NewzIntel.com

Category: Great Britain

  • MIL-OSI Australia: CCTV focus in Bellerive investigation

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    CCTV focus in Bellerive investigation

    Wednesday, 4 June 2025 – 12:26 pm.

    Detectives reviewing CCTV footage from the Bellerive area have identified two people they believe could assist with the ongoing investigation into the death of a 45-year-old man.
    The body of Luke Jon Telega was found in an industrial-sized garbage bin on Monday morning, at the rear of a business premises in Percy Street.
    Police would like to speak with the woman pictured standing at a shopfront, (Photo 1) who was on Percy Street, Bellerive, around 7:50pm on Sunday, June 1.
    Police believe the member of the public may have spoken with someone in Percy Street at the time and may be able to assist with inquiries. The woman was driving what is believed to be a light-coloured Toyota Prado.
    Police would also like to speak with the woman pictured at the front of a car, (Photo 2) who was in Percy Street about 8:05pm on Sunday and who may be able to assist detectives. The woman was driving a red SUV at the time.
    Further, police would like to speak with anyone who was in the area of Percy Street, Scott Street and Cambridge Road on the evening of Sunday through to 8am on Monday, and may have seen either someone on foot, or riding a bicycle, in these areas.
    Anyone with information is asked to contact police of 131 444 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Joint taskforce leads to further charges of child abuse

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A joint South Australia and Northern Territory Police Taskforce has charged a man with historical child abuse offences against young people from the Northern Territory that occurred in South Australia.

    Taskforce Artemis was launched in October 2023, shortly after a now 65-year-old man was arrested by SA Police for two historical child abuse offences allegedly committed in South Australia.

    The charges relate to 30 victims, with the alleged offending occurring between 1990 to 2023 in South Australia.

    SA and NT Police, along with South Australian ODPP Witness Assistance officers have continued to engage with all victims and witnesses to provide support and assistance.

    The 65-year-old man is currently on remand and has now been charged with:

    * 12 counts of sexual abuse of a child

    * 8 counts of indecent assault

    * 6 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse

    * 4 counts of assault

    * 3 counts of aggravated indecent assault

    * 3 counts of possess child exploitation material

    * 2 counts of aggravated incite or procure child to commit indecent act

    * 2 counts of aggravated assault

    * 1 count of aggravated compelled sexual manipulation

    * 1 count of attempt indecent assault

    * 1 count of attempt aggravated incite or procure child to commit indecent act

    * 1 count of gross indecency

    He appeared in the SA District Court today.

    South Australian Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Crime Service Catherine Hilliard said, “Operation Artemis has been a complex and incredibly confronting investigation.

    “The SA Police have been working closely with the NTPF as we conduct investigations into this offending.

    “The privacy and safety of the victims remains our number one priority. We have been providing updates, along with support, to everyone effected.”

    Northern Territory Police Force Assistant Commissioner Michael White said, “While the scale of the alleged offending discovered during investigations by Task Force Artemis is disturbing, it is important the community be aware that these investigations have been methodical and not resulted in any other person being charged with respect to the alleged offending.

    “The NTPF is working closely with those effected.”

    Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://crimestopperssa.com.au/ You can remain anonymous.

    You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the ‘Report Abuse’ button at www.accce.gov.au/report

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 4, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 4, 2025.

    Artist Janenne Eaton’s retrospective is a compelling account of our troubled times
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Shiels, Senior Industry Fellow, RMIT University Janenne Eaton R E E F 2015 enamel paint, vinyl decals, mirror and polymer clay on canvas Geelong Gallery Gift of the artist, 2019. Photographer: Mark Ashkanasy © the artist. With bad news-overload it is easy to conclude it is

    ‘Not available in your region’: what is a VPN and how can I use one safely?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meena Jha, Head Technology and Pedagogy Cluster CML-NET, CQUniversity Australia Linaimages/Shutterstock “This video is not available in your location”. It’s a message familiar to many people trying to watch global content online. But beneath this frustration lies a deeper question – how do we navigate digital borders

    Just the ticket? The problem with local body candidates aligning with national political parties
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julienne Molineaux, Senior Lecturer, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images With accusations flying thick and fast last year about supposed “dysfunction” and a “shambles” at Wellington City Council, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown stepped in and appointed a Crown Observer. Announcing

    The chicks are alright: what songbirds can teach us about divorce and moving on
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frigg Janne Daan Speelman, PhD Candidate in Behavioural Ecology, Macquarie University Charli Davies, CC BY-NC-ND In humans, it’s very common for the traditional family structure of two parents raising children to change abruptly. Usually, this happens when the parents decide to separate. Many separated couples are able

    Former Congress staffer allowed to return to New Caledonia
    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk One of seven people transferred to mainland France almost a year ago, following the May 2024 riots in New Caledonia, has been allowed to return home, a French court has ruled. Frédérique Muliava, a former Congress staffer, was part of a group of six who were

    Ship runs aground in Fiji – then its rescue vessel capsizes
    RNZ Pacific Fiji’s Maritime Safety Authority has launched an investigation into Goundar Shipping Limited following two incidents involving its vessels. Late last month, one vessel ran aground on the reef of Ono-i-Lau, and villagers had to step in to ferry stranded passengers to nearby islands using small boats. On Monday, the Lomaiviti Princess II was

    Curious Kids: can spiders swim?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leanda Denise Mason, Vice Chancellor Research Fellow in Conservation Ecology, Edith Cowan University A great raft spider (_Dolomedes plantarius_). Salparadis/Shutterstock Can spiders swim? Waubra Preschool students, Victoria, Australia What a great question! Most spiders don’t swim by choice. But they sure can survive in water when they

    A two-state solution is gaining momentum again. Does it have a chance of success?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Thomas, Lecturer in Middle East Studies, Deakin University As Israel’s devastating war in Gaza has ground on, the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was thought to be “dead”. Now, it is showing signs of life again. French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly pressing other European

    Senior public servants think GenAI will boost productivity – but are worried about the risks
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Helen Dickinson, Professor, Public Service Research, UNSW Sydney Many bold claims have been made about Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and its capacity to improve productivity and generate workplace efficiencies. A recent Microsoft survey found 24% of private sector leaders have already deployed GenAI across their organisations. Many

    People with severe mental illness are waiting for days in hospital EDs. Here’s how we can do better
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sebastian Rosenberg, Associate Professor, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney Matthew Ashmore/Shutterstock On ABC’s 4 Corners this week, psychiatrists and nurses have warned New South Wales’ mental health system is in crisis. They report some patients with severe mental

    With a government review underway, we have to ask why children bully other kids
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marilyn Campbell, Professor, School of Early Childhood & Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock The federal government has launched a “rapid review” to look at what works to prevent bullying in schools. Led by mental health experts, the review will underpin a new national standard to

    In the trade wars, there are lessons for the US from Brexit. Australia and our trading partners should take note
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Draper, Professor, and Executive Director: Institute for International Trade, and Director of the Jean Monnet Centre of Trade and Environment, University of Adelaide General_4530/Getty While the Trump administration’s on-again, off-again trade wars wreak havoc on the business plans of the world’s exporters, the risks to the

    ‘That was rude’: why the new Broadway musical Death Becomes Her was ripe for TikTok memes
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Camp, Senior Lecturer, School of Music, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau A few snippets of musicalised dialogue from the cast album of the new Broadway musical Death Becomes Her – with music and lyrics by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, and a book by Marco

    Motarilavoa Hilda Lini, ‘a trailblazer’ for Vanuatu women in politics, dies
    RNZ Pacific Motarilavoa Hilda Lini, a pioneering Ni-Vanuatu politician, has died. Lini passed away at the Port Vila General Hospital on Sunday, according to local news media. Lini was the first woman to be elected to the Vanuatu Parliament in 1987 as a member of the National United Party. Motarilavoa Hilda Lini in 1989 .

    Fiji coup culture and political meddling in media education gets airing
    Pacific Media Watch Taieri MP Ingrid Leary reflected on her years in Fiji as a television journalist and media educator at a Fiji Centre function in Auckland celebrating Fourth Estate values and independence at the weekend. It was a reunion with former journalism professor David Robie — they had worked together as a team at

    Australia’s lowest paid workers just got a 3.5% wage increase. Their next boost could be even better
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Buchanan, Professor, Discipline of Business Information Systems, University of Sydney Business School, University of Sydney Carlos Castilla/Shutterstock A week ago, the Australian Financial Review released this year’s “Rich List”. It reported the number of billionaires in Australia increased from 150 to 166 between 2024 and 2025.

    What’s a ‘Strombolian eruption?’ A volcanologist explains what happened at Mount Etna
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Teresa Ubide, ARC Future Fellow and Associate Professor in Igneous Petrology/Volcanology, The University of Queensland Fabrizio Villa / Getty Images On Monday morning local time, a huge cloud of ash, hot gas and rock fragments began spewing from Italy’s Mount Etna. An enormous plume was seen stretching

    The Queensland government is cancelling renewable energy projects. Can the state still reach net zero?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tony Wood, Program Director, Energy, Grattan Institute Johan Larson/Shutterstock On the surface, Queensland’s new government is doing exactly what it pledged before winning office in October – repealing the state’s ambitious renewable energy targets and cancelling a huge pumped hydro project near Mackay. But since the start

    PNG’s Namah calls for tighter bio controls, patrols on Indonesian border
    By Scholar Kassas in Port Moresby A Papua New Guinea minister has raised concerns about “serious issues” at the PNG-Indonesia border due to a lack of proper security checkpoints. Culture and Tourism Minister Belden Namah, who is also the member for the border electorate Vanimo-Green, voiced these concerns while supporting a new Biosecurity for Plants

    Samoa parliament formally dissolved after months of uncertainty
    RNZ Pacific Samoa’s Parliament has been formally dissolved, and an early election is set to take place within three months. After months of political instability and two motions of no confidence, Prime Minister Fiāme Naomi Mata’afa said she would call for the dissolution of Parliament if cabinet did not support her government’s budget. MPs from

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kickstarting economic transformation

    Source: Scottish Government

    £24 million to realise Kishorn Port potential.

    A multi-million pound investment is being made in one of Scotland’s most strategically important ports.

    Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will invest up to £24 million at Kishorn Port in the west Highlands to enhance its capacity and capabilities, with an expanded dry dock and land reclamation enabling the manufacture of floating offshore wind foundations.

    The expanded facilities are forecast to attract projects with the potential to support up to 1,500 jobs once the port is fully developed.

    The investment forms part a Scottish Government commitment of up to £500 million over five years to develop the country’s ports and offshore wind supply chain. The funding will help ensure businesses and communities secure maximum benefit from the country’s growing renewables capabilities.

    As a strategic location for offshore wind components marshalling and manufacturing, Kishorn Port will play a crucial role in supporting current offshore wind developments and is well positioned to capitalise on future opportunities extending beyond Scotland.

    The port houses one of the largest openings of any dry dock facility in Europe, making it a unique and valuable asset.

    Announcing the award ahead of making an investment-focused speech today at Panmure House in Edinburgh, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:

    “This is one of the most significant public investments in our port infrastructure in decades. It is crucial to ensuring Kishorn Port and the communities it supports can reap the benefits of the global renewables market.

    “It is a clear signal from the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise that will give investors the confidence to invest millions more in the area’s wider infrastructure, economy and people.”

    HIE chief executive Stuart Black said:

    “Offshore wind presents a massive opportunity for the Highlands and Islands and Kishorn is one of several ports that are at the heart of this. The facility has provided skilled jobs in a rural area for many decades and this is likely to grow significantly, which is vital to community resilience in a priority west coast location.

    “The proposed dry dock expansion and land reclamation will greatly enhance the port’s capacity to support offshore wind and the contribution it makes to Scotland’s economy. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure this significant additional funding for the region and look forward to continuing to work with Kishorn Port Ltd as the project develops.”

    Kishorn Port Limited (KPL) Directors Alasdair Ferguson said:

    “This is a significant milestone in the continuing development of Kishorn Port. The port expansion will provide the catalyst for the support and creation of jobs within Wester Ross and the wider Highlands, benefiting communities across the area. We’re grateful to Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Government for their support. 

    “With the quarry on site, Kishorn Port is ideally suited to concrete manufacturing of floating offshore wind sub-structures, with local content, laydown, marshalling, and long-term integration and assembly possible at the port as part of the wider project in the long-term.”

    Background

    Other investments made as part of the Scottish Government’s commitment of up to £500 million include:

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Two men arrested and youths spoken to after drug dog patrols in Glenorchy

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Two men arrested and youths spoken to after drug dog patrols in Glenorchy

    Wednesday, 4 June 2025 – 9:34 am.

    Tasmania Police continues to focus on reducing anti-social behaviour and retail crime in the Glenorchy municipality with high visibility patrols supported by police dog handlers yesterday afternoon resulting in several arrests and formal directions being made.
    Sergeant Iain Shepherd from the Tasmania Police Dog Handlers Unit said that during the patrols, dog handlers searched 12 people resulting in the seizure of drugs such as methylamphetamine and cannabis, and three people were found in possession of knives or other weapons.
    “A 48-year-old man from Bridgewater wanted on stealing charges was located and interviewed and another 48-year-old man from Bridgewater was arrested for consuming alcohol and engaging in disorderly conduct.”
    “The man was bailed before being arrested again a short time later for attempted stealing.”
    “He was banned from entering all Coles stores for one year and will appear in court at a later date.”
    “Five other individuals also received formal directions to leave the Glenorchy CBD due to their behaviour.”
    “In addition, several youths were spoken to, and those found in possession of drugs will be dealt with through youth diversion programs,” said Sergeant Shepherd.
    Police would like to thank the community for their support and assistance, and encourage anyone with information about drugs and anti-social behaviour to contact police at 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania at 1800 333 000 or via crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Youths charged in Devonport

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Youths charged in Devonport

    Wednesday, 4 June 2025 – 9:03 am.

    Two boys have been arrested and charged over an alleged assault in the Devonport CBD as police continue to focus on anti-social behaviour in the city precinct.
    The male youths have been bailed to appear at the Devonport Youth Justice Court at a later date.
    Tasmania Police is aware of recent reports of anti-social behaviour in the Devonport CBD and is continuing with a high-visibility police presence in the area to deter this disruptive behaviour.
    “Members of the public and those working in the Devonport CBD have a right and expectation to feel safe. Tasmania Police are committed to ensuring public safety and will not tolerate any disruptive or harmful behaviour from anyone,” Devonport Police Acting Inspector Luke Negri said.
    “Offenders, including youths, will be held to account for their actions and behaviour.”
    Anyone who witnesses concerning activity is encouraged to report it to police on 131 444 or call triple zero (000) if it is an emergency.
    You can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to observational study on low calorie diets and depressive symptoms

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    An observational study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health looks at the mental health consequences of low calorie diets.

    Prof Stella Chan, Charlie Waller Chair in Evidence-based Psychological Treatment, University of Reading, said:

    “This research study contributed to the emerging field of nutritional psychiatry by showing a potential link between dietary habits and mental health in US adults. The study also provided further observations around individual differences by gender and BMI status. However, these findings must be treated with caution because of methodological limitations. Cross-sectional findings can only show an association but cannot identify causal directions. Depressed individuals could be more prone to following a restrictive diet, or that diets and mental health have no direct association but are underpinned by common risk factors. These findings can also only generalised to mainstream U.S. populations, biasing towards those who were able and willing to complete relevant measures. Future research should widen relevant mental health outcomes, such as disordered eating and anxiety which often co-occur with depression, and to use more robust measures than self-reported self-identified measures on dietary habits.”

    Prof Susan Jebb, Professor of Diet and Population Health, University of Oxford:

    “This is an observational study and so the apparent association between reported ‘calorie-restricted’ diets and symptoms of depression is at high risk of confounding from other factors. Higher quality data comes from controlled clinical trials where the consensus of evidence is that weight-loss interventions lead to small improvements in symptoms of depression (e.g. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7116866/, and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38084632/).

    “It is possible that the benefits of weight loss observed during a trial may also relate to the structured support offered to participants and it maybe that people trying to lose weight alone, without support may experience poorer mental health.  This has not been specifically demonstrated, but if true, it would reinforce the importance of providing access to structured and supportive programmes for people living with obesity and who want to lose weight to improve their health.”

     

    Prof Naveed Sattar, Professor of Cardiometabolic Medicine/Honorary Consultant, University of Glasgow, said:

    “This study is seriously limited as cross-sectional so cannot determine cause and effect, and reverse causality may play a role whereby people having to consider such diets may be doing so for other reasons in their lives that leads them to gain weight.  In low calorie diet randomised trial in people with type 2 diabetes, quality of life improved significantly compared to no intervention (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29221645/) whereas the same low calorie intervention in people living with Long COVID, did not observe any adverse impact on depressive symptoms, but rather a potential benefit in the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) score at 6 months (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39779922/).”

    ‘Mental health consequences of dietary restriction: increased depressive symptoms in biological men and populations with elevated BMI’ by Gabriella Menniti et al. will be published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health at 23:30 UK time on Tuesday 3 June, which is when the embargo will lift.

    DOI: 10.1136/ bmjnph-2025-001167

     

    Declared interests

    Prof Susan Jebb:

    1. The Food Standards Agency is a non-ministerial government department set up in 2000 to represent consumer interests in relation to food;
    2. The Chair, Professor Susan Jebb is also Professor of Diet and Population Health at the University of Oxford, a member of the Public Health England Obesity Programme Board and Chair of the DH Public Health Responsibility Food Network;
    3. Here’s a link to her register of interests from the FSA website : https://www.food.gov.uk/about-us/professor-susan-jebb-obe-phd-frcp-hon-fmedsci-fsa-chair

    Prof Naveed Sattar: “NS has consulted for and/or received speaker honoraria from Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie, Afimmune, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Carmot Therapeutics, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Hanmi Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, Menarini-Ricerche, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Metsera, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Roche; and received grant support paid to his University from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, and Roche. No shares in any medical areas.”

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Suspected people-smuggling gang arrested in nationwide crackdown

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Suspected people-smuggling gang arrested in nationwide crackdown

    Six people have been arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal entry of hundreds of migrants in dawn strikes by Immigration Enforcement across the UK

    A suspected organised crime boss and his associates have been arrested for allegedly facilitating hundreds of Botswana nationals into the UK illegally, as part of a surge in law enforcement activity to take down people-smuggling gangs.

    In the early hours of Tuesday 3 June, five men and one woman were arrested in strikes across the country in Cheltenham, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield and Bradford. The lead suspect, a 37-year-old Botswana national, was arrested in Cheltenham on suspicion of assisting and planning the illegal entry of other migrants from Botswana into the UK.

    The suspected criminal gang is believed to have facilitated the entry of more than 200 Botswana nationals into the UK illegally over a two-year period, leading them into a life of fraud and exploitation. Once in the country, it is believed they assisted in submitting false asylum claims using fake documents in order to fraudulently legalise the migrants stay in the country. They are also believed to have assisted the migrants with illegal employment in care homes, working with the most vulnerable without adequate training or medical expertise.

    Officers acted on intelligence that suggested the lead people smuggler was exploiting the individuals he lured here under false pretences, forcing them to do unpaid work.

    Organised criminal gangs often use cruel tactics to control their beneficiaries, with victims often subject to debt bondage at the hands of the gangs who trap them in unsafe situations in order to fill their pockets.

    The arrests come as part of the latest initiative under this government’s Plan for Change to bear down on the criminal gangs profiting at the expense of vulnerable individuals and restore order to the asylum system. Since the election almost 30,000 people with no right to be here have been returned – a 12% increase compared to the same period 12 months ago. Illegal working visits and arrests are also up by more than 40%

    This government’s Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will go further than ever before to protect the UK’s borders and strengthen the wider immigration and asylum system, including protecting it against abuse from criminal gangs. New counter terror-style powers will be introduced to smash the smuggling gangs before they have a chance to act.

    Security Minister, Dan Jarvis said:

    I want to commend the dedication and professionalism of our criminal investigators and Immigration Enforcement officers for these significant arrests. Their tireless efforts have disrupted criminal networks that profit from exploiting vulnerable individuals and undermining our immigration system.

    This operation demonstrates that we will use the full force of the law against those who facilitate illegal entry into the UK for exploitation. Our enforcement teams work day and night to protect our borders and communities from harm, and this successful operation is testament to their commitment.

    The government remains resolute in our approach to tackle illegal migration and the criminal enterprises that enable it, and through our Plan for Change will continue to restore order to the asylum system that collapsed in recent years.

    Immigration Enforcement Criminal and Financial Investigations lead, Phillip Parr said:

    This is one of our highest priority investigations due to the scale of the threat, the number of people believed to be involved, the immense harm these victims are potentially at risk of, and the amount of financial gain the suspects stand to make.

    I’m immensely proud of my team’s coordinated and targeted approach in this operation. We’ve not only disrupted this criminal network but also safeguarded potentially hundreds of individuals from further exploitation and harm. This operation demonstrates the power of partnership working in tackling complex organised crime.

    There is no place for those who profit from human misery, and we will continue to use all available powers to pursue and prosecute those involved in these despicable crimes.

    This government is tightening UK visa controls and building a more sustainable workforce, reducing reliance on overseas workers, as set out in the immigration white paper in May. The strategy contains new financial measures, penalties or sanctions, including for sponsors of migrant workers or students where there is evidence of abuse. New measures already in effect require care providers in England to prioritise recruiting international care workers who are already in the UK and seeking new employment.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Western New England Bancorp, Inc. Announces Completion of 2024 Repurchase Plan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WESTFIELD, Mass., June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Western New England Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company” or “WNEB”) (NasdaqGS: WNEB), the holding company for Westfield Bank (the “Bank”), announced that on May 30, 2025, the Company completed all repurchases under its existing stock repurchase plan (the “2024 Repurchase Plan”) at an average price per share of $8.79. The 2024 Repurchase Plan authorized the Company to repurchase a total of 1.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock, or approximately 4.6% of the Company’s then-outstanding shares of common stock. The Board of Directors authorized the 2024 Repurchase Plan on May 21, 2024.

    On April 22, 2025, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a new stock repurchase plan, pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to 1.0 million shares, or approximately 4.8% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, upon the completion of the 2024 Repurchase Plan.

    James C. Hagan, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are pleased to announce the completion of our 2024 Repurchase Plan. We believe that share repurchases are a prudent use of the Company’s capital and demonstrate our commitment to effectively manage the Company’s capital levels, while increasing total shareholder returns through stock repurchases as well as cash dividends.”

    The Company may repurchase shares from time to time in open market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions at the Company’s discretion or pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The amount, timing and nature of any share repurchases will be based on a variety of factors, including the trading price of the Company’s common stock, applicable securities laws restrictions, regulatory limitations and market and economic factors. The repurchase program may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time, at the Company’s discretion.

    About Western New England Bancorp, Inc.

    Western New England Bancorp, Inc. is a Massachusetts-chartered stock holding company and the parent company of Westfield Bank, CSB Colts, Inc., Elm Street Securities Corporation, WFD Securities, Inc. and WB Real Estate Holdings, LLC. Western New England Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries are headquartered in Westfield, Massachusetts and operate 25 banking offices throughout western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut. To learn more, visit our website at www.westfieldbank.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, future performance, and business. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of such words as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “estimated,” and “potential.” Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and business that are subject to various factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from these estimates. 

    Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in these forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in Western New England Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. We do not undertake any obligation to republish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except to the extent required by law.

    For further information contact:
    James C. Hagan, President and Chief Executive Officer
    Guida R. Sajdak, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    Meghan Hibner, First Vice President and Investor Relations Officer
    413-568-1911

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: People with severe mental illness are waiting for days in hospital EDs. Here’s how we can do better

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sebastian Rosenberg, Associate Professor, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney

    Matthew Ashmore/Shutterstock

    On ABC’s 4 Corners this week, psychiatrists and nurses have warned New South Wales’ mental health system is in crisis. They report some patients with severe mental distress are waiting two to three days in emergency departments for care.

    The program highlighted chronic failures in NSW’s mental health system, but the shortfalls are being felt across the nation.

    Just over 7% of the nation’s health budget is spent on mental health. But together with alcohol and drug issues, mental health accounts for around 15% of the nation’s burden of disease.

    Problems in mental health go beyond under-funding: it’s also about how the resources we do have are spent.

    So how did we get here? And what can we do to fix it?

    It wasn’t supposed to be like this

    Back in the 1980s, psychiatric deinstitutionalisation promised to replace treatment provided in the old psychiatric institutions with mental health services and care in the community. Too often, these institutions failed to promote recovery, and delivered improper care and even abuse.

    Many of these institutions were indeed closed. But the shift in mental health care over the past 40 years has not been from asylums to the community, but rather to the mental health wards of Australia’s general public hospitals and the emergency departments (EDs) which operate in them.

    Hospitals are expensive and often traumatic places to provide mental health care. We know this from frequent statutory inquiries and reports.

    Deinstitutionalisation aimed to treat patients in the community rather than hospital.
    Shutterstock

    For presentations to EDs, all the indicators are heading in the wrong direction. More people are seeking care for their mental health in EDs, they are arriving sicker (according to their triage category) and they wait longer for care.

    Hospitals account for more than 80% of total state and territory spending on mental health. In 2022–23, A$6.5 billion of the states and territories’ total spend of $8bn on mental health was directed towards hospital-based care. Just $1bn was provided outside hospitals.

    Evidence indicates community-based care can reduce reliance on EDs for mental health care.

    Yet community mental health services now often comprise little more than a phone call to check if a client is taking their medication. Of the 9.4 million community mental health service contacts in 2022–3, 4 million lasted less than 15 minutes.

    Mental health clinical staff spend just 20% of their time with consumers.

    What are the solutions?

    The solutions are already at hand, but haven’t been pursued or scaled up. These include:

    • multidisciplinary models such as assertive community treatments, which provide mixed specialist clinical and psychosocial support in the community, in people’s homes

    • service models the Australian College of Emergency Medicine have proposed as alternatives to hospital ED care. These include safe havens, mental health nurse liaison services and dedicated homelessness teams. These services can provide the care required to divert patients away from hectic emergency departments, in calmer, more therapeutic spaces

    • NSW programs such as the Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative provide community based, clinical and psychosocial support to people with severe mental health needs. This program reduced admissions due to mental health by 74% over two years

    • Adelaide’s Urgent Mental Health Care Centre, which operates as an alternative to EDs and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This clinic was designed in collaboration with the community, including people with a lived experience of a mental health crisis, and offers a welcoming, safe environment

    • Step-Up Step-Down services, which can effectively meet the needs of some of “the missing middle”. These are people whose mental health needs are too complex for primary care but not assessed as a big enough risk to themselves or others to “qualify” for hospital admission.

    Community-based care for mental illness and social support can reduce reliance on EDs.
    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    Funding support for psychosocial services remains tiny. It accounts for about 6% of total spending on mental health care by states and territories.

    As a result, almost half a million Australians with either severe or moderate mental health needs are currently unable to access necessary psychosocial care. This impacts their recovery.

    It also leaves clinical services without a viable “psychosocial partner”. So people needing mental health care might be able to get a prescription, but are much less likely to receive assistance with unstable housing, employment support or help getting back to school.

    Working together

    There is already concern to address identified workforce shortages and psychiatrists’ pay disputes.

    The next round of mental health planning must also discuss and clarify the complementary roles in mental health care, as people with more complex mental health needs typically benefit from multidisciplinary, team-based care. This includes psychiatrists, psychologists, allied health professionals, nurses, peer workers, social service providers, GPs, justice, school and housing services and others such as drug and alcohol services. Who is best placed to plan and coordinate this care?

    Reducing our over-reliance on hospital-based mental health care and EDs needs agreement by all Australian governments to explicitly prioritise the principles of early intervention, community-based mental health care and hospital avoidance in mental health.

    These steps, together with more personalised approaches to treatment and better accountability, will help us achieve systemic quality improvement in mental health care.



    Read more:
    Police aren’t properly trained for mental health crises – but they’re often the first responders. Here’s what works better

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

    – ref. People with severe mental illness are waiting for days in hospital EDs. Here’s how we can do better – https://theconversation.com/people-with-severe-mental-illness-are-waiting-for-days-in-hospital-eds-heres-how-we-can-do-better-257971

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A two-state solution is gaining momentum again. Does it have a chance of success?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Thomas, Lecturer in Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    As Israel’s devastating war in Gaza has ground on, the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was thought to be “dead”. Now, it is showing signs of life again.

    French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly pressing other European nations to jointly recognise a Palestinian state at a UN conference in mid-June, focused on achieving a two-state solution. Macron called such recognition a “political necessity”.

    Countries outside Europe are feeling the pressure, too. Australia has reaffirmed its view that recognition of Palestine should be a “way of building momentum towards a two-state solution”.

    During Macron’s visit to Indonesia in late May, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made a surprising pledge to recognise Israel if it allowed for a Palestinian state.

    Indonesia is one of about 28 nations that don’t currently recognise Israel. France, Australia, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and South Korea are among the approximately 46 nations that don’t recognise a Palestinian state.

    The UN conference on June 17–20, co-sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, wants to go “beyond reaffirming principles” and “achieve concrete results” towards a two-state solution.

    Most countries, including the US, have supported the two-state solution in principle for decades. However, the political will from all parties has faded in recent years.

    So, why is the policy gaining traction again now? And does it have a greater chance of success?

    What is the two-state solution?

    Put simply, the two-state solution is a proposed peace plan that would create a sovereign Palestinian state alongside the Israeli state. There have been several failed attempts to enact the policy over recent decades, the most famous of which was the Oslo Accords in the early 1990s.

    In recent years, the two-state solution was looking less likely by the day.

    The Trump administration’s decision in 2017 to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the US embassy there signalled the US was moving away from its role as mediator. Then, several Arab states agreed to normalise relations with Israel in the the Abraham Accords, without Israeli promises to move towards a two-state solution.

    The Hamas attacks on Israel – and subsequent Israeli war on Gaza – have had a somewhat contradictory effect on the overarching debate.

    On the one hand, the brutality of Hamas’ actions substantially set back the legitimacy of the Palestinian self-determination movement in some quarters on the world stage.

    On the other, it’s also become clear the status quo – the continued Israeli occupation of Gaza and the West Bank following the end of a brutal war – is not tenable for either Israeli security or Palestinian human rights.

    And the breakdown of the most recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the return of heavy Israeli ground operations in May and reports of mass Palestinian starvation have only served to further isolate the Israeli government in the eyes of its peers.

    Once-steadfast supporters of Israel’s actions have become increasingly frustrated by a lack of clear strategic goals in Gaza. And many now seem prepared to ignore Israeli wishes and pursue Palestinian recognition.

    For these governments, the hope is recognition of a Palestinian state would rebuild political will – both globally and in the Middle East – towards a two-state solution.

    Huge obstacles remain

    But how likely is this in reality? There is certainly more political will than there was before, but also several important roadblocks.

    First and foremost is the war in Gaza. It’s obvious this will need to end, with both sides agreeing to an enduring ceasefire.

    Beyond that, the political authority in both Gaza and Israel remains an issue.

    The countries now considering Palestinian recognition, such France and Australia, have expressly said Hamas cannot play any role in governing a future Palestinian state.

    Though anti-Hamas sentiment is becoming more vocal among residents in Gaza, Hamas has been violently cracking down on this dissent and is attempting to consolidate its power.

    However, polling shows the popularity of Fatah – the party leading the Palestinian National Authority – is even lower than Hamas at an average of 21%. Less than half of Gazans support the enclave returning to Palestinian Authority control. This means a future Palestinian state would likely require new leadership.

    There is almost no political will in Israel for a two-state solution, either. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not been shy about his opposition to a Palestinian state. His cabinet members have mostly been on the same page.

    This has also been reflected in policy action. In early May, the Israeli Security Cabinet approved a plan for Israel to indefinitely occupy parts of Gaza. The government also just approved its largest expansion of settlements in the West Bank in decades.

    These settlements remain a major problem for a two-state solution. The total population of Israeli settlers is more than 700,000 in both East Jerusalem and the West Bank. And it’s been increasing at a faster rate since the election of the right-wing, pro-settler Netanyahu government in 2022.

    Settlement is enshrined in Israeli Basic Law, with the state defining it as “national value” and actively encouraging its “establishment and consolidation”.

    The more settlement that occurs, the more complicated the boundaries of a future Palestinian state become.

    Then there’s the problem of public support. Recent polling shows neither Israelis nor Palestinians view the two-state solution favourably. Just 40% of Palestinians support it, while only 26% of Israelis believe a Palestinian state can “coexist peacefully” alongside Israel.

    However, none of these challenges makes the policy impossible. The unpopularity of the two-state solution locally is more a reflection of previous failures than it is of future negotiations.

    A power-sharing agreement in Northern Ireland was similarly unpopular in the 1990s, but peace was achieved through bold political leadership involving the US and European Union.

    In other words, we won’t know what’s possible until negotiations begin. Red lines will need to be drawn and compromises made.

    It’s not clear what effect growing external pressure will have, but the international community does appear to be reaching a political tipping point on the two-state solution. Momentum could start building again.

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

    – ref. A two-state solution is gaining momentum again. Does it have a chance of success? – https://theconversation.com/a-two-state-solution-is-gaining-momentum-again-does-it-have-a-chance-of-success-257890

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Maine DEP Issues Air Quality Alert: What You Need to Know for June 4-5

    Source: US State of Maine

    June 3, 2025

    CONTACT:

    Ground-level ozone concentrations are expected to reach the ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ (USG) level according to Air Quality Meteorologists at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

    Ozone is expected to reach USG levels along the coast from Kittery through Acadia National Park on both Wednesday and Thursday. The Downeast Coastal, Western Interior, and Eastern Interior regions are expected to reach Moderate levels. Ozone has been building over the Mid-Atlantic region on Tuesday, with this airmass projected to move over Southern New England and into Maine on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Particle Pollution is expected to be Moderate statewide on Wednesday due to wildfire smoke entering the region.

    On Thursday, weather conditions are expected to remain consistent, and currently, Air Quality Forecasters are not expecting pollutants to move out of the Maine area. USG levels of ozone are expected for the Southwest and Mid-Coastal regions with the Downeast Coast, Western Interior, and Eastern Interior remaining Moderate. For particle pollution, the entire state of Maine is expected to remain in the Moderate range since smoke can be slow to clean out. However, please check the website Thursday morning for the finalized forecast.

    At elevated ozone levels, children, the elderly and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation and/or experience mild chest pain.

    Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

    • Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity
    • Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner
    • Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

    Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

    In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

    For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

    For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boston Globe: Massachusetts leads the nation in lost NSF research funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    May 22, 2025
    Massachusetts has lost more National Science Foundation money for science, math, and engineering research than any other state in the country, a Globe analysis of terminated grants found.
    Since the start of the Trump administration, the NSF cut 251 grants to Massachusetts institutions worth $249 million, federal data showed. That accounts for a lion’s share of the $265.4 million in NSF grants lost at 40 institutions across New England. The cuts could mean lost jobs and hundreds of research projects abruptly halted without a clear path forward.
    Until now, public attention has focused on cuts to health and medical research by the Department of Health and Human Services, the agency that encompasses the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. and is headed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The NSF, while also part of the federal government, sits outside HHS and funds nonmedical research across a wide range of subject areas including technology and engineering.
    New England has lost about twice as much money to CDC and NIH cuts as it has to NSF cuts: about $560 million. The purge is a piece of the Trump administration’s effort to extensively reshape how federal money for research, science, and health is used.
    The new data showing the NSF cuts’ outsize toll in the state coincided with Massachusetts Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, both Democrats, sending a letter to Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy earlier this week, seeking an explanation for the “ongoing chaos and upheaval” at the agency. The senators said the NSF cuts potentially violate court orders and endanger the country’s scientific excellence.
    …
    Read the full article here.
    By:  Jason Laughlin, Neena Hagen and Nathan MetcalfSource: Boston Globe

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Seasonal Access Rangers start across Highland

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Last weekend saw the first patrols of The Highland Council’s, new Seasonal Access Ranger team. The new rangers will seek to promote and advise on responsible access to the countryside through the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The team is funded directly by The Highland Council.

    There are currently 16 Access Rangers on patrol with two more to join in mid-June focussing on the long-distance routes. Five of the rangers are very experienced, returning after previous seasons, and able to help guide new rangers into their role.

    Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: The Council are pleased to be able to provide a seasonal rangers service this year and so far, the team have been welcomed by visitors and locals alike, with a friendly approach to encouraging responsible behaviour.

    “The Council recognise the importance of supporting communities to manage the increase in visitors across the area, particularly along the NC500, Skye, Lochaber, Wester Ross & Loch Ness. A key role for the rangers will be engaging with the public and raising awareness of the Outdoor Access Code and communicating to people that as individuals we all play an important role in ensuring that Highland’s beautiful outdoor spaces are protected for all to enjoy for future generations.”

    Rangers will also ensure awareness of the other legislation, such as parking and environmental health. They will monitor use and report incidents to the relevant Council teams or emergency services. The rangers will also carry out duties to keep tidy, maintain and manage Council owned sites, core paths and work with communities and land managers on other sites to protect habitats and encourage respect for the landscape. Where possible, the rangers will work with local volunteers to engage with visitors.

    This year, responsible camping will be a key priority, and in many locations, this will mean a ‘no fires’ message. There is a significant fire risk throughout the Highlands in the summer months and lighting campfires on peaty ground, woodland, grassland, or moors is dangerous and contrary to the Code. It is irresponsible to light fires close to buildings, historic monuments and within 30m of a public road. Even small fires cause significant damage to our natural environment from scorch marks to tree removal and the use of dead wood (housing insects) for fires. Much of this damage can take years to recover.

    People can contact the Ranger team, by email at accessrangers@highland.gov.uk or by phoning the Senior Ranger on 07909 051223.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview – ABC Radio Goulburn Murray

    Source: Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority

    SANDRA MOON [HOST]: It is 10.37, and you’ve no doubt seen all of the work that has been happening with the Inland Rail Project. There’s been bridge works, track duplication – even a makeover for Wangaratta’s train station is part of the Beveridge to Albury part of the project. And today, that new station is going to officially open. The Federal Minister for Transport and Regional Development, Catherine King, will be there for the formalities, and is with you now. Good morning.

    CATHERINE KING [MINISTER]: Good morning, Sandra. Lovely to be here in Wangaratta.

    SANDRA MOON: Yeah, it’s a big makeover for the Wangaratta train station.

    CATHERINE KING: I’m really looking forward to seeing it. I’ve heard lots about it. This, of course, marks the completion of the work of the first tranche of the Albury to Beveridge section of Inland Rail. Inland Rail is delivering that project on behalf of the Australian Government, and the Wangaratta precinct and the station upgrade, pedestrian underpass, disability standards for the station have been a really great part of the benefit coming to the community from Inland Rail. Not only are we delivering Inland Rail to get freight off our roads as much as we possibly can, but we’re also trying to improve the amenity as we go along the way as we build this project.

    SANDRA MOON: And so when we look at Inland Rail for residents in the northeast of the state here, what sort of difference will it make for them?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, it’s ostensibly a freight project. So, what we’re trying to do is get from Melbourne to Brisbane. First, we’re doing the section from Melbourne to Parkes to where- and then that allows us to get more freight onto rail. So that’s less trucks travelling on our roads and on our interstate routes in particular, where there’s a heavy load from our heavy vehicles, so trying to get more freight on. So really, Inland Rail delivers that, and productivity and freight.

    But as we’ve gone along the road, we’ve actually improved road access. We’ve been improving pedestrian access. In the case of Wangaratta, of course, improving the station and also bringing up its disability compliance as well, which some of these older stations have really struggled with.

    SANDRA MOON: And when it’s finished, the Government has promised that freight will get from Brisbane to Melbourne in less than 24 hours. How far off that are we?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, we did a major review when we came to government three years ago, the Schott review, to really look at what was happening with Inland Rail. It was a project that had, frankly, blown out in costs. There had been some significant problems in terms of the way in which it was being managed, so we had a lot of work to do to clean that up. We accepted all of the recommendations of the Schott review. What we’ve been concentrating on is getting the Inland Rail project built to Parkes – that opens us up to being able to get freight to the west and also into Port of Botany and into Newcastle. And we’re progressing with the work to get planning approval – we haven’t got planning approval yet – through the rest of New South Wales and then into Queensland, and then we’ll start construction once we’ve got those planning approvals in place. But we’ve had to do quite a bit of work in government to really clean this project up, and there’s some big investments that we’ll still need to make.

    SANDRA MOON: Well, it certainly is an absolutely huge project, and I’m sure that there’ll be many people in the local area that are happy to see the completion of some of these as they start to roll out.

    CATHERINE KING: It’s a really complex project. It’s over 1600 kilometres of track, which is basically the biggest infrastructure project in the country. And it is also- as I said, it’s interacting between freight and passenger route as well. And so that, again, adds to the complexities. You’ve got to keep passenger trains- you’ve got to be able to keep trains going at the same time as you’re building this really significant infrastructure project.

    SANDRA MOON: On ABC Goulburn Murray, you’re hearing from the Federal Minister for Transport and Regional Development, Catherine King, who is also the Minister for Local Government. So, while I do have you, we’ve heard a lot from state inquiries around councils really struggling to make ends meet. You referred the issue to a federal inquiry last year, and councils are expected to struggle even more when the Victorian Government’s new emergency services levy comes into force – which, of course, has been extremely controversial in this part of the world. What will the Federal Government be doing this term to help councils be even more sustainably funded?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, the first thing is, as you have quite rightly pointed out, local government is a level of government in and of its own right, and it interacts most closely with state governments, and state governments have responsibilities in relation to local government. At the federal level, we’ve had- we obviously provide millions of dollars in financial assistance grants, which recognises that there is some infrastructure and services that are beyond the capacity of councils to raise rates for in and of their own right. And the Federal Government has an interest, particularly in things like child care and aged care, in terms of those sorts of services, but also making sure that they’ve got untied money for roads.

    A while back, we also recognised that because of particularly the 2022 weather events that many councils were struggling, and post-COVID struggling with the costs of keeping up with some of those roads. So, we wanted to make a contribution to that. We’re not responsible 100 per cent for that, but what we did is we doubled the amount of Roads to Recovery, and that’ll steadily climb in our term up to $1 billion dollars. So that’s a billion dollars per year that will be distributed to councils. We received an interim report that was tabled at that House of Reps committee. They’ll, I assume, reconvene and continue with their work and provide the Parliament with a final report, and the Government will look at that and look at the recommendations of what we can implement.

    In particular, I think where the Federal Government really is looking for assistance from local government is in the delivery of the 1.2 million homes. Local government has a really significant role to play in assisting, particularly in improving the planning process to get those homes up and built as quickly as possible, and to add to the productivity of the construction sector. So, if we’re going to do things in relation to local government, it will be in relation to issues like that.

    SANDRA MOON: Well, we thank you for your time this morning, and I’m sure that you will understand if we’re not unhappy if it does rain just a little bit today, that would be great.

    CATHERINE KING: [Laughs] Absolutely. Out my way- my electorate’s Ballarat, and we’re as dry- have been as dry as anything. We’re pretty windy today, so I hear, but just the rain is so, so welcome. Despite the fact that it’s got cold, we really desperately need the rain.

    SANDRA MOON:  We do indeed.

    CATHERINE KING: It’s terrible to see, you know? What a country. We’ve got drought through South Australia and Vic and WA, and floods in New South Wales. Just horrendous at the moment.

    SANDRA MOON:  Yeah. Thank you again for your time.

    CATHERINE KING: Good to be with you, Sandra.

    SANDRA MOON:  Federal Minister for Transport and Regional Development, that’s Catherine King, who is in in town in Wangaratta for the official opening of the Wangaratta train station as part of the Inland Rail Network, with the sort of Beveridge to Albury part of the project.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Wangaratta station officially opens as work on Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury Tranche 1 is complete

    Source:

    The transformed Wangaratta railway station has been officially opened today, marking the completion of major works on Inland Rail’s Beveridge to Albury (B2A) Tranche 1 project.

    Inland Rail – which will run double-stacked freight trains via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland – will cut rail freight travel time between Melbourne and Brisbane to less than 24 hours. 

    At Wangaratta, modifications of the station precinct and the replacement of the adjacent Green Street bridge were required to allow sufficient clearance for double-stacked freight trains. 

    Together with construction partner, McConnell Dowell, Inland Rail transformed the station by:

    • relocating the east track to form a new west track 

    • adding a new western platform 

    • removing two footbridges and replacing them with a single pedestrian underpass 

    • lowering the tracks under Green Street bridge and 

    • replacing the Green Street bridge on the same alignment.

    Wangaratta station is now more accessible with a new western carpark, better connected with new pathways, lifts, ramps and stairs and safer with the installation of 35 security cameras.

    In addition, Inland Rail also lowered the tracks under the Murray Valley Highway at Barnawartha North and replaced bridges over the rail line at Glenrowan and Seymour-Avenel Road.

    Wangaratta station is the centrepiece of the B2A Tranche 1 project, which also involved upgrading sections of the 262 km of existing rail between Beveridge and Albury.

    Tranche 2, which will complete the Victorian section of Inland Rail, is already underway. 

    Work on B2A Tranche 1 has delivered significant benefits for local communities and businesses in regional Victoria. 

    Almost 1,650 people were employed on the project, including 59 First Nations people, 124 women, 39 apprentices, and 176 young adults under the age of 25.

    1,578 workers were residents from across the region and 488 were from Wangaratta.

    346 local businesses (10 of which were First Nations-owned) secured contracts worth $161.3 million on the project.

    Of this, $18 million was invested across 43 Wangaratta businesses, that were engaged to deliver everything from electrical services, plumbing and traffic management to precast concrete products, equipment hire, accommodation and catering. 

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

    “Inland Rail will transform the way we’re able to move freight across Australia; it’s essential infrastructure that will help us keep pace with our nation’s population growth. 

    “The project is now well on the way, with the opening of the Wangaratta station and the completion of the first of two tranches on the Beveridge to Albury section.

    “Almost 1,650 people were employed on this project, and injected $18 million in Wangaratta businesses.

    “Inland Rail is projected to carry 70% domestic use goods, which means we’ll be able to get food from our growers to our suppliers to our homes in rapid speed.”  

    Quotes attributable to Inland Rail CEO Nick Miller:

    “The opening of the Wangaratta railway station precinct and the completion of B2A Tranche 1 is an exciting milestone for the whole project.

    “We are another step closer to running double-stacked freight trains from Melbourne to Brisbane.

    “The high numbers of local workers and businesses engaged on the project is a terrific result and it’s something we want to replicate all the way to Brisbane.

    “We’re determined this project leaves a legacy in the towns it touches, and not just new railway infrastructure.

    “We want to expose local workers to new opportunities, boost skills and develop and expand capabilities of businesses so they can grow and thrive after we’re gone.

    “All levels of government worked closely with local communities to build important new infrastructure that will benefit Australia for decades.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Labor Senator for Victoria Lisa Darmanin:

    “It’s full steam ahead for Inland Rail, and the opening of the new Wangaratta Station is a significant milestone for both the community and this essential infrastructure project.”

    “This is a national project with genuine local benefits for the Wangaratta community – workers, businesses and transport users alike.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Executive’s Housing Budget Fails Northern Ireland’s Most Vulnerable

    Source: The Green Party in Northern Ireland

    Executive’s Housing Budget Fails Northern Ireland’s Most Vulnerable
    Green Party Councillor Lauren Kendall has condemned the Executive for slashing the social housing budget at a time of unprecedented need. The Department for Communities has been left unable to meet even its most basic commitments, forcing a drastic cut in new social homes.
    “This is a deliberate political choice to underfund housing and abandon the most vulnerable,” said Cllr Kendall. “The Executive is failing to meet even the most basic commitments to those in desperate need of a home. Whilst I appreciate the Minister is stretching the budget as far as he can, the Executive needs to look at its priorities. Cutting support for those in desperate need is a moral failure. The Executive is failing the people who need help most.”
    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Exercise proves powerful in preventing colon cancer recurrence – new study

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

    SUPERMAO/Shutterstock.com

    New evidence has linked physical activity with improved colon health, underscoring the vital role of exercise in cancer prevention and care.

    The landmark international trial – the Challenge study – showed that structured exercise programmes can dramatically improve survival rates for colon cancer survivors.

    The study was unveiled at the meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Each June, cancer specialists from around the world convene in Chicago for the conference where new research is announced that pushes the boundaries of cancer treatment and this year’s conference featured a wealth of exciting discoveries.

    Conducted across six countries and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the Challenge study tracked 889 patients for several years following chemotherapy. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: one received standard post-treatment care, while the other took part in a three-year coaching programme that included personalised exercise plans and regular check-ins with fitness professionals.

    The results were striking. Those in the exercise group experienced 28% fewer cancer recurrences and 37% fewer deaths.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    In the programme, people slowly built up how much they exercised, with most choosing to go on brisk 45-minute walks four times a week. Ninety per cent of the people who exercised stayed cancer free for five years, compared with just 74% of those who didn’t.

    This study provides the first strong evidence that exercise not only correlates with better outcomes but directly improves survival rates in cancer patients. While earlier observational studies found a link between being active and better cancer outcomes, this first randomised controlled trial helps show causation, meaning that exercise can directly benefit the survival of cancer patients.

    We don’t know yet if the same goes for other cancers like breast, prostate or lung, but it’s a big step forward.

    The programme’s success hinged on consistent support. Participants met with fitness coaches every two weeks at first, then monthly, which helped them stick to their routines even after treatment ended.

    While minor injuries such as muscle strains were slightly more common among those who exercised (19% compared to 12% in the control group), researchers emphasised that these issues were manageable and far outweighed by the significant survival benefits.

    Potential downsides to exercise?

    In contrast to the encouraging findings on structured exercise, a separate study presented in Chicago has raised questions about the potential downsides of extreme endurance training.

    Researchers tracking marathon runners found a higher rate of polyps (small growths in the colon that can sometimes develop into cancer) compared with the general population. This unexpected finding has sparked a fresh debate about the effect of high-intensity exercise on long-term colon health.

    However, context is needed. The study did not find higher cancer rates among runners, and most of the detected polyps were low risk.

    Several possible explanations have been offered: endurance athletes may simply undergo more frequent screenings, leading to increased detection, or intense exercise might temporarily raise inflammation markers. Crucially, the overall risk of cancer remains lower in active people than in those who are more sedentary, reinforcing the well-established protective benefits of regular exercise.

    Endurance athletes were found to have more polyps than the general population.
    MikeCPhoto/Shutterstock.com

    This apparent contradiction highlights the medical community’s evolving understanding of the “dose” of physical activity. While moderate exercise is consistently linked to significant health benefits, emerging data from endurance athletes suggests that extreme, high-intensity training may place different kinds of stress on the body’s systems.

    Researchers also suggest that factors such as dehydration during long-distance runs, changes in gut function, or the use of certain nutritional supplements common among endurance athletes could play a role in polyp development. These findings don’t diminish the well-documented benefits of physical activity, but instead point to the importance of personalised, balanced health strategies.

    For cancer survivors, the structured exercise study provides a message of practical hope. Participants aimed for the equivalent of about three hours of brisk walking per week, gradually increasing their activity levels over time.

    The programme’s social support was key, with fitness coaches helping participants tailor their routines to match their abilities and recovery needs.

    Exercise is believed to affect key biological processes – including insulin sensitivity, inflammation and immune function – that play important roles in cancer development and progression. Ongoing research is analysing participants’ blood samples to better understand these mechanisms and eventually create personalised exercise “prescriptions” based on an individual’s genetic profile.

    While the findings from marathon runners are less conclusive, they still offer practical takeaways. The research suggests that although vigorous exercise is generally beneficial, high-intensity athletes may face a higher risk of developing polyps and should therefore consider regular colonoscopies as a precaution.

    For the general public, these findings reinforce that combining moderate exercise with timely screenings offers the best protection against colon cancer, a disease that remains the fourth most common worldwide and is alarmingly increasing among young people.

    For both patients and athletes, these findings highlight a central truth: movement matters, but the right approach is crucial. Colon cancer survivors now have proven tools to reduce recurrence through structured exercise, while endurance enthusiasts gain motivation to pair their training with preventative care.

    As science continues unravelling the intricate dance between activity and biology, one message remains clear: whether recovering from illness or chasing personal bests, informed exercise combined with medical guidance is the most reliable path to long-term health.

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

    – ref. Exercise proves powerful in preventing colon cancer recurrence – new study – https://theconversation.com/exercise-proves-powerful-in-preventing-colon-cancer-recurrence-new-study-257983

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New JCVI Chair appointed

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New JCVI Chair appointed

    Professor Wei Shen Lim KBE will become the new Chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation from October.

    • Professor Sir Andrew Pollard will step down as JCVI Chair on 30th September 2025 after 12 years of leadership
    • During his tenure, Sir Andrew has been instrumental in advising governments on vaccination matters and chaired numerous committees
    • Professor Wei Shen Lim, KBE, who is currently Deputy Chair of the JCVI and Chair of the COVID-19 sub-committee, will become the new JCVI chair from 1st October 2025

    Professor Sir Andrew Pollard will step down as Chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on 30th September 2025, after sitting on the committee for over a decade.

    The JCVI is an independent departmental expert committee which has worked for over six decades to ensure that immunisation programmes in the UK are both world-leading and a cost-effective use of public money — optimising the protection of children and adults from serious infections.

    Sir Andrew was appointed Chair of the JCVI in 2013, having previously served as a member of the JCVI’s meningococcal sub-committee. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in advising governments on vaccination matters, serving not only as Chair of the main JCVI committee, but also as Chair of the human papillomavirus (HPV), influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) sub-committees. Sir Andrew remains a valued expert on vaccination and immunisation as Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, Ashall Professor of Infection and Immunity at the University of Oxford, and a Paediatric Infectious Disease Consultant at Oxford’s Children’s Hospital.  

    Following an open and competitive recruitment process, Professor Wei Shen Lim, KBE will be appointed as the new Chair of the JCVI from 1st October 2025. Professor Lim, KBE is a Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and an Honorary Professor of Respiratory Medicine for The University of Nottingham. He currently serves as the Deputy Chair of the JCVI and Chair of the COVID-19 sub-committee.  

    Dr Thomas Waite, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England said:

    I am deeply grateful for Sir Andrew’s leadership of the JCVI over the last 12 years. Over this time the JCVI has given advice to support the introduction of vaccination programmes to protect the public against a range of infections including meningococcal disease and RSV. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Sir Andrew for his dedication and expertise.

    I am delighted to welcome Professor Lim, KBE as the new Chair of the committee. Professor Lim served as Chair during the COVID-19 pandemic and ensured government received timely advice on the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination programme to protect the health of the UK public. I very much look forward to continuing to work with him as the new Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derry City and Strabane District Council Shortlisted for Prestigious RTPI Northern Ireland Planning

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Derry City and Strabane District Council Shortlisted for Prestigious RTPI Northern Ireland Planning

    3 June 2025

    Derry City and Strabane District Council has been shortlisted for the prestigious RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) Northern Ireland Awards for Planning Excellence 2025 in the category of Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture, recognising their outstanding work on the Clooney Terrace Cannon Regeneration Project.

    The nomination celebrates the Council’s leadership and collaborative approach in transforming the historic Clooney Cannon site into an accessible, vibrant public space that respects and enhances local heritage. Delivered in partnership with the Bonds Street Community Association and Clooney All Saints Church of Ireland, the regeneration project has brought new life to a site of significant cultural and historical value in the Waterside area.

    Completed in 2024, the £215k project included extensive environmental improvements, such as the restoration of the historic Crimean War-era cannon, new seating, planting, lighting, and the installation of interpretive signage. The scheme also created a physical link between the cannon site and the adjacent Clooney All Saints Church garden through a dedicated pathway, improved access points, new boundary railings and sympathetic lighting of the church building—ensuring that both heritage assets are better integrated and appreciated by the public.  The scheme was fully funded by the Department for Communities.

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, welcomed the news of the nomination:
    “This recognition from RTPI is a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnership working with our local communities. The Clooney Cannon project not only honours an important aspect of our shared history but also creates a welcoming and engaging public space that contributes to the cultural fabric of the city. We’re proud to see our efforts acknowledged at a regional level.”

    Tony Monaghan, Regeneration Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council, also praised the nomination and the team behind the project:
    “Being shortlisted for this award is a fantastic achievement and reflects the dedication and professionalism of our regeneration team. I want to sincerely thank our staff, community partners, other stakeholders and our funder DfC who worked tirelessly to bring this project to life. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their efforts recognised in such a meaningful way.”

    Funded by the Department for Communities, with £215k contributed to the project, the regeneration has already had a positive impact on the local community and urban landscape, aligning with broader goals for heritage-led regeneration and place-making in the district.

    The RTPI Northern Ireland Awards for Planning Excellence recognise outstanding contributions to planning that create inclusive, sustainable, and high-quality places. They highlight projects that demonstrate vision, leadership, and positive impact on communities and the built environment. Shortlisted entries span a range of categories, showcasing the breadth of work carried out by planners and built environment professionals throughout the region.

    The winners of the RTPI Northern Ireland Awards for Planning Excellence 2025 will be announced at the Welcome Celebration Event on 9 June 2025, from 12pm to 2pm at Malone House, Barnett’s Demesne, Belfast. The event will celebrate innovation, collaboration, and excellence across Northern Ireland’s planning community.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Motorists advised of road closures as Summer Jamm comes to town

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Motorists advised of road closures as Summer Jamm comes to town

    3 June 2025

    The highly anticipated Summer Jamm Festival is set to return to Strabane town centre this Saturday, June 7th from 12-late, promising a day filled with entertainment, family activities, and community celebration that will transform the heart of Strabane into a vibrant hub of creativity and excitement.

    The event attracts hundreds of visitors every year, and anyone planning on going along this weekend is encouraged to plan their trip, with some road closures and diversions in place to facilitate the event. From 7am-7pm the following roads will be closed to traffic, Railway Street, Main Street, Castle Street and Castle Place. Traffic diversions will be in place with alternative routes signposted.

    Visitors are advised that streets will be busy with lots of activities taking place in and around the town centre, so motorists should use the town centre car parks, or if possible travel to the event using public transport. Please note that Canal Street car park will be closed to facilitate Cullen’s Fun Fair. Disabled parking will be available in the car parks at Canal Basin North, Railway Street, Butcher Street and in Upper and Lower Main Street.

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh said: “I am absolutely delighted that one of my first major engagements as Mayor will be celebrating Summer Jamm with the people of Strabane. This fantastic festival has become a cornerstone of our community calendar, bringing together residents and visitors alike to celebrate the best of what our town has to offer. There is so much happening in the town on Saturday and there will be a real festival buzz about the place. I just want to remind people that there will be some minor disruption to traffic flow in some areas, so anyone driving to the event should follow directions and plan ahead for parking.

    “This is a great day for families to come out and enjoy a wonderful summer event together, and of course the additional visitors to the town bring a welcome boost to local business owners. As your new Mayor, I can’t wait to meet people throughout the day and see everyone enjoying this fantastic celebration of our community spirit.”

    Visitors to the town during Summer Jamm are also urged to be aware of the ‘Love Strabane’ campaign spearheaded by Strabane Business Improvement District (BID).

    Chair of Strabane BID Kieran Kennedy explained: “We want to showcase the fantastic offering we have here in the town and encourage locals and visitors to call in and support local businesses. Strabane is renowned for being a hotspot for independent businesses which offers unique one-off pieces that you can’t find anywhere else so we’d encourage everyone to love local and support local on the day and we can’t wait to see the town transformed into a hub of activity and vibrancy.

    “We have an incredibly strong hospitality sector in Strabane and this year we are particularly looking forward to the evening Music Trail. This will showcase the town’s fantastic venues as visitors can enjoy live music performances in our local bars throughout the evening.”

    There’s a packed programme of entertainment planned throughout Saturday for all the family from 12noon – late, with street performances, street drumming, and circus school skills aplenty. New to this year’s event will be the Street Art Festival which features interactive selfie murals and live street art demonstrations throughout the town. Artists will showcase their talents, offering visitors a chance to engage with the art and even try their hand at creating their own masterpieces.

    The popular Bear Run ’74 Supercar is making its first appearance at this year’s Summer Jamm. Featuring an impressive display of supercars, the Bear Run will also raise funds for the Mayor’s chosen charities – PIPS Suicide Prevention Derry and The Castlederg Patient and Comfort Terminally Ill Fund.

    Families will find plenty to enjoy with the Kidz Farm petting zoo, dinosaur encounters, urban sports activities, an interactive drumming circle, and face painting. Street performers, including magicians, dancers, and musicians, will entertain crowds throughout the town centre. Scheduled performances will take place at various locations, ensuring entertainment is always just around the corner.

    The Arts and Crafts and Food Quarter will have a variety of crafts stalls to explore along with a diverse range of culinary cuisine and delicious treats to satisfy everyone’s appetite.

    The Alley Theatre will host additional family-friendly entertainment, including the FizzWizzPop Magic Show at 12noon (tickets £2), this is an interactive magical experience designed to delight children and parents alike. The Alley will also offer face painting, Barry McGowan Art exhibition, and Arts and Crafts Workshops from 12noon.

    Cullen’s Funfair will be taking up residence in the Canal Carpark from June 5th – 8th for anyone who wants to start the celebrations early.

    Keep an eye on the Summer Jamm website: www.derrystrabane.com/summerjamm and Whats On Derry Strabane and The Alley Theatre Facebook pages for further updates.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government issues feedback on local plans to reshape councils

    Source: City of Leicester

    LEICESTER City Council has today (3 Jun) received the Government’s response to its interim proposal to expand the city’s boundary as part of plans to reorganise local government.

    In December 2024, the Government announced major changes to simplify how local government will work in England. This would abolish the two-tier system of councils which exists in many areas, including Leicestershire, and replace them with larger, single-tier unitary councils. This would in turn pave the way for devolution – the transfer of more power from central government to the regions.

    The Government invited local councils to make proposals for change in their areas.

    It has now issued feedback on the three separate proposals covering Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

    Leicester City Council’s interim proposal suggests a sensible and proportionate expansion of the city boundaries to include adjoining suburbs. This would create an expanded city council and a new single-tier authority in the county. These would be of roughly equal size and would both meet the Government’s target population for new unitary authorities, of at least 500,000 people.

    The Government feedback provides guidance on how plans can be further developed into a final submission for November. No decisions have been made at this stage. 

    City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “We have now received and will carefully consider the Government’s feedback to our interim proposal and will be continuing discussions with the county, district and Rutland councils to see if we can agree a way forward.

    “I remain absolutely convinced that any realistic option for local government reorganisation in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland must address the historic accident of our city’s boundaries. An expanded city is key to unlocking devolution and boosting much needed housing development and economic growth.

    “With the local elections in the county now concluded, I hope that we will now be able to return to sensible discussions about where new boundary lines should be drawn as we consider not just the challenges but also the immense opportunities of reshaping our local councils.

    “We will, of course, ensure that people are kept informed as our proposal develops over the coming months.”

    Leicester City Council will now continue discussions with the county, district and Rutland councils to see if a joint proposal for change across the area can be developed.

    If this is not possible, the city council will continue to develop its own plan.

    All councils must submit their final proposals by 28 November 2025.

    Central government will have the final decision on a proposal, and will lead public consultation on it.

    The Government’s response to Leicester’s interim proposal is available to view online at: leicester.gov.uk/devolution

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Housing Bill: Greens’ ‘Mansion Tax’ bid rejected by other parties

    Source: Scottish Greens

    03 Jun 2025 Finance

    Property taxes are important to ensure the wealthiest people pay their fair share back into our public services.

    More in Finance

    Proposals put forward by Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer for a ‘Mansion Tax’ on the sale of the million pound plus homes have been rejected by all other parties.

    Mr Greer tabled amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill to create a new band of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax on the most expensive homes. This would have raised money for public services in need of financial support.

    The highest rate of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax for residential properties is 12%, starting at £750,000. The Green MSP had proposed that a further band should kick in at £1 million, suggesting it start at 15%. During a debate on the proposals in Parliament he pointed to the example of the Newliston Estate near Edinburgh, currently on sale for offers over £15 million, suggesting that its buyer should pay a higher rate of tax than someone purchasing an £800,000 townhouse in the city.

    The proposal was rejected by SNP, Labour and Conservative members of the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Housing Committee.

    Mr Greer said:

    “It is disappointing that MSPs from other parties rejected our Green proposal for a Mansion Tax. 

    “A higher tax on the biggest and most luxurious properties could have raised money to support public services like the NHS and schools. Only the very wealthiest people in the country, who can afford to pay more, would have been impacted. 

    “Scotland has enough wealth to end injustices like child poverty tomorrow, but far too much of this money is in the hands of a tiny number of super-rich people and big corporations.

    “Property taxes are important to ensure the wealthiest people pay their fair share back into our public services. I hope other MSPs remember that when they next complain about cuts to public services due to a lack of money.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrate local talent and taste at Buskfest 2025!

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Buskfest, one of the most anticipated musical events of the year, is back in Banbridge on Saturday 14 June 2025, and this year the town will have the addition of an Artisan Market on Railway Street, beside The Imperial.

    Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has been touring its Artisan Market to all of the urban centres across the area, giving local businesses an opportunity to showcase an exciting selection of handcrafted goods and locally produced food.

    Local traders such as Ballydown Milk, Nice Buns, Taylor Wood Craft and Nora Avenue will be there, alongside some delicious food outlets such as Simply Crepes and Food Path. The market starts at 12noon and will be there until 5pm, just in time for visitors to make their way to the Buskfest stage for the concert and prize giving.

    Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, a craft enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique shopping experience, the Artisan Food & Craft Market in Banbridge will be something special, with an array of live musicians busking on the street.

    Speaking about the new Artisan Market initiative, Lord Mayor, Alderman Stephen Moutray, said:

    “The Artisan Food & Craft Market is a tribute to the exceptional talent and craftsmanship within our local community. The food and handmade goods on offer are of the highest quality, showcasing the passion and dedication of our local producers. Hosting this market alongside the well-loved Buskfest — which also highlights artists devoted to their craft — creates a wonderful opportunity to draw more visitors into our town centres and offer shoppers even more to enjoy.”

    Kat O’Reilly, owner of Nice Buns, and one of the newly appointed Food Heartland Champions for Markets, said:

    “As Food Heartland Markets Champion, I’m also a small business owner and I know firsthand how vital opportunities like this are for local producers. It’s a fantastic platform for businesses like mine to reach new customers, showcase our handcrafted products, and grow within our own communities. This market will not only celebrate the incredible talent across the borough but also provide a real boost to the independent businesses that make our local food and craft scene so special.”

    Once again, BBC Radio Ulster’s Ralph McLean, will be one of Buskfest’s esteemed judges, and he said,

    “Buskfest is one of my favourite musical days of the year and in my opinion, the biggest and best celebration of busking around. What makes it so special is the platform it gives performers of all kinds to step out, be heard, and connect with an audience.

    “Every year, I’m blown away by the range and quality of talent on show. Whether you’re a solo singer, a band, or something in between, there’s a space for you here. Judging is never easy, but it’s always inspiring and I can’t wait to see Banbridge come alive once again with music on every corner.”

    The market will begin at 12noon and the streets will come alive with music from 2.00pm to 5.00pm, followed by the prize giving and evening concert from 5.00pm to 8.30pm in the town centre. The finale will feature a stellar line-up of local talent, including Banshee – last year’s overall winner – The Reilly’s, and headliners The Nooks.

    To find out more about Buskfest, visit buskfest.com.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: As Israeli defence forces “wreak carnage” it’s time for UK government to act, say Greens 

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    / by Green Party

    Reacting to the third consecutive day in which Palestinians in Gaza have been gunned down by Israeli defence forces as they tried to access food aid, Ellie Chowns MP, Green Party Foreign Affairs spokesperson, said: 

    “Having bombed people in their homes or tents as they sleep; shelled hospitals where people are being treated or schools where they seek shelter, the Israeli defence forces are now wreaking untold carnage, gunning hungry Palestinians down as they try to collect food aid they’ve been denied for weeks.  

    “Two weeks ago, we heard lots of bluster from the Labour government about how awful and unacceptable the situation in Gaza was, but the concrete action pledged by Keir Starmer hasn’t materialised. It’s time for action, not more words – Israel has crossed too many red lines.  

    “The government must call for an immediate ceasefire and denounce Israel’s atrocities for what they are – genocide. They must now end all arms sales to the country, impose a wide range of sanctions and call for the arrest and trial of all those guilty of war crimes – including prime minister Netanyahu.”  

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lincolnshire County Council withdraws from the GDF siting process

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Lincolnshire County Council withdraws from the GDF siting process

    Lincolnshire County Council’s Executive Board has made the decision to withdraw from the GDF siting process and will no longer be a member of Theddlethorpe GDF Community Partnership.

    Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) has been engaging with communities in the Search Area in Lincolnshire since the establishment of a Working Group in October 2021 and the subsequent creation of a Community Partnership in June 2022.

    The UK Government’s GDF siting process in England and Wales is consent-based and requires Nuclear Waste Services to identify both a suitable site and a willing host community. This means if the community does not express support for a GDF, it won’t be built there.  

    Simon Hughes, NWS Siting and Communities Director, said:

     NWS has to date granted over £2million to support local community projects in the area and we are pleased to have left a lasting positive legacy for local people. We will now take the immediate steps needed to close the Community Partnership and the communities of Withern and Theddlethorpe, and Mablethorpe will leave the GDF siting process

    The GDF is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), that is unique in commencing public engagement very early in the process. This is considered an advantage of the UK Government Policy that NWS is working to, as it engages communities and stakeholders right at the start of the project.

    The siting process will continue to progress as we engage with the two Community Partnerships in Mid and South Copeland, who are already learning more about this vital project and the benefits and opportunities it could bring. We will also consider opportunities for more communities to join the siting process. 

    GDFs are internationally recognised by governments and scientists as the best solution for the long term management of the most hazardous radioactive waste.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Invasive species takes a bashing at Oxford Island

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Volunteers from a number of organisations joined staff from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for a ‘Balsam Bash’ at Oxford Island last week in an effort to curb an invasive species.

    During the event, thousands of Himalayan Balsam plants were removed from the undergrowth at the nature reserve, as part of an ongoing campaign to control and eradicate the plant which has spread to many parts of Northern Ireland particularly in areas close to waterways, such as loughs and rivers.

    Andy Griggs, who works as a Conservation Officer with ABC Council said the Balsam Bash was an important way of limiting the spread of the plant and also raising awareness of the damage it can cause to the environment and natural habitats.

    “We have organised Balsam Bash events over the last number of years, and we can see the impact we have had on restricting the spread of the Himalayan Balsam. We hope that by continuing to remove these plants we can eventually eradicate it from Oxford Island,” said Andy.

    “Himalayan balsam is a problematic plant. Although the flowers look pretty in the summertime, it competes with native plants for light, nutrients, pollinators and space, excluding other plants and reducing biodiversity. It dies back in the winter, leaving river banks bare and open to erosion.”

    He added: “We would like to thank all the volunteers who came along today, including staff from the NI Environment Agency, AMEY Consultants, The Conservation Volunteers and the staff from ABC Council, who all came together to make this event a great success.”

    Himalayan Balsam can grow up to 10ft in height and between June and October it produces clusters of purplish pink (or rarely white) helmet-shaped flowers. The flowers are followed by seed pods that open explosively when ripe.

    To report or find out more information on Himalayan Balsam and other invasive species in Northern Ireland, you can visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/invasive-non-native-plants

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Christmas Tree and Switch On Event Could Return

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    Christmas in Dundee this year could be celebrated with the return of a traditional tree to City Square accompanied by lights switch-on event. 

    The Dundee Hooley is also set to return to mark St Andrew’s Day.

    Proposals for the festive season will be considered by the next meeting of the Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Committee. 

    Councillors will be told that the delivery of the Christmas and St Andrew’s Day events will be funded by a combination of £145,000 from the City Development revenue budget for events, and £60,000 from budget investment proposals. 

    The £60,000 was approved at the budget setting meeting in February and is aimed at supporting events that will positively contribute to Dundee’s economic growth through increasing footfall and visitors to the city.

    Councillors will also be asked to start the tendering process for operators to come forward to provide affordable family activities to be staged in City Square over the festive period. The council will not be funding this element of the festive offering. 

    Activities could include festive children’s events, interactive activities, entertainment, rides and market stalls.   

    A report to councillors outlines how the festive period is an important time for families and businesses in the city and that in recent years events had been staged in the four weeks leading up to Christmas in an effort to encourage people into the city centre.  

    While there has not been a one-off event including the light switch-on recently, the report highlights how feedback from the public has viewed such an occasion as a “valued event” in the calendar. 

    Committee convener Councillor Steven Rome said: “We have listened very carefully to people in the city about their views on our festive offering. 

    “From general feedback, as well as the budget consultation process, it has become clear that people are keen on the return of a tree in the square accompanied by a traditional switch-on event. 

    “We are aware of how important a time Christmas is for families and businesses in the city and have considered how best to take this forward, so that families can have fun and our economy can be boosted. 

    “The Dundee Hooley has also become an established and popular part of Dundee’s festive offering, so it is essential that this can continue as well.  

    “I am pleased that funds from the 20025-26 budget would allow the Hooley and the switch-on to both happen. 

    “We will also be advertising for operators to come forward with proposals to help stage affordable family activities for the festive period so that as many people as possible can enjoy a merry Dundee Christmas.” 

    The committee meets on Monday June 9. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MSPs reject Green proposals to fix ‘absurd’ Council Tax system

    Source: Scottish Greens

    03 Jun 2025 Housing

    Scotland deserves a fairer, proportionate system to fund our public services.

    More in Housing

    Scottish Green proposals that would see the first Council Tax revaluation in over 30 years have been turned down by all other parties, despite Labour and Tory MSPs agreeing that the current system is ‘absurd’ and ‘ridiculous’.
     
    The proposals to the Housing (Scotland) Bill were lodged by Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer, who has long campaigned to reform Council Tax.
     
    Council Tax rates are still based on property values from 1991, resulting in most people now being in the wrong band. Those in smaller, less valuable homes are often paying considerably more than they should, whilst the richest in larger properties pay far less than they would if accurate valuations were used.

    Mr Greer’s proposals, lodged as amendments to the Housing Bill, were voted down by SNP, Labour and Conservative MSPs on Parliament’s Local Government and Housing Committee. This was despite Labour’s Housing spokesperson Mark Griffin agreeing during the debate that using 1991 properties values is ‘ridiculous’ and the Conservatives’ Meghan Gallagher and Graham Simpson describing it as ‘absurd’.
     
    Mr Greer said:

    “We wouldn’t tolerate a situation where most people pay the wrong rate of income tax, so why do all other parties think it’s acceptable for Council Tax?
     
    “Using property values from before I was even born means that low-income families in smaller houses typically pay more than they should, whilst the richest get off with an absolute steal.
     
    “Every other party agrees this is wrong, but they just don’t want to upset the wealthiest people in Scotland, who would pay far more if the system was fixed.
     
    “That’s the only reason for other MSPs to accept that the current situation is ‘absurd’ and ‘ridiculous’, but then vote against fixing it.
     
    “If we want to give our schools, care services, bin collections and road repairs the funding they desperately need, fixing the Council Tax is the bare minimum. I hope other parties will stop this hypocrisy and support Green proposals to deliver that fix in the future.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bannockburn: Ministers must take same approach to protect Loch Lomond

    Source: Scottish Greens

    03 Jun 2025 Nature Save Loch Lomond

    The Scottish Government must drop the hypocrisy and end Flamingo Land’s destructive mega-resort plans.

    More in Nature

    Scottish Government Ministers have used their power to reject a planning application for a horse racing track on the site of the battle of Bannockburn, just days after refusing to do the same with the destructive Flamingo Land mega-resort development at Loch Lomond.

    The Scottish Greens have welcomed the decision to throw out proposals to build a racing track on one of Scotland’s most important historic sites, but have pointed out the hypocrisy from Scottish Government Ministers who last week refused to step in and reject Flamingo Land’s sprawling resort plans for another world-famous location.

    In response to a question about the Loch Lomond application on 22nd May, Planning Minister Ivan Mckee said: “Given the very technical planning issues that are raised in this case and the high level of public interest, I consider that it is appropriate that objective planning judgment is applied. For that reason, I do not intend to recall this appeal.”

    First Minister John Swinney has also refused calls for him to recall and reject the application made by the Scottish Greens, conservation groups and Balloch residents.

    Flamingo Land’s plans had been rejected by the board of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park last September following objections being lodged by the Woodland Trust, Ramblers, National Trust for Scotland, national environment watchdog SEPA and by a record 155,000 objectors, in a campaign spear-headed by Green MSP Ross Greer.

    The Yorkshire theme park operator made an appeal against this decision and two weeks ago a Scottish Government official upheld the appeal, granting permission for the mega-resort to go ahead.

    SNP Ministers have used their powers over the planning process on a number of previous occasions, including to force through the construction of Donald Trump’s Aberdeenshire golf course despite it initially being rejected by the local council and strongly opposed by local residents.

    Mr Greer said:

    “Whilst the Bannockburn decision is welcome, it reeks of hypocrisy from a Scottish Government who just last week refused to do the same with Flamingo Land’s destructive plans. That’s despite their damaging mega-resort being at the gateway to our world famous National Park.

    “The Planning Minister needs to explain why he was willing to protect Bannockburn, but not the incredible natural heritage of Loch Lomond.

    “Over 50,000 people have now written to Ivan McKee, calling on him to recall and reject the Flamingo Land development. It’s time for the SNP to stand up for Scotland’s incredible natural heritage, rather than cave in to a greedy theme park operator.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –