz dipped to 57 per cent in 2025 from 67 per cent in 2022.

    Fewer respondents correctly identified human activities as the primary cause of climate change, or named greenhouse gas emissions as the predominant factor. Many still mistakenly believe the ozone hole is to blame, highlighting one of many persistent climate misconceptions.

    Also concerning was the increase in Canadians who felt that the seriousness of climate change is exaggerated.

    A recent report by climate communications centre Re.Climate noted a similar decline in public perception of how much of a threat climate change poses. In 2023, 44 per cent of Canadians said reducing carbon emissions was a top energy policy priority. By 2025, that number had dropped to 31 per cent.

    Concern about climate change seems to have declined due to competing economic pressures, global instability and political polarization.

    Misinformation adds to the challenge

    The LSF survey highlights Canadians’ dissatisfaction with climate education. When asked to grade schools on how well they were addressing climate change issues, only four per cent gave schools an “A.” Three-quarters of Canadians gave a “C” or lower.

    One dominant concern included addressing the spread of climate misinformation. Only 17 per cent of Canadians felt confident in their ability to distinguish between real and false climate news.

    Misinformation is a growing barrier to public understanding and action on climate issues. For many young people, social media is a dominant source of climate information, but it’s not always a reliable one.

    To address this, almost 80 per cent of respondents, and in particular 87 per cent of educators, agree that climate education in schools should focus more on critical thinking and media literacy.

    Teachers willing, but under-supported

    The good news is that almost half of the educators we surveyed felt confident about their ability to teach climate change. Many are incorporating more climate-related projects and lifestyle and consumer changes into the classroom.

    However, many barriers remain. Most educators still spend fewer than 10 hours per year on climate topics, and 42 per cent rarely address it at all. A full 60 per cent of teachers told us they want to do more but need professional development to feel equipped.

    Teachers need more time, resources and strategies to address how climate change connects to broader issues like mental health, social justice and Indigenous knowledge.

    Educators are also seeking a school-wide culture that promotes climate change education, but nearly half said they lack support from their principal or school boards.

    Unsurprisingly, given the global nature of climate change, the challenges voiced by educators are not unique to Canada. Surveys of teachers in England and the United States found they face similar obstacles, compounded by low teacher confidence, the complexity of the topic and leadership not supporting climate change as a priority.

    Almost half of the educators surveyed felt confident about their ability to teach climate change, and many are incorporating more climate-related projects and lifestyle and consumer changes into the classroom.
    (Shutterstock)

    Students need the opportunity

    One of the most hopeful takeaways is that students want to learn more about climate change at school, beginning in the early grades. When asked what they would tell their teacher, students told us they wanted lessons that go beyond the science to include real-world solutions and personal empowerment.

    They called for open classroom discussions, a clearer understanding of the impacts of climate change and concrete strategies for action.

    As one student put it: “Present it to me in a way that’s relevant that I can understand, and tell me how I can personally make an impact.”

    Another added: “Everyone needs to do their part or nothing will change!”

    These appeals echo those from the recent Voice of 1,000 Kids survey, which found young people want adults to take the climate crisis more seriously and step up to help solve it.



    Read more:
    Kids care deeply about our planet, so adults need to start listening

    A path forward

    The LSF survey found that 76 per cent of respondents recognize that systemic change is needed to address climate challenges, yet only 19 per cent believe government is doing a good job.

    This suggests strong public demand for policy action. Canadian governments must introduce mandatory climate curriculum standards, increased funding for teacher professional learning and resources, and transformative teaching strategies to foster critical thinking and empowerment.

    Almost 70 per cent of respondents said they believe young people can inspire important climate action. Supporting school-wide cultures that embrace sustainability isn’t just good teaching — it’s a pathway to broader social change.

    Now more than ever, we need a reimagined education system that values climate learning as a core competency. Policymakers and education leaders must rise to meet this challenge before another generation of students graduate feeling unprepared to face the defining issue of their time.

    Karen S. Acton works as a consultant for Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF).

    – ref. Survey: Only four per cent of Canadians give schools an ‘A’ on climate education – students deserve better – https://theconversation.com/survey-only-four-per-cent-of-canadians-give-schools-an-a-on-climate-education-students-deserve-better-259430

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Survey: Only four per cent of Canadians give schools an ‘A’ on climate education – students deserve better

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Karen S. Acton, Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy, OISE, University of Toronto

    Only nine per cent of Canadian students learn about climate change often in school, while 42 per cent say it’s rarely or never discussed in the classroom.

    These are some of the concerning findings from the new 2025 national survey at the nonprofit Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF), where I serve as a research consultant. Our team surveyed over 4,200 people, including students, educators, parents and the general public.

    The report, called “From Awareness to Action: Canadians’ Views on Climate Change and Education,” reveals a widening gap between public concern and the education system’s lack of response.

    We conducted the survey in partnership with the pollster Leger and supported by the federal government. It comes at a critical moment as Canadians grapple with increasingly severe climate impacts and growing recognition that education is vitally important to addressing climate change.

    The message is clear: Canadians want schools to do more. A strong majority of respondents (62 per cent) believe climate change should be a high priority in education. More than half (56 per cent) believe it should be taught by all teachers.

    Understanding is slipping

    According to the survey, 80 per cent of Canadians accept that climate change is real and impacting their lives. Most (67 per cent) believe we are in a climate emergency, yet this belief has declined from 72 per cent in 2022.

    Also slipping is Canadians’ understanding of climate change, as the pass rate for the survey’s 10-question quiz dipped to 57 per cent in 2025 from 67 per cent in 2022.

    Fewer respondents correctly identified human activities as the primary cause of climate change, or named greenhouse gas emissions as the predominant factor. Many still mistakenly believe the ozone hole is to blame, highlighting one of many persistent climate misconceptions.

    Also concerning was the increase in Canadians who felt that the seriousness of climate change is exaggerated.

    A recent report by climate communications centre Re.Climate noted a similar decline in public perception of how much of a threat climate change poses. In 2023, 44 per cent of Canadians said reducing carbon emissions was a top energy policy priority. By 2025, that number had dropped to 31 per cent.

    Concern about climate change seems to have declined due to competing economic pressures, global instability and political polarization.

    Misinformation adds to the challenge

    The LSF survey highlights Canadians’ dissatisfaction with climate education. When asked to grade schools on how well they were addressing climate change issues, only four per cent gave schools an “A.” Three-quarters of Canadians gave a “C” or lower.

    One dominant concern included addressing the spread of climate misinformation. Only 17 per cent of Canadians felt confident in their ability to distinguish between real and false climate news.

    Misinformation is a growing barrier to public understanding and action on climate issues. For many young people, social media is a dominant source of climate information, but it’s not always a reliable one.

    To address this, almost 80 per cent of respondents, and in particular 87 per cent of educators, agree that climate education in schools should focus more on critical thinking and media literacy.

    Teachers willing, but under-supported

    The good news is that almost half of the educators we surveyed felt confident about their ability to teach climate change. Many are incorporating more climate-related projects and lifestyle and consumer changes into the classroom.

    However, many barriers remain. Most educators still spend fewer than 10 hours per year on climate topics, and 42 per cent rarely address it at all. A full 60 per cent of teachers told us they want to do more but need professional development to feel equipped.

    Teachers need more time, resources and strategies to address how climate change connects to broader issues like mental health, social justice and Indigenous knowledge.

    Educators are also seeking a school-wide culture that promotes climate change education, but nearly half said they lack support from their principal or school boards.

    Unsurprisingly, given the global nature of climate change, the challenges voiced by educators are not unique to Canada. Surveys of teachers in England and the United States found they face similar obstacles, compounded by low teacher confidence, the complexity of the topic and leadership not supporting climate change as a priority.

    Almost half of the educators surveyed felt confident about their ability to teach climate change, and many are incorporating more climate-related projects and lifestyle and consumer changes into the classroom.
    (Shutterstock)

    Students need the opportunity

    One of the most hopeful takeaways is that students want to learn more about climate change at school, beginning in the early grades. When asked what they would tell their teacher, students told us they wanted lessons that go beyond the science to include real-world solutions and personal empowerment.

    They called for open classroom discussions, a clearer understanding of the impacts of climate change and concrete strategies for action.

    As one student put it: “Present it to me in a way that’s relevant that I can understand, and tell me how I can personally make an impact.”

    Another added: “Everyone needs to do their part or nothing will change!”

    These appeals echo those from the recent Voice of 1,000 Kids survey, which found young people want adults to take the climate crisis more seriously and step up to help solve it.



    Read more:
    Kids care deeply about our planet, so adults need to start listening

    A path forward

    The LSF survey found that 76 per cent of respondents recognize that systemic change is needed to address climate challenges, yet only 19 per cent believe government is doing a good job.

    This suggests strong public demand for policy action. Canadian governments must introduce mandatory climate curriculum standards, increased funding for teacher professional learning and resources, and transformative teaching strategies to foster critical thinking and empowerment.

    Almost 70 per cent of respondents said they believe young people can inspire important climate action. Supporting school-wide cultures that embrace sustainability isn’t just good teaching — it’s a pathway to broader social change.

    Now more than ever, we need a reimagined education system that values climate learning as a core competency. Policymakers and education leaders must rise to meet this challenge before another generation of students graduate feeling unprepared to face the defining issue of their time.

    Karen S. Acton works as a consultant for Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF).

    – ref. Survey: Only four per cent of Canadians give schools an ‘A’ on climate education – students deserve better – https://theconversation.com/survey-only-four-per-cent-of-canadians-give-schools-an-a-on-climate-education-students-deserve-better-259430

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £11.7m fund to boost business investment and jobs at Port Talbot

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    £11.7m fund to boost business investment and jobs at Port Talbot

    New Economic Growth and Investment Fund announced by the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board

    Over £11.7 million to boost business investment and jobs in Port Talbot from newly announced Economic Growth and Investment Fund

    • Backed by £11.78 million – including £6.78 million from the UK Government and £5 million from Tata Steel UK.
    • Part of £80 million announced by the Transition Board just 10 months

    A new £11.78 million fund will soon be available to businesses in Port Talbot and the surrounding area to help them grow, create high-quality jobs, and attract long-term investment. 

    The Economic Growth and Investment Fund is designed to support companies that offer skilled, well-paid employment opportunities that match the talents of the local workforce.

    The fund includes £6.78 million from the UK Government and £5 million from Tata Steel UK and will complement the work of the Welsh Government and Neath Port Talbot Council to strengthen the local economy.

    To ensure the fund delivers the greatest possible impact, a period of engagement with businesses will begin ahead of the fund opening for bids in the autumn. This will shape the fund’s design – ensuring it meets the needs of businesses and unlocks the conditions for long-term economic growth, job creation, and private sector investment. Once engagement has been completed, the fund is then subject to business case approval by UK Government. 

    This funding announcement is the latest from the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board, chaired by Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens and including representatives from the UK and Welsh Governments, local authorities, unions and business.

    Since its first release of funding in August 2024, it has now announced £80 million to fund skills training for workers and regeneration projects as Tata Steel carries out its transition to electric arc steelmaking.

    Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:  

    This new fund is a powerful example of what can be achieved when government and business work together to deliver for communities. Backed by over £11.7 million, it will help local businesses grow, create high-quality jobs and attract more new investment to Port Talbot.

    This announcement marks the full allocation of the UK Government’s £80 million contribution to the Transition Board – all delivered in less than a year. It’s a clear demonstration of this government’s determination to act swiftly and decisively in support of Port Talbot and its steelmaking community, ensuring that funding reaches the people and businesses who need it most.

    We said we would back the steelworkers of Port Talbot, their families and businesses dependent on Tata Steel and we have delivered on that promise.

    Tata Steel UK’s Head of Public Relations Tim Rutter said:

    We are delighted to support this new Economic Growth and Investment Fund from our £20 million commitment to the Transition Board. Local businesses play a vital role in the growth and economic prosperity of the region, and we are confident this fund will draw in further investment, providing jobs and opportunities for people across the area.

    We continue to be committed to supporting those individuals impacted by our business transformation, and this fund will complement the existing support services that we have put in place, in addition to the most generous voluntary redundancy package in the company’s history.

    We look forward to working with our partners on the Transition Board, trades unions, local businesses and the community to ensure this fund has a positive impact.

    Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans said:

    We welcome the new Economic Growth and Investment Fund announced today.

    Delivery is the Welsh Government’s watch word. Working in partnership with the UK Government, local authorities, trade unions and businesses, we are supporting economic growth today and actively shaping its future direction for tomorrow. 

    We are also ensuring that cross-government investments such as Freeports and Investment Zones align with Welsh priorities and deliver real and lasting benefits and local job opportunities in communities such as Port Talbot.

    Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr Steve Hunt said:

    This announcement marks another major milestone in our response to a period of significant change for the local economy of the Port Talbot area.

    A key aim for us as a council is to create more secure, green, and well-paid jobs and to develop the skills required for these roles. As such we are working hard to meet the current challenges and to move beyond these to future economic growth.

     “Working alongside our Transition Board partners we will soon be engaging the local business community to ensure we make the most of the opportunity that this funding presents

    The UK Government has committed £2.5 billion of investment to rebuild the UK’s steel industry for decades to come as it decarbonises.

    This is in addition to the £500 million allocated to Tata Steel in Port Talbot for an electric arc furnace, which recently received planning approval with construction due to begin in the coming months.

    The new fund will build on this momentum—helping local people by supporting the creation of high-quality jobs, encouraging business growth, and attracting new investment to secure a strong economic future for Port Talbot.

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • 1st T20I: Mandhana, Shree Charani help India beat England by 97 runs

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana smoked her first century in the shortest format and left-arm spinner N Shree Charani grabbed a four-fer on debut as India defeated England by 97 runs, their heaviest defeat, in the first T20I to start the series with a massive win in Nottingham on Saturday.

    Mandhana became the first Indian woman batter to score a hundred in all three formats of the game as she hammered 112, the highest individual score in Women’s T20I for India, surpassing regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s 103 as India posted a massive 210/5 in 20 overs.

    In reply, England were bundled out for 113 in 14.5 overs with Shree Charani claiming 4-12 in 3.5 overs. Spinner Deepti Sharma (2-32) and Radha Yadav (2-15) turned out to be able foil for her as India started the series with one of their best wins against England.

    Asked to bat first by the England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt, India made a superb start with Smriti and her opening partner Shafali Verma raising 77 runs for the first wicket partnership. Shafali was sent back by Em Arlott for 20 runs, but Mandhana went from strength to strength to score a century and helped the team to a big total.

    With regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur rested as a precautionary measure after suffering a head injury, vice-captain and left-handed opener Mandhana is leading the side in her absence.

    Her 112 off 62 deliveries, in an innings laced with 15 boundaries and three maximums, powered India to a massive total of 210/5 in 20 overs, their highest total against England in T20 Internationals. Mandhana’s maiden T20 century on Saturday was the 14th time she has crossed the triple-digit mark in her career, with 11 tons in ODIs and two coming in the longest format. She is also the second Indian woman to score a T20 ton after regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.

    Mandhana got good support from Harleen Deol, who missed her half-century by just seven runs. Mandhana and Harleen shared a 94-run partnership for the second wicket that set India up for a big total.

    Mandhana completed her fifty off 27 balls (4×8, 6×2) and reached three figures off 57 balls, hammering 14 boundaries and three sixes in the process. Though Jemimah Rodriques failed to contribute anything to the score, Smriti Mandhana ensured India put up a big total.

    Chasing the massive target, England women landed into trouble in the first over itself when Amanjot Kaur got Sophia Dunkley edging behind Richa Ghosh for seven. Deepti Sharma struck her first ball of the match when she had Danni Wyatt-Hodge caught by Harleen at short third as she attempted to work it leg-side. England slumped to 9/2.

    Though Nat Sciver-Brunt and Tammy Beaumont tried to revive the innings with a 49-run partnership, the latter’s dismissal by Deepti for 10, followed by the early departure of Amy Jones (1) and Alice Capsey (5), Em Arlott (12) and Sophie Ecclestone (1) meant England slumped to 102/7.

    Their skipper, Nat Sciver-Brunt, continued to wage a lone battle, reaching her fifty off 31 balls before she was out for 66 off 42 balls (4×10) as England folded up soon for 113, which incidentally was just one run more than what Smriti Mandhana scored.

    Shree Charani got the key wickets of Capsey, Ecclestone, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Lauren Bell to destroy England’s middle and lower-order batting.

    With this win, India have taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20 series, followed by three ODIs.

    Brief scores:

    India Women 210/5 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 112, Harleen Deol 43; Lauren Bell 3-27) beat England Women 113 all out in 14.5 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 66; Shree Charani 4-12, Deepti Sharma 2-32, Radha Yadav 2-15) by 97 runs.

    (IANS)

  • 1st T20I: Mandhana, Shree Charani help India beat England by 97 runs

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana smoked her first century in the shortest format and left-arm spinner N Shree Charani grabbed a four-fer on debut as India defeated England by 97 runs, their heaviest defeat, in the first T20I to start the series with a massive win in Nottingham on Saturday.

    Mandhana became the first Indian woman batter to score a hundred in all three formats of the game as she hammered 112, the highest individual score in Women’s T20I for India, surpassing regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s 103 as India posted a massive 210/5 in 20 overs.

    In reply, England were bundled out for 113 in 14.5 overs with Shree Charani claiming 4-12 in 3.5 overs. Spinner Deepti Sharma (2-32) and Radha Yadav (2-15) turned out to be able foil for her as India started the series with one of their best wins against England.

    Asked to bat first by the England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt, India made a superb start with Smriti and her opening partner Shafali Verma raising 77 runs for the first wicket partnership. Shafali was sent back by Em Arlott for 20 runs, but Mandhana went from strength to strength to score a century and helped the team to a big total.

    With regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur rested as a precautionary measure after suffering a head injury, vice-captain and left-handed opener Mandhana is leading the side in her absence.

    Her 112 off 62 deliveries, in an innings laced with 15 boundaries and three maximums, powered India to a massive total of 210/5 in 20 overs, their highest total against England in T20 Internationals. Mandhana’s maiden T20 century on Saturday was the 14th time she has crossed the triple-digit mark in her career, with 11 tons in ODIs and two coming in the longest format. She is also the second Indian woman to score a T20 ton after regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.

    Mandhana got good support from Harleen Deol, who missed her half-century by just seven runs. Mandhana and Harleen shared a 94-run partnership for the second wicket that set India up for a big total.

    Mandhana completed her fifty off 27 balls (4×8, 6×2) and reached three figures off 57 balls, hammering 14 boundaries and three sixes in the process. Though Jemimah Rodriques failed to contribute anything to the score, Smriti Mandhana ensured India put up a big total.

    Chasing the massive target, England women landed into trouble in the first over itself when Amanjot Kaur got Sophia Dunkley edging behind Richa Ghosh for seven. Deepti Sharma struck her first ball of the match when she had Danni Wyatt-Hodge caught by Harleen at short third as she attempted to work it leg-side. England slumped to 9/2.

    Though Nat Sciver-Brunt and Tammy Beaumont tried to revive the innings with a 49-run partnership, the latter’s dismissal by Deepti for 10, followed by the early departure of Amy Jones (1) and Alice Capsey (5), Em Arlott (12) and Sophie Ecclestone (1) meant England slumped to 102/7.

    Their skipper, Nat Sciver-Brunt, continued to wage a lone battle, reaching her fifty off 31 balls before she was out for 66 off 42 balls (4×10) as England folded up soon for 113, which incidentally was just one run more than what Smriti Mandhana scored.

    Shree Charani got the key wickets of Capsey, Ecclestone, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Lauren Bell to destroy England’s middle and lower-order batting.

    With this win, India have taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20 series, followed by three ODIs.

    Brief scores:

    India Women 210/5 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 112, Harleen Deol 43; Lauren Bell 3-27) beat England Women 113 all out in 14.5 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 66; Shree Charani 4-12, Deepti Sharma 2-32, Radha Yadav 2-15) by 97 runs.

    (IANS)