NewzIntel.com

Category: Great Britain

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rich List shows extremely wealthy must be taxed properly

    Source: Scottish Greens

    16 May 2025 Finance

    It is time for the super-rich to pay their fair share.

    More in Finance

    The Sunday Times Rich List shows that the extremely wealthy must be fairly taxed to save our public services, say the Scottish Greens.
     
    The call comes from the party’s finance spokesperson Ross Greer MSP, as the Sunday Times list put the combined wealth of the richest 350 people – including King Charles – at £772.8 billion.
     
    According to research from the Tax Justice Network, a 1% annual wealth tax on net assets over £10 million could raise almost £10 billion a year while only impacting the richest 0.4% of the population.
     
    Mr Greer said:

    “Over the last year Labour have used claims about the lack of money to justify cuts to pensioners’ Winter Fuel Payments and essential support for disabled people. At the same time, they are refusing to act while bills for everything from food to fuel skyrocket.
     
    “This Rich List shows this claim of a lack of money for what it is, a lie designed to protect the extremely wealthy from paying their fair share. The UK is one of the richest countries in the history of the world, but Westminster governments allow that wealth to be concentrated in the hands of a handful of elites instead of serving the public good.
     
    “This is wealth they couldn’t spend in a hundred lifetimes, but which we could use to fund our hospitals, schools and the services needed to end the scandal of child poverty. Instead, it’s spent on yachts, private jets and buying up land which should belong to communities.
     
    “In Scotland, Green MSPs have already delivered the most progressive income tax system in the UK, asking those who can afford it to pay a little more and delivering an extra £1.7 billion a year for the essential services we all rely on.
     
    “But the most important tax powers, which could be used to fairly redistribute the wealth of the super-rich, are still held at Westminster. And Labour have shown that they’d prefer to take food from the mouths of children and heating from the homes of the elderly than touch the assets of their billionaire friends and donors.
     
    “Future generations will look back at this absurd concentration of wealth and the displays of excess and greed that come with it, and ask why it was allowed to get so out of control. There’s no better time than now to start reversing course. That begins by taxing wealth fairly and using the money to build a fairer, greener society.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Allister: Assisted Dying Bill is a Dangerous Charter for Death

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    TUV leader Jim Allister MP has strongly criticised the Assisted Dying Bill, warning it would overturn the fundamental principles of medicine, erode protections for the most vulnerable, and place coercive pressure on those already burdened by illness.

    Mr Allister, who had prepared to speak during the recent debate but was unable to do so due to time constraints, said:

    “This Bill represents a grotesque and dangerous contradiction. On the one hand, the state spends millions on suicide prevention. On the other, this Bill would turn doctors into agents of death and the state into a facilitator of suicide. It upends the settled moral equilibrium of our society.

    “We tell the healthy that suicide is a tragedy to be averted — but this Bill would offer the terminally ill a poison potion, not a palliative care doctor. It doesn’t promote care; it promotes surrender.”

    “The rejection of over 40 protective amendments at Committee Stage is very telling. The sponsors of this Bill rejected safeguards at every turn. They opposed even the requirement to prove a person has the mental capacity to make such a grave decision. Patients with dementia could qualify during brief moments of lucidity — despite the legal test under the Mental Capacity Act demanding far more than that.

    “Even a person with Down Syndrome could find themselves offered assisted suicide by their doctor. That is not compassion — it is moral abdication. The rejection of amendments to protect minors and vulnerable adults speaks volumes.

    “It is now being openly suggested that assisted suicide could save £60 million in healthcare costs. What message does that send to the sick and elderly who already feel like a burden? That their death is not only acceptable, but economically preferable?

    “Doctor shopping is made easy under this legislation, and the so-called oversight panel has no power to compel evidence or even assess the patient directly. It’s a hollow safeguard.

    “This Bill is not about choice — it is about coercion, abandonment, and death. It asks us to stop protecting the vulnerable and start facilitating their deaths. We must choose where we stand — for life, or for death. For care, or for killing. I urge every right-thinking MP to reject this shameful Bill.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Assisted dying: five questions that need answering before it can work in practice

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Suzanne Ost, Professor of Law, Lancaster University

    Collagery/Shutterstock

    An attempt to make assisted dying legal in England in Wales continues to make its way through parliament, with MPs currently scheduled to have a final vote on the bill in June.

    The bill has sparked both passionate support and strong opposition, raising vital questions: how would such a law work in practice? Who would deliver it? And what would it cost?

    While much attention has focused mostly on the ethics of assisted dying, the government’s recently published impact assessment looks at the practical side and it deserves closer attention.

    Of course, we shouldn’t base a decision about life and death solely on financial or logistical grounds. But if assisted dying is to become part of the law in England and Wales, we need to understand how it would work in reality. The report highlights a number of key challenges:

    1. The medication question

    The assessment draws mainly on data from 11 other jurisdictions, especially Oregon, where assisted dying has been legal for years. It found that the drugs used can lead to prolonged and unpredictable deaths, in part due to inconsistent drug availability.

    However, the report doesn’t compare this to Switzerland, where assisted dying must be self-administered and is tightly regulated. There, a single barbiturate is typically used, leading to death within two to ten minutes depending on whether it’s taken orally or via injection. This raises questions about what kind of medications would be used in the UK and how reliably they would work.

    2. Opt-outs: who will deliver the service?

    Experience from countries like Canada shows that most doctors opt out of providing assisted dying. In Canada, over 5,000 assisted deaths were carried out by just 80 people. Similarly, in the US and New Zealand, entire institutions – especially palliative care services – have opted out.

    Kim Leadbeater, the MP sponsoring the bill, has confirmed that it would not oblige hospices to participate. While this protects individual conscience, it may leave patients struggling to find willing clinicians or being discharged home to die.

    3. Can the NHS cope with a new service?

    The bill assumes the NHS would be responsible for delivering assisted dying. But is the system ready?

    Switzerland uses volunteer doctors outside the healthcare system, which may be more sustainable. In the UK, oversight is expected to come from a panel including a senior judge or lawyer, a psychiatrist and a social worker.

    However, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP) has raised serious concerns, both about the role psychiatrists would play and whether there are enough professionals to fulfil that role. The RCP currently opposes the bill.

    4. Funding: a two-tier system?

    The impact assessment suggests assisted dying would be free at the point of delivery. Yet palliative care – the alternative end-of-life support – often receives less than 40% government funding, relying heavily on charity.

    Could this create a two-tier system, where assisted dying is fully funded while palliative care remains under resourced?

    5. Legal costs and challenges

    If passed, the bill could trigger human rights challenges, particularly around mental capacity and access. Legal experts suggest several grounds on which it might be contested and these cases would need to be defended, incurring additional costs.

    Families might also seek judicial review of a panel’s decision to permit a request for assisted dying. And public protests outside clinics or hospitals offering the service could require increased policing and security – all of which have financial and social implications.

    This bill tackles one of the most morally sensitive issues in society. But if it is to succeed, and be implemented safely, it must be built on more than good intentions.

    The government’s impact assessment lays out the many practical hurdles: medication protocols, workforce readiness, conscientious objection, legal protections, and funding disparities. These aren’t technicalities. They’re the framework that would determine whether assisted dying is accessible, safe and ethically delivered.

    As the bill progresses, the debate must move beyond principle alone. The future of this legislation – and its real world impact – will depend on how well we address these deeply human, and deeply complex, practicalities.

    Suzanne Ost has previously received funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy for research that she has conducted.

    Nancy Preston receives funding from Horizon Europe but not for her work on assisted dying. She is affiliated with European Association of Palliative Care where she Co-Chairs the Task Force on the role of palliative care professionals in supporting patients and families considering assisted dying.

    – ref. Assisted dying: five questions that need answering before it can work in practice – https://theconversation.com/assisted-dying-five-questions-that-need-answering-before-it-can-work-in-practice-256270

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Law War Memorial rededication

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    A programme of conservation and renovation work on the Dundee Law war memorial has been carried out in time to mark its 100th anniversary.

    And to highlight the occasion Lord Provost Bill Campbell has joined other dignitaries and veterans for the rededication of the refurbished city cenotaph.

    Backed by grant funding from the War Memorials Trust and Dundee City Council, the stonework has been sensitively steam cleaned, repairs carried out and the monument fully repointed.

    The existing light fittings to illuminate the cenotaph have been replaced with low energy LED feature lighting, and the gas installation has also been fully restored allowing the living flame to be lit on ceremonial occasions.

    This will allow the monument to be lit during the hours of darkness and on special commemorative days, such as the anniversary of the start of the Battle of Loos in September.

    Lord Provost Campbell said: “These works are an exciting development which reinstate the significance and importance of what is perhaps one of the most prominent monuments in the country due to its location.

    “When the beacon is lit it is visible from so many places in Dundee that it is a fitting and poignant reminder of the sacrifice of previous generations from the city.

    “On behalf of the people of Dundee, I want to thank the contractors SCAN Building Services, VF Electrical Services and Ecoguard Scotland for their hard work and focus on this unique project.”

    Rev Bob Wightman, Ex-Services Association Chaplain performed the rededication service.

    The city’s war memorial was designed by Thomas Braddock, London with work getting underway in 1921.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fuelling the school day

    Source: Scottish Government

    Breakfast clubs to help tackle poverty.

    Thousands more children will benefit from free breakfasts supported by the Scottish Government.

    The Bright Start Breakfasts fund is now open to applications and will provide £3 million so more primary school children can have a nutritious start to the day and parents can benefit from free childcare.

    Nearly half of Scotland’s schools already provide breakfast at the start of the school day. The Bright Start Breakfasts funding will support expansion of existing clubs and establishment of new ones, creating more free places for primary school children. 

    In addition to more breakfast clubs, the Scottish Government is expanding the Extra Time programme, which provides funding for 31 local football clubs and trusts to provide free access to before school, after school and holiday clubs for targeted primary school children from families on low incomes.

    Work is also under way in 23 communities to design and deliver further childcare services for priority families.

    Visiting a breakfast club at Riverside Primary School in Glasgow Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said:

    “We know how important a healthy breakfast can be for children, particularly those most at risk of living in poverty, and breakfast clubs have a crucial role in our mission to eradicate child poverty.

    “They help set children up for the day, supporting them to achieve their learning potential, and provide families with childcare, helping more parents to get to work in the morning.

    “Applications are open and I encourage anyone who could deliver a breakfast club to contact Inspiring Scotland.”

    Celia Tennant, Chief Executive at Inspiring Scotland, said:  

    “Inspiring Scotland is pleased to be working with Scottish Government to manage the Bright Start Breakfasts fund.

    “We are committed to working together to tackle child poverty and improve family wellbeing. We are delighted to see applications starting to come in since launching the fund on Wednesday”

    Background

    The Bright Start Breakfast fund is being managed by Inspiring Scotland. Guidance on applying to the fund can be found here: Bright Start Breakfasts – Inspiring Scotland.

    Inspiring Scotland invites applications from groups and organisations who deliver or want to deliver breakfast clubs, including:

    • Primary schools
    • local authorities
    • third-sector organisations
    • registered childcare providers
    • activity providers
    • parent or volunteer groups
    • childminding services

    Work to design and deliver childcare services for priority families is taking place in 23 Early Adopter Communities across six local authority areas (Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Glasgow, Inverclyde, Fife and Shetland).

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Champion Safe Company Supports Inaugural Buckeye Blast Benefiting The Light Foundation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Delaware, OH, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Champion Safe Company, a leading manufacturer of premium safes and wholly-owned subsidiary of American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB), America’s Patriotic Brand (americanrebel.com), proudly participated in the inaugural Buckeye Blast sporting clay fundraiser, held at Black Wing Shooting Center in Delaware, Ohio. The event benefited The Light Foundation, a nonprofit founded by former New England Patriots offensive tackle and Ohio native Matt Light.

    As a sponsor of the event, Champion Safe donated one of its top-tier safes as the grand prize for the raffle drawing, helping raise funds to support the Foundation’s mission of empowering young people to reach their highest potential.

    “We’re proud to support the Light Foundation and its mission to build stronger young leaders,” said Tom Mihalek, CEO of Champion Safe Company. “It was a privilege to contribute to such a meaningful event, and we’re thrilled that one of our safes could help generate excitement and support for a great cause.”

    The Buckeye Blast brought together outdoor enthusiasts, community leaders, and supporters of youth development for a day of camaraderie and competition. The funds raised will help The Light Foundation continue its impactful leadership programs, outdoor camps, and mentorship initiatives.

    Matt Light, who grew up in Greenville, Ohio, expressed his gratitude: “Having Champion Safe on board as a sponsor was a huge win for us. Their donation of a safe for the grand prize raffle added excitement to the event and helped us raise critical funds. It’s always great to see Ohio-based events supported by companies that share our values.”

    The event was hosted at Black Wing Shooting Center, a premier firearms and training facility and a proud American Rebel safe dealer.

    For more information about Champion Safe Company, visit championsafe.com. To learn more about The Light Foundation, visit mattlight72.com.

    Contact: ir@americanrebel.com

    About Champion Safe Company

    Champion Safe Company has been at the forefront of safe manufacturing for over 25 years, offering a range of high-quality safes designed for ultimate security and fire protection. With a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, Champion Safes are trusted by homeowners, gun owners, and businesses across the nation. To learn more, visit: championsafe.com

    About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit americanrebel.com and americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit americanrebel.com/investor-relations.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of participating in the event, actual revenues for fiscal 2025, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Assisted dying: five questions that need answering before it can work in pratice

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Suzanne Ost, Professor of Law, Lancaster University

    Collagery/Shutterstock

    An attempt to make assisted dying legal in England in Wales continues to make its way through parliament, with MPs currently scheduled to have a final vote on the bill in June.

    The bill has sparked both passionate support and strong opposition, raising vital questions: how would such a law work in practice? Who would deliver it? And what would it cost?

    While much attention has focused mostly on the ethics of assisted dying, the government’s recently published impact assessment looks at the practical side and it deserves closer attention.

    Of course, we shouldn’t base a decision about life and death solely on financial or logistical grounds. But if assisted dying is to become part of the law in England and Wales, we need to understand how it would work in reality. The report highlights a number of key challenges:

    1. The medication question

    The assessment draws mainly on data from 11 other jurisdictions, especially Oregon, where assisted dying has been legal for years. It found that the drugs used can lead to prolonged and unpredictable deaths, in part due to inconsistent drug availability.

    However, the report doesn’t compare this to Switzerland, where assisted dying must be self-administered and is tightly regulated. There, a single barbiturate is typically used, leading to death within two to ten minutes depending on whether it’s taken orally or via injection. This raises questions about what kind of medications would be used in the UK and how reliably they would work.

    2. Opt-outs: who will deliver the service?

    Experience from countries like Canada shows that most doctors opt out of providing assisted dying. In Canada, over 5,000 assisted deaths were carried out by just 80 people. Similarly, in the US and New Zealand, entire institutions – especially palliative care services – have opted out.

    Kim Leadbeater, the MP sponsoring the bill, has confirmed that it would not oblige hospices to participate. While this protects individual conscience, it may leave patients struggling to find willing clinicians or being discharged home to die.

    3. Can the NHS cope with a new service?

    The bill assumes the NHS would be responsible for delivering assisted dying. But is the system ready?

    Switzerland uses volunteer doctors outside the healthcare system, which may be more sustainable. In the UK, oversight is expected to come from a panel including a senior judge or lawyer, a psychiatrist and a social worker.

    However, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP) has raised serious concerns, both about the role psychiatrists would play and whether there are enough professionals to fulfil that role. The RCP currently opposes the bill.

    4. Funding: a two-tier system?

    The impact assessment suggests assisted dying would be free at the point of delivery. Yet palliative care – the alternative end-of-life support – often receives less than 40% government funding, relying heavily on charity.

    Could this create a two-tier system, where assisted dying is fully funded while palliative care remains under resourced?

    5. Legal costs and challenges

    If passed, the bill could trigger human rights challenges, particularly around mental capacity and access. Legal experts suggest several grounds on which it might be contested and these cases would need to be defended, incurring additional costs.

    Families might also seek judicial review of a panel’s decision to permit a request for assisted dying. And public protests outside clinics or hospitals offering the service could require increased policing and security – all of which have financial and social implications.

    This bill tackles one of the most morally sensitive issues in society. But if it is to succeed, and be implemented safely, it must be built on more than good intentions.

    The government’s impact assessment lays out the many practical hurdles: medication protocols, workforce readiness, conscientious objection, legal protections, and funding disparities. These aren’t technicalities. They’re the framework that would determine whether assisted dying is accessible, safe and ethically delivered.

    As the bill progresses, the debate must move beyond principle alone. The future of this legislation – and its real world impact – will depend on how well we address these deeply human, and deeply complex, practicalities.

    Suzanne Ost has previously received funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy for research that she has conducted.

    Nancy Preston receives funding from Horizon Europe but not for her work on assisted dying. She is affiliated with European Association of Palliative Care where she Co-Chairs the Task Force on the role of palliative care professionals in supporting patients and families considering assisted dying.

    – ref. Assisted dying: five questions that need answering before it can work in pratice – https://theconversation.com/assisted-dying-five-questions-that-need-answering-before-it-can-work-in-pratice-256270

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Time for NZ media to ditch the propaganda and stand against genocide

    COMMENTARY: By Saige England in Christchurch

    “RNZ is failing in its duty to inform the public of an entirely preventable humanitarian catastrophe.”

    Tautoko to Jeremy Rose, Ramon Das and Eugene Doyle for this critique of a review of RNZ’s coverage of a genocide.

    Sadly, this highlights RNZ’s failure to report the genocide from the perspective of the very real victims — more journalists killed in Gaza than the whole of World War Two, aid workers murdered and buried, 17,000 children, including babies, who will never ever grow.

    I respect so many RNZ journalists and have always supported this important national broadcaster but it is time for it to pull up its pants, ditch the propaganda and report from the field of truth.

    I carry my Jewish ancestors in standing against genocide and calling for reports that show the truth of the travesty.

    For reporting on protests I have been pepper sprayed by thugged-up police donning US-style gloves and glasses (illegally carrying pepper spray and tasers).

    I was banned from my own town hall when I tried — with my E Tu press card — to attend the deputy leader Winston Peters’ media conference.

    This government does not want the truth reported, it seems.

    I have reported from the fields of invasion and conflict. I’ve taught journalism and communications. Good journalists remember journalism ethics. Reports from the point of view of the oppressor support the oppressor.

    Humanitarianism means not reporting from the perspective of a mercenary army — an army that has been enforcing apartheid for decades, and which is invoking a policy of extermination for expansion.

    Please read this media review and think of how you would feel if someone demanded that you leave your home. Palestinians have faced oppression and apartheid and “unhoming” for decades.

    Think of the intolerable weight of grief you would carry if a sniper put a bullet between the eyes of a child you love and know.

    Report on the victims. And stop subscribing to propaganda.

    Saige England is a journalist and author, and a member of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA). She is a frequent contributor to Asia Pacific Report. This was first published as a social media post.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s vision for Air Force One will turn it from the ‘Flying White House’ to a ‘palace in the sky’

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Janet Bednarek, Professor of History, University of Dayton

    Former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy helped design Air Force One’s color scheme, which has been used since her husband’s presidency. Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

    Since President Donald Trump excitedly announced that he would be accepting a US$400 million plane from the Qatari government to serve as the next Air Force One, even members of his own party have expressed alarm.

    There’s the price tag of refurbishing the plane with top-secret systems – upward of $1 billion, according to some estimates. Then there are the conflicts of interest from accepting such a large present from a foreign nation – what some say would be the most valuable gift ever given to the U.S.

    But it would also mark a striking departure from tradition.

    While they’re often variants of commercial planes, presidential planes have almost always been U.S. military aircraft, flown and maintained by the Air Force.

    The first White Houses in the sky

    I’m an aviation historian who once worked in the United States Air Force’s history program for three years, so I’m well-acquainted with the history of presidential aircraft.

    Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first president to fly while in office. In January 1943, he boarded the Navy-owned, civilian-operated Boeing Dixie Clipper – a sea plane – for a trip to Casablanca to meet with Allied leaders.

    President Franklin D. Roosevelt made the first presidential flight on a Dixie Clipper, a sea plane built by Boeing.
    Hulton Archive/Getty Images

    The security measures needed to safely transport the president – especially during wartime – spurred the creation of the first custom-built aircraft for presidential use, a heavily modified VC-54 Skymaster. Though officially named “The Flying White House,” the new presidential aircraft became better known by its nickname, the “Sacred Cow.”

    President Harry Truman used the Sacred Cow as his presidential aircraft through much of his first term in office.

    In late 1947, the U.S. Air Force ordered a second custom-built presidential aircraft, a modified DC-6, which Truman named the Independence.

    While in office, Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman flew on a modified Douglas C-54, nicknamed the Sacred Cow.
    Museum of Flight/Corbis via Getty Images

    During Dwight D. Eisenhower’s two terms, the president flew on two different planes operated by the Air Force: the Columbine II, which was a customized, military version of Lockheed’s commercial airliner the Constellation, and the Columbine III, which was a Super Constellation.

    Embracing the jet age

    In the 1960s, the use of jet engine technology in U.S. commercial aircraft revolutionized air travel, allowing planes to fly higher, farther and faster. Jet travel became associated with the glamorous and the elegant lifestyles of the “jet set” crowd.

    So it’s fitting that President John F. Kennedy – who was sometimes called the “the first celebrity president” – was the first White House occupant to fly in a jet, the Boeing 707.

    Kennedy’s aircraft was also the first painted in the distinctive light blue-and-white scheme that’s still used today. First lady Jacqueline Kennedy developed it with the help of industrial designer Raymond Loewy.

    It would go on to serve eight presidents before leaving the presidential fleet in 1990, when Boeing delivered the first of two modified Boeing 747s.

    These are the aircraft that continue to serve as the president’s primary plane. Boeing signed a contract to provide two new aircraft in 2017, during Trump’s last term. In 2020, the company decided to refurbish two existing aircraft that were originally built for another customer.

    The refurbishment has been more cumbersome and expensive than building a new aircraft from scratch. But it’s the only option because Boeing closed its 747 assembly line in late 2022.

    A nickname sticks

    On a trip to Florida, the crew of Columbine II first used “Air Force One” as the plane’s call sign to clearly distinguish the plane from other air traffic.

    While the public has associated the name Air Force One with the modified Boeing 707s and 747s and their distinctive colors, any plane with the president aboard will carry that call sign.

    They include several smaller aircraft, also operated by the Air Force, such as the North American T-39 Sabreliner used to transport Lyndon B. Johnson to his ranch in Texas and the Lockheed VC-140B JetStars, the fleet of backup planes used by several presidents, which Johnson jokingly called “Air Force One Half.”

    A cultural and political symbol

    Air Force One has long served as a symbol of the power and prestige of the presidency.

    It became an indelible part of U.S. history in November 1963, when Johnson took his oath of office from Air Force One’s cabin while Kennedy’s body lay in rest in the back of the aircraft.

    Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson is sworn in as president aboard Air Force One following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
    Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    Air Force One carried President Richard M. Nixon to China and the Soviet Union for historic diplomatic missions. But it also famously flew him from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland to his home state, California, after he resigned from office. On that day, the plane took off as Air Force One. But it landed as SAM 27000, the plane’s call sign used when the president wasn’t on board.

    Trump has been compared to Nixon in more ways than one.

    And Trump’s complaint that Arab leaders have bigger and more impressive airplanes than the current Air Force One is reminiscent of Nixon’s own concerns of being outclassed on the world stage.

    The Nixon family boards Air Force One to fly to California on Aug. 9, 1974, following President Richard Nixon’s resignation.
    Wally McNamee/Corbis via Getty Images

    When president, Nixon strongly advocated for American supersonic transport – a 270-passenger plane designed to be faster than the speed of sound – that he hoped could be modified to serve as a new Air Force One. He feared the failure to develop an SST would relegate the U.S. to second-tier status, as other world leaders – particularly those from England, France and the USSR – traversed the globe in sleeker, better performing aircraft.

    Trump’s concerns about Air Force One seem less focused on safety and security and more on size and opulence. His longing for a “palace in the sky” is befitting for a president drawn to soaring skyscrapers, lavish parades and gold ornamentation.

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

    – ref. Trump’s vision for Air Force One will turn it from the ‘Flying White House’ to a ‘palace in the sky’ – https://theconversation.com/trumps-vision-for-air-force-one-will-turn-it-from-the-flying-white-house-to-a-palace-in-the-sky-256745

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Save Loch Lomond: “Appalling” Flamingo Land mega-resort approved by Scottish Government officials

    Source: Scottish Greens

    16 May 2025 Nature Save Loch Lomond

    The most unpopular planning application in Scottish history, Flamingo Land would cause irreversible damage to the world-famous local environment

    More in Nature

    The decision by Scottish Government officials to approve Flamingo Land’s destructive mega-resort application for Loch Lomond will cause “irreversible damage” and is an “anti-democratic outrage” says Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer.

    Flamingo Land have attempted to gain planning permission for their mega resort at Balloch for the past decade, with their first application failing in 2019. Their latest bid was unanimously rejected by the board of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park at a public hearing in September of last year.

    This followed a campaign led by Ross Greer which collected over 155,000 individual objections to the plans, as well as objections from the National Trust for Scotland, Woodland Trust, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the local community council and the Park’s own expert planning officers.

    Flamingo Land lodged an appeal against this decision shortly before Christmas, seeking to have the rejection overturned by the Scottish Government and secure consent for their plans, which include two hotels, a waterpark, over 370 car parking spaces, a hundred woodland lodges, monorail, and more.

    In a letter to Ross Greer and other stakeholders this morning, the Scottish Government’s Planning And Environmental Appeals Division confirmed that they have overturned the democratic decision of the National Park’s board and granted permission for the destructive mega-resort.

    This is despite flood risk warnings from SEPA, loss of nature and biodiversity, the disruption of over 250 extra cars on congested local roads at peak times and a range of other damaging impacts the development would have.

    Mr Greer said:

    “This is an anti-democratic outrage. I cannot believe that Flamingo Land’s destructive and immensely unpopular mega-resort is being given the go-ahead by Government officials. It was the most unpopular planning application in Scottish history and will cause irreversible damage to the world-famous local environment at Loch Lomond.

    “Their destructive plans were unanimously rejected by the National Park’s board, opposed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the National Trust for Scotland, the Woodland Trust, the Park’s expert planning officers and 155,000 people who joined our Save Loch Lomond campaign.

    “This greedy developer would not take no for an answer and I am shocked that Government officials have put Flamingo Land’s interests above the need to protect Loch Lomond.

    “We are urgently considering our options for continuing this fight. I will leave no stone unturned in the campaign to save Loch Lomond.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Championing the cream of the crop at Balmoral Show

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    The Ballylisk’s of Armagh stand was very busy this year

    A Food Heartland envoy, including the Lord Mayor, Councillor Sarah Duffy, Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Kyle Savage, Alderman Paul Greenfield (Chair of Economic Development and Regeneration Committee) and Chief Executive Roger Wilson OBE, visited Balmoral Show yesterday – Thursday 15th May – to show support for breeders and agri-businesses from across the borough.

    The Food Heartland Agri Champions were also present, taking the opportunity to meet with producers, engage with visitors, and network with key industry players. Their presence underscored the borough’s dedication to innovation and sustainability within the agri-food sector.

    Throughout the event, Food Heartland representatives connected with important stakeholders including the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), the Rural Support Network, and Food NI, reinforcing strong collaborative ties that continue to strengthen the region’s agricultural economy.

    The Balmoral Show remains a vital platform for showcasing the talent, quality, and resilience of the local agri-food industry, and Food Heartland was delighted to be part of it.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: First Genetic Counseling Professional Science Master’s Students Graduate

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The first graduates from the University of Connecticut’s Professional Science Master’s (PSM) in genetic counseling were hooded last Tuesday. The program was ten years in the making and is the first such accredited program at a public university in New England.

    “Watching our first cohort graduate today was nothing short of incredible,” says program director and UConn Health pediatric genetics counselor Maria Gyure. “These graduates didn’t just complete a program – they helped build it. I couldn’t be prouder to send them out into the world as the next generation of genetic counselors. We have no doubt they will serve as exemplary ambassadors for our program and make meaningful contributions to the communities they serve.”

    From left to right: Samantha Wesoly, Lila Aiyar, Kathryn Cavanna, Heather Gaddy, Natalie Cartwright, Mariangelie Beaudry, Karina Mancini, Stephanie Auger, Matthew Ruegg, and Maria Gyure (Rachel O’Neill/UConn Photo)

    The two-year program is uniquely positioned to give students broad experience in both research and clinical genetics. The Genetic Counseling PSM is housed under the auspices of the Institute for Systems Genomics (ISG). The ISG includes researchers and clinicians at UConn Health, Connecticut Children’s, and The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine. Those relationships, along with others, allow students to participate in a series of 10-week fieldwork rotations throughout their training. Students are placed in clinical rotations in diverse areas, including prenatal, pediatric, cancer, cardiovascular, and metabolic genetic counseling, as well as a laboratory rotation. An enrichment rotation gives students the opportunity to tailor a fieldwork experience aligned with their individual interests, in specialty clinics, industry, and advocacy.

    They are also required to take part in a genetic research project beginning in the second semester. This graduating class focused on areas including forensic genetic genealogy, the human right to health, barriers to newborn genomic research, underrepresented populations in rare disease research, among others.

    “The graduating class of 2025 represents a remarkable achievement, not only for the outstanding students in the program, but for the leadership and faculty that have made this program possible,” says ISG director Rachel O’Neill.

    UConn’s tuition is generally more affordable than the private university genetic counseling programs elsewhere in the region, making it more accessible for potential students. Interested potential students are encouraged to look at the program’s homepage as applications open in the fall.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Secretary of State announces the reappointment of Justin Kouame to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Secretary of State announces the reappointment of Justin Kouame to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Hilary Benn MP, has announced the reappointment of Justin Kouame to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Hilary Benn MP, has announced the reappointment of Justin Kouame to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

    Background

    The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (the ‘NIHRC’) was created by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, as part of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

    The NIHRC was established in 1999 and operates as an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Northern Ireland Office.

    Its powers and duties are set out in legislation, and it operates in compliance with UN General Assembly resolution 48/134 (the ‘Paris Principles’) on National Human Rights Institutions. The NIHRC’s functions include keeping under review the adequacy and effectiveness in Northern Ireland of law and practice relating to the protection of human rights and promoting understanding and awareness of the importance of human rights in Northern Ireland. 

    Further information about the work of the Commission can be found at: https://nihrc.org/about-us 

    A biography for Justin Kouame can be found at: https://nihrc.org/about/who-we-are/our-people/justin-kouame

    Terms of Appointment

    • This position is part-time for a period of three years ending on 31 August 2028.
    • The position receives a fixed annual remuneration of £7,500.
    • The position is not pensionable.

    Political Activity

    All appointments are made on merit and with regards to the statutory requirements. Political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories to be made public. 

    Mr Kouame has declared that he has not been politically active in the past five years. 

    Regulation

    The appointment is regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointment (OCPA).

    Statutory Requirements

    The Secretary of State makes appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Taxi numbers consultation

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    The consultation, which relates to taxis only (vehicles hailed on the street or from a taxi rank), wants to hear what people think about the number of licences issued for taxis in Perth.  

    Currently, there is a limit on the total number of taxi licences issued by the Council, which is set at 80. This limit is only put in place if the Council is satisfied that there is no significant unmet demand for taxis, and the situation is reviewed around every three years. If there is an unmet demand for taxis which is significant, then the Council needs to consider if the limit should be increased or removed. As part of that process, a company which is experienced in this field was hired to complete a survey to see if the public demand for taxis was being met. The results of that survey are available on the online Consultation Hub; the key points of those results are: 

    • The amount of time passengers had to wait for a taxi in 2024 was significantly greater than in 2017 (which was pre-pandemic). 

    • Disabled passengers, especially wheelchair users, continue to face increased difficulties. 

    • There is a significant demand for the services of taxis in Perth that is not met (this is an ‘unmet demand’). 

    • The limit or cap on the number of taxis should be increased by 24 to meet the demand. 

    • If the limit or cap is increased to allow as large a number as 24 new taxi licences to be issued, it is also worth considering whether there is a realistic difference between that and removing the limit or cap altogether (making the number of licences available ‘unlimited’). 

    At a Licensing Committee Meeting held on 25 March 2025, it was agreed that the Council would consult with the public to see what the next steps might be in relation to how the unmet demand should be addressed. 

    The consultation survey is open online at our Consultation Hub until 16 June 2025. Anyone requiring a paper copy or requiring special assistance to complete the consultation can contact the Council’s Civic Licensing team on 01738 475180 or email civiclicensing@pkc.gov.uk. 

    Feedback from this consultation will be used, along with other information collected, to prepare a report to the Licensing Committee. It is the Licensing Committee that make decisions on how many additional taxi licences will be made available, as well any other restrictions on vehicle types. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Beating heart of community to reopen this weekend as Ancoats Green refurbishment completes

    Source: City of Manchester

    Ancoats Green will reopen to the public this weekend (Saturday 17 May) following a major refurbishment project that has now been completed at the city park.

    The investment is part of a wider £40m public realm programme creating a new focal point for the neighbourhood alongside further public space that seamlessly links the newly opened Ancoats Mobility Hub and the Council’s first This City housing development at No. 1 Ancoats Green. The public realm projects are also helping to unlock 1,500 new homes -including more than 500 under construction by Manchester Life. 

    The renewed park space includes high quality multi-functional open spaces for the community, new play areas with accessible equipment, open grassed areas, generous footpaths and space for small events.  

    New walking and cycling routes connecting the park to the wider city centre will encourage active travel, along with significant new planting and increased biodiversity – including wildflower areas a new trees. 

    Ancoats green transformation in numbers:  

    • 1.06ha renewed park space 
    • 2823m2 of wildflower meadow planting 
    • 420m2 of new planted areas 
    • 63% net increase in trees – any trees removed (either due to disease or those with a limited life span) have been replaced 2:1  
    • Highly sustainable design with many of new surfaces made from reclaimed materials to create a permeable drainage system

    The project has looked to celebrate the industrial heritage of the area, including referencing historic flint glass works in the park features. Upcycled materials from both the Our Town Hall and Albert Square project and walling stone from the former Prussia Canal arm that once ran through the park have successfully be re-used throughout the park. Reclaimed granite setts have also been incorporated into the spaces, while salvaged building stone has been used for seating areas across the park. 

    A family friendly community event will take place on Saturday 17 May celebrating the reopening of the park space, hosted by This City.  

    Funding for the project was received through Homes England, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority via the Brownfield Land Fund, and the City Council.  

    The Ancoats Regeneration Story 

    The public realm investment is part of the latest phase of the Ancoats Regeneration programme continues the internationally renowned regeneration of the neighbourhood.  

    The Green, alongside the now open Ancoats Mobility Hub, which will be managed by APCOA is helping to underpin the development of 1,500 new homes in this part of the city centre, including the Council’s first This City development at No. 1 Ancoats Green where the first homes are expected to be completed this summer, which includes 30% affordable housing capped at the Manchester Living Rent.  

    This phase of Ancoats investment aims to create a strong sense of place and a low-traffic, pedestrian first neighbourhood for the ongoing residential development that will bring this chapter of investment to a close.  

    The Ancoats Green redevelopment was designed by Planit and the key contractor was Alined Construction Ltd.  

    The Ancoats Mobility Hub and This City’s No. 1 Ancoats Green development was designed by Buttress Architects. The Hub was delivered by Bowmer and Kirkland and No.1 Ancoats Green is being built by Wates Construction Limited.  

    Leader of the Council Bev Craig said:  

    “We’re on a mission to invest more in our parks and green spaces. With over 150 parks and green spaces in Manchester, Ancoats Green is the latest park in our city centre to be created or refurbished to make sure our residents have access to brilliant green spaces. The Green will be the heart of this community, a place local people can take pride in, spend time with family and friends, and find a respite from the bustle of the city – all in a low traffic, sustainable neighbourhood. 

    “This is also part of a £40m public realm investment in this part of Ancoats – including the new Mobility Hub – which is helping to unlock the next phase of regeneration in the neighbourhood – and the final chapters of a regeneration story going back two decades.  

    “Building on the Ancoats success story the next phase of investment will see 1,500 new homes built, which includes the Council’s first This City housing development at No. 1 Ancoats Green that will complete in the next few months – helping to increase access to genuinely affordable homes in the city centre.

    “Ancoats Green is a great example of the council investing more in the priorities that residents tell us they want to see and is a beautiful addition to this area of the city. “

    Anna Marohn, Principal Landscape Architect comments from Planit:

    “It’s been a real privilege to work on delivering the new Ancoats Green. A verdant space in the heart of Manchester city centre for the community, celebrating the area’s rich heritage and with sustainability at its core.  

    “The dramatic enhancements will see an increase in Biodiversity. The use of wildflower meadows, structural herbeacous planting, addition of 41 new trees, bug hotels and bird boxes integrated creatively throughout the space, will encourage nature back into the city.  Climate resilient and reclaimed materials have been used extensively throughout the park, including SUDS with rain gardens located within the green, and porous asphalt for the footpaths.    

    “Many of the parks’ surface materials are reclaimed – using granite setts from the renovation works at nearby Albert Square and old coping stones – to create bespoke seating elements.  

    “The dramatic enhancements will offer the existing and future community a place to dwell, play, exercise and socialise for future generations to come.” 

    Commenting on their role in the design work for the Ancoats Mobility Hub, This City’s No.1 Ancoats Green development and Eliza Yard for ManchesterLife, Matthew Burl, Buttress director said: “The opening of the Ancoats Mobility Hub is about so much more than mobility. It’s about giving streets back to people, creating space for community life to flourish, and embedding sustainability into the everyday experience of the city. It’s been a privilege to help shape this important project for our own local neighbourhood of Ancoats. Our new housing development for This City, No1. Ancoats Green, is due to be finished this summer and Eliza Yard for Manchester Life will complete in the spring next year. Both will add thoughtfully designed apartments and townhouses to complement all of the benefits of Ancoats life and the new park.” 

    Designed by Buttress for Manchester Life Development Company on behalf of Manchester City Council, the Eliza Yard project reuses an existing surface car park in Ancoats, creating a unique new residential location that will contribute to the ongoing regeneration of the area. It is being built by Sisk. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grant Scheme launched to support events and markets

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Businesses in the city centre are being encouraged to apply for a grant scheme to help support hosting events and markets. 

    The City Centre Events and Markets Scheme encourages and supports businesses to host events that will contribute towards Aberdeen’s vibrancy as well as enhancing community spirit and supporting the local economy. 

    Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “Having a wide selection of events will help our city centre to continue to be a fun place for locals and visitors to come together and celebrate local talent. 

    “Any interested businesses should look to see if they are eligible to apply and start their creative journey today.”

    Finance and Resources convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: said: “We are delighted to offer businesses in Aberdeen city centre the opportunity to bring their ideas to life and make a lasting impact on our community through this exciting scheme.”

    Discretionary grants of £1,000 are available to businesses looking to host free-to-attend, community events or markets within Aberdeen city centre. 

    Businesses can apply for funding towards exciting and creative events such as food markets for local producers, craft workshops and fashion shows. 

    This Grant Scheme is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

    To find out more and to apply, visit our website. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Seven-year ban for Suffolk car wash owner who employed illegal workers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Seven-year ban for Suffolk car wash owner who employed illegal workers

    Four illegal workers were discovered by Immigration Enforcement officers

    • Vittorio Dragoti employed four illegal workers from Romania at his Fiveways Car Wash in Suffolk  

    • The workers were found with no right to work in the UK by Immigration Enforcement last year 

    • Dragoti has been banned as a company director until May 2032

    The owner of a Suffolk hand car wash has been banned as a company director for seven years after employing four illegal workers. 

    Vittorio Dragoti, 28, hired the workers from Romania at the Fiveways Car Wash on the Fiveways Roundabout near Barton Mills. 

    The workers were discovered when Immigration Enforcement officials visited the car wash in 2024.  

    Dave Magrath, Director of Investigation and Enforcement Services at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    Company directors have clear statutory obligations to recruit people who have the right to work in the UK. 

    Consumers deserve to have confidence that workers providing services to them are not working illegally. And the workers themselves deserve to not be put in such a vulnerable position by people who may exploit their immigration status. 

    Vittorio Dragoti’s disqualification as a company director is a result of ongoing close collaboration between the Insolvency Service and our partners at the Home Office to clamp down on rogue directors.

    Dragoti, of Queensway, Mildenhall, was the sole director of Vito’s Car Care Limited since March 2019. 

    Immigration Enforcement officials found the four Romanian men aged between 18 and 49 with no right to work in the UK when they visited the car wash in April last year. 

    Vito’s Car Care was fined £180,000 for the immigration breach. The fine currently remains unpaid. 

    Cheryl Daldry, the Home Office’s East of England Immigration Compliance and Enforcement lead, said: 

    This is a great example of the serious consequences that are in store for business owners who fail to carry out checks on individuals they hire to ensure they have the right to work in the UK. 

    Dragoti flouted our employment and immigration rules by employing multiple people with no right to work in the UK, resulting in long term enforcement action against himself and his business. 

    “I would like to thank our partners at the Insolvency Service for their help to secure these sanctions against this non-compliant employer. 

    The Secretary of State for Business and Trade accepted a disqualification undertaking from Dragoti, and his seven-year ban began on Thursday 15 May. 

    The disqualification prevents him from becoming involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court. It does not impact any businesses with similar names or locations.

    Further information

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Lord Mayor takes on historic role

    Source: City of Leicester

    LEICESTER’S new Lord Mayor has been handed the chains of office at a ceremony in the city’s Town Hall.

    Cllr Teresa Aldred, who has represented Thurncourt ward since the 2015 local elections, was sworn in as the city’s first citizen at a meeting of the full council yesterday (Thursday).

    At the ceremony, the new Lord Mayor announced she would be supporting two important health charities in her mayoral year: the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust and ANDYSMANCLUB.

    Cllr Aldred will be supported in her year in office by the Lady Mayoress, her daughter Libby Aldred, together with her good friend Maggie Corley and the former boxer Rendall Munroe, who will serve as her consorts.

    “I am very excited and maybe just a little nervous about being the Lord Mayor of Leicester but I promise to serve the people with my whole heart,” said Cllr Aldred.

    “I am proud to be the Lord Mayor of this beautiful city – so rich in diversity and culture, and a place I have always called home.

    “During my year in office, I hope to highlight some of the many brilliant things that happen in the city but often go unnoticed.

    “I will also be passionate about supporting the work of the two charities I have chosen: the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust, which strives to reduce the impact and incidence of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome, increase the number of public access defibrillators in communities, and train more people in the skills needed to save a life in an emergency – and the suicide prevention charity, ANDYSMANCLUB. 

    “In my year in office, I hope to raise awareness of the vital work that both charities do.”

    Born and raised in Thurnby Lodge – where she still lives today – Cllr Aldred attended Willowbrook and St Joseph’s primary schools, before moving on to St Paul’s RC School and Hamilton Community College.

    She began work in a care home for the elderly, while attending Charles Frears College of Nursing and Midwifery, and she also trained as a teaching assistant.

    While raising her family, she started taking an active role in the local community, holding events at the Thurncourt Community Centre and assisting with sessions for elderly people.

    Cllr Aldred is married with four children and is passionate about horses, having had her own horse from a young age. Although she still keeps and cares for horses, it’s her children who continue to live her dream and she very much encourages them to be involved and enjoy the outdoors.

    The family also enjoy travelling across England in their motorhome.

    Cllr Aldred becomes the latest incumbent of an office that dates back to at least 1209. Formerly the ‘Mayor of Leicester’, the title was upgraded to ‘Lord Mayor’ in 1928.

    The outgoing Lord Mayor, Cllr Bhupen Dave, will serve as Deputy Lord Mayor in 2025-26, with Cllr Manjula Sood remaining as High Bailiff.

    More information about the office of the Lord Mayor is available at leicester.gov.uk

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Delivering homemade explosives manufacturing training

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    Delivering homemade explosives manufacturing training

    Dstl and FBI collaboration pushes forward the development of world-leading expertise and knowledge.

    The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) enabled the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to deliver training on homemade explosives (HME) manufacturing for the UK and other partner nations in early 2025, at Cranfield Ordnance Test and Evaluation Centre (COTEC).

    The FBI was supported by Dstl’s Forensic Explosives Laboratory (FEL) to successfully carry out the practical course.

    Training outcomes

    This course is important for the explosives’ community because it has helped develop participants’ knowledge and understanding of homemade explosives. It also enhanced knowledge of how to safely handle these materials.

    For Dstl’s FEL, the course has been instrumental in enhancing professional credibility when supporting the UK criminal justice system with expert witness testimonies.

    A number of Dstl experts worked hard to ensure this course was delivered in the UK, and collaboration amongst the following ensured its success:

    • FEL organisers
    • subject matter experts
    • safety personnel
    • trials managers
    • COTEC

    The FEL provides a forensic service to the UK police forces on behalf of the British criminal justice system, UK government departments (including the Home Office and Ministry of Defence), foreign governments and other clients.

    More about the training

    The Dstl team worked for about a year to refine the training content and develop safe working practices so the FBI could undertake this essential training within the UK.

    As most of the homemade explosives mixes were new to Dstl, additional scrutiny and small-scale hazard testing was required to ensure sufficient mitigations were in place for handling.

    Participants received a unique and practical hands-on training experience:

    • mixing a variety of homemade explosives
    • making improvised charges
    • observing their detonation

    Participants and observers included international partners, such as the Forensic Science Northern Ireland, Netherlands Explosives Ordinance Disposal and the Netherlands Forensic Institute.

    Dstl looks forward to future opportunities where we can continue this training and expand the benefits to others across the explosives and energetics community.

    Find out more about how Dstl delivers mission success through science and technology advantage.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Funding for Highland Active Travel projects welcomed

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council has successfully secured funding from Transport Scotland for two Active Travel projects which will make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.

    Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “This is terrific news. There are many benefits of active travel. It is beneficial for individual health, it is a cheaper form of transport, can help the shift to low carbon travel, improve air quality and can produce an increase in productivity and footfall in town centres and other locations.”

    “The Council is working to deliver a low carbon transport network to tackle the climate and ecological emergency. Essentially this means making it easier, safer and more convenient for people to walk, wheel and cycle. The projects in Wick town centre and in Culbokie on the Black Isle both complement our work already underway and I’m delighted we can now press on with plans at both locations.”

    The Wick Street Design project has been awarded funding to make improvements to the Bridge Street / High Street junction to make it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross and reach the High Street from nearby car parks.  The High Street’s pedestrian zone will be resurfaced, and rising bollards will be installed at both ends to control vehicle access and slow down authorised traffic, enhancing pedestrian safety.  The project also includes new seating, planting, and artwork inspired by the Market Cross and local culture.

    The Highland Council has been awarded funding to deliver the Culbokie Active Travel Village project which aims to make it easier, safer and more enjoyable for people spending time in the village walking, pushing buggies, using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, as well as cycling for all ages and abilities.  The existing footpaths will be widened to 2 metres where necessary and new footpaths will be built so people can walk through the village without crossing the road.  A new light controlled pedestrian crossing will also be installed along with physical traffic calming features including raised table junctions, carriageway pinch points and build-outs.

    The tendering process is underway for the Wick and Culbokie projects with work expected to be completed by 31 March 2026.

    In addition to funding for these two projects Transport Scotland will be delivering on the designs for improved non-motorized user transport provision at the Raigmore Interchange in Inverness, making it safer and more convenient for pedestrians, cyclists, and those using wheelchairs.  The scheme will include full signalisation of the Interchange providing controlled pedestrian and cycle crossings.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Regulator orders reform to governance at Islamic Centre of England

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Regulator orders reform to governance at Islamic Centre of England

    The Charity Commission has issued the Islamic Centre of England Limited with a formal Order under Section 84 of the Charities Act, compelling the trustees to provide rigorous oversight of future speakers and online activity by the charity among other actions.

    The Order has been issued in the context of a finding of misconduct and / or mismanagement during the regulator’s ongoing inquiry into the charity, to address the charity’s previous failures and to ensure that its governance is improved for the future.

    The move follows the appointment of two additional trustees at the charity – a centre of Islamic worship in north London – and the conclusion of extensive work by an Interim Manager appointed by the Commission to take temporary control of essential aspects of the charity’s running and to review its governance.

    The regulator opened an inquiry into the Islamic Centre of England in November 2022 to investigate serious governance concerns. The Commission appointed the Interim Manager in May 2023 and, in parallel with her work, continued to investigate concerns about the running of the charity.

    Breaches of previous advice and Orders

    The Commission has taken regulatory action during the inquiry, which remains ongoing, on wide-ranging governance issues and breaches of previous advice and orders. These included more recently failure to fully comply with the Order appointing the Interim Manager and failure to fully comply with directions. The Commission considers these, and a range of other past breaches, mismanagement and misconduct in the administration of the charity. The trustees currently dispute some of these legal findings.

    Section 84 Order

    The Section 84 Order requires the trustees to take a range of actions to improve the charity’s operations, governance and financial oversight, with clear deadlines for compliance. Among these are that the trustees are instructed to ensure that all religious services, speakers and events further the objects of the charity and are in its best interests, complying with due diligence processes put in place by the Interim Manager. Similarly, the trustees are required to ensure the charity’s website and social media content is exclusively in furtherance of the charity’s purposes and that trustees and staff document their decisions appropriately. The Commission will continue to closely monitor the trustees’ compliance with these and other actions in the Order, and can take further regulatory action if the trustees fail to do so.

    Changes to trustees

    During the course of the Commission’s inquiry a requirement was removed from the charity’s governing document for one trustee to be the official UK religious representative of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the occupant left this role. This addressed regulatory concerns about the charity’s failure to manage the conflicts of interest and apparent lack of independence this caused, which were at odds with charity law.

    Separately, the Interim Manager had overseen the appointment of the two new trustees and taken steps to improve the charity’s management and governance, particularly regarding speakers and events. The Commission has now discharged the Interim Manager, Emma Moody, after she implemented specific improvements asked of her by the Commission, with further improvements to be delivered by the trustees under the Order.

    Charity Commission Chief Executive, David Holdsworth, said:

    The law requires, and the public expect, charities to operate exclusively for the public benefit. The vast majority of charities do so successfully, making a difference every day. As this case shows, when a charity fails to operate in line with its legal duties we will step in to take action. We now expect the trustees to take the required action directed by the Commission and will not hesitate to use further legal powers should that be necessary.

    The Commission’s statutory inquiry is ongoing. It is the Commission’s practice to publish a report setting out its findings, regulatory actions and conclusions once an inquiry has concluded.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors

    1. A statutory inquiry is the Commission’s most serious form of investigation: How the Charity Commission investigates charities – GOV.UK and our policy on media reporting of current regulatory work is available on gov.uk: How the Charity Commission reports on its regulatory work – GOV.UK.
    2. The statutory inquiry into Islamic Centre of England is ongoing. How long our inquiries take vary from case-to-case. When an inquiry concludes we publish a report that detail the issues looked at, what actions were undertaken and what the outcomes were. These are on gov.uk.
    3. The Interim Manager’s duties included overseeing a successful process to recruit two new trustees to help to improve the charity’s governance, which is the focus of the Commission’s ongoing inquiry. There is information about the role of an Interim Manager on gov.uk.
    4. The Commission previously issued a statement to tackle misinformation about why the Centre was temporarily closed. This issue pre-dated the appointment of an Interim Manager.
    5. In legislation set by Parliament, a charity is an organisation set up with exclusively charitable purposes for the public benefit and subject to the High Court’s jurisdiction. Please see further information about what is a charity. Once an organisation is registered as a charity it can only be removed in extremely limited circumstances such as where it is no longer operating. It is not open to the Commission to remove charitable status as a sanction.

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More than 356,000 journeys made over Pennyburn Bridge

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    More than 356,000 journeys made over Pennyburn Bridge

    16 May 2025

    Pennyburn Bridge, a cornerstone of the Northwest Greenways Project, has recorded more than 356,000 journeys since May 2024, confirming its status as a vital piece of active travel infrastructure for the city.

    The £2.5 million bridge and greenway project, primarily funded through external partnerships with the Department for Communities (£727,500) and the Special EU Programmes Body (£1,733,648), required a Council contribution of £83,990.

    From 1st May 2024 until 1st May 2025 356,426 journeys were made across the bridge, with Sunday being the busiest day for pedestrians.

    “The Pennyburn Bridge has transformed how people move around our city,” said Karen Phillips, Environment and Regeneration Director with Derry City and Strabane District Council. “With over 356,000 crossings in just one year, it’s clear this investment is making a significant difference to daily life in our community. The bridge is not just connecting physical spaces – it’s connecting people to workplaces, schools, leisure facilities, and each other in a sustainable way.”

    The bridge has already become an integral part of city events, including the Waterside Half Marathon, and serves as a key link in the expanding greenway network.

    In recognition of its design excellence and contribution to sustainable transport, the Pennyburn Bridge project has received four prestigious awards: Construction Employers Federation Transport Infrastructure Project of the Year Award (below £10M), Institute of Civil Engineers Sustainability Award, Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) Award for Active Travel Project of the Year, and Northwest Group of Businesses (NWGN) Infrastructure Project of the Year (less than £5M).

    Karen Phillips added: “The success of the Pennyburn Bridge demonstrates the Council’s commitment to developing high-quality active travel infrastructure that enhances connectivity while supporting environmental and health objectives across the city.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Gaelic Psalms and hymns to be showcased at the British Academy, London The beautiful psalms and hymns of the Gaelic-speaking Hebrides will make a rare appearance at the British Academy in London on Thursday 22 May 2025 – and will be live-streamed to audiences around the world.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Dr Frances WilkinsThe beautiful psalms and hymns of the Gaelic-speaking Hebrides will make a rare appearance at the British Academy in London on Thursday 22 May 2025 – and will be live-streamed to audiences around the world.
    Ethnomusicologist Dr Frances Wilkins, who is a senior lecturer at the Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen, will be travelling to London with the celebrated Gaelic singer, Kristine Kennedy, from Lewis, to take part in a special event at the British Academy, titled ‘Memory Through Music: Celebrating Sung Histories’.
    Dr Wilkins, who lives on Skye, said: “Musical storytelling has for centuries been used as a means of preserving cultural knowledge and experience across the globe, in a way that is often overlooked in written records.
    “This event aims to bring these histories to life, through a combined exploration of Breton ballads, Gaelic spiritual singing, UK rap and grime, and Islamic singing from the Balkans. ‘Memory Through Music’ will bring academics and performers together to explore the enduring impact of these traditions on our cultural heritage and understanding.”
    During the event, Dr Frances Wilkins, will provide an overview of the little-researched sacred song repertoires in Hebridean communities. This will include the iconic Gaelic psalm singing tradition and songs from the rich bardic tradition of the islands. Kristine Kennedy will be singing some of the most iconic songs from the tradition.
    Dr Wilkins added: “It is a privilege to be taking part in this event, which celebrates the some of the most important aspects of Scotland’s cultural heritage.
    “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to speak about this topic alongside Kristine Kennedy, one of Scotland’s finest Gaelic singers.”
    Highlands-based Kristine Kennedy said: “It’s been a real joy to collaborate with Frances who has really embraced our precious Gaelic spiritual songs which hold such a special place in my heart. I look forward to sharing them with a wider audience.”
    Dr Wilkins has been researching the sacred song traditions of the West Highlands and Hebridean communites since 2018. She has conducted extensive research and produced an archive of over 300 song recordings (found at www.seinn.org), touring exhibition, and numerous publications. The exhibition, ‘Seinn Spioradail: Sacred Soundscapes of Highland and Island Communities’, has been touring Hebridean communities since January 2024. It is currently on display at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis in Ness (Island of Lewis) until November 2025.
    The Memory Through Music: Celebrating Sung Histories’ event, which starts at 18:30, will be held at the British Academy in Carlton House Terrace, London.
    It is free to attend but booking is required. It will be live-streamed to allow people to watch it from anywhere in the world.
    For more details visit Memory through melody: celebrating sung histories | The British Academy.
    Further details on Dr Wilkins’ research can be found at www.franceswilkins.com
    ENDS
    Note to editors
    Event details:
    Title
    ‘Memory Through Music: Celebrating Sung Histories’.
    Time
    Thursday 22 May 2025: 18:30-20:00
    Venue
    The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH & Online: Vimeo
    Website
    https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/events/memory-through-melody/
    Price
    Free (in person/online)
    Sailm is laoidhean Ghàidhlig ri thaisbeanadh aig Acadamaidh Bhreatainn, Lunnainn
    Bidh sailm is laoidhean àlainn nan Eileanan Gàidhlig a’ nochdadh gu tearc aig Acadamaidh Bhreatainn ann an Lunnainn air Diardaoin 22 Cèitean 2025 – agus thèid an craoladh beò gu luchd-èisteachd air feadh an t-saoghail.
    Bidh an t-eòlaiche-ciùil eitneòlach, an Dr Frances Wilkins, a tha na h-òraidiche àrd-ìre aig an Ionaid Elphinstone, Oilthigh Obar Dheathain, a’ siubhal a Lunnainn leis an t-seinneadair Gàidhlig ainmeil, Cairistìona Cheanadach, à Leòdhas, gus pàirt a ghabhail ann an tachartas sònraichte aig Acadamaidh Bhreatainn, leis an tiotal ‘Cuimhne tro Cheòl: A’ comharrachadh Eachdraidh Seinnte’.
    Thuirt an Dr Wilkins, a tha a’ fuireach san Eilean Sgitheanach: “Tha sgeulachdas ciùil air a bhith air a chleachdadh airson linntean mar dhòigh air eòlas agus eòlas cultarail a ghleidheadh air feadh an t-saoghail, ann an dòigh a thèid a dhìochuimhneachadh gu tric ann an clàran sgrìobhte.
    “Tha an tachartas seo ag amas air na h-eachdraidh sin a thoirt beò, tro sgrùdadh còmhla air baileadan Breatannach, seinn spioradail Gàidhlig, rap is grime RA, agus seinn Ioslamach bho na Balkans. “Bidh ‘Cuimhne tro Cheòl’ a’ toirt luchd-acadaimigeach agus luchd-ciùil còmhla gus buaidh mhaireannach nan traidiseanan seo air ar dualchas agus ar tuigse chultarail a sgrùdadh.”
    Rè na tachartais, bheir an Dr Frances Wilkins sealladh farsaing air na clàran-ciùil òran naomha nach eil air an rannsachadh gu mòr ann an coimhearsnachdan Innse Gall. Bidh seo a’ toirt a-steach traidisean suaicheanta seinn nan sailm Gàidhlig agus òrain bho dhualchas beairteach bàrdachd nan eilean. Bidh Cairistìona Cheanadach a’ seinn cuid de na h-òrain as suaicheanta bhon traidisean.
    Thuirt an Dr Wilkins: “’S e urram a th’ ann a bhith a’ gabhail pàirt san tachartas seo, a tha a’ comharrachadh cuid de na taobhan as cudromaiche de dhualchas cultarail na h-Alba.
    “Tha mi air leth toilichte gun d’ fhuair mi an cothrom bruidhinn mun chuspair seo còmhla ri Cairistìona Cheanadach , aon de na seinneadairean Gàidhlig as fheàrr ann an Alba.”
    Thuirt Cairistìona Cheanadach, a tha stèidhichte air a’ Ghàidhealtachd: “Tha e air a bhith na fhìor thoileachas co-obrachadh le Frances a tha air gabhail ri ar n-òrain spioradail luachmhor Gàidhlig aig a bheil àite cho sònraichte nam chridhe. Tha mi a’ coimhead air adhart ri bhith gan roinn le luchd-èisteachd nas fharsainge.”
    Tha an Dr Wilkins air a bhith a’ dèanamh rannsachaidh air traidiseanan òrain naomha choimhearsnachdan na Gàidhealtachd an Iar agus Innse Gall bho 2018. Tha i air rannsachadh farsaing a dhèanamh agus tha i air tasglann de chòrr is 300 clàradh òrain a thoirt gu buil (ri lorg aig www.seinn.org), taisbeanadh siubhail, agus iomadh foillseachadh. Tha an taisbeanadh, ‘Seinn Spioradail: Sacred Soundscapes of Highland and Island Communities’, air a bhith a’ siubhal choimhearsnachdan Innse Gall bho Fhaoilleach 2024. Tha e an-dràsta ri fhaicinn aig Comunn Eachdraidh Nis ann an Nis (Eilean Leòdhais) gu Samhain 2025.
    Thèid an tachartas ‘Cuimhne tro Cheòl: A’ Comharrachadh Eachdraidh nan Seinn’, a thòisicheas aig 18:30, a chumail aig Acadamaidh Bhreatainn ann an Carlton House Terrace, Lunnainn.
    Tha e an-asgaidh a bhith an làthair ach feumar àite a ghlèidheadh. Thèid a chraoladh beò gus leigeil le daoine coimhead air bho àite sam bith san t-saoghal.
    Airson tuilleadh fiosrachaidh tadhail air Cuimhne tro fhonn: a’ comharrachadh eachdraidh nan seinn | Acadamaidh Bhreatainn.
    Gheibhear tuilleadh fiosrachaidh mu rannsachadh an Dr Wilkins aig www.franceswilkins.com
    CRÌOCH
    Nota do luchd-deasachaidh
    Fiosrachadh mun tachartas:
    Tiotal
    ‘Cuimhne tro Cheòl: A’ comharrachadh Eachdraidh nan Seinneadairean’.
    Ùine
    Diardaoin 22 Cèitean 2025: 18:30-20:00
    Àite
    Acadamaidh Bhreatainn, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, Lunnainn, SW1Y 5AH & Air-loidhne: Vimeo
    Làrach-lìn
    https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/events/memory-through-melody/
    Prìs
    An-asgaidh (gu pearsanta/air-loidhne)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: National awards for two Morecambe beaches Two beaches in Morecambe have once again scooped a prestigious award for their cleanliness…

    Source: City of Lancaster

    Two beaches in Morecambe have once again scooped a prestigious award for their cleanliness.

    Morecambe North and South were today (Thursday, May 15) handed the Seaside Award.

    The awards from Keep Britain Tidy, recognise and award beaches in England that achieve the highest standards of beach management and offer visitors great facilities alongside a litter free and safe environment.

    All the beaches are judged on cleanliness, safety and have to meet the highest environmental standards, as well as international bathing water quality standards.

    Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council “We’re absolutely delighted that both Morecambe North and South beaches have once again received this national recognition.

    “These awards are a testament to the hard work of our staff, volunteers, and local community in keeping our coastline clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone.”

    Last updated: 16 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coventry’s Bands in the Park concerts are back again for the summer!

    Source: City of Coventry

    Residents and visitors can enjoy a summer of free musical performances as Coventry City Council’s Bands in the Parks events return next month.

    Ten concerts will be held on Sundays between June and September across the city’s parks, with the first one taking place on Sunday 1 June at War Memorial Park.

    The Brass Band of Central England (formerly known as the Jaguar Land Rover Band) will be kicking off the series of events, with many other bands from across the West Midlands taking part.

    All concerts will take place from 2pm to 3.30pm on a Sunday afternoon and are a relaxing, family-friendly, musical experience for all ages.

    The final event will take place in the historic Caludon Castle park held in collaboration with the Heritage Open Days taking place across the city and country in September.

    Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Coventry City Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Parks said: “I’m always pleased to be able to welcome back this much-loved series of mini concerts for people to get out into the fresh air and listen to some great music.

    “Bands in the Park always welcomes the arrival of summer and what better way is there to spend an afternoon than in one of our stunning parks enjoying some fabulous entertainment?

    “I hope everyone enjoys this great series of free events and continue to enjoy all our lovely parks across the city.”

    Bands in the Park concerts always cover a wide variety of musical styles and bands to entertain crowds and create a fun atmosphere for people to enjoy.

    Join us and make a Sunday afternoon that bit more special!

    For up-to-date details of the schedule, bands and parks taking part please visit www.coventry.gov.uk/bandsinparks 

    Friday, 16th May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Press conference, Newcastle

    Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

    SHARON CLAYDON:

    Good morning everyone. Beautiful day here in beautiful Waratah West for a brisk start to a Tuesday morning. Thanks for being here. My name is Sharon Claydon, federal member for Newcastle. I’m so proud to be joined here today by Minister for Housing, Julie Collins. Representing state government, the state member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery, and local government, Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Nuatali Nelmes and our Deputy Lord Mayor, councillor Declan Clausen. There’s a lot of us here today because, a), this is a really important celebratory moment, really, to be able to deliver important new housing stock for Newcastle, but also because this is a very collaborative effort to try and deal with what has been a growing crisis from many, many years of, let’s face it, neglect in ensuring that we’ve got an adequate housing supply.

    I couldn’t be more excited to have Julie Collins here today, because this is a minister who brings a lot of lived experience to this portfolio in social and affordable housing. She knows first‑hand the benefits of having safe and secure housing and making sure that that is a priority for our government. Two years ago, we inherited a huge crisis on housing. As I said, that is after a decade of the former government saying, ‘not our problem, this is a state/local government issue we don’t deal in housing’. Well, the Albanese Labor government takes a very different approach, and that is because there’s probably no more serious question before government than to ensure the safe and secure housing of our citizens. So, I’m going to hand across to Julie Collins to talk about the investment from the Commonwealth today. Sonia Hornery will say a few words around the collaboration with the state and the importance of delivering additional public housing, and the Lord Mayor and about the coordinated efforts. This is really just the start of what I hope you will be seeing – a good, healthy pipeline of new housing stock in Newcastle and the Hunter region. So over to you, Julie.

    JULIE COLLINS:

    Thanks, Sharon. It’s terrific to be here in Newcastle with you, but also with state member Sonia and with the Lord Mayor here and the deputy mayor. This is an important announcement. What we’re doing here today is, of course, standing in front of this social housing here in Newcastle. Here we have 10, new one‑ and 2‑bedroom rooms and apartments for rent for people who are on social housing waiting lists. This is just the start of what we’re doing, working with local government and state governments right across the country. Here of course, in Newcastle, we’re talking about not just these apartments, but another 9 in Wallsend that will be starting construction soon and, indeed, expect to be finished around June 2025. We’re talking about refurbishments here in Newcastle, but also in the broader region around Lake Macquarie. We’re investing not just in our cities, but also in our regional cities around the country.

    We want to build more homes for Australians through our $32 billion Homes for Australia plan. We need more homes for Australians to buy, more homes for Australians to rent, and more homes for Australians who are doing it tough. What you see here today is an example of a partnership and collaboration between 3 tiers of government; the local government, state government, and the federal government. This is primarily being funded through the Social Housing Accelerator, which is $610 million that we provided the New South Wales Government just over a year ago. Just 3 weeks ago, we provided the New South Wales Government with an additional $300 million. And of course, through our 5‑year housing agreement, we’ll be providing a New South Wales Government with more than $2.8 billion over the next 5 years for housing. This is about working together with other tiers of government, with the community housing sector, and indeed with the construction industry, so that we have more homes for Australians.

    We don’t have enough homes in Australia. We haven’t had enough homes for a long time. We need to get on and build more homes. It’s terrific to see these homes being completed here today and, of course, with more homes under construction and the refurbishments that have already been done by the New South Wales Government putting more people in homes more quickly. I’ll hand over to Sonia, to put the state government’s perspective.

    SONIA HORNERY:

    Thanks Julie and welcome, I’m just speaking on behalf of Minister Rose Jackson. Good morning, everyone. Thank you, this is wonderful to be here. As a person who is proudly from Windale social housing, when I was born, it gave my mum and dad a start with a big family, and we hope to be able to give more people a start as well in our future. I’m really pleased to hear from the minister, and from Rose Jackson about the 10 other developments that are happening in the Wallsend area, it’s exactly what we need. From the very day I was elected in 2007, the most common question that we get in our office is, ‘how do I find a home?’, and the 10‑year waiting list that was occurring with our Liberal government was just too high for public housing. I know that Rose Jackson is determined to reduce that waiting list, and that’s why we’re here today. So I want to thank both my colleagues from the federal government, Julie and Sharon, and my colleagues from local government, Nuatali and Declan, for being up to work collaboratively about getting this project underway, because it’s very important for our community. I’ll hand over now to Nuatali.

    NUATALI NELMES:

    Thank you to Minister Collins for being in Newcastle today. Obviously, the women in the Labor party called each other and we’ve matched all our clothes – let’s get that out of the way to start with. In all seriousness, the very innovative collaborative effort that we’ve gone to the City of Newcastle dates back a number of years, and we’ve worked very closely with the New South Wales Government and Homes NSW to deliver what is a first for local government and the state government, in that the City is contributing around $2 million a year in this very novel memoranda of understanding we have with Homes NSW in order to speed up the delivery of new social housing homes in the City of Newcastle.

    As Sonia said, on behalf of Minister Rose Jackson, this collaboration is not only seeing a building like this being delivered today, which is directly funded through the Social Housing Accelerator fund from the federal government, which has made a huge difference to speeding up the delivery of social housing, particularly in regional areas like Newcastle, but it also means that we’re breaking ground on another property this month in Wallsend for a very similar style of development with 9 new homes there. After that, the following year, next year, we’ll also be delivering another property in Wallsend and deliberately targeting social housing and the uplift of the housing stock here in Newcastle. This is creating many more new homes for Novocastrians that are looking for homes, that are struggling in this cost‑of‑living crisis, and you can see the speed of this delivery is actually quite quick. We haven’t had this level of collaboration until we’ve had a minister like Julie Collins and a minister like Rose Jackson working with us on the ground in local government to make sure that these houses are delivered for our residents and our population here in Newcastle. One of the single biggest issues we are facing, like every community around the country, is a housing crisis, and here in Newcastle, under this type of collaboration and this leadership from Minister Jackson and Minister Collins, we’re actually seeing the delivery of new social housing, which is truly fantastic for us here in Newcastle and for our residents here in Newcastle. Thank you.

    COLLINS:

    Questions?

    JOURNALIST:

    Here in New South Wales, the state government is scrambling to meet housing targets. There are tens of thousands of new homes earmarked for Broadmeadow, here in Newcastle, and some residential towers as well. Do you feel we’re heading for a new era of high‑rise housing in regional areas?

    COLLINS:

    What we need in Australia is more homes of every type. We don’t have enough homes and we haven’t had enough homes for a long time. We need homes of every type, and we need homes in our cities and in our regions. We know that the housing challenges in Australia have been widespread after a decade under the former Liberal‑National government. We’re about collaborating with other tiers of government on projects like you see here today under our $32 billion Homes for Australia plan. We want more homes for Australians to buy, more homes for Australians to rent, more homes, social homes, for Australians that need a safe place each night. That’s what our government has been busy getting on with. You see it right behind you today.

    JOURNALIST:

    Why this type of housing? You mentioned one‑ and 2‑bedrooms, and it would be similar at Wallsend. Why the need for that?

    COLLINS:

    Well, of course, what we’re building is the homes that people say they need. We’re talking about people that need homes, there are people that need one‑ or 2‑bedroom homes. But also, of course, what we’ve announced is an extra $1 billion dollars through Housing Australia that will be going to women and children, for instance, fleeing family and domestic violence and young people. We’re building the types of homes that people need.

    JOURNALIST:

    When will tenants actually be able to move into these houses?

    COLLINS:

    My understanding is very soon. In the coming weeks for behind us, and in terms of the Wallsend development that we’re talking about, we expect construction to be completed by the middle of next year. So, people will be moving into those in the second half of next year. In terms of the refurbishments that the New South Wales Government has already done, people are in those homes today, or moving into those homes today. So, we’re moving as quickly as we can for homes on every type right across the country.

    JOURNALIST:

    How will the changes forced upon the CFMEU impacts construction rates?

    COLLINS:

    Look, we’ve been busy getting on with homes. We’ve said when it comes to the CFMEU, there’s zero tolerance. Minister Burke has made announcements about an administrator going in. What we want to do is get on with building homes and that’s what we’ve focused on. We’re collaborating with other tiers of government, with the construction sector, and importantly, with community housing providers right across the country to get more homes of every type built right across the country.

    JOURNALIST:

    So, will those changes have an impact on what can be built and how much it costs?

    COLLINS:

    We’re getting on with the job of building homes, we want to see value for money for the Australian taxpayer, but we need homes of every type, right across the country.

    JOURNALIST:

    Obviously, this is about social housing today, but the average rent in Newcastle is over $600 a week. What do you say to working families and young people who are struggling to pay for rent, but they’re not eligible for social housing?

    COLLINS:

    What I would say is that we know we need homes of every type. We know that too many Australians are doing it tough and finding it difficult to have a safe, affordable place to call home, which is why we have our $32 billion Homes for Australia plan. That’s why we’re working with other tiers of government. That’s why we want to see homes of every type, whether they be homes for people to buy or homes for people to rent or social housing, like you see here behind us, or even transitional accommodation that I spoke about before for women and children fleeing family violence. We need homes of every type, right across the country,

    JOURNALIST:

    In the race to meet housing targets in regional Australia, is there a risk that access to transport infrastructure and green spaces could be an afterthought?

    COLLINS:

    No – what we’re doing it working with the states and territories. What you saw in the historic agreement last August in the National Cabinet was an agreement from states and territories to do serious planning reforms, working with local government to make sure that these are well located homes and that they are appropriate good quality homes for Australians. We want to make sure that we have homes right across the country, but they need to be the right homes in the right places. That is why we also, of course, provided $1 billion dollars just 3 weeks ago through my colleague, Minister Catherine King, to the states and territories for some of that community infrastructure.

    JOURNALIST:

    Will the government consider tax reforms around housing?

    COLLINS:

    Look, we know that the answer to most of the housing challenges that we’re talking about here is supply – supply, supply, supply is the answer. We don’t have enough homes and we haven’t had enough homes for a long time. When you look at the number of homes Australia has compared to the OECD average, we don’t have enough homes. We need to build more homes of every type, which is why we have a $32 billion Homes for Australia plan.

    JOURNALIST:

    What’s your message to families in this growing region who are struggling with housing and rents?

    COLLINS:

    What I would say is we’re working, at every available time, to add to our Homes for Australia plan. We have $32 billion in new money. We’re working with other tiers of government. We’ve provided immediate relief with increases to the Commonwealth Rent Assistance, the first back‑to‑back increase in more than thirty years. Our last Budget had an additional $6 billion in it, included in our $32 billion Homes for Australia plan. We now have $32 billion in new housing initiatives. We’re working with other tiers of government, and we’re getting the homes on the ground as fast as we can get them on the ground. And you see evidence of that here today.

    JOURNALIST:

    We know that supply chain demands has delayed developments across the country. What is the federal government doing to ensure there’s people in these houses as quickly as possible?

    COLLINS:

    Well, of course, we’ve been pretty clear that we don’t have enough tradies. We’re training more tradies to build more homes. We’re doing that as quickly as we can. We, of course, are doing that through Fee‑Free TAFE, we’re doing it through recognition of overseas skills of people who are already in Australia today who haven’t had their skills recognised. We’re doing it through our National Reconstruction Fund for our Future Made in Australia. We want to make sure that the components that go into homes are available here in Australia. We want to build as many homes as quickly as we can, and we’re doing that working with other tiers of government and with the sectors.

    JOURNALIST:

    Talking about other housing projects like this coming up in places like Wallsend – where are the next set going to go? What’s beyond this one? Going outwards towards places like Glendale, or where, I suppose, housing stock is needed?

    COLLINS:

    Well, we will of course be working with the other tiers of government about making sure that they are well‑located homes in the right places. We have, of course, gone to tender for the first round through Housing Australia for the Housing Australia Future Fund and the National Housing Accord. I look forward to making announcements in late August around the Housing Australia Future Fund’s first round. Of course, that funding was delayed by more than 6 months, because the Greens and the Liberals worked together in the Senate to delay that Fund. We would already have homes under construction today through the Housing Australia Future Fund, if it wasn’t for the Greens and the Liberal party blocking it in the Senate.

    JOURNALIST:

    Sonia, can I ask you a question?

    HORNERY:

    Sure.

    JOURNALIST:

    Just in regards to housing out at Minmi – there’s obviously a disagreement happening between some local people and decisions made by the state government. What’s your stance on that development out there?

    HORNERY:

    Well, the latest I’m aware of is that the Hunter Regional Development Planning panel approved that development. It was approved in 2013 by CBP Castle Council, and so that’s where we’re at. Now, I have made representation to the Minister on behalf of the community and their concerns. And I’m happy to continue to make representation on behalf of the community about their concerns.

    JOURNALIST:

    In regards to that, there’s always some kind of disagreements between people and where housing is going based on environmental concerns. How do we find that balance and get the housing stock that we’re hearing about that we need?

    HORNERY:

    Well, it’s certainly not easy and some of that’s council and state government and federal government really about making those decisions. I think it’s about good planning for the future.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Waste-to-energy in Australia: how it works, where new incinerators could go, and how they stack up

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Abbas, Associate Dean (Research), University of Sydney

    Martin Mecnarowski, Shutterstock.

    Every year, Australia buries millions of tonnes of waste in landfills. But these sites are filling fast, recycling has its own limitations, and most waste export is banned. So councils and state governments are looking for alternatives.

    Several large-scale incinerators have been proposed, to turn municipal solid waste into electricity. One is already up and running in Perth’s outer suburbs.

    The A$1.5 billion Parkes Energy Recovery project planned for New South Wales would be Australia’s biggest. However, community backlash over potential health risks could put the plan in doubt.

    As chemical engineers, we recognise the potential benefits of this technology. Modern facilities operating around the world show these processes can be efficient, safe and environmentally controlled. However, minimal risk does not mean zero risk. Understanding both the benefits and challenges is crucial to address community concerns.

    What is waste-to-energy?

    Waste-to-energy, also known as energy-from-waste, can transform waste otherwise destined for landfill into electricity, heat or fuel.

    This does not replace recycling. Instead, it offers a solution for materials that are difficult or impossible to recycle. Care must be taken, however, to ensure waste-to-energy technologies complement rather than supplant recycling efforts.

    How does it work?

    There are three main types of waste-to-energy technologies:

    1. Thermal: use heat to generate steam, which spins turbines to create electricity. The heat can come from burning waste, producing carbon dioxide, water and ash. Alternatively, solid waste can be turned into gas (hydrogen and carbon monoxide). This process is known as gasification.

    2. Biological: use microorganisms to break down organic matter in the waste stream, producing biogas, mainly methane. This is then used for power or heat generation.

    3. Chemical: use processes such as pyrolysis or hydrothermal liquefaction to convert hard-to-recycle materials into fuels or chemicals. These can feed into industrial and manufacturing processes.

    What’s holding Australia back?

    When most Australians hear about making energy from waste, they think of
    old-fashioned incinerators. Those outdated facilities released smoke and toxins into the air.

    But modern incinerators use advanced air pollution control systems that capture harmful emissions.

    Some use static electricity to remove dust or smoke particles from the gas stream. Other pollution control systems include acid gas scrubbers, catalytic converters and fabric filters.

    This can cut emissions of fine particles by up to 99%.

    The volume of waste sent to landfill is also reduced by up to 90%. What remains includes incinerator bottom ash and fly ash. Often these can be reused in making concrete, pavement and other construction materials. But regulatory issues will need to be overcome before this can happen in Australia.

    Introducing the Parkes project

    The Parkes Energy Recovery project, announced in March, promises to process around 600,000 tonnes of waste a year. This should generate at least 60 megawatts of electricity – enough to power 80,000 homes.

    To receive development approval, the project must comply with stringent environmental and health standards. This includes preparing an Environmental Impact Statement and Human Health Risk Assessment. The NSW Environment Protection Authority may then issue an Environment Protection Licence. Such a licence requires ongoing monitoring and frequent audits.

    Extensive community consultation is underway.

    Other projects around Australia

    There are two waste-to-energy plants in Western Australia, one at Kwinana and another under construction at East Rockingham. A third plant has been given the go-ahead in Victoria, at Maryvale.

    Kwinana received its first delivery of waste in July 2024.

    Licences to build other major waste-to-energy facilities have been issued in Victoria. Various proposals are also being considered in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.

    Australia’s first standalone, large-scale waste-to-energy plant in WA | ABC News.

    Taking tips from overseas

    A shortage of landfill sites in cities across Europe and Asia originally promoted investment in waste-to-energy technology. These power plants are now commonplace in Germany, the Netherlands and Japan, substantially reducing reliance on landfill.

    The Amager Bakke plant in Copenhagen shows how such facilities can also enrich a community. This award-winning building doubles as a public recreation space, complete with a rooftop ski slope.

    In China, the proposed Shenzhen East Waste-to-Energy Plant could process 5,000 tonnes of waste a day. That works out to 1.8 million tonnes of waste a year, if run continuously.

    One of the world’s largest waste-to-energy plants is in Shenzhen, China (Dezeen)

    Waste-to-energy and the circular economy

    Waste-to-energy technology is useful in the transition to a circular economy. This is an economy where resources are continually cycled through the system and never wasted.

    Reusing, recycling and reducing waste must remain top priorities. Waste-to-energy technology should then be used as a last resort, extracting value from hard- or impossible-to-recycle materials.

    It’s certainly better than sending waste to landfill. When buried underground, waste can leach toxins into soil, ground and surface water. The potent greenhouse gas methane is also released when food rots in landfill.

    Over-reliance on waste-to-energy could supplant more sustainable circular recycling efforts. But incineration plants are being scaled back in Europe, as the focus shifts to reuse.

    Copenhagen’s power plant is also a ski slope (The Impossible Build)

    The case for waste-to-energy

    Despite its potential, waste-to-energy technology remains controversial in Australia. Some local communities remain concerned about emissions and potential long-term health risks. Environmental groups also question the potential effects on recycling rates.

    Nevertheless, growing awareness of the limitations of recycling, increasing landfill levies, bans on waste exports, and ambitious federal and state circular economy strategies are making waste-to-energy a more pragmatic option. Stringent regulation and community consultation will be necessary to get these projects off the ground.

    Responsible use of modern waste-to-energy technology can generate electricity and heat for homes with minimal emissions, and can extend benefits that serve local communities. It can also complement Australia’s renewable energy targets while taking a better approach to managing waste.

    Professor Ali Abbas is Associate Dean (Research) at the University of Sydney Faculty of Engineering. He is Australia’s Chief Circular Engineer (Circular Australia), and Founder and Executive Director Innovation at Scimita Group, a Deep Tech Innovation House working in sustainable technologies. He has previously advised government and industry on energy-from-waste and circular economy topics.

    Dominic Bui Viet is a Research Fellow at The University of Sydney in the Faculty of Engineering. He has previously received funding from a Cooperative Research Centre projects grant to conduct research into pyrolysis technologies for waste management.

    Eric Sanjaya is a Research Fellow at The University of Sydney, Faculty of Engineering. He has previously advised government and industry on energy-from-waste and circular economy topics

    – ref. Waste-to-energy in Australia: how it works, where new incinerators could go, and how they stack up – https://theconversation.com/waste-to-energy-in-australia-how-it-works-where-new-incinerators-could-go-and-how-they-stack-up-254395

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 16, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 16, 2025.

    Waste-to-energy in Australia: how it works, where new incinerators could go, and how they stack up
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Abbas, Associate Dean (Research), University of Sydney Martin Mecnarowski, Shutterstock. Every year, Australia buries millions of tonnes of waste in landfills. But these sites are filling fast, recycling has its own limitations, and most waste export is banned. So councils and state governments are looking for

    The sun will come out tomorrow: remembering the life and music of Charles Strouse
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mara Davis Johnson, Lecturer in Creative and Performing Arts, University of Wollongong The Broadway community is today mourning the passing of Charles Strouse at the age of 96, the legendary composer behind hits like Bye Bye Birdie (1960), Applause (1970) and Annie (1976). Strouse was born on

    No chance to say goodbye – defeated MPs will rue not giving valedictory speeches
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amy Nethery, Associate professor of politics and policy, Deakin University Former Greens leader Adam Bandt’s 15-year career in federal parliament came to an end in a nondescript park in Melbourne, far from the seat of power in Canberra. He was there to concede defeat in the federal

    How accurate are my medical records? You might be surprised how often errors creep in
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sheree Lloyd, Senior Lecturer in Health Services Management, University of Tasmania DC Studio/Shutterstock Medical records of hundreds of patients at a Sydney hospital’s cancer genetics service have been reviewed following irregularities related to care by a single specialist. According to St Vincent’s Hospital, in about 520 records,

    So your primary school child has a ‘boyfriend’ or ‘girlfriend’. Should you be worried?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cher McGillivray, Assistant Professor in Psychology, Bond University Karhut/Shutterstock If you have a child in primary school you may not be expecting to help them manage romantic relationships. Surely this is an issue for the high school years? While young children do not experience romantic love in

    Viral ‘Hongdae boy’ videos expose the fringe group of South Korean men trying to sleep with foreign women
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanna Elfving-Hwang, Associate Professor (Korean Society and Culture), Dean International (Korea), Curtin University Shutterstock If you’re on TikTok, you may have come across “Hongdae boys” or “Hongdae guys” recently. In a social media context, the term refers to a group of young South Korean men who prey

    A trial is testing ways to enforce Australia’s under-16s social media ban. But the tech is flawed
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexia Maddox, Senior Lecturer in Pedagogy and Education Futures, La Trobe University De Visu/Shutterstock Australia’s move to ban under-16s from social media is receiving widespread praise. Other countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Singapore and Japan, are also now reportedly considering similar moves. The ban was legislated

    Banning young people from social media sounds like a silver bullet. Global evidence suggests otherwise
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jasleen Chhabra, Research Fellow, Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne Monkey Business / Shutterstock Around 98% of Australian 15-year-olds use social media. Platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram are where young people connect with friends and online communities, explore and express their identities,

    This election, young people held the most political power. Here’s how they voted
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Intifar Chowdhury, Lecturer in Government, Flinders University This election, a lot of focus was directed at young voters. With Millennials and Gen Z now making up a larger share of the electorate than Baby Boomers, this was deserved. But for all the attempts to reach these cohorts,

    Grattan on Friday: Ley and Littleproud have had a prickly relationship – can they negotiate a smooth future?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra With the future of the Coalition relationship on the line, Nationals leader David Littleproud drove to his Liberal counterpart Sussan Ley’s hometown of Albury this week. They had much to talk about, and it wasn’t going to be easy. Littleproud

    Likely final House seat outcome: 94 Labor, 44 Coalition, 12 Others
    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 ABC has called Labor wins in 93 of the 150 House of Representatives seats. The Coalition has won 43 seats, the Greens one and all Others

    Fresh start for the Greens, with new leader Larissa Waters
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nathan Fioritti, Lecturer in Politics, School of Social Sciences, Monash University Queensland Senator Larissa Waters is the new leader of the Australian Greens, following a two-hour partyroom meeting held in the wake of the party’s lacklustre performance in the May 3 election. Waters was elected unopposed. New

    The new leader of the Greens sits in the Senate. Why is that so unusual in Australian politics?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anne Twomey, Professor Emerita in Constitutional Law, University of Sydney The 2025 federal election resulted in some unexpected outcomes, including the loss by the Greens Leader, Adam Bandt, of his seat in the House of Representatives. The new Greens leader is Senator Larissa Waters. Does it matter

    Trump signed plenty of contracts in the Middle East, but he’s no closer to the two ‘deals’ he really wants
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shahram Akbarzadeh, Convenor, Middle East Studies Forum (MESF), and Deputy Director (International), Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University US President Donald Trump’s visit to Arab states in the Middle East this week generated plenty of multibillion-dollar deals. He said more than US$1 trillion (A$1.5

    As the Latrobe Valley moves away from coal jobs, could a green worker’s cooperative offer a solution?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Patmore, Emeritus Professor of Business and Labour History, University of Sydney Workers at Earthworker Energy Manufacturing Co-op Worker cooperatives may sound like something out of the 19th century, but they still exist in the age of global capitalism. In Spain, for instance, the Mondragon Corporation is

    It’s wild mushroom season in Australia. Here’s how to stay safe and avoid poisoning
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darren Roberts, Conjoint Associate Professor in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, St Vincent’s Healthcare Clinical Campus, UNSW Sydney dannersjb/Shutterstock A number of Australian states including New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia have issued warnings in recent weeks about the risks of eating wild mushrooms. Mushrooms generally grow

    Dishevelled, dehydrated delirium: new Aussie film The Surfer, starring Nicolas Cage, is an absolute blast
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grace Russell, Lecturer, School of Media, Film and Journalism, Monash University Madman Entertainment Nicolas Cage has made a career from his highly entertaining scenery chewing. He follows a performance style he calls “Nouveau Shamanic” – an exaggerated form of method acting where he acts according to the

    Disheveled, dehydrated delirium: new Aussie film The Surfer, staring Nicolas Cage, is an absolute blast
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grace Russell, Lecturer, School of Media, Film and Journalism, Monash University Madman Entertainment Nicolas Cage has made a career from his highly entertaining scenery chewing. He follows a performance style he calls “Nouveau Shamanic” – an exaggerated form of method acting where he acts according to the

    ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 15, 2025
    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 15, 2025.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Some young trans people take sex hormones so their bodies better align with their gender. What are the benefits and risks?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cristyn Davies, Senior Research Fellow in the Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney

    romain-jorge/Shutterstock

    Triggered by hormonal changes in the brain and body, puberty marks a physical transformation. Oestrogen and testosterone – often called “sex hormones” – drive many familiar changes, such as breast development and periods or a deeper voice and facial hair.

    For most young people, the pubertal changes they experience align with their gender. However, for trans and gender diverse adolescents, these changes can be distressing and may lead to a sense of disconnection from their true sense of self.

    (We’ll use the term “trans” in this article to refer to transgender and gender diverse people.)

    Why do young trans people use sex hormones?

    To support trans adolescents, oestrogen and testosterone may be used to induce physical changes that better align with their gender.

    Oestrogen stimulates breast development, alters body fat distribution, results in softer skin, and reduces facial and body hair, creating a more feminine appearance.

    Testosterone deepens the voice, increases facial and body hair, promotes muscle growth and stops periods, creating a more masculine appearance.

    Hormones are just one means by which people can affirm their gender and only some trans adolescents seek sex hormone treatment. Other means include puberty suppression, changing your name, pronouns, hair, clothing and legal documents.

    When do trans people start sex hormones?

    Many trans people start taking sex hormones as adults.

    For those who start as adolescents, hormones are introduced when a young person is considered to have the intellectual and emotional maturity to make this decision.

    The starting age also varies depending on the person’s preferences, family support and barriers to accessing care. These barriers include long wait times, regional disparities, costs, legal or policy restrictions, and challenges navigating the health system, all of which make it harder to get timely, reliable care.

    Before starting hormone therapy, trans adolescents undergo comprehensive assessment and counselling with a team of mental health professionals and medical doctors who specialise in transgender health. This helps ensure young people understand the potential benefits, limitations, risks, and long-term implications of treatment.

    This process involves their family and is designed to provide time, support and space for shared, informed decision-making.

    A young trans man takes a walk
    Young trans people undergo comphrensive assessments and counselling before they start taking sex hormones.
    Sandra van der Steen/Shutterstock

    Treatment with sex hormones usually begins with low doses, after which adjustments are made over time under regular clinical monitoring.

    Subsequent physical changes occur gradually over several years, as is true for puberty, and some of these are irreversible. Breast growth or a deepened voice, for example, will persist if treatment is stopped.

    What are the benefits?

    The largest study to date followed 315 trans and gender diverse adolescents for two years after starting oestrogen or testosterone. It found a significant increase in how comfortable participants felt about their appearance. This was accompanied by significant improvements in life satisfaction and reductions in depression and anxiety.

    More recently, Australian youth mental health research centre Orygen conducted a review of the overall evidence. It reported sex hormone treatment for young trans people is associated with body image satisfaction and reduced psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety and suicide attempts, thoughts and/or planning.

    An independent review of the evidence commissioned by NSW Health reported similar conclusions and found sex hormone therapy was associated with reduced gender dysphoria, which is the distress experienced when a person’s gender identity differs from their sex reported at birth.

    Together, these published outcomes are consistent with decades of clinical and lived experience that young trans people report feeling more at ease in their bodies, more confident in social settings, and more optimistic about their future after starting hormones.

    What about unwanted effects?

    Like all medical treatments, sex hormone therapy involves the potential for unwanted effects.

    Oestrogen, for example, can increase the risk of blood clots and breast cancer in the long-term, but the overall risk appears low.

    Testosterone can increase acne as well as the number of red blood cells the body produces. Too many red cells can make a person’s blood too thick and increase the likelihood of a stroke or heart attack. Monitoring red cell counts and adjusting the dose of testosterone helps reduce these risks.

    Oestrogen and testosterone can also affect the reproductive system. Oestrogen can stop sperm production and testosterone can stop the ovaries from releasing eggs, but neither treatment should be considered an effective form of contraception.

    Given the possibility that trans adolescents might wish to stay on hormone treatment long-term, they are usually offered fertility counselling before starting treatment. The option to freeze sperm or eggs exists, although access and affordability can be a challenge.

    One unwanted effect that has received a lot of attention relates to regret. There is fear adolescents who start hormone treatment will regret this decision later on.

    At this stage, the risk of regret among adolescents starting hormone therapy appears low. Harvard researchers recently followed a cohort of 1,050 adolescents who had received hormone therapy, and only one was noted to have expressed regret.

    However, the risk of regret is inherent to any medical treatment. Allowing adolescents the dignity of risk to make their own decisions respects their autonomy.

    Sex hormones have been used in trans adolescents since at least the 1980s, and so far the evidence suggests these treatments are safe and work well for those who receive them. Nonetheless, long-term research into their safety (and effectiveness) is ongoing and essential.

    What about consent?

    Past decisions of the Family Court of Australia established a requirement for both parents to provide consent for their trans adolescent to access hormonal treatments, treating this care as legally exceptional.

    However, a 2022 decision of the Queensland Supreme Court ruled an adolescent, who is under the age of 18 and has sufficient understanding and intelligence to consent for themselves, could consent to their own hormone treatment.

    Despite this, some gender clinics still require consent from both parents. If there’s a dispute between parents, the matter should be taken to court, to reach a resolution based on the adolescent’s best interests.

    Testosterone and oestrogen therapy are not new or experimental. They are grounded in decades of clinical practice and growing evidence. What is new is the public attention. We need to ensure policies and conversations are based on facts, not fear.

    The Conversation

    Cristyn Davies reports voluntarily being co-chair of the Human Rights Council of Australia; co-chair of the Child and Youth Special Interest Group for the Public Health Association of Australia; President of the Australian Association For Adolescent Health; an ambassador to Twenty10 Incorporating the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service of New South Wales; and co-chair of the research committee for the Australian Professional Association for Trans Health.

    Blake Cavve is a senior research officer at The Kids Research Institute Australia and an adjunct researcher at The University of Western Australia, with ongoing research collaborations with the Child and Adolescent Health Service. Blake has recieved funding from the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Raine Medical Research Foundation. He is a member of the Australian Professional Association for Trans Health, and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.

    Ken Pang is a Senior Principal Research Fellow at the Murdoch Children’s Research Insititute and a paediatrician at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. He receives research funding from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and the Medical Research Future Fund. He is a member of the Australian Professional Association for Trans Health, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, and the editorial board of the journal, Transgender Health.

    Michele O’Connell is paediatric endocrinologist at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. She is a co-investigator on research studies funded by the Medical Research Future Fund and a member of the Australian Professional Association for Trans Health.

    Rachel Skinner receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Medical Research Future Fund and the Australian Research Council for related research. She is an adolescent medicine paediatrician employed by the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and provides clinical care to trans young people. She has professional memberships with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, the Australian Association of Adolescent Health, the Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine, the Australian Professional Association of Transgender Health and the World Professional Association of Transgender Health.

    – ref. Some young trans people take sex hormones so their bodies better align with their gender. What are the benefits and risks? – https://theconversation.com/some-young-trans-people-take-sex-hormones-so-their-bodies-better-align-with-their-gender-what-are-the-benefits-and-risks-251254

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New scheme in Oxford to protect every home and business from risk of River Thames flooding

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New scheme in Oxford to protect every home and business from risk of River Thames flooding

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed approves purchase to allow new scheme to be built

    Aerial photo of Oxford City Centre

    All homes, businesses and crucial infrastructure in Oxford at risk of flooding from the River Thames will be better protected thanks to a major new flood defence.

    This will provide vital reassurances for more than 160,000 residents in the face of our changing climate.

    In another step under the Government’s Plan for Change, Environment Secretary Steve Reed gave crucial approval to the Environment Agency and its partners to purchase land and grant rights within the flood scheme area, which has enabled the flood scheme to progress.

    This project is part of the Government’s record two-year investment of £2.65 billion to build and repair flood defences across the country.

    Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:

    The role of Government is to protect its citizens, but flood defences were inherited in their worst condition on record.

    Through our Plan for Change, a record £2.65 billion is going into building and repairing flood defences over the next two years.

    The Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme is a vital new piece of infrastructure that will deliver economic growth in Oxfordshire, better protect homes and businesses and deliver new jobs.

    Robbie Williams, Project Director for the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme, said:

    We’re delighted to have received approval to progress with purchasing the land needed for the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme to go ahead.

    This is a major step forward for the project, ensuring we can bring this vital flood protection to the city. As we face increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather, the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme is more urgently needed than ever.

    We can now all look forward to starting work on putting the scheme into place.

    This follows the earlier good news that Oxfordshire County Council resolved to grant planning permission for the scheme – this decision is separate from the Compulsory Purchase Order.

    The Environment Agency made a Compulsory Purchase Order for the land, which – as there were objections from some of the landowners – went to a public inquiry. An independent Inspector listened to the objections and to the case for confirming the order and reported her recommendations to the Secretary of State to make a final decision.

    The new scheme is designed to cope with major floods of a scale Oxford last experienced in 1947. This is far bigger in size than any of the floods Oxford has experienced in recent decades. With a changing climate, it is expected there would be more frequent heavy rainfall leading to potential flooding.

    The Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme is designed to work with the natural floodplain to the west of Oxford, which will be lowered to increase its capacity. A new stream will be created, fed by the River Thames, meandering through gently sloping grazing meadows. People will be able to walk and cycle alongside the new stream, with views of wildflowers and wetland. The Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme aims to enhance the natural floodplain to the west of Oxford by lowering it to increase its capacity.

    With the Compulsory Purchase Order confirmed, the Environment Agency can now exercise its statutory powers to acquire the rights and interests in the affected land. Once this process is complete, construction is expected to start in late 2026.

    Led by the Environment Agency, the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme is one of the biggest flood schemes currently proposed in England.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –