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Category: Great Britain

  • MIL-OSI USA: Outlining Maine Economic Benefits of Foreign Students, Senator King Urges Secretary of State Rubio to Reconsider Harmful Pause

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) called on the State Department to reinstate student visa programs for the benefit of Maine schools and the state’s local economy. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, King outlined the immediate impact of revoking student visas on schools in Maine like Thornton Academy, the University of New England (UNE), Foxcroft Academy, College of the Atlantic and the University of Maine (UMaine) System.

    Senator King began, “I write to underscore the critically harmful impacts that the Department of State’s decision to pause new visa interviews for international students, as well as the Department’s threats to revoke visas of Chinese students, are having on schools across the state of Maine.”

    “These actions are deterring international families from sending their students to the U.S.—the tuition of which contributes significantly to the revenue of secondary schools and institutions of higher education in Maine. Thornton Academy, which functions as the public high school for students in Saco, and its neighboring towns in Maine, has already seen a loss of $120,000 in revenue due to the withdrawal of Chinese education programs from their summer camp. Thornton Academy anticipates a potential annual loss of $6.6 million should the Administration’s policy remain in place—a loss of one third of the school’s annual budget for employee salary payments,” King continued.

    King concluded, “International students studying at schools in Maine are subsidizing the cost of local education, saving taxpayers money, and providing Maine students with unmatched opportunities. These are not funds coming from the pockets of our community, the taxes of our businesses, or from the federal government. These are funds brought in from outside of the United States and used to the benefit of all our students both domestic and international.

    King has long supported the impact and contributions of international students. Earlier this year, he introduced legislation to streamline the bureaucratic process for international students to obtain legal status and bolster the United States’ STEM labor force. 

    The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

    +++

    Dear Secretary Rubio:

    I write to underscore the critically harmful impacts that the Department of State’s decision to pause new visa interviews for international students, as well as the Department’s threats to revoke visas of Chinese students, are having on schools across the state of Maine.

    These actions are deterring international families from sending their students to the U.S.—the tuition of which contributes significantly to the revenue of secondary schools and institutions of higher education in Maine. Thornton Academy, which functions as the public high school for students in Saco, and its neighboring towns in Maine, has already seen a loss of $120,000 in revenue due to the withdrawal of Chinese education programs from their summer camp. Thornton Academy anticipates a potential annual loss of $6.6 million should the Administration’s policy remain in place—a loss of one third of the school’s annual budget for employee salary payments. College of the Atlantic, a small liberal arts college in Bar Harbor, Maine, projects a loss of thirty five percent of their net tuition due to these policies. These are just a few examples—schools across Maine report that real and projected reductions in international student enrollments, and the corresponding loss of revenue associated with their tuition, will almost certainly result in staff layoffs. These layoffs will not only harm students but also have a damaging ripple effect on our local economies.

    The non-monetary contributions of these students to Maine communities cannot be overstated. Our state university system hosts students from 85 countries. Foxcroft Academy, a day and boarding school in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, hosts about 20% of its entire student population from countries around the world. These students bring diverse cultures and perspectives to their new communities and create an opportunity for all Maine students to consider the world with a far greater exposure than otherwise possible.

    Not only does Maine benefit from these students, but the education that they receive in our state has also taken them far—international students who studied in Maine have participated in global academic competitions, become published authors, and have even become professors themselves. The Administration has yet to provide a compelling reason for its decision to rob our communities of this worthwhile exchange.

    International students studying at schools in Maine are subsidizing the cost of local education, saving taxpayers money, and providing Maine students with unmatched opportunities. These are not funds coming from the pockets of our community, the taxes of our businesses, or from the federal government. These are funds brought in from outside of the United State and used to the benefit of all our students both domestic and international.

    I urge you to reconsider the Department of State’s policies regarding international student visa pauses and revocations, for the benefit of Maine and the entire nation.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Information session for people affected by Scott Street fire

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Running from 1pm to 7pm, the drop-in session will allow residents or employees of local businesses directly or indirectly impacted by the blaze and subsequent road and building closures to meet Council staff and those from partner agencies who will be able to answer questions and provide advice.

    Fifty-five families have been displaced because of the blaze, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning.

    Residents should arrive at the main entrance to the Council offices at 2 High Street, Perth.

    Information will be available on a range of issues including:

    • Housing
    • Welfare Rights
    • Local taxes
    • Access to properties
    • Donations
    • Mental Health and Wellbeing support
    • Social work
    • Community Support and engagement and more

    Councillor Eric Drysdale, Deputy Leader of Perth and Kinross Council and ward member for Perth City Centre, said: “The devastating consequences of last weekend’s tragic fire will be felt for months to come.

    “Our thoughts remain with those affected, not least the friends and relatives of the man who sadly lost his life in the blaze.

    “People who lived at 41 Scott Street lost everything and now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives. Residents and nearby businesses also face being unable to access their homes and premises for weeks or months. Whatever we can do to help them, we will.

    “The response from the people of Perth and Kinross to this emergency has been humbling. The generosity people and businesses have shown has been exemplary.

    “But we know that those affected will still have many questions as they begin to move forward. We want to do everything we can to help them and Tuesday’s event will, I believe, help provide some of those answers.

    “We know it is a long road ahead but will continue doing all we can to support those in their hour of need.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pride Edinburgh

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    The annual Pride Edinburgh march takes place this weekend in what is Scotland’s longest running celebration of diversity.

    Ahead of the event, Council Leader Jane Meagher said:

    Once again, all the colours of the rainbow will paint our city for Pride. With the sun set to shine, this weekend’s march is set to be a fantastic celebration of inclusivity and respect and we’ll be flying the rainbow flag above the City Chambers to show our solidarity. It’s likely to be busy in the city centre with some road closures in place at times, so please do plan ahead if you’re joining in the march and have a great, safe day out.

    See what’s on at Pride Edinburgh and keep an eye on traffic alerts with EdinTravel.

    Published: June 20th 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fairer funding for councils across the country in major reform

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Fairer funding for councils across the country in major reform

    An overhaul of the outdated and complex council system will bring fairer funding, more stability and improve lives of people across the county  

    • An overhaul of the outdated and complex council system will bring fairer funding, more stability and improve lives of people across the county   

    • New place-based, focussed formulas to target money to places most in need, replacing decade old data and outdated funding system 

    • Streamlined funding and multi-year settlements introduced in drive for council efficiency and improved public services as part of the Plan for Change  

     The local government funding system will be reformed to get councils back on stable footing, improve the lives for people across the country and deliver essential funding for better public services, delivering on the Plan for Change.   

     Working hand-in-hand with the sector, proposals will create a fairer system that reflects areas’ changing needs, differing delivery costs and the level of demand on front-line services that people rely on such as social care.  

    For too long, many residents have seen council tax hikes despite declining local services. This will be tackled by overhauling the decade old, outdated funding methodology currently used to fund councils, so allocations are made based on the latest and best available data and recognise the areas where demand for council services is greatest. As a result of these changes, left behind places will on balance see larger increases in available income. 

     It will also scrap existing competitive bidding processes councils often have to go through for small pots of money, simplifying the 300 grants that already exist to slash time waste in councils and Whitehall and prioritise value for taxpayer cash. This could help cut the almost 90,000 document pages historically required as part of the competitive processes.  This would be almost the equivalent of the drive from Birmingham to Wolverhampton, if laid end to end.  

     Targeting money to places in need, prioritising prevention and reforming public services as part of the government’s mission-driven agenda to deliver for working people, tackle poverty and drive growth across the country as part of a decade of renewal. These changes will deliver the Fair Funding Review launched by the previous government in 2017 but never actioned.  

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

    We inherited a local government sector on its knees—councils pushed to the financial brink, facing rising demand, and working people not receiving the quality local services they rightly deserve. 

    There’s broad agreement across council leaders, experts, and parliamentarians that the current funding model is broken and unfair. This government is stepping up to deliver the fairer system promised in the 2017 Fair Funding Review but never delivered. 

    These reforms are urgently needed to put councils on a stable footing and ensure better services for residents — especially working people — right across the country. It’s a key part of our Plan for Change to deliver the outcomes people deserve.

     It follows last week’s additional funding announced in the Spending Review and the 2025-26 Local Government Finance Settlement that saw £69 billion allocated for local authorities.  

    The eight-week consultation launched today sets out how the government will make funding allocations fairer for councils of all sizes and across all parts of England.   

    • Rural areas: proposals to recognise the remoteness of areas and account for the additional costs in delivering services in rural places;   

    • Urban areas: making sure that deprivation is properly recognised in the ‘assessment of need’ of councils, so that the vital services that support the poorest in communities are properly funded;  

    • Social care: updating the formula used to work out funding for local authorities that provide adult social care so it properly reflects the demands of our ageing population. We are also reforming children’s social care and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including ensuring councils are properly funded to help support and protect the most vulnerable children. While these reforms are underway, the Dedicated Schools Grant Statutory Override, which helps councils manage SEND costs, will stay in place until the end of 2027/28 and in addition we will introduce a bespoke formula to recognise Home to School transport costs;   

    • Resetting the business rates retention system: so that it incentivises local authorities to help their local economies grow by better matching the system to local need; and   

    • Consolidating billions in grant funds: so that councils no longer waste time or money bidding for small pots of funding, replacing it with a streamlined grant system that promotes prevention and public service reform, and reflects key missions in the Plan for Change. The Department estimates councils shelled out almost £70million in administrative costs and consultancy fees on bidding for the Levelling Up Fund and other bidding schemes.  

     The first multi-year settlement in a decade will also be brought forward in 2026-27 to finally provide council leaders with security and certainty over their finances, ending short-termism to deliver meaningful change to their communities.   

    These reforms, together with the additional funding announced through the spending review will ensure the vast majority of upper-tier councils will see real-terms increases in available funding over the multi-year settlement.  

    Further information  

    Minister McMahon’s Written Ministerial Statement can be read here.

    The consultation can be viewed on Gov.uk here and will be open for 8 weeks  

    The response to the earlier consultation can be viewed on Gov.uk here. 

    The government is proposing a transitional approach to the new funding system over a three year period, to enable local authorities to plan for changes.   

    No allocations for local authorities have been announced or confirmed yet. This will be announced in the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2026-27 later this year – the same approach as with previous years.    

    Building on action already taken in the 2025-26 Local Government Finance Settlement, today’s announcement to streamline the grant system, local leaders will have more flexibility to spend on their voters’ priorities, drive efficiency in councils and deliver better value for taxpayer money.   

    Accountability and transparency over public spending will be bolstered through a greater focus on outcomes that reflect voters’ priorities.   

    Dr Ryan Swift, research fellow at IPPR North said: 

    “The last government implemented budget cuts that hammered local councils, especially in the most deprived areas, meaning fewer and poorer services for local people. 

    “But today things are looking up. Upping core funding, introducing multi-year funding settlements and ending competitive bidding processes will provide more stability so councils can plan for the future and improve. 

    “Today’s announcement is a step along the road to repairing council finances. Recognising demands on local services from factors like demographics and deprivation are crucial so that councils can deliver the services that people expect and deserve.” 

    Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, Chair of the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA) said: 

    “The significant reforms proposed by the government will deliver a fairer and more sustainable system and are a major and positive step forward.  

    “A decade of disproportionate cuts, outdated formulas and short-term settlements have left our members with shrinking resources, struggling to meet rising demand. It is therefore very welcome that there will now be a focus on delivering a funding system that supports the most deprived areas. This will build on the important work of the Recovery Grant.  

    “Simplifying the grant system and delivering a long-overdue multi-year settlement will bring about much-needed stability and certainty for councils. The government’s close engagement with the sector is testament to the reset in the relationship with local government, and we look forward to responding to the consultation and continuing to engage with the department.”  

    Cllr John Merry, Chair of Key Cities, said: 

    “Councils are central to national renewal. They must be valued, properly funded, and adequately resourced to deliver essential services – from social care to affordable housing – which are under increasing strain. Key Cities’ inaugural survey of council leaders found that many are already turning to financial reserves and service redesigns, with asset sales, salary reductions and redundancies under active consideration.    

    “As the largest and most diverse urban network outside the capital, with 24 members, we have long championed the need for a funding reset: one that empowers local authorities and channels resources to the communities that need them most, driving inclusive national growth.      “What’s needed now is long-term funding certainty, replacing piecemeal interventions and enabling councils to focus on meeting local needs. Key Cities welcomes the launch of the Government’s second consultation on local government funding reform. We remain committed to working with the Government to shape a brighter future for our communities.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • British lawmakers to vote on landmark assisted dying law

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    British lawmakers held their final debate ahead of a historic vote on Friday on whether to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill people, in what would be a major step toward the biggest social reform in the country for a generation.

    The vote is expected at about 2:30 p.m. (1330 GMT) and if it goes in favour, the proposed new law will have cleared its biggest parliamentary hurdle. That would pave the way for Britain to follow Australia, Canada and other countries, as well as some U.S. states in permitting assisted dying.

    A vote against would stop the bill in its tracks.

    Last November, lawmakers voted 330 to 275 in favour of the principle of allowing assisted dying, but since then the bill has been scrutinised and amended, and some lawmakers have publicly changed their position, citing changes to provisions that they say weaken protections for vulnerable people.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government is neutral on the legislation meaning politicians can vote according to their conscience rather than along party lines. Last year, Starmer voted in favour of the legislation and has indicated he continues to support it.

    The law was proposed under a process led by an individual member of parliament rather than being government policy, which has limited the amount of parliamentary time allocated to it.

    Some lawmakers have said that such a major social change should be allocated more parliamentary time for debate and involve a greater degree of ministerial involvement and accountability.

    If Friday’s vote is in favour, assisted dying stays on the road to legalisation, a process that could still take months.

    The Labour lawmaker who proposed the new law, Kim Leadbeater, said there could be a reduction in the number of members of parliament who support the bill on Friday compared with last year’s vote, but that she was confident it would still be approved.

    Opening the debate, Leadbeater said that the legislation was “desperately needed” and would provide dignity and compassion to people suffering. She argued it had robust safeguards that made it practical and safe.

    “This is not a choice between living and dying. It is a choice for terminally ill people about how they die,” she said.

    On Thursday, four Labour lawmakers switched sides to oppose the bill, joining the dozens who earlier this month said there had not been enough time to debate the details of such a consequential law change.

    “The bill before us simply does not do enough to safeguard people who may want to choose to live,” the four lawmakers said in a letter.

    Leadbeater said her biggest fear was that if the legislation was voted down, it could be another decade before the issue returns to parliament. It was last considered in 2015, when lawmakers voted against it.

    PUBLIC SUPPORT

    Opinion polls show that a majority of Britons back assisted dying, and supporters say the law needs to catch up with public opinion.

    Under the proposed law, mentally competent, terminally ill adults in England and Wales with six months or less to live would be given the right to end their lives with medical help.

    In the original plan, an assisted death would have required court approval. That has been replaced by a requirement for a judgement by a panel including a social worker, a senior legal figure and a psychiatrist, which is seen by some as a watering down.

    Lawmakers have also raised questions about the impact of assisted dying on the finances and resources of Britain’s state-run National Health Service and on the need to improve palliative care.

    If the vote passes, the proposed new law is sent to the House of Lords, parliament’s upper chamber. But the unelected Lords will be reluctant to block legislation that has been passed by elected members of the House of Commons.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council Tax information letter 4/2025: Consultation on council tax administration

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Council Tax information letter 4/2025: Consultation on council tax administration

    This letter sets out details on the government’s consultation into modernising and improving the administration of council tax.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Council Tax information letter 4/2025: Consultation on council tax administration

    HTML

    Details

    The letter provides a broad summary of the issues the government is consulting on as a part of this consultation. This also provides details on the Fair Funding Review 2.0 which was published in parallel to this consultation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jun 20, 2025 Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook Issued on Jun 20, 2025

    Updated: Fri Jun 20 08:45:02 UTC 2025

     .

    D4
    Mon, Jun 23, 2025 – Tue, Jun 24, 2025
    D7
    Thu, Jun 26, 2025 – Fri, Jun 27, 2025

    D5
    Tue, Jun 24, 2025 – Wed, Jun 25, 2025
    D8
    Fri, Jun 27, 2025 – Sat, Jun 28, 2025

    D6
    Wed, Jun 25, 2025 – Thu, Jun 26, 2025
    (All days are valid from 12 UTC – 12 UTC the following day)

    Note: A severe weather area depicted in the Day 4-8 period indicates 15%, 30% or higher probability for severe thunderstorms within 25 miles of any point.

    PREDICTABILITY TOO LOW is used to indicate severe storms may be possible based on some model scenarios. However, the location or occurrence of severe storms are in doubt due to: 1) large differences in the deterministic model solutions, 2) large spread in the ensemble guidance, and/or 3) minimal run-to-run continuity.

    POTENTIAL TOO LOW means the threat for a regional area of organized severe storms appears unlikely (i.e., less than 15%) for the forecast day.

     Forecast Discussion

    ZCZC SPCSWOD48 ALL
    ACUS48 KWNS 200842
    SPC AC 200842

    Day 4-8 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0342 AM CDT Fri Jun 20 2025

    Valid 231200Z – 281200Z

    …DISCUSSION…
    …D4/Monday…
    A mid/upper-level shortwave trough initially over the northern
    Plains and upper Midwest is forecast to move into Ontario on Monday,
    along the northern periphery of an amplified upper ridge over the
    eastern CONUS. A cold front will move through parts of the Great
    Lakes, Upper Midwest and central Plains. The strongest deep-layer
    flow may tend to lag behind the front, but moderate to strong
    instability could support strong to potentially severe storms along
    the front during the afternoon and evening.

    Farther east, strong instability is generally forecast to develop
    across parts of the Mid Atlantic into New England. However, due to
    the influence of the upper ridge, there is currently little signal
    for diurnal storm development across this region on Monday.

    …D5/Tuesday…
    Extended-range guidance is in reasonably good agreement that a cold
    front will move southward across the lower Great Lakes into New
    England on Tuesday. Favorable low-level moisture and strong
    instability could support severe-storm potential along the front
    during the afternoon and evening. However, coverage of storms is
    currently uncertain, due to the lingering influence of the upper
    ridge, and a tendency for stronger large-scale ascent to be
    displaced well north of the front.

    The western upper trough is forecast to deamplify on Tuesday, with
    most guidance suggesting that mid/upper-level flow will tend to
    weaken downstream across the Great Plains and upper Midwest.
    However, strong to locally severe storms could again be possible
    near the front, which may begin to move northward across the central
    Plains as a warm front through the day.

    …D6/Wednesday – D8/Friday…
    Predictability begins to wane by the middle of next week regarding
    the evolution of synoptic features across the CONUS, though the same
    general pattern of a weak upper trough in the West and an upper
    ridge over the East may continue through at least Wednesday. In the
    absence of any apparent strong forcing mechanisms, organized severe
    potential (if any) may tend be focused near a convectively
    influenced front across parts of the Plains into the Midwest and
    Great Lakes.

    ..Dean.. 06/20/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS48 PTSD48 PRODUCT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jun 20, 2025 0730 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 200730

    Day 3 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0230 AM CDT Fri Jun 20 2025

    Valid 221200Z – 231200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM CENTRAL NE
    INTO NORTHWEST IA…THE EASTERN DAKOTAS…AND WESTERN/CENTRAL MN…

    …SUMMARY…
    Severe thunderstorms may develop on Sunday from parts of the central
    and northern Plains into the upper Midwest.

    …Synopsis…
    A mid/upper-level shortwave trough and attendant jet maximum are
    forecast to move from the central Rockies towards the northern Great
    Plains on Sunday. A surface low will move from NE/SD northeast
    toward Lake Superior, as a trailing cold front moves through parts
    of the northern/central Plains. Downstream, an upper ridge will
    amplify further across the eastern CONUS through the day, as a
    shortwave trough initially over New England moves offshore.

    …Great Plains into the Upper Midwest…
    Strong to extreme instability is again forecast to develop
    along/ahead of the cold front across parts of the central/northern
    Plains into the Upper Midwest. Guidance generally suggests that
    stronger ascent and deep-layer flow associated with the ejecting
    mid/upper-level shortwave trough may lag behind the front, resulting
    in some uncertainty regarding the magnitude and coverage of the
    severe threat. However, strong diurnal heating will support
    potential for storm development in the vicinity of the front, and
    also southward along a surface trough into the central and perhaps
    southern High Plains.

    Given the magnitude of instability, deep-layer shear will be
    sufficient for some storm organization, with a few strong cells or
    clusters possible. A Slight Risk has been added from central NE into
    MN, where confidence is currently greatest in development of widely
    scattered strong to severe storms during the afternoon and evening.
    Convection may persist into late Sunday night, with an isolated
    severe threat spreading gradually eastward.

    Isolated severe storms will also be possible within the post-frontal
    regime across the central/northern High Plains, though guidance
    varies regarding the magnitude of MUCAPE in this region. High-based
    storms may develop into parts of the southern High Plains, with a
    threat of isolated strong to severe gusts.

    …Parts of the Northeast/New England…
    Guidance varies substantially regarding the strength/timing of the
    shortwave trough and related flow fields that will move across New
    England Sunday morning. Depending on the strength of the system and
    the evolution of convection on D2/Saturday, there is some potential
    for isolated strong to severe storms Sunday across the region, given
    the presence of increasing buoyancy and favorable deep-layer shear.
    A slower system could result in a more robust diurnal threat, while
    a faster system may confine the primary threat to the morning.

    ..Dean.. 06/20/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS03 PTSDY3 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 3 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1930Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jun 20, 2025 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 200604

    Day 2 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0104 AM CDT Fri Jun 20 2025

    Valid 211200Z – 221200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FOR PARTS OF THE
    NORTHERN GREAT LAKES INTO NY AND NORTHERN PA…

    …SUMMARY…
    Strong to locally severe storms are possible Saturday from the
    northern Great Plains into the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes.

    …Synopsis…
    A deep mid/upper-level trough will move gradually eastward across
    the western CONUS on Saturday, as an embedded shortwave trough moves
    from parts ID/MT into the Canadian Prairies. A surface low initially
    over the northern Plains is forecast to move northeast through the
    day, with a secondary surface low expected to develop along a cold
    front across the central High Plains during the evening.

    Downstream, a mid/upper-level shortwave trough (possibly augmented
    by D1/Friday MCS development) is generally forecast to move from the
    northern Great Lakes toward New England.

    …Great Lakes into the Northeast…
    An MCS will likely be ongoing Saturday morning across parts of the
    northern Great Lakes, with other areas of elevated convection
    possible farther south across lower MI. While there is some
    uncertainty regarding MCS timing, some damaging-wind and hail threat
    would accompany this system and any other robust morning convection
    before spreading into Ontario.

    The convectively augmented shortwave trough associated with the
    potential MCS may continue to impinge upon the northeast periphery
    of an expanding instability reservoir. Even if the morning MCS
    weakens or stays in Canada, strong to potentially severe storms may
    spread southward out of Ontario into the lower Great Lakes region,
    and/or develop within a low-level warm advection regime. Damaging
    winds may be the most common hazard, though low-level shear/SRH may
    become sufficient for a localized tornado threat as well. Convection
    may continue into late Saturday night with at least an isolated
    severe threat.

    Farther west, there is some potential for isolated storm development
    during the afternoon/evening across the northern Great Lakes
    vicinity, within a conditionally favorable environment. However,
    with large-scale ascent expected to remain rather nebulous in the
    wake of the departing MCS and shortwave trough, confidence is
    currently low regarding this scenario.

    …Northern Plains into the Upper Midwest…
    While there is some lingering uncertainty regarding the influence of
    D1/Friday convection, strong to extreme buoyancy is likely to again
    develop across parts of the northern Plains and Upper Midwest, along
    and east of the cold front. However, very warm temperatures aloft
    and generally weak large-scale ascent may tend to suppress storm
    development across much of the strongly unstable warm sector. Strong
    heating could support isolated development across parts of
    NE/SD/eastern ND into northern MN near the surface low and front,
    which would conditionally pose a severe threat given the favorable
    parameter space.

    Farther northwest, guidance continues to vary regarding the
    magnitude of instability from eastern MT/northern WY into the
    western Dakotas. Strong morning convection will be possible across
    eastern MT, and some redevelopment may occur during the
    afternoon/evening, depending on the extent to which the departing MT
    shortwave trough can impinge upon favorable instability. A supercell
    or two will be possible, with a localized threat for all severe
    hazards.

    ..Dean.. 06/20/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1730Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Disability Equality Plan published

    Source: Scottish Government

    £2.5 million investment to drive change across Scotland.

    A Disability Equality Plan launched today, backed by £2.5 million investment, will improve the lives of disabled people across Scotland and put their experiences and concerns at the heart of policymaking.

    The funding, an increase of £2 million, recognises the significant challenges and barriers disabled people continue to face.

    The plan reflects a government-wide commitment to ensure that the voices and experiences of disabled people are considered from the beginning.

    Key actions include:

    • improved mental health support tailored to disabled people
    • expanded access to advice and support services
    • training for policymakers and leaders to build understanding of the issues facing disabled people
    • an annual Cabinet Takeover, giving disabled people a direct platform to speak to Ministers

    Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said:

    “Disabled people are facing unprecedented hardship, deepening poverty and increasing social isolation. Years of austerity, the cost of living crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic have not helped and services need to be equipped to respond to these challenges. 

    “I am firmly opposed to the UK Government’s proposed reforms to social security and deeply concerned about the effects they will have on disabled people, people with long-term health conditions and unpaid carers. The UK Government’s own analysis estimates these will push a further 250,000 people across the UK, including 50,000 children, into poverty.

    “We will not mirror these changes. We are committed to safeguarding our Adult Disability Payment and upholding the dignity and rights of disabled people. Our approach is rooted in dignity, fairness and respect – not austerity- and the UK Government should follow our lead and protect the social security safety system, rather than dismantling it.

    “Scotland is showing that a better way is possible. The increased funding for the plan I am announcing today will build on our human rights-based approach to strengthen vital support and services for disabled people.

    “I want to thank all the organisations that have worked tirelessly to help shape this plan. Their insight and leadership have laid the foundation for lasting change.  We are committed to working with disabled people and their organisations, upholding the principle of ‘nothing about us, without us’. I am confident that Scotland can become a country where disabled people truly thrive.”

    Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Disability Alliance Tressa Burke said:

    “This funding from the Scottish Government is a win for the collective action of disabled people and our allies. We are grateful to everyone who took part in our campaign Disabled People Demand Justice and commend the Scottish Government for responding positively. But it is a small step, when we need big leaps; poverty and inequality experienced by disabled people remain at unacceptable levels, and we need both the Scottish Government and the UK Government to urgently invest in disabled peoples’ lives to deliver dignity and justice.”

    Chief Executive Officer of Inclusion Scotland Heather Fisken said:

    “This plan and related actions are a welcome step forward, but these will only be successful if it is properly resourced and if it there is accountability of delivery. We want this accountability to be led by disabled peoples’ organisations and disabled people themselves – genuine partnership between our organisations and the Scottish Government requires honesty and scrutiny, and that will be our focus going forward.”

    Chief Executive Officer of Disability Equality Scotland Lyn Pornaro said:

    “This shows the power of disabled peoples’ campaigning, and is a step in the right direction, but our campaigning work to deliver justice for disabled people will continue. This includes making sure that both the Scottish Government and the UK Government deliver dignity, security, and human rights for disabled people – that requires investing in our communities and including services- not cutting the support we rely on.”

    Background

    Disability Equality Plan – gov.scot

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish HealthTech delegation heads to Japan

    Source: Scottish Government

    Promoting Scotland’s innovation and international partnerships in health technology.

    A delegation from Scotland’s world-leading health technology sector, led by Health Secretary Neil Gray, will visit Japan next week to strengthen trade and innovation ties and promote Scottish expertise on the global stage.

    The trade mission will showcase Scotland’s strengths in digital health and life sciences at a series of events, including Japan Health 2025 in Osaka and a programme at the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025.

    Organised by the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, the visit aims to raise international awareness of Scotland’s health innovation ecosystem, build long-term relationships with Japanese industry partners, encourage inward investment and share best practice in global healthcare collaboration.

    Scotland has a long history of medical innovation – from the invention of the hypodermic syringe to pioneering the use of artificial intelligence in diagnostics. Today, the country is home to one of Europe’s most dynamic life sciences clusters, driven by collaboration between government, academia, and industry.

    As part of the mission, the Scottish delegation will visit Canon Medical Systems Inc. in Tokyo – a key partner in Scotland’s growing medtech network – to explore opportunities for deeper technical cooperation. The visit will also feature panel discussions and networking events at the British Embassy in Tokyo and the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025, showcasing Scotland as a strategic partner in global health innovation.

    Health Secretary Neil Gray said:

    “Scotland has earned a strong international reputation for pioneering health technologies that improve outcomes and enhance care.

    “This trade mission is an opportunity to demonstrate our strengths to new audiences, deepen our relationships with Japanese innovators and investors, and share how Scotland’s integrated approach to healthcare and innovation is delivering real-world benefits. By supporting Scotland’s healthcare innovation sector we can help to encourage the kind of technologies that will ultimately benefit patients in Scotland.

    “Strengthening international partnerships like this supports economic growth, attracts inward investment and jobs, and ultimately helps us tackle some of the biggest challenges facing health systems at home and across the world.”

    Managing Director of International Operations at Scottish Enterprise, Reuben Aitken said:

    “Life sciences and healthtech generate over £10 billion annually for the Scottish economy and international events such as Expo 2025 provide opportunities for trade, export, and collaboration across these key industries. The companies heading to Japan are at the forefront of their fields in medical devices, AI and robotics. They are exhibiting their products and connecting with new markets in Japan. Our analysis from our previous Expo 2025 trade mission has forecast sales worth over £7 million and here at Scottish Enterprise we’re continuing to back ambitious companies to internationalise.”

    Managing Director of Talking Mats Ltd, Margo Mackay said:

    “Talking Mats Ltd is delighted to be travelling to Japan with the support of Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government. We look forward to extending our partnership with SDM Japan; networking with peers in healthtech and forging wider connections at Expo and Japan Health. Talking Mats’ ambition is to grow our community internationally and supply innovative solutions to support our vision of accessible and inclusive communication for all. We see Asia as a key market for expansion.”

    Background

    Key engagements in Mr Gray’s programme will include:

    • Leading Scotland’s presence at Expo Osaka:
      • Delivering a keynote speech on ‘Scotland’s health system and legacy of innovation’
      • Sitting as a panellist on ‘bridging innovation between Japan and Scotland – a collaborative future’
      • Chairing a company pitching session
      • Hosting a networking reception
    • Visit to Canon Medical Systems Inc.
    • Meeting the Japanese Ministry of Health to discuss the shared challenges of caring for a growing ageing population and understand possible areas for collaboration.
    • A keynote address at Japan Health on Scotland’s health system overview and Scotland’s legacy on innovation
    • A keynote address at the Global Healthcare Challenge on health longevity society in Scotland

    The healthtech mission follows the first ‘Scotland Day’ in April, when a delegation of companies from the gaming and consumer industries took part in Expo 2025 Japan organised by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government on the UK Pavilion. This activity helped Scottish companies access new markets, strengthen trading relationships and build international networks. Feedback from the gaming start-ups was positive as they were able to explore new markets in Japan and generate new business leads with early data from consumer-focused companies forecasting sales of over £7 million. A third event, focusing on offshore wind, will take place in September.

    Further information on Scotland’s healthtech presence at Expo.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Uneven HPV uptake in some areas increases cervical cancer risk

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Uneven HPV uptake in some areas increases cervical cancer risk

    UKHSA data shows inequalities in HPV vaccination uptake in different areas and regions across the country

    As Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness week begins, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns that variations in geographical coverage of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in adolescents across England is leaving young women in some areas with less protection against cervical and some other cancers.

    Despite the opportunities to eliminate cervical cancer, the latest UKHSA HPV coverage data in adolescents 2023 to 2024 shows inequalities in vaccination uptake in different areas and regions across the country:

    • HPV coverage for female year 10 students by NHS commissioning region was lowest in London (64.9%) and highest in the South East (82.7%)
    • HPV coverage for male year 10 students by NHS commissioning region was lowest in London (58.9%) and highest in the South East (77.3%)
    • HPV coverage for female year 10 students at local authority level ranged from 38.7% (Lambeth) to 97.6% (Northumberland)
    • HPV coverage for male year 10 students at local authority level ranged from 28.2% (Lambeth) to 92.2% (West Berkshire)

    Data provided by Cancer Research UK on Cervical cancer incidence statistics report that rates in England are 65% higher in the most deprived quintile compared with the least.

    Research has shown that receiving the HPV vaccine before age 16 provides significantly stronger immune responses and greater protection against HPV-related cancers. While early vaccination is optimal, getting a HPV vaccination later as part of the catch-up programme still provides strong protection against HPV-related cancers.

    For those who missed their school HPV vaccinations in year 8 and 9, catch-up options remain available and are highly effective. Anyone who missed their HPV vaccination, now just a single jab, can still receive it for free until their 25th birthday through their GP surgery; this also applies to boys born after 1 September 2006.

    HPV vaccinations are also offered to boys in school in year 8 and 9, and similarly help protect them against HPV infection and its complications, including genital warts, head and neck cancers (which includes mouth and throat) and genital cancers. But boys also have an important role to play in helping eliminate cervical cancer by being vaccinated and not passing on the HPV virus when they become sexually active.

    Dr Sharif Ismail, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:

    The HPV vaccine, now just a single dose offered in schools, is one of the most powerful tools we have for cancer prevention. Every vaccination represents a young person with better protection against the devastating impact of HPV-related cancers and we must do more to ensure that no teenage girl or boy, young woman or man is denied that protection no matter where they live.

    Although we have seen some increase in the number of young people being vaccinated, uptake is still well below pre-Covid pandemic levels. Over a quarter of young people, many thousands, are missing out on this potentially life-saving vaccine, which protects not only against cervical cancer but all young adults, men and women, against genital warts and some genital cancers, as well as mouth and throat cancers.

    We’re calling on all parents to return their children’s HPV vaccination consent forms promptly. This simple action could protect your child from developing cancer in the future. For young adults up to age 25, who missed their school vaccinations, please speak to your GP about catch-up options. It’s never too late to get protected. 

    And it’s important to stress that even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine, it’s vital you still attend your cervical screening appointments when invited. Both vaccination and screening together give you your best chance of protection against cervical cancer.

    While the HPV vaccine provides excellent protection, attending cervical screening appointments remains crucial, regardless of vaccination status. Screening can detect abnormal cells before they develop into cancer, allowing for early treatment and prevention.

    Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said:

    Thanks to the power of research and the efforts of NHS staff, a future where almost nobody gets cervical cancer is in sight. This progress hinges on people’s access to 2 lifesaving offers: HPV vaccination and screening. Together, they give the best protection against the disease.

    Latest data reveals an unequal uptake of the HPV vaccine across England, highlighting the need for local authorities and health services to work together and improve access to these lifesaving opportunities. Beating cervical cancer means beating it for everyone, so I encourage all parents and guardians to ensure young people don’t miss out on getting the HPV vaccine. And if you receive your cervical screening invite, don’t ignore it.

    Dr Amanda Doyle OBE, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said: 

    The NHS HPV vaccination programme has already helped save thousands of lives and we need to go further to boost uptake of HPV vaccines and cervical screening to help eliminate cervical cancer in England by 2040.

    If we can ensure that almost every Year 10 girl in some areas is protected and extremely unlikely to ever develop cervical cancer, we need to match this in every part of the country. It’s vital for boys and young men to be vaccinated too. Rates in boys still lag behind girls and HPV causes thousands of cancers in men as well as things like genital warts. 

    I would urge all parents to give their consent for their child to be vaccinated and it’s important to remember that those that remain unvaccinated and have left school can still get vital protection by contacting their GP practice to catch up before their 25th birthday. With vaccination being just one dose, it is easier than ever to ensure young people get protection.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: May 2025 Transaction Data

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    May 2025 Transaction Data

    This data provides information about the number and types of applications that HM Land Registry completed in May 2025.

    NicoElNino/Shutterstock.com

    Please note this data shows what HM Land Registry has been able to process during the time period covered and is not necessarily a reflection of market activity.

    In May:

    • HM Land Registry completed over 1,817,910 applications to change or query the Land Register 
    • the South East topped the table of regional applications with 412,654

    HM Land Registry completed 1,817,911 applications in May compared with 1,811,924 in April 2025 and 1,948,692 last May 2024, of which: 

    • 265,402 were applications for register updates compared with 285,129 in April
    • 1,069,738 were applications for an official copy of a register compared with 1,058,989 in April
    • 8172,964 were search and hold queries (official searches) compared with 158,279 in April
    • 80,298 were transactions for value compared with 78,380 in April
    • 13,557 were postal applications from non-account holders compared with 14,592 in April

    Applications by region and country 

    Region/country March applications April applications May applications
    South East 444,651 408,047 412,654
    Greater London 370,483 336,247 342,449
    North West 227,167 208,094 207,014
    South West 191,416 174,721 174,774
    West Midlands 169,372 155,674 153,174
    Yorkshire and the Humber 157,393 145,196 144,125
    East Midlands 145,134 133,700 133,949
    North 96,664 90,391 90,354
    East Anglia 84,604 77,323 77,428
    Isles of Scilly 77 53 71
    Wales 87,088 82,370 81,787
    England and Wales (not assigned) 106 108 132
    Total 1,974,155 1,811,924 1,817,911

    Top 5 local authority areas 

    May 2025 applications

    Top 5 local authority areas May applications
    Birmingham 27,667
    City of Westminster 23,786
    Buckinghamshire 20,870
    Leeds 20,414
    North Yorkshire 19,813

    Top 5 customers 

    May 2025 applications

    Top 5 customers May applications
    Infotrack Limited 197,903
    Enact 33,244
    Landmark Information Group Ltd 32,702
    O’Neill Patient 30,085
    Orbital Witness Limited 24,884

    Access the full dataset on our Use land and property data service.

    Next publication 

    Transaction Data is published on the 15th working day of each month. The June 2025 data will be published at 11am on Monday 21 July 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recommendations from gender inequality and poverty study to be reviewed

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    The findings and recommendations of the Scottish Women’s Budget Group Study on Gender Inequality and Poverty in Aberdeen are to be reviewed after the results were discussed at last week’s (11 June) Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee.

    The Scottish Women’s Budget Group were commissioned by the committee to explore the impact of poverty and gender inequality on women and their families and subsequently identify solutions that could address these issues.

    Heather Williams, Training Lead, Scottish Women’s Budget Group said: “Many of the challenges identified highlight interlinked structural barriers that women face. Caring responsibilities, social security, work, transport, health and housing were all highlighted as significant issues for women in Aberdeen these impact on the choices and options available to them and cause gender inequality.

    “We look forward to seeing what action Aberdeen City Council will take to address the issues highlighted.”

    Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “The Scottish Women’s Budget Group should be commended for their work on this study and I wish to thank them and all those who participated in the research project.

    “The Council will now look at the comprehensive findings and recommendations and hope to implement solutions to some of the issues with gender inequality and poverty that women across Aberdeen are currently facing.”

    Anti-Poverty and Inequality Vice-Convener Councillor Desmond Buchanan said: “The recommendations and findings from this study will go a long way in helping to shape future policies and decision making processes across the Council and is a great example of partnership working that will make a difference.”

    The project included a number of different research methods to enable researchers to hear a range of views from those who have experience of living on a low income, those who work in organisations that provide support, as well as those who have experienced both.

    The methods included:

    • Steering Group – 9 women from a wide range of backgrounds met nine times during the study to discuss a number of different topics.
    • Online survey – circulated online during November and December 2024.
    • Focus groups – worked with a number of community organisations to run small focus groups that targeted specific groups.
    • Community events – events organised to engage directly with women.

    The report presents 116 recommendations across four themes: care and caring (childcare and unpaid care), Safety (violence against women/community safety), welfare/benefits and health and wellbeing (accessing support and health).

    Of the 116 recommendations, 96 are to Aberdeen City Council and the other 19 are to the Aberdeen Health and Social Care Partnership, Scottish and UK Government, Police Scotland and the Financial Services Ombudsman.

    A response to the findings and recommendations of the Scottish Women’s Budget Group study will be brought to the Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee meeting on 26th November 2025.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greater Norwich Local Plan Wins Top Regional Planning Award

    Source: City of Norwich

    The Greater Norwich Local Plan (GNLP) has been named Local Plan of the Year at the prestigious Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) East of England Awards, held this week.

    The accolade recognises the plan’s outstanding contribution to shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for the sub-region.

    In a further celebration of local planning excellence, the Planning Team at South Norfolk and Broadland District Councils received a Highly Commended award in the Planning Team of the Year category—highlighting their innovation, dedication, and collaborative approach.

    This regional success follows national recognition just last week, when the GNLP was Highly Commended at the Planning Awards 2025, cementing its reputation as a leading example of strategic, community-focused planning.

    Both awards celebrate excellence in planning and placemaking, honouring projects that demonstrate innovation, impact, and strong cross-sector collaboration.

    Councillor Daniel Elmer, Chair of the Greater Norwich Development Partnership and Leader of South Norfolk Council, said: “An enormous amount of hard work went into creating this plan, and the teams across all of the councils involved should feel incredibly proud. Being recognised in these awards is a remarkable achievement—and a clear testament to the strength of our partnership. Congratulations to all of our planners who are helping shape the future of Greater Norwich.”

    Adopted in March 2024, the GNLP was developed by the Greater Norwich Development Partnership, comprising Broadland District Council, Norwich City Council, and South Norfolk Council, with support from Norfolk County Council and the Broads Authority.

    The plan sets out a bold and strategic vision for growth across Broadland, Norwich, and South Norfolk—aligning housing delivery with low-carbon economic development, environmental stewardship, infrastructure investment, and climate resilience.

    For nearly two decades, this voluntary partnership has provided a stable and trusted platform for delivering joined-up, strategic planning—making the GNLP a model for sub-regional plan-making in line with the government’s emphasis on collaborative planning.

    The GNLP will now be put forward for the RTPI national final, with finalists announced later this year.

    For more information about the Greater Norwich Local Plan and the partnership, please visit gnlp.org.uk

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Improving mental health nursing care

    Source: Scottish Government

    Review recommendations will benefit patients, staff and students.

    People affected by mental health issues can expect higher and more consistent standards of care following the publication of Scotland’s Mental Health Nursing Review.

    The Review outlines ways to enhance and further support the mental health nursing profession. The paper was developed by mental health nurses and students, academics, with support from carers and people accessing mental health nursing care.

    The Review makes a total of 24 recommendations including:

    • ensuring people accessing services have meaningful involvement in their mental health nursing care
    • improving support for newly qualified mental health nurses and sharing best practice
    • considering specific education needs for rural and island settings
    • improving access to post-registration learning for mental health nurses across all sectors

    A new Mental Health Nursing Review Implementation Group will be established to ensure effective collaboration, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of the Review actions.

    Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said:

    “Through their expert care, compassion and dedication, mental health nursing staff make a significant and positive impact to people’s health and wellbeing every day.

    “The Review focuses on their unique role, and it will ensure the profession is supported and empowered to drive the enhancement of mental health and wellbeing services now, and in the future.

    “I want to thank all the mental health nursing staff and students, academics, carers and those people accessing care who engaged with and supported this work.

    “I am looking forward to working collaboratively to deliver the ambition of ensuring Scotland is the best place for mental health nursing to flourish and where people live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.”

    Chair of Scotland’s first Mental Health Nursing Review, former Chief Nursing Officer, Professor Alex McMahon said:

    “It has been an honour as a mental health nurse to have chaired the review and to have heard from mental health nurses and those that represent people who use services across Scotland. The report and its recommendations, mean that patients and mental health nurses who deliver services now and, in the future, will benefit from the reforms.

    “It will be important to ensure these recommendations are implemented, and one aspiration I and others share is that we will attract and retain even more people into undergraduate nursing degree programmes. I believe being a mental health nurse, is one of the best and most fulfilling careers you can chose.”

    Mark Richards, Associate Chief Nursing Officer said:

    “Our Mental Health Nursing Review highlights the vital role mental health nurses play in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland. During our work on the Review, we heard that mental health nurses are at the heart of care delivery and that their relational expertise often has a transformational impact on people’s lives. Mental health nurses told us they are proud of the work they do. They strive every day to deliver compassionate, high-quality care, and to work with people who need expert support to enable recovery and promote wellbeing.  

    “This Review is important in advancing the contribution of mental health nurses and will help ensure we have a profession that is skilled, well supported and sustainable – now and for many years to come. It was collectively produced by our mental health nurses in Scotland, and I look forward to us working together to deliver our ambitions.”  

    Darren Fullarton, Associate Nurse Director for NHS Ayrshire and Arran and Chair of the Mental Health Nurse Leads Group for Scotland, said:

    “The national review of mental health nursing recognises and celebrates the important role that mental health nurses play in their support and compassionate care for people experiencing mental health issues. 

    “The National Mental Health Nurse Lead Group are delighted to have had the opportunity to support this significant piece of work which captures views from those with lived experience, families and carers and from mental health nurses themselves to develop an ambitious vision for mental health nurses that exemplifies our commitment to care, compassion and connection.”

    Background

    The Mental Health Nursing Review commenced in 2024 and was a key action within the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy’s  Workforce Action plan.

    Mental health and wellbeing strategy – delivery plan and workforce action plan: progress update and next steps – gov.scot

    Mental health and wellbeing strategy – gov.scot

    Mental health and wellbeing : workforce action plan 2023-2025 – gov.scot

    1. The Ministerial Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce – Ministerial Scottish Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce: report and recommended actions – gov.scot

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Refugee Week: Scotland must stand up for refugees

    Source: Scottish Greens

    20 Jun 2025 Human Rights

    More in Human Rights

    The Scottish Government must challenge the UK Labour Government’s plans to extend refugee camps and displace people living in hotels, say the Scottish Greens.

    Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs, Angus Robertson, calling on him to use his influence to make it clear that Scotland believes the UK Government’s plans for migrant camps are morally wrong.

    The SNP wrote to Westminster last year while the Conservatives were still in power, making clear its position in favour of using hotels over “large sites” such as camps or boats. In the letter, the Scottish Government described these as “unsuitable and entirely counter to integration principles.”

    In her letter to Angus Robertson, Maggie has called on the Scottish Government to stand “firmly and vocally” against these plans, to maintain Scotland’s history as a welcoming, compassionate country for people rebuilding their lives after fleeing their home country.

    Maggie said:

    “We must not surrender to the normalisation of anti-migrant hate. The majority of Scots want to live in a welcoming country, one that values people and community over scapegoating and exclusion.

    “If the Scottish Government means what it says, that it wants to lead a progressive Scotland, then they must show it. It is time they stick to their words, represent the people of Scotland, and tell the UK Labour Government that we say “not in our name” to unsafe, dehumanising camps.

    “Since dropping the commitment to introduce a Human Rights Bill for Scotland, the Scottish Government has to work hard to build back trust and show they really do stand up for people’s freedoms. The bare minimum they must do is prove that they are a cut above this spineless UK Labour Government.

    Text of letter sent by Maggie Chapman to Angus Robertson, Cab Sec for External Affairs

    Dear Angus,

    Scotland has a long history of being a warm and welcoming home to the millions who live here. We have tried to uphold the principles of belonging and sanctuary in the Scottish Parliament, and you and I have both welcomed all that Scotland has done to protect the most vulnerable, including those seeking refuge here.

    It is these shared values that prompt me to write to you today. As Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs and a proud representative of Scotland’s Parliament, I urge you to stand firmly and vocally against the UK Government’s proposals to displace refugees into asylum camps. Refugees have the same rights to dignity, respect and safety as everyone else. And asylum seekers, those fleeing persecution and violence, have the right to seek sanctuary and safety here. The proposed camps are in no way a solution to the issues of underfunded public services, the housing emergency or anti-social behaviour, for which immigrants and refugees are too often blamed.

    It is not certain that these camps would save public money, and even if they do, they are still wrong – in terms of human rights and ethics. The human and social costs of these camps: disruption to local communities, increased threats to those forced into the camps, and negative mental health effects for those made unnecessarily vulnerable, cannot be justified.

    Less than a year ago asylum hotels were attacked. Bricks and mortar served there as something to protect those inside, but they should be protected by a government who stands for them. Shirley-Anne Somerville wrote to the UK Government last year and made clear that the Scottish Government does not support using large sites, such as camps, to house refugees. I ask that you reaffirm that belief, and that you make it clear to this new UK Government.

    The best thing that can be done to support asylum seekers out of hotels is to lower their barriers to integrating into society. From cruel policies like No Recourse to Public Funds and preventing access to work to lack of access to legal aid and other public services, asylum seekers are not supported to contribute to our society, never mind recover from the trauma they will have experienced before arriving in the UK. Asylum seekers want to contribute to public life but are being held back by policies crafted by those who most vocally criticise their inability to give back to the UK.

    The majority of people support the UK being a safe haven for refugees. If we allow other narratives to dominate, we risk stoking the far-right tide that your own party has claimed is a threat to Scotland as we know it. You have the power to stand for something better.

    This is a test of our principles and values. If we do not choose to stand for and with the most vulnerable, then we fail our moral duty as politicians to ensure Scotland is on the right side of history.

    I look forward to your response.

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  • ECB unveils Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy ahead of India’s series in England

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Thursday unveiled the new Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy ahead of India’s five-match series in England, which begins on June 20. Both legends were present at the unveiling ceremony. The trophy features imagery of James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar in action, along with their engraved signatures.

    The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy is a joint initiative between the ECB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and will replace the previous trophies awarded in bilateral series — the Pataudi Trophy in England and the Anthony De Mello Trophy in India.

    While the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy replaces the historic Pataudi Trophy, the legacy of the Pataudi family will continue through a newly instituted accolade — the Pataudi Medal — which will now be awarded to the winning captain of the England-India Test series.

    Legends Who Redefined the Game

    James Anderson, England’s premier fast bowler, brought his illustrious Test career to a close last year following a five-match series against India. Over 188 Tests, Anderson took a remarkable 704 wickets — the third-highest in Test history. Against India, he was particularly effective, taking 149 wickets in 39 Tests at an average of 25.47, including six five-wicket hauls.

    “It’s a proud moment for me and my family to have this iconic series named after Sachin and myself,” Anderson said. “The rivalry between our two nations has always been something special — full of history, intensity, and unforgettable moments. To be recognised in this way is a real honour.”

    India’s batting maestro, Sachin Tendulkar, remains the highest run-scorer in Test cricket with 15,921 runs, including 51 centuries, from 200 matches — a milestone yet to be matched. Tendulkar’s record against England is equally impressive, with 2,535 runs at an average of 51.73, and a top score of 193 at Headingley — which is set to host one of the upcoming Tests.

    “For me, Test cricket embodies life — you give your best, and if things go wrong, it gives you another day to regroup, think, unlearn, and bounce back,” Tendulkar said. “India and England have played a big role in shaping Test cricket in a way that it remains an evolving inspiration for subsequent generations.”

    “And now, as I share this recognition with my on-field challenger and off-field gentleman James, I hope that the world celebrates the essence of Test cricket even more — allowing it to traverse boundaries yet untrodden”, the former cricketer added.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ofqual launches public consultation on apprenticeship assessment regulation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Ofqual launches public consultation on apprenticeship assessment regulation

    Ofqual launches consultation on new regulatory framework for apprenticeship assessments, seeking views from employers, providers and apprentices.

    Ofqual is today launching a public consultation seeking views on its proposed approach to regulating apprenticeship assessments, including those for foundation apprenticeship assessments.

    The consultation, titled “Regulatory framework for apprenticeship assessment”, invites awarding organisations, colleges and training providers, employers and apprentices to comment on the future regulatory framework.

    The framework has been developed to reflect the new apprenticeship assessment principles published by the Department for Education earlier this year. It has been designed to accommodate the new apprenticeship assessment plans being put in place by Skills England.

    The proposed framework would allow awarding organisations more flexibility in assessment design and delivery to enable them to be more responsive to the needs of employers. This includes greater responsibility for decisions about how assessments are structured, delivered and marked.

    Ofqual will regulate both the assessments and the awarding organisations that develop and deliver them.

    Catherine Large, Executive Director for Vocational and Technical Qualifications at Ofqual, said:

    We want to hear from everyone with an interest in apprenticeships to ensure our regulatory approach is effective, proportionate and supports the development of valid and reliable assessment.

    Ofqual understands the significance of potential changes to the current end point assessment model, and the important role that employers and providers play in the system. We are working to ensure quality is upheld throughout this transition.

    The consultation opens on Friday 20 June and will run until Wednesday 27 August.

    Interested parties can contribute by completing the online consultation form available on GOV.UK or by emailing their responses directly to consultations@ofqual.gov.uk.

    Following the consultation, Ofqual will publish a summary of responses and outline next steps for implementing the regulatory framework.

    Background information:

    1. Ofqual is the independent qualifications regulator for England.

    2. The Department for Education is responsible for the introduction and overall implementation of the reform to apprenticeships, including the assessment principles.

    3. Skills England is responsible for the streamlining of assessment plans and ensuring that the views of employers are represented.

    4. The consultation document is available here at GOV.UK.

    5. Subject to the outcome of this consultation, Ofqual will consult later in 2025 on the detail of the rules and guidance that will put our proposals into effect.  

    6. For further information, please contact the Ofqual press office on 0300 303 3344 or press.office@ofqual.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AI model developed to unlock the potential of satellite imagery for land cover mapping A research team led by the University of Aberdeen has developed a pioneering AI model to improve accuracy and reduce computational time in land cover mapping, particularly for vegetation.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Dr Anshuman Bhardwaj (left), Baoling Gui (centre) and Dr Lydia Sam

    A research team led by the University of Aberdeen has developed a pioneering AI model to improve accuracy and reduce computational time in land cover mapping, particularly for vegetation.
    Detailed understanding of land cover, topographical features, and how land is used is central to tackling climate change impacts, food security, and sustainability.
    Traditional vegetation mapping methods analyse satellite images pixel by pixel, which can be inefficient and prone to error – especially in diverse or complex terrains.
    The new model developed by the research team, SAGRNet (Sampling and Attention-based Graph Convolutional Residual Network), uses advanced deep learning techniques to classify vegetation types with greater speed and accuracy. It can analyse entire landscape objects—such as fields and forests—providing better understanding of the shape, context, and relationships within the landscape, leading to more reliable and scalable mapping.
    The study is published in the ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, the official journal of International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.
    SAGRNet was developed using satellite images covering the diverse landscape of north-east Scotland to sufficiently facilitate result validation.
    The study focuses on areas comprising woodlands, farmlands, and grasslands situated adjacent to other landcover classes such as built-up areas and water, located in and around Aberdeen, Dundee, and the Highlands.
    To further evaluate the generalisation capability of the proposed SAGRNet model, the team conducted additional experiments across five globally distributed urban fringe areas: Guangzhou (China), Durban (South Africa), Sydney (Australia), New York City (United States), and Porto Alegre (Brazil). These areas were carefully selected to represent diverse ecological backgrounds, vegetation structures, urbanisation intensities, and land cover complexities, providing a robust basis for assessing the transferability of the model.
    SAGRNet, which has been made openly available, could help decision-makers to quickly visualise and understand the impact of major events such as floods, forest fires, drought or heavy rainfall on large areas of land as well as the crops they produce.
    Project lead Dr Lydia Sam, Lecturer in Geosciences at the University of Aberdeen, said: “Accurate dimensional and topographic information on arable land is the foundation for further developing sustainable land management strategies. We have a multitude of earth observation satellites in orbit today providing images of our planet at very high resolutions. Models like SAGRNet provide a comprehensive vegetation mapping and characterisation framework, allowing users to unlock the true potential of their imagery data.
    “Our system of deep learning algorithms can immediately and accurately recognise the different types of land cover, vegetation or crops in an area.
    “This method addresses the inefficiencies of current systems by improving accuracy and reducing computational time, which is critical in responding to global challenges like climate change, deforestation, and food scarcity.”
    Dr Anshuman Bhardwaj, Senior Lecturer in Geosciences at the University and co-lead of the project, added: “Our model is quite transferrable and can even provide rapid and accurate answers to questions about how the landscape has changed.
    “This is vital for further understanding the impact of climate change from coastal erosions and landslips to shifts in plant or crop distribution.
    “It can also be used to monitor crop growth to facilitate more accurate harvest predictions or to look at how crops grown in a particular area have changed over time and to make better informed decisions of the sustainability of land use.
    “Our study lays a solid foundation for real-world applications in land monitoring, agriculture, and environmental management.”
    PhD student and research assistant on the project Baoling Gui added: “SAGRNet is suitable for integration into large-scale applications such as land resource surveys, ecological monitoring platforms, national land cover mapping programs, and environmental change analysis frameworks.”
    The project was funded by the BBSRC International Institutional Award scheme, in which the Aberdeen team worked in collaboration with international partners including Dr Diego Soto Gómez, University of Burgos (Spain), Dr Félix González Peñaloza, Evenor-Tech (Spain) and Professor Manfred F. Buchroithner, Technische Universität Dresden (Germany). Dr. David R. Green, Reader in Geosciences at the University of Aberdeen was also involved in the development of the published research article.
    The project was funded by the BBSRC International Institutional Award (BB/Y514172/1)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Allocation of £1million for cost-of-living support approved

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    City initiatives that provide cost-of-living support will benefit from a share of £1million, after allocations were approved at last week’s (11 June) Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee.

    Organisations including Food Poverty Action Aberdeen (£271,197) AberNecessities (£175,242), Aberdeen Cyrenians (£48, 600) and Bethany Christian Church (£4,364) will all receive funding to help tackle issues such as infant formula shortages, food procurement and supporting vulnerable women.

    Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “A total of 14 initiatives will receive an allocation of £1million to help tackle poverty and alleviate the cost-of-living crisis.

    “The range of community groups and charities receiving funding will ensure that they can make a real difference within communities across Aberdeen.”

    Anti-Poverty and Inequality Vice-Convener Councillor Desmond Buchanan said: “We thank the External Advisors for undertaking this work on behalf of the committee to ensure the fair allocation of funding to organisations and initiatives across the city.  This approach further demonstrates what successful partnership working can achieve.”

    The committee’s External Advisors met to review potential recipients and agree on the allocation of the £1million funding.  The advisers also considered suggestions identified through the previous year’s Committee visits.

    Full list of allocated funding:

    • AberNecessities (support for underprivileged children), £161,113
    • AberNecessities (infant formula), £14,129
    • Food Poverty Action Aberdeen (food procurement), £271,197
    • Aberdeen City Council, Revenues & Benefits (winter clothing), £130,000
    • Aberdeen City Council, Revenues & Benefits (discretionary housing payments), £100,000
    • Aberdeen Cyrenians (Community Hub rent and energy costs), £48,600
    • Aberdeen Performing Arts (Christmas panto package for low income families), £10,000
    • Bethany Christian Church (supporting vulnerable women in Torry), £4,364
    • SCARF (fuel poverty), £95,000
    • Aberdeen Care and Repair (financial advice for elderly and disabled people and unpaid carers), £38,359
    • CFINE (Cash First infant formula). £12,000
    • CFINE (community pantries), £66,500
    • CFINE (SAFE financial advice outreach), £28,738
    • SHMU (poverty awareness), £20,000

    Phil Mackie, External Advisor said: “In developing the proposals, the External Advisors sought to strike a balance between allocating funds that can minimise harm by providing immediate support to those in need, whilst also supporting action that advocates for long-term systemic change.

    “This has not been without its challenges; for example, we recognise that this means reducing the level of direct support for people in the short term, but this is balanced by allocations that will help to reduce the overall need for support in the longer term.”

    As well as agreeing the Cost-of-living Fund allocations for 2025/26, the committee also reviewed a full year evaluation of the outcomes achieved from the Cost-of-Living Funding allocated for 2024/25 which highlighted the good work that the fund supported last year.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council’s High School Litter Initiative launched

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    A new Take Pride in Your City project is harnessing partnership working to tackle litter and raise recycling awareness at the city’s secondary schools.

    The beginning of the collaboration, between the Council’s Neighbourhood Services and Children & Families Services, has been marked with a litter pick led by St. Paul’s RC Academy staff and pupils.

    The Council’s Environment team are working with a pilot group of secondary schools, including St. Paul’s RC Academy and St. John’s RC Academy, by providing litter picking equipment, reviewing bin provision and ongoing advice.

    These actions are supporting school communities to lead their own events and activities which focus on litter and recycling while building on the work already being done by schools.

    Climate, Environment & Biodiversity Depute Convener Cllr Nadia El-Nakla said: “The Take Pride in Your City campaign is a call to take action on environmental issues that afflict our neighbourhoods, such as litter.  

    “The introduction of the High School Litter Initiative is yet another method being rolled out to tackle littering, and to foster the responsibility of keeping our streets & green spaces clean.

    “Considerable council resources go into regularly removing litter from our shared spaces. Litter is both unpleasant and negatively impacts our local environment. It also presents a missed opportunity for items to be recycled.”

    Children, Families & Communities Convener Cllr Stewart Hunter said: “A collaborative approach is vital in realising the positive effects we all want to see. Through litter prevention education, we can reach young people about the issues of littering at primary school level and continue as children transition into young adulthood.

    “I look forward to seeing this piloted in the city’s secondary schools bringing the equipment and advice to staff and pupils who are eager to get involved.”

    Disposing of items in any public open space is classed as littering and is a criminal offence.

    Offenders can be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £80 or potentially prosecuted, risking a fine of up to £2,500.

    More information about the Take Pride in Your City campaign is available on the Dundee City Council website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘I was in a semi-breaking-down sort of place’: new study sheds light on the emotional toll for emergency volunteers

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Natalie Roche, PhD Candidate, Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, La Trobe University

    Sergey Dolgikh/Getty Images

    In Australia, there are around 235,000 emergency service volunteers who help communities respond and recover after natural disasters and other traumatic events.

    These include volunteers with metropolitan and rural fire services and other rescue organisations.

    As natural disasters grow more frequent and severe with climate change we rely on these volunteers now more than ever. Yet volunteer numbers are shrinking.

    Our new research reveals an important but often hidden toll from natural disasters – the mental health of emergency service volunteers, who risk physical and emotional burnout.

    In our study, we interviewed 32 Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers. They told us they’re often not getting adequate support.

    Exposure to death

    Death is something commonly hidden behind clinical curtains. But for emergency service volunteers, exposure to dying and death is just part of the job. Death on jobs arrives unpredictably – on roads, in burned homes, after storms, floods and suicides.

    Given their work often takes place in the local community, victims are frequently known to the volunteer, which can further complicate grief. As one participant told us:

    You’re bound to come across someone you know, or someone you love at some point […] in a bad situation.

    Another recounted a colleague’s experience:

    It wasn’t until the next day that she found out that she actually knew the deceased person, but didn’t recognise them.

    Volunteers described often being first on scene to assist but not fully prepared for what they find. They recounted experiences including retrieving children who had drowned, watching people dying on the roadside, and finding burnt and maimed human remains.

    These encounters provoke intense emotional responses, from shock and sadness to feeling powerless and vulnerable. For many, feelings of helplessness and grief reverberate into everyday life. As one volunteer told us:

    I was in a semi-breaking-down sort of place […] having flashbacks […] struggling to hold emotions and do my day job.

    A lack of formal support

    We identified over-reliance on informal team support and individual resilience to cope with difficult emotions.

    Structured debriefs depended on leadership and team dynamics. Leaders with “tough it out” mindsets unintentionally perpetuated stigma around seeking help. One participant explained:

    People generally will just sit there and not talk about how they feel […] They’re feeling ashamed or embarrassed.

    The mindset of some teams seems to be that those who can’t manage the demands of the job should leave. One volunteer said:

    It’s mostly very hard and tough. But if you’re going to survive in the game, you gotta be hard.

    Support programs exist, but often focus on major disasters rather than the more everyday jobs. Referral depends on leaders flagging those seen as at-risk or individual volunteers asking for support. One participant explained:

    We do a debrief with peer support, but some people put on a brave face […] There needs to be more follow up.

    What’s more, support is sometimes difficult to access. One participant, a team leader, explained what happened when a volunteer in their team wasn’t coping:

    I called the mechanisms that [we] were told that we need to access. I’ve got somebody here that’s suicidal, nobody escalated it. I still hadn’t heard back six hours later.

    Importantly, our findings also highlighted that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. For some, peer support is a lifeline for processing experiences and building resilience, but not for others.

    Five women killed. And the peer support was all over us. You know, we got to the stage where it was ridiculous. We’ve had enough, we don’t want this. It re-traumatises people who want to move on.

    Support for emergency service volunteers isn’t one-size-fits-all.
    Ground Picture/Shutterstock

    Protecting those who protect us

    Talking to emergency service volunteers from only two organisations in one jurisdiction may limit the extent to which we can generalise our findings to other regions, countries or cultures.

    However, Victoria does have the second largest number of emergency service volunteers in Australia (behind New South Wales).

    Emergency service volunteers are extremely proud and passionate about serving their community and show up with care, calm and strength. But our findings show this comes at a personal cost, especially without the right supports.

    Volunteer exposure to death and dying must be recognised as a serious occupational health and safety issue, not just an emotional side effect of the job. We need proactive, not reactive reform if we want to recruit, retain and protect the people we count on in a crisis.

    Legislators and organisations should work collaboratively with emergency service volunteers to develop and implement responsive and consistent support services, culture and leadership.

    Without targeted, systemic and consistent support, we risk the future of our community-based emergency response. It’s time to protect those who protect us.

    If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. ‘I was in a semi-breaking-down sort of place’: new study sheds light on the emotional toll for emergency volunteers – https://theconversation.com/i-was-in-a-semi-breaking-down-sort-of-place-new-study-sheds-light-on-the-emotional-toll-for-emergency-volunteers-259145

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: SAPOL to transform firearms services

    Source: New South Wales – News

    South Australia Police (SAPOL) is transforming firearms services with the introduction of the South Australia Firearms Register (SAFR).

    The new system will enhance efficiency, security and accessibility, improving the experience for firearm owners, businesses and law enforcement.

    Officer in Charge of Firearms Branch, Superintendent Lauren Leverington said the system is anticipated to be operational mid-2026.

    “As we develop the new digital system, SAPOL is asking firearm licensees to provide us with feedback on their current user experience,” Superintendent Leverington said.

    Licensees who have registered their email address with SAPOL’s Firearms Branch will receive an email invitation to complete a survey. For those who haven’t registered, a participation link is available on the SAFR page on SAPOL’s website or is available here.

    “We encourage all licensees to participate and share their insights to help us improve our services,” Superintendent Leverington said.

    Plans for SAFR include offering 24-hour online access for 15 digitised firearm services for dealers and licence holders. This will expediate application processing and reduce wait times. Users will also benefit from improved visibility and tracking of their applications.

    “SAPOL recognises the community’s frustration with the current application processing times,” Superintendent Leverington said.

    “To address this in the short term, additional staff have been employed to manage the workload more efficiently.”

    Key benefits of SAFR include:

    • Faster processing – digital applications will be reviewed and processed more quickly, reducing wait times for both applicants and administrators.
    • Secure online payments – offering a more convenient way to pay.
    • Secure and centralised storage of all digital submissions and enhanced reporting and workload tracking for Firearms Branch
    • Built in validation to reduce errors through the use of mandatory fields to prevent incomplete or incorrect submissions.
    • Environmentally friendly through minimised use of paper, supporting sustainability goals.

    The SAFR initiative also forms part of the broader National Firearms Register (NFR) program. SAPOL is partnering with the Commonwealth and other states and territories to deliver unified and efficient firearms information in near real time across Australia.

    “SAFR is shaping the future of firearms services in South Australia by delivering a new system. Together with our Commonwealth partners, SAPOL aims to elevate safety standards and improve service across the firearms community,” Superintendent Leverington added.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police funeral to be held for Constable Keith Anthony Smith in Devonport

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police funeral to be held for Constable Keith Anthony Smith in Devonport

    Friday, 20 June 2025 – 3:00 pm.

    Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams has announced a police funeral for Constable Keith Anthony Smith will take place in Devonport on Friday, 27 June.
    The funeral will honour Constable Smith’s life and commemorate his 25 years of service with Tasmania Police.
    Commissioner Adams said Keith’s death was a traumatic and tragic event that has shocked Tasmania Police, and the broader community.
    “This week has been an incredibly difficult time for our Tasmania Police family, with the death of our respected and committed colleague, Constable Keith Smith,” she said.
    “Keith served with unwavering dedication and integrity, and his legacy will not be forgotten.”
    “For many Tasmania Police officers, Keith was more than a colleague – he was a friend, a mentor, and a true embodiment of what it means to serve.”
    The funeral will be held at 1pm on Friday in Devonport.
    At the request of Constable Smith’s family, the funeral is only open to family, friends, invited guests and police.
    Members of the public are asked to respect the family’s wishes for privacy and are asked not to attend the service itself.
    Immediately after the funeral, community members will be welcome to pay their respects by observing the guard of honour and funeral procession.
    Details of times and locations will be provided at a later date.
    Constable Smith was fatally shot on Monday, 16 June, while attending a rural property at North Motton in Tasmania’s north-west.
    A man has been charged with murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault over the devastating incident. He is due to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on Monday, 7 July.
    Members of the public are invited to leave a message of condolence or support for Constable Smith’s family and Tasmania Police colleagues on the Tasmania Police website. Public memorials have also been set up at Ulverstone and Launceston police stations.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 20, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 20, 2025.

    Mark Brown: Cook Islands ‘not consulted’ on NZ-China agreements
    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has suggested a double standard, saying he was “not privy to or consulted on” agreements New Zealand may enter into with China. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has paused $18.2 million in development assistance to the Cook Islands due to a lack

    Mark Brown: Cook Islands ‘not consulted’ on NZ-China agreements
    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has suggested a double standard, saying he was “not privy to or consulted on” agreements New Zealand may enter into with China. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has paused $18.2 million in development assistance to the Cook Islands due to a lack

    Mark Brown: Cook Islands ‘not consulted’ on NZ-China agreements
    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has suggested a double standard, saying he was “not privy to or consulted on” agreements New Zealand may enter into with China. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has paused $18.2 million in development assistance to the Cook Islands due to a lack

    West Australian miners flexed their muscle to block a federal EPA last year. Will it be different this time?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Diane Dowdell, PhD Candidate in Sustainable Mining, The University of Queensland CUHRIG/Getty This week, Environment Minister Murray Watt met with groups representing business, the environment, renewable energy and First Nations communities in a bid to restart Labor’s stalled environmental reforms. There was one group in the room

    Eugene Doyle: How centrifugal forces have been unleashed in Iran
    COMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle The surprise US-Israeli attack on Iran is literally and figuratively designed to unleash centrifugal forces in the Islamic Republic. Two nuclear powers are currently involved in the bombing of the nuclear facilities of a third state. One of them, the US has — for the moment — limited itself to handling

    Technology to enforce teen social media ban is ‘effective’, trial says. But this is at odds with other evidence
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University MAYA LAB/Shutterstock Technologies to enforce the Australian government’s social media ban for under 16s are “private, robust and effective”. That’s according to the preliminary findings of a federal government-commissioned trial that

    A new special tribunal will investigate Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Will it be effective?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yvonne Breitwieser-Faria, Lecturer in Criminal Law and International Law, Curtin University Earlier this year, the European Union, the Council of Europe, Ukraine and an international coalition of states agreed to establish a new special tribunal. The tribunal will eventually be tasked with holding Russia accountable for the

    6 things Australia must do if it’s serious about tackling school bullying
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vanessa Miller, Lecturer in Education (Classroom Management), Southern Cross University Wander Women/ Getty Images Bullying is arguably one of the most serious issues facing Australia’s schools. About one in four students between Year 4 and Year 9 report being bullied regularly. This can have serious and lasting

    Keith Rankin Analysis – America’s imperial ‘gifts’: ‘Crusader Democracy’ and ‘Christian Nationalism’
    Analysis by Keith Rankin. The United States has always fancied itself as the founder of modern democracy (aka ‘Democracy’). And, although that country has been self-absorbed for most of its history, it has always sensed that Democracy was its greatest export. ‘America’ became involved in Africa and the ‘Middle East’ very early in its history.

    Many elite athletes live below the poverty line. Tax-deductible donations won’t solve the problem
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle O’Shea, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, Western Sydney University Australia’s Jaclyn Narracott competes in the women’s skeleton at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Joe Klamar/AFP via Getty Images As the end of the 2024-25 financial year nears, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), in partnership with the

    Bribe or community benefit? Sweeteners smoothing the way for renewables projects need to be done right
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hugh Breakey, Deputy Director, Institute for Ethics, Governance & Law, Griffith University Louise Beaumont/Getty When a renewable energy developer announces a new project, there’s one big question mark – how will nearby communities react? Community pushback has scuttled many renewables projects. Sometimes, communities are angry landowners hosting

    Despite decades of cost cutting, governments spend more than ever. How can we make sense of this?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Lovering, Lecturer in International Relations, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Getty Images Recent controversies over New Zealand’s Ka Ora, Ka Ako school lunch program have revolved around the apparent shortcomings of the food and its delivery. Stories of inedible meals, scalding packaging and

    Is there any hope for a fairer carve-up of the GST between the states?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Saul Eslake, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, University of Tasmania When the Western Australian state government handed down its state budget on Thursday, it showed a balance sheet solidly in the black with a A$2.5 billion surplus. But, as it has for seven years, the state has received an outsized

    Jaws at 50: the first summer blockbuster is still a film that bites – even when the shark didn’t work
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Will Jeffery, Sessional Academic, Discipline of Film Studies, University of Sydney Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images When I was eight years old, on a Saturday night before surf lifesaving training, my dad put on the film Jaws and it changed my life forever. Unlike the

    New cases of meningococcal disease have been detected. What are the symptoms? And who can get vaccinated?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Archana Koirala, Paediatrician and Infectious Diseases Specialist; Clinical Researcher, University of Sydney Two Tasmanian women have been hospitalised with invasive meningococcal disease, bringing the number of cases nationally so far this year to 48. Health authorities are urging people to watch for symptoms and to check if

    Grattan on Friday: Sussan Ley has her first big outing with the national media next week, so here are some questions for her
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra On Wednesday, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley will front the National Press Club. So why is that a big deal? For one thing, her predecessor Peter Dutton never appeared there as opposition leader. For another, it’s a formidable forum for a

    A war on diplomacy itself – Israel’s unprovoked attack on Iran
    ANALYSIS: By Joe Hendren Had Israel not launched its unprovoked attack on Iran on Friday night, in direct violation of the UN Charter, Iran would now be taking part in the sixth round of negotiations concerning the future of its nuclear programme, meeting with representatives from the United States in Muscat, the capital of Oman.

    Why New Zealand has paused funding to the Cook Islands over China deal
    BACKGROUNDER: By Christina Persico, RNZ Pacific bulletin editor/presenter;Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific; and Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific senior journalist New Zealand has paused $18.2 million in development assistance funding to the Cook Islands after its government signed partnership agreements with China earlier this year. This move is causing consternation in the realm country, with one local

    Egyptian crackdown on Gaza blockade busters but Kiwi activists vow to ‘defeat genocide’
    SPECIAL REPORT: By Saige England in Ōtautahi and Ava Mulla in Cairo Hope for freedom for Palestinians remains high among a group of trauma-struck New Zealanders in Cairo. In spite of extensive planning, the Global March To Gaza (GMTG) delegation of about 4000 international aid volunteers was thwarted in its mission to walk from Cairo

    The 28 Days Later franchise redefined zombie films. But the undead have an old, rich and varied history
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher White, Historian, The University of Queensland The history of the dead – or, more precisely, the history of the living’s fascination with the dead – is an intriguing one. As a researcher of the supernatural, I’m often pulled aside at conferences or at the school gate,

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 20, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 20, 2025.

    Mark Brown: Cook Islands ‘not consulted’ on NZ-China agreements
    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has suggested a double standard, saying he was “not privy to or consulted on” agreements New Zealand may enter into with China. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has paused $18.2 million in development assistance to the Cook Islands due to a lack

    Mark Brown: Cook Islands ‘not consulted’ on NZ-China agreements
    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has suggested a double standard, saying he was “not privy to or consulted on” agreements New Zealand may enter into with China. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has paused $18.2 million in development assistance to the Cook Islands due to a lack

    Mark Brown: Cook Islands ‘not consulted’ on NZ-China agreements
    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has suggested a double standard, saying he was “not privy to or consulted on” agreements New Zealand may enter into with China. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has paused $18.2 million in development assistance to the Cook Islands due to a lack

    West Australian miners flexed their muscle to block a federal EPA last year. Will it be different this time?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Diane Dowdell, PhD Candidate in Sustainable Mining, The University of Queensland CUHRIG/Getty This week, Environment Minister Murray Watt met with groups representing business, the environment, renewable energy and First Nations communities in a bid to restart Labor’s stalled environmental reforms. There was one group in the room

    Eugene Doyle: How centrifugal forces have been unleashed in Iran
    COMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle The surprise US-Israeli attack on Iran is literally and figuratively designed to unleash centrifugal forces in the Islamic Republic. Two nuclear powers are currently involved in the bombing of the nuclear facilities of a third state. One of them, the US has — for the moment — limited itself to handling

    Technology to enforce teen social media ban is ‘effective’, trial says. But this is at odds with other evidence
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University MAYA LAB/Shutterstock Technologies to enforce the Australian government’s social media ban for under 16s are “private, robust and effective”. That’s according to the preliminary findings of a federal government-commissioned trial that

    A new special tribunal will investigate Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Will it be effective?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yvonne Breitwieser-Faria, Lecturer in Criminal Law and International Law, Curtin University Earlier this year, the European Union, the Council of Europe, Ukraine and an international coalition of states agreed to establish a new special tribunal. The tribunal will eventually be tasked with holding Russia accountable for the

    6 things Australia must do if it’s serious about tackling school bullying
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vanessa Miller, Lecturer in Education (Classroom Management), Southern Cross University Wander Women/ Getty Images Bullying is arguably one of the most serious issues facing Australia’s schools. About one in four students between Year 4 and Year 9 report being bullied regularly. This can have serious and lasting

    Keith Rankin Analysis – America’s imperial ‘gifts’: ‘Crusader Democracy’ and ‘Christian Nationalism’
    Analysis by Keith Rankin. The United States has always fancied itself as the founder of modern democracy (aka ‘Democracy’). And, although that country has been self-absorbed for most of its history, it has always sensed that Democracy was its greatest export. ‘America’ became involved in Africa and the ‘Middle East’ very early in its history.

    Many elite athletes live below the poverty line. Tax-deductible donations won’t solve the problem
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle O’Shea, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, Western Sydney University Australia’s Jaclyn Narracott competes in the women’s skeleton at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Joe Klamar/AFP via Getty Images As the end of the 2024-25 financial year nears, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), in partnership with the

    Bribe or community benefit? Sweeteners smoothing the way for renewables projects need to be done right
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    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: SA Police spits the dummy on young driver offending

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A new campaign targeting young drivers launches today, highlighting the life-changing consequences of committing road safety offences.

    The campaign message, ‘Lost your licence? Sucks to be you,’ highlights the lifestyle regression young drivers face if they lose their licence.

    Last year 81 per cent of drivers who receive an Immediate Loss of Licence penalties were young drivers (16-24-year-olds).

    SA Police State Operations Service Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott said becoming a new driver should be a liberating time, but it comes with serious responsibilities.

    “If a young driver loses their licence, the excitement of driving themselves to work, sport and social events will go back to relying on parents and public transport again – and that sucks,” he said.

    “In addition to losing personal freedoms, young drivers should be aware of the risks of causing a loss of life or serious injuries from unsafe driving.

    “Sadly, fatal and serious injury crashes resulting from at-fault young drivers is overrepresented in South Australia.”

    In 2024, young drivers found to be at-fault in crashes, caused 11 deaths, making up 12 per cent of all lives lost on the roads and caused 100 serious injuries.

    Minister for Police, Stephen Mullighan MP said this campaign will send a clear message to young male drivers.

    “Young men are overrepresented in serious and fatal crashes which is why this campaign is deliberately targeting that cohort of drivers.

    “Getting your driver’s licence is an exciting time that gives young people more freedom but it also comes with enormous responsibility.

    “Losing a driver’s license can have big impacts on a young person’s professional and personal life so I strongly urge drivers to abide by the road rules and take care when driving.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Premier League training helps lift grassroots soccer

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

    Grassroots soccer in southwestern China is deepening its ties with one of the world’s top professional soccer leagues, with the English Premier League returning to Rongjiang county, Guizhou province, to deliver its third round of training for Cun Chao, or the Village Super League.

    An aerial drone photo taken on Jan 4, 2025 shows the dancers performing at halftime during the opening game at the Village Super League 2025 in Rongjiang county of Southwest China’s Guizhou province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The five-day training, held from June 9 to 13, marked the first time referees were included alongside coaches in the program since the Rongjiang village league signed a memorandum of understanding with the EPL in 2023 as part of a broader effort to boost exchanges.

    Five professionals, including a coach from the Brighton& Hove Albion club and two refereeing instructors from England’s Professional Game Match Officials Ltd, offered tailored courses for 69 trainees.

    Fueled by Rongjiang’s deep passion for soccer, where many villages field their own teams, the Cun Chao has rapidly expanded from just 20 teams in 2023 to 108 in 2025, capturing attention across China and beyond.

    “The training was incredibly detailed,” said Wang Jianxing, a referee trainee. “From assistant referees’ flag work to how to position ourselves during key plays, the instructors covered everything with precision. They are all very practical skills, which I can now use on the field.”

    This year’s trainee group, the largest yet, included 45 coaches and 24 referees. Among them was Yang Zihui, 54, a local middle school teacher who also coaches the Xinglong village team.

    “The training atmosphere was competitive and inspiring,” Yang said.

    Under the EPL’s guidance, the trainees explored modern coaching concepts and international refereeing techniques. On the final day, they showcased their learning through demonstrations, receiving direct feedback from the instructors.

    For Rongjiang, the birthplace of the grassroots soccer phenomenon in China, the EPL program has become a pillar for development of the game. “The continuous training has built a coaching foundation for grassroots football,” said Peng Xixi, the village league’s liaison officer.

    The participants of the program are expected to bring new skills back to their communities. “These few days have taught me how to guide children better during training and how to communicate with them more efficiently, so that they become more confident and learn to love soccer,” said Wei Taihuang, a coach who attended the training this year.

    Wu Huayong, a village league player who attended the first EPL training in 2023, now offers summer coaching to dozens of children in his village using methods he learned through the initiative.

    Jay Li, managing director of the Premier League’s China office, praised Rongjiang as “a highlight of international football exchange”.

    The village league has not only attracted global attention, but also generated social and economic benefits, he said, adding that this initiative offers a valuable blueprint for advancing grassroots soccer across China.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: George Town man charged after police seized 16 illegal firearms

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    George Town man charged after police seized 16 illegal firearms

    Friday, 20 June 2025 – 10:16 am.

    A man has been charged with multiple firearms, drug and driving-related offences after police seized 16 illegal firearms during a search at a George Town residence. 
    Police attended the residence on Wednesday 18 June while investigating an earlier driving offence in the George Town area.
    Officers observed items of interest through a window of the property and subsequently executed a search warrant. 
    During the search police located the following firearms –

    A single-barrel shotgun
    2 x imitation semiautomatic sniper rifles 
    2 x imitation bolt action rifles 
    2 x imitation AR pistols 
    4 x imitation AR rifles 
    An imitation P90 submachine gun 
    An imitation colt pistol
    An imitation revolver pistol
    2 x imitation flintlock pistols 

    A 40 year old George Town man was arrested and has since been charged with multiple offences including possess a firearm to which a firearms licence may not be issued.
    He will appear in court at a later date.
    Anyone with information about illegal firearm and drug activity is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.

    MIL OSI News –