NewzIntel.com

Category: Great Britain

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump sees himself as more like a king than president. Here’s why

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dafydd Townley, Teaching Fellow in US politics and international security, University of Portsmouth

    The American Revolution was a result of the tyranny experienced by colonists under the British monarchy. Many Americans had fled from Europe where they had been persecuted under the rule of powerful monarchs. The government produced by the revolution was designed to ensure no such tyranny could be reproduced in the newly formed United States.

    The framers of the constitution created a checks-and-balances system of government to ensure that no single branch of the federal government (executive, judicial or legislative) could dominate the others. Each branch has powers to curtail or empower the others.

    However, some Americans are concerned about a return of absolute rule due to the steps taken by Donald Trump’s second administration. This has sparked around 100 “no kings” protests all over the US, organised to coincide with Trump’s birthday on June 15.

    Increasing presidential power

    The second Trump administration has made a determined effort to strengthen presidential power and reduce oversight of the executive branch (the presidency). Achieving this could mean the president acting in an arbitrary manner similar to absolute monarchs of the past, free of congressional or judicial interference.

    Trump’s “big beautiful bill”, which has been passed in the House of Representatives and now must go to the Senate, contains certain provisions that strengthen the role of the president and undermine the checks-and-balances system.

    Previous presidents, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt during the New Deal era of the 1930s, had many of their executive orders cancelled by Supreme Court rulings. Over the last five months, the judiciary has ruled on the constitutionality of Trump’s executive actions, putting at least 180 on hold.

    As a consequence, the president has continually questioned the validity of the courts to act. At last week’s West Point graduation ceremony, Trump claimed that last November’s election result “gives us the right to do what we wanna do to make our country great again”.

    As Robert Reich, the former US secretary of labor, wrote recently, this “big beautiful bill” will remove the courts’ ability to hold executive officials in contempt and undermine any efforts to stop the administration. Supreme Court rulings could be ignored by the executive branch, and Congress would be unable to enforce its subpoenas and laws. “Trump will have crowned himself king,” Reich concluded.

    Just like the judicial branch, the legislative branch (Congress) also has the ability to check the executive branch. Congress can override the presidential veto if both the House and Senate pass legislation with a two-thirds majority. And the executive branch (the president) cannot fund any initiatives without the budget being approved by Congress first.

    But Trump and his supporters have minimised the impact that Congress can have on this particular bill by including all of the provisions within a budget reconciliation bill. This is a special legislative procedure that is designed to pass bills through Congress quickly.

    Bills usually require 60 votes to bypass a filibuster – a tactic used by senators to delay voting on the bill by refusing to end the debate and speaking for exceptionally long times without a break.

    But because this is a budget reconciliation, it only requires a majority – 51 votes – to pass the Senate. And because the Republicans have 53 seats in the Senate, Trump is confident the bill will pass without any Democratic interference.

    The House narrowly passed the bill, despite some opposition from Republicans. And some Republican senators have also expressed concerns. But this is the latest move to centralise greater power within the presidency.

    Trump makes the commencement speech at the West Point military academy.

    Trump v the courts

    Trump’s apparent belief that he is above the law has, in part, been supported by last year’s Supreme Court ruling which stated that former presidents had immunity from prosecution for official presidential acts. The Trump v United States decision decided such acts included command of the military, control of the executive branch, and execution of laws.

    However, this week’s federal court ruling on the legality of Trump’s economic tariffs represents a setback to the administration’s efforts to strengthen presidential power. The Court of International Trade ruled that the White House’s use of emergency powers did not grant it the authority to impose tariffs on every country, and that the constitution states such power resides within Congress.

    The Trump administration immediately said it would be appealing the decision. “It is not for unelected judges to decide how to properly address a national emergency,” Kush Desai, the White House deputy press secretary, said on the ruling, and that Trump would use “every lever of executive power” to “restore American greatness”.

    All of which has led Trump to quote another authoritarian leader, Napoleon, on social media. His post – “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law” – was a clear rebuke to those who have tried to limit executive authority while he has been in office, and echoes that of former president Richard Nixon who, in an interview with David Frost about the Watergate scandal, argued that the constitution allowed the president to break the law.

    This is an extension of the notion that Article II of the constitution has granted the president the authority to act without checks and balances when dealing with the executive branch. It is a theory much touted within Project 2025, believed to be the blueprint for the Trump presidency.

    There are other historical comparisons that could be made of Trump’s authoritarian actions, such as the rule of Charles I of England (1625-49), who believed he could govern without consulting parliament except when he needed to raise taxes to conduct overseas campaigns. Ultimately, this led to a period of civil wars and the execution of the king for treason.

    While none of these consequences are likely to be replicated, it is clear the US is currently in a constitutional crisis. The Supreme Court has a number of rulings to make on the judicial challenges to Trump’s executive authority. These will have generational consequences – but it is unclear in which way the court, where conservative judges have a 6-3 majority, will lean.

    While Trump may not be seeking a crown for his head, he is certainly arguing that he has the right to control the executive branch in the way he sees fit, without any interference from Congress or the judiciary. This is not the separation of powers as prescribed by the framers of the US constitution, but more like the absolutism of medieval monarchs.

    Dafydd Townley 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. Trump sees himself as more like a king than president. Here’s why – https://theconversation.com/trump-sees-himself-as-more-like-a-king-than-president-heres-why-257700

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why police released the ethnicity of Liverpool parade crash suspect

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By John McGarry, Senior Lecturer in Law, Leeds Beckett University

    Within hours of a driver ramming into a crowd at Liverpool’s Premier League victory parade, injuring 65 people, Merseyside Police shared in a press release that they had arrested a suspect. Unusually, the announcement included the race and nationality of the person arrested – a 53-year-old white British man.

    This was a stark contrast to the previous summer, when speculation about the ethnicity of a 17-year-old arrested for the murder of three young girls in Southport led to public disorder and riots around the country.

    The question of what police and the public can say about an ongoing legal case and when is governed by contempt of court laws, which cover a wide range of behaviour in the UK. They prevent conduct which may disrupt legal proceedings, such as shouting out in court or otherwise causing a disturbance. They also prohibit publications which create “a substantial risk” that legal proceedings “will be seriously impeded or prejudiced”, and ensure that court orders are followed.

    A recent House of Commons report suggested that the laws of contempt are not fit for the social media age. The report came after the public disorder which followed the murders of three girls by Axel Rudakubana in Southport in July 2024.

    Want more politics coverage from academic experts? Every week, we bring you informed analysis of developments in government and fact check the claims being made.

    Sign up for our weekly politics newsletter, delivered every Friday.

    It is widely accepted that in the Southport case, misinformation spread via social media – specifically, that the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker called Ali-Al-Shakati – helped to fuel the disorder. Merseyside Police’s decision to quickly publish the ethnicity of the man arrested in Liverpool suggests they were acting to prevent a repeat of the August 2024 riots.

    The police were restricted in the information they could release after Southport. Separate from the contempt laws, the Children and Young Persons Act prohibits the publication of material that may identify a person under 18 involved in youth court proceedings, and a judge may order anonymity in other criminal proceedings.

    The laws of contempt also prohibited the release of information which might have prejudiced any future trial. For example, that Rudakubana had previous criminal convictions and had been referred three times to Prevent, the anti-terrorism scheme.

    Police responded to riots around the country in August 2024 after misinformation spread about the suspect arrested for the murder of three girls in Southport.
    Ian Hamlett/Shutterstock

    The police did try to combat false information about the case in the days following the Southport attack, but it was too late. They shared that the suspect had been born in Cardiff and that the name circulating on social media was incorrect. However, they could have released more information more quickly, even under the current contempt laws, including details such as Rudakubana’s ethnicity.

    The Law Commission, an independent statutory body charged with reviewing the law of England and Wales and suggesting reforms, has said it is an “open question” whether the publication of more information could have prevented or mitigated the disorder after Southport.

    But the events after Southport are probably why Liverpool was handled differently. Merseyside Police broke from their previous approach of not releasing ethnicity details (except in cases of missing persons or people on the run). Earlier in May, the police inspectorate published a report on the Southport response, saying police forces “need to better appreciate how fast-moving events will require them to counter false narratives online”.

    However, simply releasing the race of the man arrested in Liverpool hasn’t fully filled the information void. A man’s photo was circulated on social media, wrongly identifying him as the person arrested.

    It also risks setting a precedent for future cases. If police release a suspect’s ethnicity, some people will make assumptions about whether their ethnicity is linked to a motive for an attack, and may spread misinformation that may prejudice a trial or cause disorder. But if they don’t release the ethnicity, some people may still make assumptions about why police have kept it secret. In either case, misinformation is likely to spread.

    Fit for the social media age?

    Both of these cases raise concerns about whether current laws are fit for purpose, in an age when information spreads quickly – regardless of whether it is true – on social media.

    Regardless of what the police make public, the real challenge is that anyone with a smartphone can instantly comment on any event, and may not know they are putting themselves at risk of committing a contempt of court offence.

    In 2019, actress Tina Malone received a suspended sentence of eight months for breaching a court order prohibiting the release of information about the murderers of James Bulger. She shared a social media post which claimed to provide the new identity and a picture of Jon Venables. Malone told the court that she was unaware that she was doing anything wrong.

    Newspapers have often been the subject of contempt of court cases. But in theory, anyone who shares a post by a publication later found to be in contempt could be implicated too.

    Committing contempt can carry a sentence of up to two years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine. Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, was recently released from prison, where he had been serving a sentence for repeatedly breaching a court order.



    Read more:
    Sarah Everard: social media and the very real danger of contempt of court

    The attorney general has launched campaigns to educate the public on the risks, but whether they’ve had any effect is questionable. Even politicians, including those in government, have made social media posts which come very close to being in contempt of court.

    The Law Commission recently described the contempt laws as “disorganised and, at times, incoherent”. It launched a consultation in July 2024 on proposals to reform the law.

    The laws of contempt, which have developed piecemeal over centuries, are not well known or understood. But they are an important part of the legal system, and they attempt to strike a balance between freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial, and to ensure that both victims and defendants receive justice. In the current climate, they need to be made much clearer.

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

    – ref. Why police released the ethnicity of Liverpool parade crash suspect – https://theconversation.com/why-police-released-the-ethnicity-of-liverpool-parade-crash-suspect-255462

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Supreme Court’s gender ruling has implications for the workplace. Here’s what employees can expect

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Lord, Lecturer in Human Resource Management and Employment Law, University of Salford

    studiocho/Shutterstock

    In April 2025, the UK’s Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in For Women Scotland Ltd v Scottish Ministers, offering long-awaited clarification on how “sex” should be interpreted under the Equality Act 2010. The court ruled that, for the purposes of this legislation, “woman” refers to biological sex, not gender identity.

    The decision sparked intense debate across political, legal, and social spheres. But beyond the controversy, one crucial question remains: what does this mean for employers and employees?

    For managers, the implications are significant. Legal obligations must now be understood within a clarified framework that distinguishes between biological sex and gender reassignment.

    Employers face legal risks such as unlimited compensation at an employment tribunal. There’s also the potential fallout in terms of their reputation, as well as internal tensions as staff navigate issues of identity, belief and inclusion.

    The Supreme Court case centred on whether Scottish legislation could expand the definition of “woman” to include transgender women with a gender recognition certificate (GRC). The court ruled it could not, reaffirming that the Equality Act defines “woman” and “man” by reference to biological sex. While the Act separately protects people with the characteristic of gender reassignment, the two are not interchangeable in law.

    This ruling has wide-reaching implications for how single-sex services – such as women-only refuges, sports or changing facilities – can be structured. Under Schedule 3 of the Equality Act, providers may offer single-sex services where it is a “proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim”. The judgement affirms that such services must now be assessed strictly through the lens of biological sex.

    For employers, this means they are required to navigate a more tightly defined legal landscape. The Equality Act 2010 recognises both sex and gender reassignment as protected characteristics. While single-sex spaces are lawful in limited, justifiable contexts, the legal bar for exclusion remains high.

    In practical terms, employers must ensure that provision of single-sex facilities – such as toilets, showers and changing rooms – complies with the Act.

    Any such policies must be rooted in demonstrable need, such as privacy, dignity or safety concerns, and must not cause undue harm to trans employees. Providing gender-neutral or private alternatives is increasingly seen as good practice to minimise legal and reputational risk.

    There is a real risk of legal claims on either side. Cisgender women may bring claims where their rights to single-sex spaces are perceived to be undermined. Meanwhile, trans individuals may claim indirect discrimination if reasonable adjustments such as updating internal systems (email or ID badges, for example) or offering a uniform to reflect the employee’s identity are not made.

    Employers must ensure that decisions on workplace design or service provision are evidence-based, proportionate and reviewed regularly.

    What employers should be offering

    Navigating this complex issue demands more than legal compliance. At its core, this is about people – and creating a respectful and inclusive workplace culture that values all employees.

    Employers should review and reinforce workplace values through:

    • clear dignity and respect policies that ensure staff are aware of lawful protections for both sex-based and gender identity rights

    • voluntary and inclusive communication practices, such as the optional use of pronouns in email signatures or profiles

    • training for managers and staff on both the legal framework and the lived realities of trans and gender-critical perspectives

    • robust mechanisms for resolving disputes that treat all complaints sensitively and without bias.

    Such steps will not only mitigate legal risk, they can also foster trust, morale and retention in a diverse workforce.

    Employee handbooks and HR policies should be checked and updated if necessary so that all staff know what they are entitled to.
    Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Shutterstock

    Employers must review whether their facilities and HR policies comply with the clarified legal interpretation.

    In terms of facilities, where single-sex provisions exist, employers should ensure that they serve a clear and proportionate aim. This might be a female-only changing room in a fitness centre or healthcare setting where staff or service users are required to undress. Or it could be a women-only toilet or shower facility in a refuge for survivors of domestic abuse.

    At the same time, gender-neutral or private alternatives should be considered to meet the needs of trans and non-binary employees.

    And when it comes to HR and equality policies, employee handbooks, inclusion strategies and grievance procedures should be updated in line with the ruling. Employers should carry out impact assessments to determine whether any group is indirectly disadvantaged. They should then clearly document any steps for mitigation.

    One of the most sensitive implications of the ruling is how employers manage conflicting beliefs. Some employees may have gender-critical views, while others consider gender identity as central to inclusion.

    Following the decision in the Forstater v CGD Europe case, these views – if expressed respectfully – are protected under the Equality Act’s provisions on religion or belief. Employers must walk a careful line: upholding lawful freedom of belief while enforcing respectful conduct.

    Best practice includes things like promoting freedom of expression without tolerating harassment or abuse, avoiding compelled speech (for example, forced pronoun use) while encouraging inclusive language, and offering mediation where tensions arise between staff.

    The key is balance. It should be possible to protect all employees’ rights while ensuring that no one feels unsafe or undermined. Some gender-critical employees may feel legally vindicated in expressing sex-based views. Others, particularly trans and non-binary staff, may feel their identities are being questioned or their inclusion diminished.

    Workplace dignity policies must ensure that everyone is treated respectfully and fairly. As such, employers must carefully manage interpersonal dynamics and provide clear channels for raising concerns.

    The Supreme Court ruling does not strip rights – it clarifies the legal terrain. For employers, the priority should be legal clarity, respectful inclusion and thoughtful leadership. This is not a time for reactive or ideological responses. Rather, it calls for policies that are lawful, proportionate and based on the principles of fairness and dignity.

    By updating facilities, reviewing policies, training staff and managing conflict with integrity, employers can ensure that their workplaces uphold the law while building a culture of trust and mutual respect. The law has spoken, and now it’s time for employers to lead.

    Jonathan Lord 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. The Supreme Court’s gender ruling has implications for the workplace. Here’s what employees can expect – https://theconversation.com/the-supreme-courts-gender-ruling-has-implications-for-the-workplace-heres-what-employees-can-expect-257677

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: United Christian Hospital announces incident involving insertion of nasogastric tube

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

    The spokesperson for United Christian Hospital (UCH) made the following announcement today (May 30) regarding an incident involving insertion of a nasogastric tube:Service Director (Quality & Safety), Kowloon East Cluster, Hospital AuthorityConsultant, Department of Intensive Care, Tseung Kwan O HospitalChief Manager, Quality & Safety Division (Patient Safety & Risk Management), Hospital AuthorityDeputy Service Director (Quality & Safety), Kowloon East Cluster, Hospital AuthorityDepartment Operations Manager, Department of Intensive Care, Prince of Wales HospitalCluster General Manager (Nursing), Kowloon East Cluster, Hospital AuthorityChief of Service, Intensive Care Unit, Queen Elizabeth HospitalChief of Service, Department of Ear, Nose & Throat, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Adams verdict

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister KC MP:

    “Regardless of the verdict delivered by a Dublin jury, the people of Northern Ireland know that Gerry Adams stood front and centre in justifying and defending thirty years of brutal IRA terror.

    “His active role at the heart of the Republican terror machine is well documented — not merely in hearsay, but in the detailed testimonies and investigations contained in multiple authoritative books on the IRA. These include the works of Peter Taylor, Toby Harnden, Ed Moloney, and Eamon Collins — all of which remain available and uncontested in the public domain.

    “For the countless innocent victims of IRA violence, the one abiding consolation is this: Gerry Adams will one day stand before a higher court than any convened in Dublin.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Growing offshore wind

    Source: Scottish Government

    Consultation to inform offshore wind developments in Scotland.

    The way in which offshore wind projects are developed in Scotland is being consulted on, with an updated plan now published for views.  

    The draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy (SMP-OWE) aims to balance the needs of nature, communities, and other users of the sea.  

    It will be used to help inform the delivery of offshore wind projects  from the ScotWind and Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) seabed leasing rounds. 

    Proposals in the plan aim to:

    • use the latest  data and scientific evidence to inform decisions on energy developments – such as how projects will impact wildlife and nature 
    • ensure the environmental, social, economic opportunities and constraints from offshore projects are clearly set out to help inform decision making
    • ensure the interests and views of other marine users, including fishers, coastal and island communities and environmental groups are taken into account  

    Acting Net Zero and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Growing Scotland’s offshore wind sector presents enormous economic opportunities for our country, with the chance to create thousands of well-paid, green jobs while accelerating our journey to net zero.     

    “Our updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy sets out the opportunities as well as the constraints to developing offshore wind in Scottish waters.

    “It seeks to provides clarity, certainty and confidence to investors and other marine users, to ensure development is sustainable and balances the needs of communities, nature and other users of the sea, to deliver for the people of Scotland and nature.  

    “It is important that everyone with an interest has their say and the Scottish Government will continue to engage closely with the fishing industry, island and coastal communities and other sectors throughout the consultation.“ 

    Crown Estate Scotland Director of Marine Mike Spain, said: “We welcome the publication of the a draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan and encourage all those with an interest in Scotland’s offshore wind sector to engage with this consultation. 

    “We are proud to have conducted two successful offshore wind leasing rounds and are working in partnership with the sector to enable these projects to deliver maximum value for Scotland.” 

    Background 

    Consultation – draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy 

    The consultation will run until 22 August 2025 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chair appointed to independent Fatal Accident Inquiry review

    Source: Scottish Government

    Action to improve investigations into deaths in prison custody.

    Retired Sheriff Principal Ian Abercrombie has been appointed to chair an independent review of the system of Fatal Accident Inquiries (FAI) into deaths in prison custody.

    The review will aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of investigations into deaths in prison and ensure those affected are treated in a trauma-informed way.

    The review which was commissioned by Justice Secretary Angela Constance, in consultation with the Lord Advocate, will also identify barriers that families face in engaging with the FAI process and address the time it takes for them to be completed.

    An advisory group, recommended by the Chair and appointed by the Justice Secretary, will support Sheriff Principal Abercrombie. Its membership is expected to be agreed and announced within weeks.

    The Justice Secretary said:

    “A review of the FAI system was a key action from the Government’s consideration of the FAI inquiry determinations into the tragic deaths of Katie Allan and William Lindsay.

    “Families have been let down and their experience of the system has added to their grief. Their voices will be heard and listened to during this independent review.

    “The remit of the review will consider issues surrounding FAIs held into deaths in prison custody.

    “Maintaining the pace of reform is essential, which is why I have asked to receive the report by the end of this year.”

    Sheriff Principal Abercrombie said:

    “I am pleased to be leading this review. I understand that concerns have been raised about how the FAI system currently operates in relation to deaths in prison custody.

    “As an independent chair, ably assisted by my Advisory Group, I am looking forward to hearing from all those with experience or knowledge of the system.”

    Background

    Sheriff Principal Abercrombie graduated with an LLB Hons from the University of Edinburgh in 1978 and joined the Faculty of Advocates in 1981. He has served as a Curator of the Advocates Library and was a member of the disciplinary committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, and of a Scottish Law Commission advisory group.

    He is a former member of the Scottish Civil Justice Council. He became a QC in 1993 and was appointed a sheriff in 2009. He became Sheriff Principal of South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway in 2014. He retired from this role in 2020.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Australian Oilseeds Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COOTAMUNDRA, Australia, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: COOT), a manufacturer and seller of sustainable edible oils to customers globally, today announced financial results for its third quarter fiscal 2025 ended March 31, 2025.

    Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Highlights Compared to Prior Year

    • Sales revenue increased 49.8% to A$9.4 million driven by broad-based growth across retail, wholesale and high protein meal categories.
    • Retail oil revenue increased 69.4% to A$4.7 million reflecting expanded distribution at several leading retailers in Australia along with the addition of new SKUs.
    • Net loss of A$0.6 million compared to net income of A$41 thousand, reflecting changes to sales mix, planned investments in brand and marketing, as well as higher professional fees, insurance and employee costs.

    “We were pleased to deliver strong year-over-year growth in the third quarter, led by our retail category where our expanded distribution network and broader product lineup drove results,” said Gary Seaton, Chief Executive Officer. “We also saw robust demand across customers and channels, validating our commitment to premium quality. We remain steadfast in our commitment to eliminating chemicals from the edible oil production and manufacturing systems and continue to believe we are well positioned for significant growth and improving returns over the long term.”

    About Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited. Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: COOT) through its subsidiaries, including Australian Oilseeds Investments Pty Ltd., an Australian proprietary company, is focused on the manufacture and sale of sustainable oilseeds (e.g., seeds grown primarily for the production of edible oils) and is committed to working with all suppliers in the food supply chain to eliminate chemicals from the production and manufacturing systems to supply quality products to customers globally. The Company engages in the business of processing, manufacture and sale of non-GMO oilseeds and organic and non-organic food-grade oils, for the rapidly growing oilseeds market, through sourcing materials from suppliers focused on reducing the use of chemicals in consumables in order to supply healthier food ingredients, vegetable oils, proteins and other products to customers globally. Over the past 20 years, the Company’s cold pressing oil plant has grown to become the largest in Australia, pressing strictly GMO-free conventional and organic oilseeds.

    Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to, statements regarding our financial outlook, business strategy and plans, market trends and market size, opportunities and positioning. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “believe,” “hope,” “target,” “project,” “goals,” “estimate,” “potential,” “predict,” “may,” “will,” “might,” “could,” “intend,” “shall” and variations of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control. For example, global economic conditions could in the future reduce demand for our products; we could in the future experience cybersecurity incidents; we may be unable to manage or sustain the level of growth that our business has experienced in prior periods; our financial resources may not be sufficient to maintain or improve our competitive position; we may be unable to attract new customers, or retain or sell additional products to existing customers; we may experience challenges successfully expanding our marketing and sales capabilities, including further specializing our sales force; customer growth could decelerate in the future; we may not achieve expected synergies and efficiencies of operations from recent acquisitions or business combinations, and we may not be able to pay off our convertible notes when due. Further information on potential factors that could affect our financial results is included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for June 30, 2024 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent our views only as of the date of this press release and we assume no obligation and do not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

    Contact
    Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited
    126-142 Cowcumbla Street
    Cootamundra New South Wales 2590
    Attn: Amarjeet Singh, CFO
    Email: amarjeet.s@energreennutrition.com.au

    Investor Relations Contact
    Reed Anderson
    (646) 277-1260
    reed.anderson@icrinc.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited Announces Conversion of Existing A$5 Million of Debt to Equity, Strengthening Balance Sheet Moving Forward

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COOTAMUNDRA, Australia, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: COOT), a manufacturer and seller of sustainable edible oils to customers globally, today announced a A$5 million debt-to-equity conversion (the “Conversion”).

    In connection with the conversion, JSKS Enterprises Pty Ltd., (“JSKS”), an entity controlled by Gary Seaton, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, converted approximately A$5 million of its outstanding loan into 4,452,479 shares of Company’s ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value per share (“Ordinary Shares”).

    Gary Seaton, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We continue to be very pleased with the momentum and trajectory of our business. The decision to convert a meaningful portion of debt to equity strengthens our balance sheet and enhances financial flexibility while also demonstrating the long-term commitment to the Company’s future by management and its shareholders, which will reduce our debt by A$5 million and increases our shareholders’ equity by the same amount, and is in line with our strategy to optimize our capital structure.”

    Pursuant to the Conversion, the principal amount of all loans made to the Company by JSKS, along with accrued interest through April 30, 2025, will be deemed repaid by the Company and all of its obligations with respect to the principal amount and accrued interest will be satisfied in full and cancelled. In exchange, the Company has issued to JSKS 4,452,479 Ordinary Shares. 

    About Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited. Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: COOT) through its subsidiaries, including Australian Oilseeds Investments Pty Ltd., an Australian proprietary company, is focused on the manufacture and sale of sustainable oilseeds (e.g., seeds grown primarily for the production of edible oils) and is committed to working with all suppliers in the food supply chain to eliminate chemicals from the production and manufacturing systems to supply quality products to customers globally. The Company engages in the business of processing, manufacture and sale of non-GMO oilseeds and organic and non-organic food-grade oils, for the rapidly growing oilseeds market, through sourcing materials from suppliers focused on reducing the use of chemicals in consumables in order to supply healthier food ingredients, vegetable oils, proteins and other products to customers globally. Over the past 20 years, the Company’s cold pressing oil plant has grown to become the largest in Australia, pressing strictly GMO-free conventional and organic oilseeds.

    Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to, statements regarding our financial outlook, business strategy and plans, market trends and market size, opportunities and positioning. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “believe,” “hope,” “target,” “project,” “goals,” “estimate,” “potential,” “predict,” “may,” “will,” “might,” “could,” “intend,” “shall” and variations of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control. For example, global economic conditions could in the future reduce demand for our products; we could in the future experience cybersecurity incidents; we may be unable to manage or sustain the level of growth that our business has experienced in prior periods; our financial resources may not be sufficient to maintain or improve our competitive position; we may be unable to attract new customers, or retain or sell additional products to existing customers; we may experience challenges successfully expanding our marketing and sales capabilities, including further specializing our sales force; customer growth could decelerate in the future; we may not achieve expected synergies and efficiencies of operations from recent acquisitions or business combinations, and we may not be able to pay off our convertible notes when due. Further information on potential factors that could affect our financial results is included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for June 30, 2024 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent our views only as of the date of this press release and we assume no obligation and do not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

    Contact
    Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited
    126-142 Cowcumbla Street
    Cootamundra New South Wales 2590
    Attn: Amarjeet Singh, CFO
    Email: amarjeet.s@energreennutrition.com.au

    Investor Relations Contact
    Reed Anderson
    (646) 277-1260
    reed.anderson@icrinc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police catch drink and drug drivers

    Source: New South Wales – News

    South Australia Police detected 53 drink and drug driving offences in a targeted statewide road safety operation last week.

    Operation Stop Drink and Drug Drive was conducted from 23 to 25 May 2025 involving both static and mobile alcohol and drug testing units.

    Officer in Charge of Traffic Services Branch, Superintendent Shane Johnson said the results indicate that too many drivers are still making the irresponsible decision to drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

    “Drink and drug driving is a selfish decision that puts drivers and other road users at unnecessary risk of injury or a loss of life,” Superintendent Johnson said.

    “In this operation, police detected 23 positive drug driving offences and 32 drink driving offences, so 51 people immediately lost their licence and 22 had their vehicle impounded.

    “Police will continue to conduct high-visibility operations across the state to target those who ignore the law. If you drink alcohol or take drugs and get behind the wheel, you are taking an unnecessary risk and will get caught. “

    An incident of note involved a 62-year-old Para Hills woman who was detected allegedly with a blood alcohol reading five times over the legal limit with a reading of 0.266 after failing to navigate a left-hand turn and crashing a vehicle on a pedestrian refuge. She was issued with drink driving and driving without due care and issued with a 12-month immediate loss of licence.

    A 62-year-old Morphett Vale man was also detected with an alleged a blood alcohol reading of 0.266 was stopped for driving in an erratic manner. He was issued with a 12-month immediate loss of licence notice and police impounded his vehicle for 28 days.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Closure of Riverside Theatre a Major Loss

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV Vice Chairman and Causeway Councillor Allister Kyle:

    “It is deeply disappointing that Ulster University has chosen not to work constructively with the council to explore options to keep the Riverside Theatre open. Instead, the university presented a take-it-or-leave-it ultimatum: unless council agreed to take on the lease, full running costs, and liabilities, the theatre would close in summer 2025.

    “This is not a partnership—it’s an offload. And once again, it reflects the ongoing marginalisation of Coleraine in favour of the university’s Jordanstown and Magee campuses.

    “The Riverside Theatre has meant a great deal to me personally. I’ve enjoyed many performances there over the years, and I know how much it matters to the people of this area. It’s Northern Ireland’s fifth-largest theatre and the oldest professional venue outside Belfast. It has hosted remarkable talent—including our very own James Nesbitt, who began his career on its stage.

    “It didn’t have to come to this. I firmly believe a solution could have been found if the university had been willing to engage properly. But council cannot be expected to shoulder all the costs and risks, particularly when we lack the specialist expertise to run such a venue.

    “It’s also regrettable that no support or intervention came from Stormont’s Department for Communities, despite the cultural and economic importance of the theatre.

    “The closure of the Riverside will be a massive loss to Coleraine and the wider Causeway Coast and Glens area—not just in terms of the arts, but in the vibrancy, identity, and opportunities it brought to our community.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Farmers Have Found Their Voice – The Minister Must Listen or Go

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV MLA Timothy Gaston:

    “On Wednesday afternoon, I attended the NAP consultation event at Greenmount to stand with farmers and the wider agri-food industry and deliver a clear message: enough is enough. These proposals must be withdrawn.

    “Farmers are the true custodians of our countryside. Any future environmental policy must be developed in partnership with them—not imposed on them.

    “If Minister Muir had any serious concern for the agri sector, he would have been present to hear the fear and anger in that room. But he wasn’t. In fact, there wasn’t a single representative from his party in the room. The industry was left to face civil servants, none of whom could even raise a hand in support of the proposals they were sent to defend.

    “Not one.

    “And while the Department could cite figures on agriculture, they had no answers—none—on the impact of NI Water or septic tanks on water quality. When I asked about food security, they had nothing. The silence spoke volumes.

    “Worse still, there was no sign of any meaningful consultation. No one from the Department appeared to be recording feedback from the Q&A session—despite speaker after speaker rising with heartfelt conviction, warning of the devastating impact these plans will have on their livelihoods and the future of farming in Northern Ireland.

    “Who is consulting with who? Because from today’s meeting, it looks like the Department is consulting with itself.

    “Farmers have found their voice. If the Minister won’t listen, he should go. In truth, I’d welcome both.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sir Loyd Grossman’s (CBE) term as The Royal Parks Chair extended for 9 months

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Sir Loyd Grossman’s (CBE) term as The Royal Parks Chair extended for 9 months

    The Secretary of State has extended Sir Loyd’s third term for a further 9 months, from 01 June 2025 to 28 February 2026, while the process to appoint a new permanent Chair of The Royal Parks is run.

    Sir Loyd Grossman CBE

    Loyd is a broadcaster, entrepreneur and writer who has a long association with the arts and heritage sectors. He is Chair of The Royal Society of Arts and a Vice President of the Churches Conservation Trust.

    Loyd’s past appointments include as a board member of English Heritage, the Museums and Galleries Commission and the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England. He has been Chairman of the Churches Conservation Trust, Chair of the Heritage Alliance, Chairman of National Museums Liverpool and Vice Chair of the Royal Drawing School. He was awarded a Knighthood in the King’s New Year Honours List for services to heritage in 2024. He was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to heritage in 2015.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    The Chair of The Royal Parks is not remunerated. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Sir Loyd Grossman has not declared any significant political activity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council agrees regional adaptation plan to support coastal communities

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Members of the Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee have today agreed a Regional Coastal Change Adaptation Plan which will enable coastal communities to become more resilient to the impacts of climate change over time.

    Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “The world’s climate is changing and already the sea level around Scotland is rising at an alarming rate. Highland coastlines are home to much of our region’s population as well as significant infrastructure such as harbours, ports, roads and railways. It’s crucial that we do everything we can to prepare and support communities who may be affected by increased coastal impacts as a result of climate change. There is a risk that flooding and erosion will impact our communities more frequently and this plan will help us to mitigate disruption to communities, infrastructure and assets along our coastlines.”

    The Regional Coastal Change Adaptation Plan (Regional CCAP) provides an overview of the risks across the Highland Council area, identifying communities and assets that are most likely to be negatively impacted by climate change, rising sea levels, coastal erosion and flooding.

    Cllr Gowans continued: “The plan recognises the need to be flexible in how we respond to the impacts of climate change along our coastlines, in order to help Highland communities and the Highland Council manage current and future risks. Our coastal zone is known for its rich biodiversity, cultural and environmental heritage and it also plays an important role in the Highland economy through industry and tourism. By identifying the highest risk locations and enabling progress at local levels, we can develop an adaptive pathway approach to support our coastal communities, biodiversity, cultural heritage and environment to adapt to the impacts of coastal climate change over time.”

    The plan provides a flexible framework to address long-term and short-term climate change risks and enables Highland Council and coastal communities to adapt and become more resilient to climate change impacts now and in the future. 29 high-risk locations have been identified for further investigation and potential development of Local Coastal Change Adaptation Plans.

    Cllr Gowans added: “For the plan to be successful, it will be important for us to work with communities at risk and collaborate with asset owners and neighbouring local authorities to ensure we can steer future development away from risk whilst safeguarding coastal locations. The plan will be reviewed and updated going forward and made public on our website for shared learning opportunities.”

    30 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council agrees environmental scheme endorsement for major developers

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Members of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee have today agreed to the principle of the Council endorsing proposed environmental scheme sites in advance for new infrastructure projects.

    Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “Developers delivering major infrastructure projects often find it challenging to quickly secure sufficient land for their environmental scheme obligations. This can lead to delays in projects starting and often results in sub-optimal biodiversity improvements. By endorsing proposed biodiversity enhancement and compensatory planting schemes in advance of planning permission being applied for, we hope to help mitigate delays, minimise negative environmental impacts and deliver the best outcomes possible for our world-class natural environment, whilst giving developers the confidence to enter into early agreements with landowners.”

    The approach gives developers more time to identify suitable land before entering into legal agreements with the assurance that proposed environmental schemes have already been endorsed by the Council as being competent and compliant. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Council and developers will establish a framework for developers to submit details of a proposed environmental scheme for endorsement in advance of a formal planning application. Once endorsed, the scheme would then be considered competent for the developer to draw down from.

    Cllr Gowans continued: “Environmental schemes are important for our communities as they ensure that biodiversity is improved when new infrastructure projects are developed. We have a duty to ensure that developers deliver schemes that contribute positively to our natural habitats and ecosystems, but due to the short timeframe between planning permission being granted and project implementation, it can be challenging for developers to fully maximise opportunities for biodiversity enhancement.

    “This new approach has the potential to ensure that environmental schemes benefit communities and result in landscape-scale improvements throughout the Highlands. It will also support the Council in addressing and mitigating environmental impacts more effectively as part of our commitment to sustainable development.”

    Next steps include finalising terms and pre-application fees, establishing a steering group to review and endorse schemes and developing monitoring and reporting structures to track the progress of endorsed environmental schemes.

    30 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: North of Scotland Councils announce multi-million-pound EV charging infrastructure partnership

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Highland, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils are today announcing that EasyGo has been awarded a 20-year contract to provide EV charging infrastructure for the north of Scotland. The contract is estimated to be worth £300 million, with Highland Council acting as the lead authority.

    The large-scale EV infrastructure project will accelerate the region’s transition to Net Zero and see 570 new charging points installed across the north of Scotland by 2028, more than doubling the existing EV infrastructure and further enhancing the region’s charging network. EasyGo will also adopt and maintain all existing council-owned public charging points in the region.

    Transport Scotland has committed more than £7 million of funding to enable the partnership as part of the Scottish Government’s £30 million Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund. The fund was launched in 2022 and enables local authorities to work with the private sector to deliver a high-quality public EV charging network across all of Scotland.

    The north of Scotland partnership is the first inter-council contract to have been awarded and is the largest grant award in Scotland since the fund’s inception.

    Councillor Ken Gowans, Vice Convener of The Highland Council said: “We are honoured to lead this groundbreaking initiative in the north of Scotland which sets a new standard for regional cooperation. This project exemplifies the power of collaboration as we work closely with our neighbouring local authorities to create a comprehensive and accessible EV charging network. By addressing the critical need for expanded charging infrastructure, we are removing significant barriers to electric vehicle adoption, better serving our communities in both urban and rural areas and delivering a wide range of community benefits. Together, we are paving the way for a greener, more equitable and connected future across the Highlands and beyond.”

    Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “This is a huge boost to the electric vehicle charging network in Aberdeen. The new enlarged infrastructure means more places to charge electric vehicles which fits in with Aberdeen City Council’s plans for net zero and with the aim of improving air quality. Hopefully there will be increased use of the charging stations.  We will continue to promote greener technologies because everyone benefits from a cleaner environment. Looking to the future, we want to ensure Aberdeen’s place as energy capital of Europe.”

    Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “The investment in the city’s electric vehicle network is part of our Net Zero Vision and Strategic Infrastructure Plan for Energy Transition. The new infrastructure will help cement our position as a world leader in the energy sector as an economic driver for the city, region, Scotland and the UK.”

    Councillor Gillian Owen, Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, said: “This is a hugely aspirational programme for all our regions, and I very much welcome the future development of additional electric vehicle charging infrastructure to help future-proof our network. As a large rural authority, we acknowledge that more needs to be done to improve and extend the existing infrastructure to cater for under-served areas across Aberdeenshire and to ensure far greater reliability of services for motorists. Through this ambitious partnership approach, I am confident it will encourage a major increase in EV usage and help promote equality within both rural and urban areas.”

    Councillor Kathleen Robertson, Leader of Moray Council, said: “This initiative highlights perfectly how collaborative efforts across the north of Scotland can deliver for all of our communities. We’re not only expanding the electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Moray but working with our neighbours to open up economic growth and development opportunities across our region. By playing our own part in the drive to net zero we’re helping Scotland make the journey that really matters. As an electric car driver myself I know how welcome this investment will be for locals and visitors and am proud we’re delivering a climate positive network for the ages.”

    Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “I’m pleased that over £7 million from the Scottish Government is transforming public electric vehicle infrastructure across the north of Scotland. Our £30 million Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund has now been fully allocated to support this type of collaboration across the country and is expected to support the delivery of around 6,000 additional public charge points by 2030.

    “In the north of Scotland, our investment has enabled an innovative procurement partnership across four local authorities, that is expected to leverage over £4.9 million of additional matched private sector investment over the next three years to expand the availability, accessibility and reliability of public EV charging.

    “As we transition away from ChargePlace Scotland, in line with our published vision for public charging infrastructure – this truly collaborative approach, supported through our Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund, directly contributes to our ambition to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030.”

    EasyGo is a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, operating over 4,500 chargers across more than 1,500 locations in Ireland. Founded in 2018, EasyGo delivers fast, reliable direct current (DC) charging to over 100,000 EV drivers and collaborates with major industry players to enhance the accessibility and interoperability of its charging infrastructure.

    Ollie Chatten, CEO of EasyGo, said: “As the largest EV charging network across Ireland, we are truly excited to be working with the Scottish Government on the north of Scotland electric vehicle charging infrastructure partnership, following a successful and thorough procurement process. Supporting progressive councils across the country in building out EV infrastructure is a vital step towards a more sustainable and future-focused Scotland. This project enables us to bring our proven expertise to the forefront, ensuring a reliable and efficient charging network that will power Scotland’s journey to Net Zero.”

    Highland Council Vice Convener Cllr Ken Gowans

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Government voting down winter evictions ban is ‘shameful’

    Source: Scottish Greens

    30 May 2025 Housing

    Government must rethink their decision that could put many people at risk this winter and beyond.

    More in Housing

    A plan to ban winter evictions has been voted down by the Scottish Government, in a move the Scottish Greens have labelled “shameful”.

    The plan put forward as an amendment to the Housing (Scotland) Bill, would have prevented landlords from evicting renters between November and March every year, preventing thousands of people from being made homeless during the harshest, coldest months of the year where weather conditions can often be life-threatening.

    In 2022, the Scottish Greens secured temporary protections from evictions for renters, giving peace of mind to those at risk of homelessness during the harshest months. 

    Reacting to the vote, Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman said:

    “It is shameful that the Scottish Government has voted against a winter evictions ban. While we may be approaching summer with the coldest months ahead far from our minds, for people at risk of homelessness, the threat of a winter without a roof over their heads is real and fast approaching.

    “Every winter, too many people and families are kicked out of their homes, sometimes for unwarranted reasons by landlords who don’t take their obligations seriously.

    “We live in an era of sky-rocketing rents, high utility bills and low wages that don’t keep pace. The cost of living crisis is still very much with us. Renters need protections just as much as they did when inflation was at its height.

    “But instead of giving renters more rights, the Scottish Government has made it clear that it is on the side of landlords. It has favoured the wealthy over working people, which will only serve to deepen inequality and put more people at risk of homelessness.

    “I will bring these important protections back at Stage 3 of the Bill, giving the Government and opposition parties the chance to protect people and their families facing crisis, and help to ease the ongoing housing emergency in Scotland.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: All aboard for free bus travel to enjoy the spectacle of The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Thousands of visitors heading for the spectacular Tall Ships Races Aberdeen can get on board with a bonanza of free bus travel to the spectacular event.

    First Aberdeen are on deck with the event’s organisers in a campaign that will see 25,000 free Adult Day Tickets available while the beautiful vessels are berthed in the city from July 19 to 22. 
    In addition, First Aberdeen will offer a 50% discount for all customers on a range of tickets during the event, which is expected to attract 400,000 visits to Aberdeen.

    The bus travel bounty – with Aberdeen City Council funding the 25,000 free tickets – is part of a wave of initiatives to minimise road congestion and reduce The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen carbon footprint. 
    Graeme Macfarlan, Commercial Director for First Bus Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Aberdeen City Council to offer 25,000 free bus journeys across the four days of the historic Tall Ships event coming to Aberdeen in July.

    “It’s set to be a fantastic four days in the city and we’re hoping this brilliant free travel offer further encourages to choose sustainable public transport as their preferred method of travel. We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of passengers on board our services during the event.”

    Councillor Martin Greig, Chair of the Tall Ships Aberdeen organising committee, said: “It’s reassuring that the Tall Ships event will benefit from effective and strong partnership working with First Aberdeen. Their involvement helps to ensure that bus travel will be available cheaply, safely and speedily for the many thousands of spectators visiting the event. It is vital to get the transport arrangements right for everyone, especially around the harbour and city centre areas which are the focal points for visitors.  Careful, detailed planning for buses and other forms of transport is underway so that all can enjoy the fantastic and memorable experience of the Tall Ships race 2025.”

    Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “‘All aboard’ is a warm welcome that applies as much to buses as it does to ships… so what could be better than free bus tickets to get to the Tall Ships Races?

    “This is a fantastic initiative that will make it so much easier for thousands of visitors to enjoy what will be one of the biggest and most vibrant events in Scotland this summer.

    “Thanks are due to the council for funding these free tickets and First Aberdeen for the generous discounts that will also encourage people to take the bus to join the high tide of excitement and fun when the Tall Ships are here.”

    Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “This collaborative effort to provide free and discounted bus travel reflects our shared commitment to making The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen accessible to all. 
    “We’re encouraging sustainable travel to ease congestion in the city and enhance the experience for the hundreds of thousands set to enjoy this magnificent maritime festival.”

    Details of how to get a free Day Ticket will be released in advance of the event along with details on the 50% off incentive to all other customers which will be valid on digital platforms and throughout First Aberdeen’s Two Trip, Day, Three Day and 5 Day ticket range.

    In addition to the treasure chest of free and discounted bus travel, event organisers are offering a tide of initiatives.  These include:
    •    A free event shuttle bus will operate every 20 minutes from Union Terrace with a circular service taking in Tall Ships event spaces at the Port of Aberdeen, Petersons Seabase, King Street Funfair and Castlegate Discovery Zone and Union Terrace Military Village. The shuttle is primarily for those with reduced mobility but will be open to all. 
    •    Additional blue badge parking and a free accessible shuttle bus service for blue badge holders available from Pittodrie Stadium, with shuttle services operating up to every 20 minutes. Places must be booked and blue badges must be on display to gain access.
    •    Four park and ride shuttle bus services from Bridge of Don P&R, Craibstone P&R, P&J Live (surface parking) and Kingswells P&R, with services running up to every 15 minutes. With limited capacity and expected demand, organisers are urging people to buy their tickets in good time. 
    •    Spectators choosing to travel to the event by car or motorcycle should note that there will be limited on and off-street parking in Aberdeen and are advised to use public transport and the event park and ride sites.
    For information on other active and sustainable travel options for travelling to and from the Tall Ships event, please visit: https://www.tallshipsaberdeen.com/event-information/accessibility-and-transport/

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Block Grant for Scottish Government hits £50 billion

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Block Grant for Scottish Government hits £50 billion

    The block grant for the Scottish Government this year is £50 billion following Main Estimates 2025-26 published on Thursday.

    The Scottish Government already had the largest real terms spending review settlement in the history of devolution of £47.7 billion. Following revisions at the Spring Statement and Main Estimates, the Treasury has now confirmed the latest settlement is £50 billion.

    Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said:

    The UK Government delivered the largest spending review settlement in the history of the Scottish Parliament, now Scots rightly expect to see that record finding deliver better results like lower NHS waiting lists, better attainment in Schools, more police on the beat and more housing.

    I was very concerned this week to see that attainment targets for Scottish schools have been reduced and housebuilding has fallen by 4,000, meanwhile police officer numbers are lower than when police Scotland was established and 800,000 Scots are on an NHS waiting list.

    Where the UK government has responsibility for public services, we are seeing NHS waiting lists fall, more housing being built and more bobbies on the beat, all part of our Plan for Change. This historic funding deal for the Scottish Government should be delivering similar results.

    Background:

    • Main Estimates was published on Thursday, providing the Scottish Government with £572m in additional funding in 2025-26, including £454m through the Barnett formula.
    • It also confirmed the Scottish Government’s £1.8bn RDEL depreciation funding in 2025-26, including student loans.
    • This is on top of a record settlement of £47.7 billion for 2025-26 at Autumn Budget 2024.
    • This additional funding brings SG’s overall 2025-26 block grant funding to £50 billion.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A summer payment to around 90,000 carers

    Source: Scottish Government

    Carer’s Allowance Supplement to be paid this June.

    Around 90,000 carers are set to receive Carer’s Allowance Supplement this June – an additional payment of £293.50.  

    The payment is extra money for people who receive Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on a particular date. 

    Only available in Scotland, the summer payment will be made between 18 and 19 June 2025. Carers are eligible if they received Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on 14 April 2025.  

    Carers eligible for the payment will receive a letter from Social Security Scotland before the payment is made. Carers do not need to apply as it is paid automatically to everyone who is eligible.  

    Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This benefit was the first that we introduced when we formed Social Security Scotland back in 2018. It’s an additional payment to recognise the important contribution of unpaid carers in Scotland. A payment not made anywhere else in the UK. 

    “It’s another example of how we’ve built a radically different social security system in Scotland, with dignity, fairness and respect at its heart.”    

    Claire Cairns, Director at The Coalition of Carers in Scotland added: “At a time when many carers are struggling to pay the bills, while providing essential support to loved ones, this payment is a vital acknowledgment of their role and a much-needed financial boost that helps ease some of the pressure they face every day.” 

    If a carer is eligible for Carer’s Allowance Supplement but has not received a letter or payment by 30 June 2025, they should contact Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222. 

    The next Carer’s Allowance Supplement will be paid in December 2025.   

    Background 

    • Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid twice a year. It’s an extra payment for eligible unpaid carers who are getting Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying date. It is paid automatically without the need to apply.   Carers who have a genuine and sufficient link to Scotland but live outside the UK in the European Economic Area, Switzerland or Gibraltar may be eligible. Find out more Applying outside of Scotland – mygov.scot 
    • Other benefits available for carers from Social Security Scotland, including Carer Support Payment and Young Carer Grant, can be found at mygov.scot/carers 
    • The Coalition of Carers is a coalition of unpaid carers and local carer organisations who work to promote the voice of carers in the development of services, policy and legislation. Its aim is to improve carers’ rights and recognition in Scotland. Coalition of Carers in Scotland – Carers Rights in Scotland 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Improving lives through local climate action

    Source: Scottish Government

    Scotland’s Climate Action Hubs to receive £6 million funding.

    Community projects across Scotland aimed at improving lives through local climate action are set to benefit from a share of £6 million Scottish Government funding.

    Scotland’s nationwide network for Climate Action Hubs encourage and support climate action unique to their own areas from flood mitigation, repair shops and local energy generation to food growing and tree planting.

    There is now a Hub covering every area in Scotland fulfilling a previous Programme for Government commitment to ensure people are empowered to act on climate in their own neighbourhoods.

    Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin confirmed the funding during a visit to Buckie Thistle Football Club which is being supported by Moray Climate Hub to reduce its impact on the environment and raise awareness of climate change in local schools. 

    Ms Martin said: “I am very pleased to hear first-hand how Moray Climate Hub has been helping communities in the area support climate action from working with their local football team to identify ways in which they can cut their emissions to setting up a biodiversity garden for adults with learning difficulties.

    “Football clubs, like Buckie Thistle, play an influential role in their local community, and their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint will undoubtedly inspire others to do the same, and provide a template for climate action that other clubs can follow.

    “Tackling climate change is our collective responsibility and will require collaborative action at all levels. We must also share in the economic and health benefits that protecting our planet for future generations will bring. 

    “Communities are uniquely placed to play a critical role in shaping and driving forward the transition to low carbon and climate resilient living and we want to empower people to take action in their neighbourhoods that’s right for them. 

    “That is why we are proud to continue to support our hugely successful framework of regional climate hubs, which provide a vehicle for communities to come together and engage in collective grassroots action.”

    Moray Climate Hub Manager (Moray CAN) Louise Nicol said: “We’re delighted to receive continued funding , it means we can keep supporting communities across Moray to take meaningful climate action in ways that work for them. Working with Buckie Thistle has been great, and we are both learning so much from each other. Football is more than a game – it’s a community hub, and it’s a great way to open up conversations about the environment.”

    Buckie Thistle Football Club General manager, Stephen Shand, said: “We’re very grateful for the support from Moray Climate Hub – it’s helped us get our heads around what we can do as a club to be more environmentally responsible. We’re just at the start of the journey, but it’s exciting to learn more and see where small changes can make a difference. The help we are getting to find funding has been a huge boost to the club.”  

    Background

    A total of 24 hubs have been set up across Scotland – fulfilling a 2024 Programme for Government commitment.

    Contact information for climate action hubs.

    The Scottish Government is providing up to £6 million of funding in 2025 – 2026 for its network of Climate Action Hubs alongside a support package for delivery. This is broken down as follows – with some funding still to be allocated:

    Hub

    Total 25/26 Grant

    Angus

    171,946.00

    Argyll and Bute

    158,208.00

    Ayrshire

    370,000.00

    Dumfries and Galloway

    212,461.60

    Dundee

    163,895.00

    East Dunbartonshire

    105,985.00

    East Lothian

    166,617.00

    East Renfrewshire

    106,294.00

    Edinburgh

    375,000.00

    Fife

    307,505.00

    Forth Valley

    375,000.00

    Glasgow

    473,425.00

    Highlands & Islands

    476,952.00

    Inverclyde

    102,000.00

    Lanarkshire

    473,661.95

    Midlothian

    125,000.00

    Moray

    146,247.00

    North East

    510,895.00

    Outer Hebrides

    141,700.00

    Perth & Kinross

    165,000.00

    Renfrewshire

    162,000.00

    Scottish Borders

    171,151.33

    West Dunbartonshire

    70,960.00

    West Lothian

    170,985.00

    Total

    5,702,888.88

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Strabane’s pubs set to come alive with local talent as Summer Jamm Festival unveils vibrant Music Tr

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Strabane’s pubs set to come alive with local talent as Summer Jamm Festival unveils vibrant Music Tr

    30 May 2025

    Strabane is eagerly anticipating the return of the Summer Jamm Festival on Saturday, June 7th. The day promises a wealth of family fun running from 12pm to late, with a significant highlight being the celebration of Strabane’s rich musical heritage through the inaugural Music Trail.

    As dusk approaches, the town will transform into a melodic wonderland. The Music Trail, in conjunction with Strabane BID, commences at 4pm and continues into the night across Strabane’s pubs.

    Attendees are invited to follow their ‘Music Map’ from bar to bar, discovering and celebrating the incredible talent of local musicians and bands. This trail is more than just a series of performances. It’s a testament to Strabane’s thriving artistic community and a unique opportunity to experience a diverse array of genres in welcoming local venues.

    Among the artists taking part are DJ Ryan Doc, Adam Dolan, Sticks Doherty, DJ Johnny G, The Brambles, David Doc, DJ Paul Carlin, Louis McTeggert, Darren Doherty, Nicky McCallan, Glen Rouse, Darragh Doherty and Ryan Quigg, Ragamuffins, Roddy Lynch and 2Vague.

    Throughout the afternoon and evening they will be appearing at the Harp and Fiddle, XOX, Christy’s Bar, The Railway Bar, Dicey’s Bar, the Fir Trees Hotel, Charlie’s Bar and the Farmers’ Home.

    “The Music Trail is truly the beating heart of our evening festivities at Summer Jamm this year,” says Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council.

    “We are incredibly proud to showcase the exceptional musical talent we have right here in Strabane. This trail offers an intimate and authentic way for both residents and visitors to connect with our local culture, support our artists, and enjoy a fantastic atmosphere in our town’s pubs. It’s the perfect end to what promises to be a brilliant day.”

    From acoustic sets to lively DJs, the Music Trail features a packed schedule across numerous venues, ensuring there’s something to suit every musical taste. Attendees can craft their own personalised musical journey, hopping between pubs to catch their favourite acts or discover new ones.

    Adding to the day’s excitement, the popular Bear Run ’74 Supercar event is coming to Strabane for the first time. Bear Run ’74 will take over Railway Street in full throttle fashion – a fierce spectacle of luxurious supercars lined from the Alley Theatre right up to Abercorn Square.

    Think chrome, growls, and glam: Strabane won’t know what hit it.

    The event showcases an impressive display of supercars while raising vital funds for the Mayor’s chosen charity. The stunning Lamborghini Revuelto, sure to be the number one attraction at this year’s Bear Run ’74, boasts impressive performance credentials. The supercar achieves 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of over 217 mph. It’s guaranteed to turn heads at this year’s Summer Jamm.

    Beyond the music and roaring engines, the Summer Jamm Festival offers a host of other family-friendly attractions including a new Street Art Festival with interactive selfie murals, the Kidz Farm petting zoo, dinosaur encounters, and urban sports activities.

    The festival also features a diverse Arts and Crafts and Food Quarter, and dedicated family entertainment at The Alley Theatre.

    The Summer Jamm Festival takes place on Saturday, June 7th from 12pm to late, with the Music Trail beginning at 4pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of Strabane at this exciting community celebration.

    For Music Trail times and venues, visit www.derrystrabane.com/subsites/summer-jamm/pub-music-trail.

    For other festival details, please visit www.derrystrabane.com/summerjamm and follow Whats On Derry Strabane and The Alley Theatre Facebook pages for further updates.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Walk on the wild side of Inch Island this June

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Walk on the wild side of Inch Island this June

    30 May 2025

    Nature lovers are invited to find out more about the rich and fascinating ecosystem of Inch Wildfowl Reserve Island in County Donegal at a special event taking place on Saturday June 7th.

    Enjoy a range of outdoor activities led by nature experts and Biodiversity Officers from Donegal and Derry City and Strabane District Councils at Inch Wildfowl Reserve through the ‘Biodiversity without Borders’ Project. The event is supported by Creative Ireland and led by Donegal County Council as part of a Shared Island programme for Cruinniú na nÓg in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council.

    The reserve is situated to the East of Lough Swilly and supports a wide diversity of breeding terns, gulls, waders and duck, and in the winter, swans and geese, making it a popular spot for bird watchers.

    Join Aengus Kennedy from Nature North West for a spot of birdwatching or hop along to Frog CIC for a peek at what’s going on under the water, and get spotting wildflowers, trees and bugs with Annie Mullan from Butterlope Farm.

    Looking ahead to the event, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr said: “We are blessed with so many areas of natural beauty around us and Inch Island is just teeming with fascinating wildlife. This event is an opportunity to find out more about the plants and animals that share our landscape and how we can work to protect them and help them to thrive.

    “There is no border when it comes to our shared environment and DCSDC is committed to working with our partners in Donegal to promote biodiversity for the benefit of everyone in our border areas. There will be plenty of fun activities for all the family to enjoy so why not get involved!”

    Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Councillor Niamh Kennedy commended the event: “This will be a fantastic outdoor family event, one of 35 events in the County to celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg and we can’t wait to get out and explore our fantastic biodiversity!”   

    From 12noon – 3pm visitors can take part in a fun biodiversity trail along part of the 8km loop of the island, with a chance to explore and pick up some wild prizes. And there will be a free goody bag for the first 30 families to register and attend the event. The adventure begins at Farland Car Park and visitors can drop in at any time from 12noon.

    Go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wild-day-out-at-inch-for-cruinniu-na-nog-tickets-1376106484539?aff=oddtdtcreator to find out more and to register.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Encore PAA Makes a Splash with Magical Production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Encore PAA Makes a Splash with Magical Production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid

    30 May 2025

    Encore Performing Arts Academy (Encore PAA) has once again delighted local audiences with a spellbinding production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, which played to six sold-out performances at the Alley Theatre, Strabane, from 20th to 24th May.

    Following the success of previous shows like Oliver!, The Sound of Music, and Nativity! The Musical, Encore’s latest production transported theatre-goers to a dazzling underwater world, complete with breathtaking costumes, a live orchestra, and a dynamic cast of talented young performers.

    Audiences were hooked from start to finish, completely captivated by the classic tale of Ariel, the adventurous mermaid who dreams of life beyond the sea. Many were left in awe of the stunning costumes, intricate choreography, and the incredible talent displayed by the cast throughout the production. From the dramatic confrontation with the sea witch Ursula to the heartfelt romance between Ariel and Prince Eric, the show was filled with memorable moments, vibrant dance sequences, and powerful vocals that brought Disney’s beloved story to life on stage.

    Featuring hit songs like “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World,” the production enchanted audiences of all ages and reaffirmed Encore PAA’s reputation for delivering high-quality musical theatre experiences in Strabane.

    Disney’s The Little Mermaid featured music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a book by Doug Wright. This amateur production was presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe), with all authorised performance materials supplied by MTI Europe.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • PM Modi meets IPL star Vaibhav Suryavanshi and his parents in Patna

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met 14-year-old cricket prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi and his parents at Patna Airport during his two-day visit to Bihar. The meeting took place shortly before the Prime Minister departed for a major public event in Bikramganj, where he is scheduled to inaugurate infrastructure projects worth ₹48,500 crore.

    In a post on X, PM Modi said, “At Patna airport, met the young cricketing sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi and his family. His cricketing skills are being admired all over the nation! My best wishes to him for his future endeavours.”

    Suryavanshi, who has captured the nation’s attention during the IPL 2025 season, became the youngest player to score a century in the tournament’s history. He was signed by Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.1 crore in the last auction and has scored 252 runs in seven matches, including a record-breaking 35-ball century and a half-century.

    His recent performances have earned him a spot in India’s U19 squad for the England tour scheduled from June 24 to July 23. The tour includes a 50-over warm-up match, five Youth ODIs, and two multi-day matches against England U19.

    Earlier this month, during the inauguration of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Bihar, PM Modi had praised the youngster’s extraordinary achievements. “We have seen the outstanding performance of the son of Bihar, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, in the IPL,” the Prime Minister had said. “Behind his success lies not just talent, but tireless hard work and constant exposure at different levels of the game.”

    Suryavanshi’s cricket journey has been historic. He made his first-class debut for Bihar at just 12 years and 284 days and scored a half-century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. On the international stage, he holds the record for the fastest youth Test century by an Indian, a 58-ball ton against Australia, and was instrumental in India’s campaign in the ACC U19 Asia Cup.

    The young cricketer’s rise has been hailed as one of Indian cricket’s most remarkable stories in recent times, and his meeting with the Prime Minister is seen as both a recognition of his early success and encouragement for the road ahead.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Interest rate reductions on the Court Funds Office special and basic accounts: 30 May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Interest rate reductions on the Court Funds Office special and basic accounts: 30 May 2025

    Reduction of interest rates for Court Funds Office special and basic accounts from today (30 May 2025).

    In response to the decrease in the Bank of England base rate on 8 May 2025, the Court Funds Office (CFO) rates of interest payable to clients have been reviewed and from 30 May 2025 these will change to the following:

    • Special Account – decreased from 4.50% to 4.25%
    • Basic Account – decreased from 3.38% to 3.19%

    The decision was made to ensure that the running costs of the CFO service can continue to be met whilst still providing an affordable rate of interest payable to clients.

    If you wish to discuss further, please contact the CFO on 0300 0200 199 or email enquiries@cfo.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Demolition work progresses at Spon End in Coventry

    Source: City of Coventry

    Work to demolish buildings in the Spon End area of Coventry is progressing well with blocks being brought to the ground.

    Housing association Citizen is working with The Hill Group to demolish Kerry House, Milestone House and Trafalgar House in Spon End. Coventry City Council, Homes England and West Midlands Combined Authority are key partners supporting the delivery of the project.

    Demolition initially started last month, with work taking place inside the homes to remove all fixtures and fittings before a grabber is brought onto site to bring the buildings down bit by bit.

    The demolition of the three blocks is a huge milestone in a major regeneration project for Citizen which will see more than 750 homes built across three phases.

    In the first phase, 158 homes will be demolished, and, subject to planning permission, 261 affordable homes will be built in their place. Of these homes 209 will be social rent homes and 52 will be rent to buy homes which are initially let at an intermediate rent of 80% of the market rent and can be later purchased.

    Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council, said: “When I was here just last month the fittings were being removed from the properties, and we can now see that demolition work is well underway. 

    “There is no doubt that the redevelopment of the area will make a big difference to the local environment and deliver much needed better homes for people. That’s why it is such an important project that is only happening because of the commitment of a number of organisations working alongside local residents.”

    Director of Regeneration Services at Citizen, Kevin Roach, said: “It’s great to see the physical demolition of Kerry House, Milestone House and Trafalgar House underway at Spon End in Coventry.

    “We have stripped the homes, which were built in the 1960s, of fixtures and fittings and the demolition of these will take place over the next few months.

    “The regeneration of Spon End is a major project for us. It will see the area transformed by providing more energy efficient affordable housing, increasing the area and quality of green open space and opening up the area of the River Sherbourne.

    “We have put the community at the heart of this project and their priorities and feedback have influenced our plans for the area.

    “Work on this site will continue over the next 10 years and we’re looking forward to starting building works on the first phase in Spring 2026.”

    The three blocks which are being demolished have previously been used as part of various BBC productions including This Town, My Name is Leon and Phoenix Rise.

    Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “We’re turbocharging house building across the West Midlands but it’s all just bricks and mortar if we aren’t building homes that residents can afford.

    “Thousands of families across the region are forced to live in poor quality, temporary accommodation because we simply aren’t building enough genuinely affordable homes.

    “Spon End is an iconic site with a strong community spirit, but the housing is no longer fit for purpose. Citizen is transforming the estate with hundreds of modern, social and affordable homes, and I know the community spirit will grow stronger as a result.

    “In my first 12 months in office, I’ve funded over 500 social homes. That’s more than we’ve ever funded before. But it’s going to take all of us working together to tackle this housing crisis. It’s going to take all of us to make sure everyone has a warm, safe place they can call home.”

    Regional Managing Director at The Hill Group, Andy Fancy, said: “The demolition at Spon End is progressing well and the local community will soon begin to see a real transformation as the buildings are brought down to the ground.

    “Successful regeneration is always rooted in strong collaboration and a shared commitment to positive change — and that’s exactly what we have here. Together, we are creating homes that respond to local needs and aspirations and we’re looking forward to continuing this journey and delivering a place the whole community can be proud of.”

    Demolition works on the three blocks are due to be complete in early 2026, with plans to start building the new homes in Spring 2026. These homes, which will be one and two-bed flats, are due to be completed and handed over to customers late 2028.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Shock NSW Senate result as One Nation beats Labor to win final seat

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    The button was pressed to electronically distribute preferences for the New South Wales Senate today. All analysts expected Labor to win the final seat, for a three Labor, two Coalition, one Green result. Instead, One Nation won the final seat, for a two Labor, two Coalition, one Green and one One Nation result. This is a One Nation gain from the Coalition.

    Six of the 12 senators for each state and all four territory senators were up for election on May 3. Changes in state senate representation are measured against 2019, the last time these senators were up for election. State senators elected at this election will start their six-year terms on July 1.

    Senators are elected by proportional representation in their jurisdictions with preferences. At a half-Senate election, with six senators in each state up for election, a quota is one-seventh of the vote, or 14.3%. For the territories, a quota is one-third or 33.3%.

    Final primary votes in NSW gave Labor 2.63 quotas, the Coalition 2.06, the Greens 0.78, One Nation 0.42, Legalise Cannabis 0.24, Trumpet of Patriots 0.17, the Libertarians 0.13 and Family First 0.11. One Nation defeated Labor’s third at the final count by 0.89 quotas to 0.87.

    Labor was hurt by the Greens being well short of quota, and getting preferences from left sources that would otherwise have gone to Labor, while right-wing parties united behind One Nation. The Greens only crossed quota at the second last count, and their small surplus wasn’t enough for Labor to catch One Nation.

    I covered Senate results from other states and territories earlier and this week.

    In the later piece, I talked about the two-party count. This isn’t finished yet in NSW or Victoria, but one side of politics usually needs about 57% of the two-party vote in a state to win four of the six senators (four quotas). This is very difficult to achieve.

    In Tasmania, Labor won the two-party count by over 63–37, but missed out on three senators owing to Jacqui Lambie. In South Australia, Labor won by over 59–41 and the left won a 4–2 Senate split. In Victoria, Labor leads by nearly 57–43, and the left won a 4–2 Senate split. In Western Australia and NSW, Labor won by less than 56–44 and the Senate was tied 3–3 between left and right.

    Out of the 40 Senate seats that were up at this election, Labor won 16 (up three), the Coalition 13 (down five), the Greens six (steady), One Nation three (up two) and Lambie and David Pocock one each (both steady). The Coalition lost senators in all mainland states, with Labor gaining in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland, and One Nation in NSW and WA.

    The 36 state senators elected in 2022 won’t be up for election until 2028. For the whole Senate, Labor has 28 out of 76, the Coalition 27, the Greens 11, One Nation four and there are six others. Labor will need either the Greens or the Coalition to reach the 39 votes needed for a Senate majority.

    In 2022, the United Australia Party (UAP) won a seat in Victoria. During the last term, Lidia Thorpe defected from the Greens, Fatima Payman from Labor and Tammy Tyrrell from the Jacqui Lambie Network. The six others are these four, Pocock and Lambie.

    Counting Thorpe, Payman and Pocock as left and the UAP as right, the left overall has a 42–32 Senate majority, with two others (Lambie and Tyrrell).

    National Senate primaries and results by state

    Nationally, Labor won 35.1% of the Senate vote (up 5.0% since 2022), the Coalition 29.9% (down 4.4%), the Greens 11.7% (down 0.9%), One Nation 5.7% (up 1.4%), Legalise Cannabis 3.5% (up 0.2%), Trumpet of Patriots 2.6% and Family First 1.5%.

    Labor won 34.6% nationally in the House of Representatives, so their Senate vote was 0.5% higher than in the House. It’s likely the lack of a Teal option helped Labor in the Senate.

    This table shows the senators elected in each state and territory in 2025, with the seat share and vote share at the bottom. Despite the losses in NSW and WA, Labor and the Greens are overrepresented in the Senate relative to vote share.

    Others are greatly underrepresented, but this is because most other parties are either left or right-wing, and their preferences go to Labor, the Greens, the Coalition or One Nation rather than to more others.

    For the combined left to lose control of the Senate in 2028, they would need to lose four seats. The only seat that looks vulnerable is the WA seat won by Payman for Labor in 2022. Even if the Coalition wins in 2028, the Senate is likely to be hostile to the Coalition.

    At a double dissolution election, all senators are up for election at the same time. If the Coalition wins in 2028, a double dissolution would be an option to seek to change a hostile Senate.

    Preference distributions for WA and Queensland

    Final WA primary votes gave Labor 2.53 quotas, the Liberals 1.86, the Greens 0.90, One Nation 0.41, Legalise Cannabis 0.28, the Nationals 0.25 and Australian Christians 0.19.

    One Nation defeated Labor’s third at the final count by 0.90 quotas to 0.86. When the Nationals were excluded, the Liberals got a large surplus. As in Victoria, Liberal preferences heavily favoured One Nation over Labor and Legalise Cannabis.

    But Legalise Cannabis preferences were not as good for Labor as in Victoria, with Labor winning these preferences by 13 points over One Nation, rather than 24 points in Victoria.

    Final Queensland primary votes gave the Liberal National Party 2.17 quotas, Labor 2.13, the Greens 0.73, One Nation 0.50, Gerard Rennick 0.33, Trumpet of Patriots 0.26 and Legalise Cannabis 0.25.

    Both the Greens and One Nation easily reached a quota on the distribution of preferences, with Rennick finishing far behind on 0.55 quotas.

    Adrian Beaumont 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. Shock NSW Senate result as One Nation beats Labor to win final seat – https://theconversation.com/shock-nsw-senate-result-as-one-nation-beats-labor-to-win-final-seat-257888

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: GPs will be a great help for managing ADHD medications. But many patients will still need specialists

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Guastella, Professor and Clinical Psychologist, Michael Crouch Chair in Child and Youth Mental Health, University of Sydney

    The New South Wales government this week announced reforms that will allow some GPs to treat and potentially diagnose attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

    This aims to make ADHD care more accessible and less expensive and follows changes in Western Australia and Queensland, which have increased GPs’ role in diagnosing and prescribing for ADHD.

    Previously, only specialists (usually paediatricians and psychiatrists) could diagnose ADHD and prescribe the most commonly used ADHD stimulant medications.

    This reform comes on the back of evidence of extensive wait times for ADHD care and costs too high for many people.

    But while up-skilling GPs to treat ADHD will benefit many patients, some people with more complex cases will still need to see a specialist.

    What’s planned for NSW?

    Under this new framework, the NSW government proposes a two-stage plan.

    In phase one, around 1,000 GPs will be trained to support the ongoing prescribing of ADHD medications.

    In phase two a smaller number, about 100 GPs, will receive more intensive training to conduct ADHD assessments, make diagnoses and initiate ADHD medications.

    For phase two the initial focus will be on children and adolescents and then the trial will extend to adults.

    Why a diagnosis is crucial for people with ADHD

    The recent Senate inquiry into ADHD highlighted growing awareness about the daily struggles of people with ADHD across Australia.

    People with ADHD have serious difficulties with attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity, which impact across the lifespan and many settings where people live, learn, work and play.

    ADHD is linked to many poor outcomes and is even associated with higher rates of accidental injury and death.

    ADHD treatments, such as stimulant medication, has been shown be safe, effective and to substantially lower risks of negative outcomes. But to receive these treatments, a person needs to first receive a diagnosis.

    GPs can play an important role managing ADHD

    There is also no question that GPs are more accessible than specialists, both in terms of availability and cost.

    They already provide ongoing management for a wide range of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. They are highly skilled in monitoring outcomes and adjusting treatments.

    With the right training, they bring many transferable skills to ADHD care. Increasing their ability to take over ongoing prescribing for people diagnosed and stabilised on treatment is low risk and has shown to be effective in a range of studies.

    However, although the proposal to increase the role of GPs in ADHD care is a step in the right direction, it is not without challenges.

    GPs may struggle to assess complex patients

    Collaborative care involves general practitioners working with specialists and specialist teams to provide care. If GPs don’t have specialists to rely on for expert advice about ongoing management, many will choose not to provide ADHD care. Ongoing support and strong links between specialist and primary care services will be essential.

    GPs may also struggle to assess and diagnose complex cases.

    The vast majority of people with ADHD will have other mental health conditions, but some of these other conditions (such as anxiety conditions) can also result in symptoms that appear like ADHD.

    For these complex situations, specialist services with multidisciplinary teams of doctors and allied health providers (such as psychologists and occupational therapists) will still be needed.



    Read more:
    Wondering about ADHD, autism and your child’s development? What to know about getting a neurodevelopmental assessment

    To ensure high-quality care and reduce the potential for misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment, it will be even more important that specialists are available to provide additional services when required.

    There is little detail currently in the NSW proposal about how specialist multidisciplinary services will be supported to ensure this happens. And funding models for this will need to be established to support existing guidelines.

    Bringing GPs into the assessment and diagnosis to initiate treatment is positive but comes with added pressures to manage assessment and treatment.

    There are many cases in the media of poor diagnostic process, where patients were misdiagnosed with conditions such as ADHD after inadequate assessments. These practices may be driven by financial rewards and a poor application of evidence-based guidelines.

    Sometimes teams of clinicians and allied health providers will be needed for a diagnosis.
    Alex and Maria photo/Shutterstock

    Could this lead to over-diagnosis? Or correct under-diagnosis?

    In Australia, the debate about whether ADHD is under- or over-diagnosed is ongoing. There reality is that there is almost certainly a mixture of both.

    The real rates of ADHD are estimated at around 7% in Australian children and 2.5% in adults. While these rates have remained stable for many years, the rates of clinical diagnosis and treatment have increased dramatically, particularly in young women.

    Around 6% of children and adolescents currently receive ADHD medications, similar to the actual rates of ADHD in the population. For adults, the rates of ADHD medication use remain low for those over 45 years. For those between 18 and 44 years, rates now sit at around 2%.

    One interpretation of these figures is that most children, adolescents and adults with ADHD are now getting the support they need.

    However, if we remember the strong evidence that many Australians are struggling to access ADHD care, particularly in under-resourced, regional and remote areas, the more likely answer is that a combination of “misdiagnosis” and “missed diagnosis” means that sometimes diagnoses are not done correctly.

    This highlights the importance of focusing on the need for accurate assessment as the cornerstone of high quality ADHD care. In its answer to the question of who should assess and diagnose ADHD, the Australian ADHD guideline focuses on training and skills rather than which profession conducts the assessment.

    There is no reason that GPs cannot develop these skills, but they will require adequate training and ongoing support to do so, and they will need time to commit to these assessments.

    Finally, we need to make sure medication is not the only option available. Research shows ADHD medications provide effective treatment. But they should never be the only form of treatment offered.

    Sadly, reports show medical treatments are relied upon more frequently in more disadvantaged communities where access to other supports can be difficult.

    These reforms will do little to increase access to psychological and allied health supports to ensure the right care can be provided to people with ADHD.



    Read more:
    GPs could improve access to ADHD treatment. But we still need specialists to diagnose and start medication

    Adam Guastella receives funding from the NSW Government for the evaluation of mental health supports provided to children and families in health services. He has received funding from research agencies (ARC, NHMRC, MRFF) for the evaluation of assessment and supports related to neurodevelopmental conditions and for independent and sponsored clinical trials for the evaluation medical and psychological therapies. He is affiliated with Neurodevelopment Australia.

    David Coghill has been a consultant for with Takeda, Medice, Servier, Novartis. He receives research funding from the NHMRC and royalties from Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press. He is the president of Australasian ADHD Professional Association.

    – ref. GPs will be a great help for managing ADHD medications. But many patients will still need specialists – https://theconversation.com/gps-will-be-a-great-help-for-managing-adhd-medications-but-many-patients-will-still-need-specialists-257610

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-supported peacebuilding and mediation capabilities event a success

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK-supported peacebuilding and mediation capabilities event a success

    A four-day colloquium on Peacebuilding and Mediation Capabilities successfully concludes in Honiara, Solomon Islands on Friday 30 May 2025.

    A group photo of all the women participants with British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru, His Excellency Paul Turner.

    Supported by the UK International Development and Australian Aid and organised by the Pacific Women Mediators Network (PWMN), the inaugural colloquium aims to commemorate and uplift the legacy of the Pacific Islands Women-led peacebuilding initiatives, reaffirming the role of women in peace and security efforts.

    It also aims to demonstrate the intersectionality of feminist perspectives and the Gender, Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in the Pacific Islands region. Additionally, the meeting also aims to reaffirm gender equality, women’s rights, and the inclusion of women’s voices and experiences in all aspects of peace and security work.

    Enhancing visibility of Pacific Islands women-led and civil society led mediation and peacebuilding initiatives responding to priority issues including Climate Security and Climate Justice, Self Determination and Gender Equality are also part of the meeting.

    The regional meeting that began on Tuesday 27 May 2025 also aims to connect national conversations with regional inter-governmental and global processes including the United Nations Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR).

    It is a cross – regional learning opportunity that will enable the founding members of PWMN and youth leaders, civil society allies, including faith and traditional leaders to identify ways to move beyond surface-level calls to implement WPS and towards realising the full vision of the Gender and WPS agenda in practice.

    Speaking at the inaugural colloquium on Tuesday 27 May, British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru, His Excellency Paul Turner said:

    Women have been at the forefront of peace movements across the world. I saw this first hand when I was working on Northern Ireland and Bosnia in the 1990s. It was women who reached out across communities in these places, who refused to let walls of blood divide people and keep them in conflict. The UK Government remains steadfast in its support for this initiative as we strengthen the global network of women in peace building.

    Held ahead of the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (Women, Peace and Security), and the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting that will convene in Honiara in September 2025, it is expected Pacific Forum Leaders will adopt their Guidance Note on Women, Peace and Security and the Ocean of Peace Declaration.

    The UK has a global commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. We are proud to support the ambitions of the Pacific Islands Forum in promoting this agenda and supporting its members to embed its ideals across the region, as well as grassroots networks and organisations working to protect and uplift women in the Pacific.

    The UK has five Strategic Objectives for Women Peace and Security in its National Action Plan, which are as relevant in the Pacific as elsewhere in the world. They include:

    • increasing women’s meaningful participation, leadership and representation in decision-making processes
    • preventing gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, and supporting survivors to cope, recover and seek justice
    • supporting the needs of women and girls in crises and ensuring they can participate and lead in responses
    • increasing the accountability of security and justice actors to women and girls and ensuring they are responsive to their rights and needs
    • ensuring we respond to the needs of women and girls as part of our approach to transnational threats

    The colloquium concluded on Friday 30 May 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –