NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI This Week: Rep. Meeks Advocates for Stablecoin Regulations and Calls out Trump Administration for Cuts to HHS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

    April 4, 2025

    ICYMI This Week: Rep. Meeks Advocates for Stablecoin Regulations and Calls out Trump Administration for Cuts to HHS  

    Congressman Meeks Advocates for Regulations on Stablecoin during Financial Services Committee Markup Hearing 

    My constituents want to use payment stablecoins, as do our allies in developing nations on the continent of Africa and around the world. We must establish clear, high regulatory standards for stablecoin issuers. Certainty is key for companies, which is why I supported the STABLE Act during a recent Financial Services Committee Markup Hearing.  
    Rep. Meeks Joins a Letter Calling Out the Trump Administration for Cuts to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

    I joined a letter led by Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-05) to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy condemning the cuts to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that include terminating 10,000 employees and dismantling health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is unacceptable. My democratic colleagues and I explained our disapproval of this recent action in the letter. You can read more, here.    
    Share Your Story: How Have You Been Impacted by President Trump’s Executive Orders?

    I’d like to hear from my constituents about how the Trump administration’s actions have affected you and your loved ones. Over the past few months, we’ve witnessed mass layoffs across government agencies, executive orders impacting various issues, threats against immigrants, potential tariffs on neighboring countries, and much more. 

     
    My office is working with state and local officials to learn more about how these actions could affect our district and provide resources for people who have been affected. 

    Please complete the form here to explain how these actions are affecting you and the organizations, nonprofits and businesses you support.  

    Sign up for my newsletter to get updates on this issue and others!

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Statement on Fatal Shooting of New Jersey Teen in the West Bank

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:
    “The death of a 14-year-old New Jerseyan and American citizen, Amer Mohammad Saada Rabee, in the West Bank is another devastating reminder of the horrific human cost of ongoing conflict and tensions in the region.  There must be a full and transparent accounting of the circumstances around his death and the actions of Israeli security forces.  During Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to the White House today, I urge President Trump to seek answers and accountability. 
    “From the death of Amer Rabee, Shireen Abu Akleh, and family members of constituents across New Jersey, to Hamas taking Edan Alexander, also an American citizen from New Jersey, hostage – our New Jersey communities are reeling every day because of the personal impact of ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
    “I’ve long had disagreements with the actions of the Netanyahu government, from their efforts to erode Israeli democracy to their interference in US politics — to their settlement expansion policy in the West Bank. I have also long warned of the increasing danger posed by extremist Israeli settler violence in the West Bank.  I call on the Trump administration to reinstate sanctions on perpetrators of such violence, which directly threatens the objectives of protecting innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians and preventing the war in Gaza and tensions in the West Bank from escalating into a wider regional conflict.
    “To press for change, I traveled to Israel and the West Bank in March 2024 to meet with Israeli and Palestinian Authority leaders and continue to engage with our government as well as with leaders across the region.  “And I will continue to do everything I can to push for a two-state solution, where we protect Israel’s right to exist as a democratic Jewish state and affirm the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and a state of their own.  To start this work, all parties must recommit to working toward a ceasefire agreement that gets the hostages home, facilitates humanitarian aid into Gaza, and breaks the cycle of violence in the West Bank and the region. This is the only way to truly create a pathway towards a just and sustainable peace in the region that protects Israelis and Palestinians.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Global: Recorded executions highest since 2015 – Amnesty International

    Source: Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand

    Global: Recorded executions hit their highest figure since 2015
    – Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia responsible for 91% of executions
    – States weaponizing death penalty against protesters and ethnic groups
    – Rise in drug-related executions in violation of human rights
    Global executions hit their highest figure since 2015, as over 1,500 people were executed across 15 countries in 2024, said Amnesty International today as it released its annual report on the global use of the death penalty.
    According to the report, Death Sentences and Executions 2024 , 1,518 executions were recorded in 2024 – the highest number since 2015 (at least 1,634) – with the majority in the Middle East. However, for the second year in a row, countries carrying out executions remained at the lowest point on record.
    The known totals do not include the thousands of people believed to have been executed in China, which remains the world’s lead executioner, as well as North Korea and Viet Nam which are also believed to resort to the death penalty extensively. Ongoing crises in Palestine (State of) and Syria meant that Amnesty International could not confirm a figure.
    Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia were responsible for the overall rise in known executions. In total, the trio accounted for a staggering 1,380 recorded executions. Iraq almost quadrupled its executions (from at least 16 to at least 63) and Saudi Arabia doubled its yearly total (from 172 to at least 345), while Iran executed 119 more individuals than last year (from at least 853 to at least 972) – accounting for 64% of all known executions.
    “The death penalty is an abhorrent practice with no place in today’s world. While secrecy continued to shroud scrutiny in some countries that we believe are responsible for thousands of executions, it’s evident that states that retain the death penalty are an isolated minority. With just 15 countries carrying out executions in 2024, the lowest number on record for the second consecutive year, this signals a move away from this cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.
    “Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia were responsible for the sharp spike in deaths last year, carrying out over 91% of known executions, violating human rights and callously taking people’s lives for drug-related and terrorism charges.”
    The five countries with the highest number of recorded executions in 2024 were China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Yemen.
    Authorities weaponizing death penalty
    Throughout 2024, Amnesty International witnessed leaders weaponizing the death penalty under the false pretence that it would improve public safety or to instil fear among the population. In the USA, which has experienced a steady upward trend in executions since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, 25 people were executed (against 24 in 2023). Newly elected President Trump repeatedly invoked the death penalty as a tool to protect people “ from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters“. His dehumanizing remarks promoted a false narrative that the death penalty has a unique deterrent effect on crime.
    In some countries in the Middle East region, death sentences were used to silence human rights defenders, dissidents, protesters, political opponents, and ethnic minorities.
    “Those who dare challenge authorities have faced the most cruel of punishments, particularly in Iran and Saudi Arabia, with the death penalty used to silence those brave enough to speak out,” said Agnès Callamard.
    “In 2024, Iran persisted in their use of the death penalty to punish individuals who had challenged the Islamic Republic establishment during the Woman Life Freedom uprising. Last year saw two of those people – including a youth with a mental disability – executed in connection with the uprising following unfair trials and torture-tainted ‘confessions’, proving how far the authorities are willing to go to tighten their grip on power.”
    Saudi authorities continued to weaponize the death penalty to silence political dissent and punish nationals from the country’s Shi’a minority who supported “anti-government” protests between 2011 and 2013. In August, the authorities executed Abdulmajeed al-Nimr for terrorism-related offences related to joining Al-Qaeda, despite initial court documents referring to his participation in protests.
    The Democratic Republic of Congo announced its intention to resume executions while Burkina Faso’s military authorities announced plans to reintroduce the death penalty for ordinary crimes.
    Rise in executions for drug-related offences
    Over 40% of 2024’s executions were carried out unlawfully for drug-related offences. Under international human rights law and standards, the use of the death penalty must be restricted for the ‘most serious crimes’ – sentencing people to death for drug-related offences does not meet this threshold.
    “Drug-related executions were prevalent in China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and, while no confirmation was possible, likely Viet Nam . In many contexts, sentencing people to death for drug-related offences has been found to disproportionately impact those from disadvantaged backgrounds, while it has no proven effect in reducing drug trafficking,” said Agnès Callamard.
    “Leaders who promote the death penalty for drug-related offences are proposing ineffective and unlawful solutions. States considering introducing capital punishment for drug-related offences, such as the Maldives, Nigeria and Tonga, must be called out and encouraged to put human rights at the centre of their drug policies.”
    The power of campaigning
    Despite a rise in executions, just 15 countries were known to have carried them out – the lowest number on record for the second consecutive year. As of today, 113 countries are fully abolitionist and 145 in total have abolished the death penalty in law or practice.
    In 2024, Zimbabwe signed into law a bill that abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes. For the first time, more than two thirds of all UN member states voted in favour of the tenth General Assembly resolution on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty. Death penalty reforms in Malaysia also led to a reduction by more than 1,000 in the number of people at risk of execution.
    Furthermore, the world witnessed the power of campaigning. Hakamada Iwao – who spent nearly five decades on death row in Japan – was acquitted in September 2024. This has continued into 2025. In March, Rocky Myers – a Black man sentenced to death in Alabama despite serious flaws in the proceedings – was granted clemency following calls from his family and legal team, a former juror, local activists and the international community.
    “When people prioritize campaigning for an end to the death penalty, it really does work,” said Agnès Callamard. “Despite the minority of leaders determined to weaponize the death penalty, the tide is turning. It’s only a matter of time until the world is free from the shadows of the gallows.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Trinidad and Tobago

    Source:

    The Trinidad and Tobago government has declared a State of Public Emergency due to heightened criminal activity (see ‘Safety’). Expect an increased police and military presence and minor disruptions, such as roadblocks. Monitor local media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Open letter to NZME board – don’t allow alt-right Canadian billionaire to take over NZ’s Fourth Estate

    NZME directors ‘have concerns’ about businessman Jim Grenon taking editorial control

    NZME’s directors have fired their own shots in the war for control of the media company, saying they have concerns about a takeover bid including the risk of businessman Jim Grenon taking editorial control.

    In a statement to the NZX, the board said it was delaying its annual shareholders meeting until June and opening up nominations of other directors.

    NZME . . . RNZ report on NZME’s directors “firing their own shots in the war for control of the media company”.

    Grenon, a New Zealand resident since 2012, bought a 9.3 percent stake in NZME for just over $9 million early in March.

    NZME is publisher of a number of newspapers, including The New Zealand Herald, as well as operating radio stations and property platform OneRoof.

    Within days of taking the stake, Grenon had written to the company’s board proposing that most of its current directors be replaced with new ones, including himself, and said the performance of the company had been disappointing and he was wanted to improve the editorial content.

    NZME has now told the stockmarket it had concerns whether Grenon’s proposals were in the best interests of the company and shareholders. — RNZ News

    Dear NZME Board,

    I was once a columnist for The New Zealand Herald, but I’m too left wing for your stable of acceptable opinions and now just run award-winning political podcasts instead.

    The Daily Blog editor and publisher Martyn “Bomber” Bradbury. Image: TDB screenshot APR

    Normally as board members of a financialised media company in late stage capitalism with collapsing revenue thanks to social media, you don’t generally have to consider the actual well being of our democracy.

    Let me be as clear as I can to you all.

    You hold in your hands the fate of Fourth Estate journalism and ultimately the democracy of New Zealand itself.

    As the largest Fourth Estate platforms in the country, your obligations go well beyond just shareholder profit.

    Alt-right billionaire Jim Grenon has in my view been extremely disingenuous.

    The manner in which NZME has been sold as underperforming so that the promise of a quick buck from OneRoof seems the focus point is made more questionable because I suspect Grenon’s true desire here is editorial control of NZME.

    His relationship with a far-right culture war hate blog that promotes anti-Māori, anti-trans, anti-vaccine, climate denial editorial copy alongside his support for culture war influencers suggest a radicalised view of the world which he intends to implement if he gains control.

    Look.

    NZME is right wing enough, your first editorial in The New Zealand Herald was calling for white people to start war with Māori, Mike Hosking is the epitome of right wing commentary and the less said about Heather Du Plessis Allan, the better, but all of you acknowledge that 2 + 2 = 4.

    Alt-Right billionaires don’t admit that.

    Alt-right billionaires tend to lean into divisive culture war rhetoric and are happy to promote 2 + 2 = whatever I say it is.

    You cannot allow alt-right billionaires with radicalised culture war beliefs take over the largest media platforms in the country.

    This moment demands more than dollars and cents, it requires a strong defence of independent editorial content, even when that editorial content is right wing.

    The NZ Herald, Heather and Mike are without doubt right wingers, but they are right wingers who pitch their argument within the realms of the real and factual.

    Alt-right billionaires do not do that.

    If NZME is taken over and the editorial direction takes a hard right culture war turn, you will be dooming NZ democracy and planing us on a highway to hell.

    You must, you must, you must stand against this attack on editorial independence.

    Republished from The Daily Blog with permission.

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Qingming holiday spending mirrors China’s robust economic vitality

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Actors in traditional costumes perform for tourists at Zuidongfeng art village in Tancheng County, east China’s Shandong Province, April 6, 2025. China recorded 126 million domestic trips during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday that ended Sunday, a 6.3 percent increase from the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In Liba Village, about 1.5 hours’ drive from downtown Chengdu in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, dozens of steaming hot pot tables dotted the fields, where tourists dined amid a golden sea of yellow blossoms, soaking in the vibrant colors and fragrant spring air.

    “Eating hot pot in such a picturesque setting instantly lifted my mood and left me completely relaxed. Savoring spring with a hot pot feast surrounded by flowers was truly unforgettable,” posted a blogger with the username Doufugui on “RedNote” or Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform.

    The blogger is one of millions of Chinese who took advantage of the recent Qingming Festival holiday to revel in the joys of spring. With warmer weather and flowers in full bloom, the holiday sparked a wave of enthusiasm for domestic travel across the country.

    During the three-day holiday, China recorded 126 million domestic trips, a 6.3 percent increase from the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday. Tourism revenue also rose, reaching 57.55 billion yuan (about 8 billion U.S. dollars), marking a 6.7 percent year-on-year increase.

    Data from online travel platforms showed that searches related to flower viewing during the holiday surged by 2.2 times compared to the same period last year, while searches for camping on the e-commerce platform Meituan skyrocketed by 132 percent.

    Chinese train travel, meanwhile, shattered records as more people opted for outdoor getaways. On April 4 alone, China’s railway operator handled 20.09 million passenger trips, the highest single-day figure so far this year.

    The holiday also saw a rise in outbound travel, with many Chinese extending their time off by combining the break with annual leave or weekends.

    According to Tongcheng Travel, hotel bookings on the platform surged during the holiday period, with Japan seeing a 120 percent year-on-year increase in reservations. European destinations like Spain and Britain experienced an even greater spike, with bookings rising by over 300 percent.

    Experts have noted that this year’s Qingming holiday underscores the immense potential in China’s service consumption sector, a key driver of the country’s economic growth.

    “The Qingming holiday has traditionally not been a peak travel season, but the tourism market was notably more vibrant this year,” said Xiao Peng, a researcher at Qunar’s Big Data Research Institute.

    Xiao noted that silver-haired travelers were among those taking trips this holiday, adding a new dimension to the tourism boom.

    For those staying closer to home, the desire for springtime enjoyment was equally evident, with a growing willingness to spend on leisure and recreation.

    “All tables for the festival were booked a week in advance,” said the manager of a hotpot restaurant in Changzhou, located in east China’s Jiangsu Province. In the Ronghui old commercial area of Jinan, eastern Shandong Province, even the outdoor dining areas of cafés and bars were bustling as people enjoyed leisurely experiences.

    The surge in consumer activity, both in tourism and retail, is partly attributable to China’s focus on boosting domestic consumption. The government has placed significant emphasis on consumption as a primary engine for the country’s economy.

    China will “place a stronger economic policy focus on improving living standards and boosting consumer spending,” according to the 2025 government work report. In mid-March, the country released a special action plan outlining key strategies to support consumption.

    During the Qingming holiday, various regions implemented measures such as distributing consumption vouchers and launching promotional activities to further stimulate spending, reinforcing the government’s commitment to boosting domestic demand.

    “China’s consumer market remains resilient, vast in potential, and full of vitality,” said Li Gang, an official with the Ministry of Commerce. “With sustained efforts to expand consumption policies, the domestic market will maintain stable growth.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Urgent amendment aimed at ensuring future of Brindabella Christian College

    Source: Australian National Party

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 08/04/2025

    The ACT Government is taking urgent legislative action to facilitate continuity of education for students of Brindabella Christian College.

    This morning the ACT Government intends to introduce the Education Amendment Bill 2025 (the Bill), as an urgent Bill, which would amend the Education Act 2004 to address an identified issue relating to when a non-government school seeks a change to their registration.

    While this amendment would be important for all non-government schools, the urgency of this Bill is to ensure Brindabella Christian College can continue to operate.

    “As Minister, it is always my preference to keep schools open and operating for students,” Minister for Education and Early Childhood Yvette Berry said.

    “Brindabella Christian Education Limited, the proprietor of Brindabella Christian College, is currently under voluntary administration. Deloitte, the Administrators, have advised the school community that the only option to keep the school open is to transfer the school to a new proprietor.

    “The financial position of the school is such that an urgent transfer is required and the Administrators are progressing the sale of the school as an urgent priority in order to ensure continuity of education for more than 1,000 students.

    “Under the current legislation, the transferring of a school’s registration from one proprietor to another would trigger a 60-day public consultation period.

    “However, the current situation with Brindabella Christian College is such that observing this full 60 day period would likely mean that the school’s finances are exhausted, resulting in closure of the school and a significant negative impact on the students, staff and families of this school community.

    “I have said many times throughout this process that I don’t want to see this school close – that’s why we are taking this action.

    “If passed this amendment would enable me, as Minister, to reduce the 60 day public consultation period when a non-government school requests a change in their registration, when it is reasonably necessary to do so. In the case of Brindabella, this amendment would enable the prompt transfer of the school to a new proprietor with the least impact on school operations.

    “Importantly, the public consultation period could not be waived entirely, and the 60 days remains as the default period of consultation. In extreme circumstances such as this though, the amendment would enable a shortened period, for example when time is critical to prevent the closure of a school. To be very clear, the reduction in consultation could only be considered in circumstances where the non-government school has requested a change to their registration.

    “Without this urgent legislative intervention the future of Brindabella Christian College would be at significant risk. We must take this action now in order to give the best chance of continuity for students, staff, families and the community.”

    – Statement ends –

    Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Review of the Charter of Rights for Victims of Crime commences

    Source: Australian National Party

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 08/04/2025

    Today the ACT Government has launched the public consultation for the review of the ACT’s Charter of Rights for Victims of Crime.

    The Charter is a legislated set of rights for victims of crime in the ACT and commenced on 1 January 2021. The Charter expressly recognises that victims are central to the justice process, and it was introduced to ensure that, in the administration of justice, engagement with victims is governed by victims’ rights.

    The Charter is intended to set the foundation for how victims of crime should be treated by justice agencies and provide victims with a clear picture of their rights in the criminal justice system. The Charter also includes an accountability framework intended to ensure that justice agencies meet their obligations when engaging with victims, as well as providing a mechanism for making complaints where a victim’s rights have not been upheld.

    The legislation that established the Charter includes a requirement for its operation to be reviewed, recognising the importance of ensuring the Charter is effective in achieving its objectives and remains in step with community expectations, while also providing an opportunity to identify and address implementation issues.

    Minister for Human Rights Tara Cheyne said, “At its introduction, the Charter was recognised as the most comprehensive set of legislated rights for victims of crime in Australia. It is timely to review its operation to ensure it is meeting community expectations, and to hear directly from those it is intended to support.”

    A discussion paper has been prepared to facilitate input about the effectiveness of the Charter’s current operation both for victims and the justice agencies that have obligations to uphold victims’ rights under the Charter.

    “Justice agencies, community organisations, and victim-survivors are all encouraged to provide feedback as part of the statutory review.

    “Hearing from justice agencies that regularly interact with and have obligations under the Charter will provide the Government with valuable operational insights and help identify where and how the Charter can be strengthened.

    “Community organisations that work directly with victim-survivors, or that act on their behalf as ‘victim representatives’, are invited to share insights into systemic trends and emerging issues.

    “Victim-survivors who have engaged with the Charter are encouraged to share their experiences and perspectives—either individually or as part of a submission from a justice agency or community organisation.

    “Victim-survivors who may not have engaged with justice agencies or support organisations are also encouraged to provide feedback and strengthen the victim-survivor voice in this review,” said Minister Cheyne.

    The ACT Government welcomes all feedback, which can be submitted through the YourSay Conversations website and will remain open until 20 June 2025.

    Feedback can also be provided via voice message on 02 6207 5044, or by email to justicereformbranch@act.gov.au. Email submissions will close on 20 June 2025.

    A report will be tabled by the ACT Government within 12 months of commencing the review.

    – Statement ends –

    Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Prescribed hazard reduction burns in O’Connor, Weetangera and Hawker

    Source: Australian National Party



    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 08/04/2025

    Two prescribed hazard reduction burns in O’Connor Ridge and Pinnacle Nature Reserve in Weetangera and Hawker will commence today, subject to suitable weather and fuel moisture conditions.

    The prescribed hazard reduction burns in O’Connor Ridge and Pinnacle Nature Reserve are being conducted to reduce weeds and exotic species, as well as reduce the fire hazard in the area.

    See the location map of the burn sites.

    Experienced ACT Parks and Conservation Service fire managers will conduct and oversee the burning operations. Every effort is made to conduct burns in weather conditions that will minimise the impact of smoke, but temporary smoke cover is possible and may be visible across parts of Canberra.

    Fire crews will be on the ground monitoring and patrolling the prescribed burns to their conclusions.

    Smoke, flame, and glowing embers may be seen at these sites, which is normal for these types of operations. The public are asked not to call emergency triple-zero unless they see any unattended fire.

    Prescribed burns are an important part of the ACT’s annual Bushfire Operations Plan to enhance ecological quality, reduce the risk of bushfires and help keep Canberrans safe.

    More information about prescribed hazard reduction burns is available on the Parks ACT website.

    – Statement ends –

    ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate | Media Releases

    Media Contacts

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: American Library Association, AFSCME Challenge Trump Administration Gutting of Institute of Museum and Library Services

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    Cuts to Independent Agency Threatens Libraries Nationwide

    Washington, D.C. – The American Library Association (ALA), the largest library association in the world, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the largest union representing museum and library workers, are challenging the Trump administration’s gutting of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) – a non-partisan and independent agency dedicated to supporting and funding museums and libraries and museums and the crucial community services they provide in every state across the country. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of ALA and AFSCME by Democracy Forward and co-counsel Gair Gallo Eberhard LLP, asks the court to block the dismantling of the IMLS as directed by a Trump executive order.

    “Libraries play an important role in our democracy, from preserving history to providing access to government information, advancing literacy and civic engagement, and offering access to a variety of perspectives,” said American Library Association President Cindy Hohl. “These values are worth defending. We will not allow extremists to threaten our democracy by eliminating programs at IMLS and harming the children and communities who rely on libraries and the services and opportunities they provide.”

    “Libraries and museums contain our collective history and knowledge, while also providing safe spaces for learning, cultural expression and access to critical public resources,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “They represent the heart of our communities, and the cultural workers who keep these institutions running enrich thousands of lives every day. Library workers do everything from helping people apply for jobs to administering lifesaving care all while facing increasing violence on the job. Their work deserves support, not cuts. On behalf of the 42,000 AFSCME cultural workers, we’re suing to stop the wrongful closure of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and protect this critical resource for our communities.”

    IMLS was first created and funded by Congress in 1996 and charged with supporting America’s libraries and museums. The agency has had bipartisan support throughout its history, having been reauthorized under the Clinton, George W. Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations. IMLS is bound by laws requiring that the agency conduct certain activities to support libraries and report on important issues to Congress. The complaint argues that cutting programs at IMLS will violate the law by eliminating programs Congress has provided funding for and directed IMLS to undertake.

    “Libraries are vital for people and communities across our nation. Attacking libraries and those who ensure the continuity of their services is yet another move by the Trump administration that does nothing to make Americans’ lives better or easier,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “Reducing the IMLS workforce would undermine the agency’s ability to faithfully execute its legal obligations, and harm the operations of libraries. Democracy Forward is honored to continue our work with librarians to protect these important educational institutions in our country.”

    Shortly after the executive order was announced, the ALA sent a letter to the new IMLS acting director, warning not to cut any programs at the agency protected by law. 

    This case continues Democracy Forward’s record of working with communities, parents, and libraries to defend the freedom to read. That work has previously included efforts in Arkansas, where Democracy Forward represented a coalition of librarians, booksellers, and readers who successfully prevented portions of an Arkansas law that threatens to criminalize librarians and booksellers from taking effect is asking a court to permanently stop the law from being enforced; Florida, where Democracy Forward represented the Florida Education Association, Florida Freedom to Read Project, and Families for Strong Public Schools to challenge the DeSantis administration’s actions that shutter classroom libraries and undermine public education in Florida; and in Alabama, where Democracy Forward is representing a group of Alabama families and librarians with a broad array of political and religious backgrounds in a suit to stop policies approved by the library board that threaten to keep constitutionally protected books like To Kill a Mockingbird off of public library shelves.

    Read the full complaint here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government accepts election process changes

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Voters can expect the 2026 Election to be more efficient, resilient and transparent with the Government accepting a raft of recommendations, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

    “The Justice Committee recommended 65 changes following its routine inquiry into the last election.

    “Many of these recommendations are practical, like considering a single deadline for all candidate and party list nominations, or amending the cut-off date for enrolments prior to polling day.

    “We plan to implement 23 either in full or in part, through an electoral amendment bill to be announced later this year. 

    “In some cases, the Government may progress an option which differs from the specific approach recommended by the Justice Committee, but addresses the issue raised or the overall intent of the recommendation. 

    “We will then consider a further 36 recommendations as priorities and resourcing allows.

    “The remaining six recommendations do not require legislative change and we have asked the Electoral Commission to consider how these can best be implemented.

    “I want to thank the Committee for its report and recommendations, and the almost 100 people and organisations that made submissions.” 

    A full list of the recommendations is attached. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Gabon: African Development Bank-Funded Study Underscores Importance of Economic Diversification

    Source: African Development Bank Group
    The African Development Bank (AfDB), through its Transition States Coordination Office and its Gabon Country Office, held a workshop in close collaboration with the Government of Gabon to present the findings of a political economy study titled “Towards a Successful Transition and Lasting Stability in Gabon:…

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Promoting Scottish business and expertise

    Source: Scottish Government

    Strengthening ties across Asia.

    Business Minister Richard Lochhead has begun a visit to China and Japan aimed at deepening economic, social and cultural ties and emphasising that Scotland is open for business.

    He will meet government representatives, potential investors and leading companies in both countries. The Minister will also explore opportunities for further collaboration between Scottish and Chinese academic institutions.

    China and Japan are increasingly important export markets for Scottish goods, with whisky and seafood exports to China tripling since 2005 and whisky exports to Japan up 7% last year, making it the seventh largest global market in terms of value.

    In Japan Mr Lochhead will support eight Scottish gaming companies aiming to capture a portion of Japan’s $50 billion market, backed by the Scottish Government’s business accelerator programme, Techscaler, as they meet potential customers and investors in Tokyo.

    He is also launching the first of three days of Scottish activity at Expo 2025 Osaka. The event will showcase Scotland’s gaming sector as well as consumer-focused businesses including distilleries, skincare companies and seafood specialists.

    Mr Lochhead said:

    “Scotland is open for business and China and Japan are vitally important markets for Scottish companies.

    “Over the next two weeks I will champion Scotland’s world class products, universities and technical expertise. I will also be promoting the many investment opportunities that our drive for Net Zero is delivering.

    “In an increasingly volatile global economy, it is even more important that we help Scottish companies access new markets and deepen existing trading relationships.”  

    Background

    The Minister is visiting China from 8-12 April and Japan from 12-18 April.

    Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai takes place from 13 April to 13 October and is expected to attract about 28 million visitors and more than 150 participating countries.

    The Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise are supporting the three events at the Expo, beginning with a focus on gaming and consumer industries on 17 April at the UK Pavilion. A list of Scottish companies attending is available on Scottish Development International’s website.  Further events focusing on the health and offshore wind industries take place in June and September

    In China, Mr Lochhead will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Scottish Government Office which opened in 2005. It joined Scottish Enterprise’s international team, which established a presence in China in 2003.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Securing a successful future for the University of Dundee

    Source: Scottish Government

    Expert group convened to support institution.

    A team of experts from across academia, industry and local and national government will be convened to advise on the future success of the University of Dundee and its impact across the city region.

    Sir Alan Langlands, formerly Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the NHS in England, will chair the University of Dundee Strategic Advisory Taskforce. Sir Alan was also Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds.

    The group will meet for the first time this month to develop recommendations which will support the future of the University and its role in the wider city region. The Taskforce will focus on key issues linked to the recovery of the University, such as its teaching offering and its research strengths in key fields such as the life sciences.

    It will include representation from the University, Dundee City Council, business, trades unions, local further and higher education institutions and the Scottish Government.

    Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said:

    “We are establishing this Taskforce to ensure the University of Dundee has all the important advice and expertise needed to recover and build a strong, secure and sustainable future.

    “The impact of the University’s teaching and world-leading research is profound, and its success is interwoven with the success of the Dundee city region. Ministers are determined that the institution – with a vibrant community of staff and students at its heart – will thrive long into the future.

    “We will draw on the expertise of the Taskforce to identify credible solutions and do everything possible to protect the interests of current and future students and staff. We will take account of all potential sources of funding and support, and we will continue to carefully consider any further asks of Government.”

    Sir Alan Langlands said:

    “It is a privilege to chair the University of Dundee Strategic Advisory Taskforce, and to advise Ministers, the University, the Scottish Funding Council and the City on this important matter.

    “These are very challenging times for a great many universities. At its core Dundee is a great University in a great City, transforming people’s lives and life chances through education, research and innovation, and contributing so much to the economic, social and cultural life of the city and beyond.

    The Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring its long term future and impact, and protecting the interests of students and staff provides a strong foundation for the work of the Taskforce.”

    Professor Shane O’Neill, Interim Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee, said:

    “We welcome the announcement of the Strategic Advisory Taskforce and the appointment of Sir Alan Langlands as its Chair.

    “Sir Alan of course has a longstanding connection to the University of Dundee and a strong understanding of its importance to the city, Scotland and the wider higher education and research environment.

    “We are committed to engaging fully with the Taskforce to ensure the future success and sustainability of the University.”

    Background

    • The Scottish Government has provided additional support for the universities sector this year totalling £25 million, on top of the £1.1 billion in the 2025-26 budget for university teaching and research.
    • The Scottish Funding Council has already provided £22 million to University of Dundee as support for liquidity, which is giving them the space and time to work through a plan for financial stability.
    • In addition to the advisory Taskforce, the Deputy First Minister is chairing a cross-Ministerial group to consider what further action the Scottish Government may be able to take to support the University as it continues to develop its Financial Recovery Plan.
    • The final membership of the Taskforce is currently being confirmed by the chair and will be announced in due course.
    • The Taskforce will advise the University, the Scottish Funding Council, Ministers and the City region. The University remains the legally responsible decision maker.

    Sir Alan Langlands FRSE Hon FMedSci

    Now semi-retired, Alan’s career spanned five decades in the NHS and universities. This included leadership roles in teaching hospitals in Edinburgh and London and as the Chief Executive of the NHS in England, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds.

    He has served as the inaugural chair of UK Biobank, chair of the Health Foundation, and is now the Chair of Trustees for Yorkshire Cancer Research. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and an Honorary Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and five Medical Royal Colleges, with honorary doctorates awarded by a number of leading universities.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Treaty Principles Select Committee

    Source: ACT Party

    The Haps

    The world is about to relearn economics, as Governments erect trade barriers between citizens of their countries and those of other countries. New Zealand cannot change the rest of the world’s trade policies right now, we can only ensure our own house is as competitive as possible. Putting on our own tariffs would be a tax on New Zealanders, we should remain a beacon of free trade for the world. The Government’s latest quarterly plan, filled with ACT initiatives, will keep the reform pressure on.

    Treaty Principles Select Committee

    The Justice Committee has reported back to the House on the Treaty Principles Bill. Thanks to ACT’s member on the Committee, Todd Stephenson, ALL of the submissions will be included in the final record, even though they couldn’t be processed in time for the report back.

    The submissions have been roughly categorised as for or against. The Committee report says ninety per cent are against, and only eight per cent in favour. Free Press knows that’s misleading. The ACT Party and Hobson’s Pledge, two organisations heavily in favour of the bill, helped 55,000 submit between them. Those alone would be 17 per cent in favour but some organisations’ submissions were counted as one.

    The truth is Select Committee submissions almost never reflect reality anyway. People are far more likely to submit in opposition to a bill than for it. Submissions on David Seymour’s End of Life Choice Bill were ninety per cent opposed, but it passed a referendum by two million votes to one million. A similar story played out with abortion law reform.

    Like those examples, we know the public overwhelmingly support the principles proposed in the Bill. Scientific polling where everyone’s opinion has an equal chance of being included shows New Zealanders in favour of the principles by an average of two to one. When the third principle – that all people should be equal before the law – is read out, 62 per cent are in favour versus 18 per cent opposed.

    A majority of Green voters, even, agree with the third principle, so all may not be lost. It’s the arguments that really matter, and what comes out of the Treaty Principles Bill hearings is that there are no arguments against the Bill. This week Free Press covers off the opponents’ attempts.

    If anything, the submission process has shown why the Bill really is needed. Many submitters argued that the chiefs who signed the Treaty never ceded sovereignty. They believe that somehow descendants of the Chiefs shouldn’t have to follow Parliament’s laws (Te Pāti Māori has been acting this out).

    The idea that investment, jobs, and growth need clarity from the law, and that people want to be treated equally before it, seems an afterthought to these submitters. As an aside, the ahistorical claim that 100,000 Māori wouldn’t have ceded sovereignty to 2,000 settlers shows how poor the debate in New Zealand has become. If a people devastated by the Musket Wars, worried about the French, and concerned about the threat of Europeans already ashore had nothing to gain from the unrivalled superpower of the day, why did they sign any Treaty at all?

    Submitters also argued that Parliament cannot make this law, even if it has the right to make laws generally. The difference between Parliament, on the one hand, and the Courts, Waitangi Tribunal, and bureaucracy, on the other, is that Parliament is elected by the people. What the opponents are really saying is that the people should not have a say on their constitutional future, it should be decided by all the public institutions they can’t actually vote for. Telling people they cannot control the laws they live under usually ends in revolution, Free Press prefers democracy.

    Opponents claimed at various times that Māori do not, in fact, have special rights in New Zealand. Just as many claimed that Māori in fact deserve special rights. This was best summed up in the following paragraph from the Green Party section of the report.

    One often repeated statement was that Māori were given special privileges under the Resource Management Act. There was no substantive evidence provided for this, and the Auckland City Council in its oral submission rejected that this was the case. It is true that where there is an application for a resource consent for a use outside of the District Plan the interests of Māori, including local iwi and hapu, are relevant to decision making. However it is hard to understand how consultation with the mana whenua is in any way a special privilege.

    The Bill gives all people equal rights. If Māori had no special rights there would be no reason to oppose the Bill. The facts are that Māori do have special rights under current law, including in Resource Management law, and that is why the Bill is opposed. Opposition to the Bill is opposition to equal rights for all people.

    Other submitters said that the Bill prevents Governments trying to address people’s disadvantage. It does not. It prevents Governments discriminating by race, but there is no reason it cannot help disadvantaged people, regardless of race. There is no reason iwi cannot run charter schools, or their own healthcare, but any group should have the same opportunity. Seeing as not all Māori are disadvantaged and not all disadvantaged are Māori, racial profiling doesn’t do much good anyway.

    So what next? The Bill will be debated in Parliament. ACT’s partners will have one last chance to do the right thing. If they do not, that is a shame for them. However it will not change how ACT works for your values. The party will never give up promoting universal human rights, and the next step of the Treaty Principles journey will be clear before the next election.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Leads Calls for Hearings on Trump’s Tariff Chaos & Misuse of Executive Power

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – As President Donald Trump’s tariff taxes continue to increase prices on American consumers and businesses, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a leading member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, joined U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the committee, and every Democrat on the committee in urging Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) to convene a hearing on President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose his tariff tax.

    The Senate Banking Committee has critical responsibilities for overseeing the use of IEEPA, which gives the President broad authority to impose economic measures in response to declared national emergencies. But that authority is not intended as a blank check for the President to create national emergencies out of thin air so he can use IEEPA to circumvent Congress and enact economic policies that are unrelated to any actual threats or emergencies facing the U.S., as President Trump has done with his sweeping new trade policies that harm hard-working American families.

    “The committee has jurisdiction over key aspects of IEEPA and tariffs policy, and we have a responsibility to the American people to exercise our oversight function to scrutinize how the President is using these tools,” the eleven Senate Banking Democrats wrote to Chairman Scott.

    In the letter, the U.S. Senators raise concerns that Trump’s tariff policies lack a coherent strategy that could damage the economy and hurt American consumers by needlessly driving up prices.

    The letter also warned that President Trump could unfairly grant tariff exemptions to friendly business leaders and preferred industries, noting: “The president’s tariffs also raise concerns about whether he will repeat mistakes from his first term in handing out exceptions to well-connected friends or companies at the expense of everyone else.”

    According to joint research from Fordham University, Lehigh University, the State University of New York at Buffalo, and the University of Oklahoma published in The Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis: politically-connected companies that made contributions and investments to help Republicans before and during Trump’s first term were more likely to win tariff exemptions.

    “We urge you to hold a hearing so the American people can understand the President’s plan and how it will affect their economic futures,” the Senators implored.

    In addition to Reed and Warren, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Tina Smith (D-MN), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Reuben Gallego (D-AZ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).

    Full text of the letter follows:

    Chairman Tim Scott

    Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

    United States Senate

    Washington, D.C. 20510

    Chairman Scott,

    We write to request that the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hold hearings on President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to implement his tariff agenda. The committee has jurisdiction over key aspects of IEEPA and tariffs policy, and we have a responsibility to the American people to exercise our oversight function to scrutinize how the President is using these tools.

    Tariffs can be critical to grow American industry and promote good manufacturing jobs. But many of the President’s tariffs lack a coherent strategy, generating economic chaos and giving giant corporations an excuse to raise prices on Americans — which the President and his Administration have no plan to prevent. The President’s tariffs also raise concerns about whether he will repeat mistakes from his first term in handing out exceptions to well-connected friends or companies at the expense of everyone else.

    We urge you to hold a hearing so the American people can understand the President’s plan and how it will affect their economic futures.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Sanders, DeLauro, Scott, Baldwin Demand McMahon Reverse Abrupt Policy Change Halting Funding for Schools Nationwide

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Top appropriators and authorizers press Trump’s Department of Education for details about its’ abrupt halt of funding for state governments and school districts that adds a bureaucratic hurdle to reimbursement and will harm student recovery following the pandemic

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, led a letter to Secretary Linda McMahon demanding a reversal of a new policy the Department of Education announced recently that suddenly upended departmental policy and imposed new red tape on states, which will prevent them from accessing pandemic relief funds they are counting on to support students’ learning.

    In their letter, the lawmakers press McMahon for immediate reversal of the Department’s revision to its longstanding liquidation extension policy for COVID-19 education recovery funding—warning that the Department’s change, along with the myriad other harmful actions taken at ED recently, seriously jeopardizes students’ learning and growth.

    “We write to request the immediate reversal of the Department of Education’s recent March 28, 2025, action to revise the liquidation extension policy for COVID-19 relief funds,” write the lawmakers. “Just over a month ago, the Department announced a policy change to the longstanding extension policy that imposed an additional step for processing of extension reimbursements. … However, on March 28, 2025, with many state extension requests having been approved more than six months ago,  the Department suddenly announced on March 28 that ‘the Department is modifying the liquidation period to end on March 28, 2025,’ the very same day as the announcement.”

    “In short,” the lawmakers state, “the Department changed the spending rules it affirmed just one month ago, without providing any notice, and imposing more federal red tape.”

    The lawmakers continue: “This abrupt and chaotic revision of policy is not helpful to students whose states, school districts, or institutions of higher education are uncertain about the Department’s commitments to implementing federal funding designed to support students. The March 28th decision is an imposition of an unauthorized layer of bureaucratic red tape on the expenditure of resources passed by Congress to support learning recovery for our nation’s students.”

    The lawmakers note that the abrupt change—coupled with the mass firings at ED—seriously threaten the ability of schools to support students’ learning: “When combined with the massive reduction in force announced earlier this month, the Department jeopardizes an estimated $4 billion from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 and American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 in nearly all of our states and outlying areas and roughly 1,000 school districts nationwide. This action is particularly harmful to rural school districts that faced the greatest disruptions during the authorized program period. This will also have a disproportionate impact on $800 million reserved for identification and support for students experiencing homelessness, which was implemented slowly in many states. The March 28th decision of the Department improperly imposes its will on state and local budget decisions in a manner not contemplated by Congress.”

    The lawmakers note their alarm about the Department’s lack of recognition of the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on students, with the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores showing national scores are below pre-pandemic levels in all grades and subjects.“We are alarmed by your lack of a recognition of the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our nation’s students,”write the lawmakers. “Years after the COVID-19 pandemic, our schools and communities still have much work to do to help students recover and the Department’s termination of the remaining resources Congress passed for that purpose will only serve to delay and undermine our students’ recovery.”

    They also note Congress provided flexibility when providing the funding to ensure it best supports communities across the country:  “Congress intended the Secretary to support states and districts in their use of the flexibility under the law to ensure the unique needs of their communities were met and to implement evidence-based learning loss interventions. The Department is now trying to change the spending rules and impose an administrative hurdle by stating ‘the Department will consider an extension to your liquidation period on an individual project-specific basis.’…We are astonished by the amount of hypocrisy here from an administration that has repeatedly said it wants to return education to the states, including your recent statement that ‘Education is fundamentally a state responsibility. Instead of filtering resources through layers of federal red tape, we will empower states…’ Now, it appears the Department is turning its back on states by arbitrarily imposing more federal red tape.”

    The lawmakers also called out that while the Trump administration works to cut off this funding for schools, it is pushing to pass new tax cuts for billionaires: “Let’s be very clear: The abrupt change in the liquidation extension policy is yet another way this administration is seeking to strip educational opportunities for students in order to pay for tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations. President Trump and Congressional Republicans are intent in claiming any savings they can in the federal budget that they intend to use to pay for their tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations.”

    “We believe there is a better way,” they conclude. “We urge you to immediately rescind your March 28 revision to the longstanding liquidation extension policy. Further, we believe you should work with us to start properly executing our federal education laws as Congress intended.”

    In addition to Senators Murray, Sanders, and Baldwin, the letter was signed by Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-MO), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in the Senate.

    In addition to Representatives DeLauro and Scott, the letter was signed by Alma Adams (D, NC-12), Donald Beyer (D, VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (D, OR-01), Julia Brownley (D, CA-26), Shontel Brown (D, OH-11), André Carson (D, IN-07), Greg Casar (D, TX-35), Sean Casten (D, IL-06), Joaquin Castro (D, TX-20), Steve Cohen (D, TN-09), Joe Courtney (D, CT-02), Danny Davis (D, IL-07), Diana DeGette (D, CO-01), Chris Deluzio (D, PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10), Sarah Elfreth (D, MD-03), Veronica Escobar (D, TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (D, NY-13), Dwight Evans (D, PA-03), Shomari Figures (D, AL-02), Jesús García (D, IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (D, TX-29), Vicente Gonzalez (D, TX-34), Jahana Hayes (D, CT-05), Chrissy Houlahan (D, PA-06), Jonathan Jackson (D, IL-01), Hank Johnson (D, GA-04), Robin Kelly (D, IL-02), Timothy Kennedy (D, NY-26), John Larson (D, CT-01), Summer Lee (D, PA-12), Lucy McBath (D, GA-06), Sarah McBride (D, DE-01), Jennifer McClellan (D, VA-04), Betty McCollum (D, MN-04), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D, MI-08), Jim McGovern (D, MA-02), LaMonica McIver (D, NJ-10), Donald Norcross (D, NJ-01), Johnny Olszewski (D, MD-02), Chellie Pingree (D, ME-01), Mark Pocan (D, MI-02), Andrea Salinas (D, OR-06), Linda Sánchez (D, CA-38), Terri Sewell (D, AL-07), Mikie Sherrill (D, NJ-11), Lateefah Simon (D, CA-12), Darren Soto (D, FL-09), Haley Stevens (D, MI-11), Mark Takano (D, CA-39), Dina Titus (D, NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (D, MI-12), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D, NY-12), Frederica Wilson (D, FL-24), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D, DC-01) in the House.

    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

    Dear Secretary McMahon:

    We write to request the immediate reversal of the Department of Education’s (“the Department”) recent March 28, 2025, action to revise the liquidation extension policy for COVID-19 relief funds. Just over a month ago, the Department announced a policy change to the longstanding extension policy that imposed an additional step for processing of extension reimbursements. That policy stated “Beginning today, all future payments under the CARES Act, CRRSA Act, and ARP Act spent on allowable expenditures must be paid by the states in advance and then submitted to the U.S. Department of Education for reimbursement.” While the Department’s action added an unnecessary burden on states, it continued the longstanding extension policy established years ago in stating “All [COVID-19 Pandemic relief funding] expenditures must fall under the approved expenditures as outlined in guidance for ESSER, ARPA, and HEERF.”

    However, on March 28, 2025, with many state extension requests having been approved more than six months ago, the Department suddenly announced that “the Department is modifying the liquidation period to end on March 28, 2025”, the very same day as the announcement. Specifically, the Department stated that “The extension approval was issued recently, so any reliance interests developed are minimal…So you could not rely on the Department adhering to its original decision.” In short, the Department changed the spending rules it affirmed just one month ago, without providing any notice, and imposing more federal red tape.

    This abrupt and chaotic revision of policy is not helpful to students whose states, school districts, or institutions of higher education are uncertain about the Department’s commitments to implementing federal funding designed to support students. The March 28th decision is an imposition of an unauthorized layer of bureaucratic red tape on the expenditure of resources passed by Congress to support learning recovery for our nation’s students. When combined with the massive reduction in force announced earlier this month, the Department jeopardizes an estimated $4 billion from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 and American Rescue Plan Act of 2021(“ARP Act”) in nearly all of our states and outlying areas and roughly 1,000 school districts nationwide. This action is particularly harmful to rural school districts that faced the greatest disruptions during the authorized program period. This will also have a disproportionate impact on $800 million reserved for identification and support for students experiencing homelessness, which was implemented slowly in many states. The March 28th decision of the Department improperly imposes its will on state and local budget decisions in a manner not contemplated by Congress.

    Second, we are alarmed by your lack of a recognition of the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our nation’s students. The Department’s March 28 policy change asserts “Extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion.” We are surprised to learn the Department is unaware of recent results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (“NAEP”) which show “National scores are below pre-pandemic levels (2019) in ALL tested grades and subjects.” NAEP results also reveal “Gaps are growing between higher-performing and lower-performing students.” Further, chronic absenteeism still is too high with the latest data indicating “a majority of students still attended schools with 20% or higher levels of chronic absence. This serious absenteeism is in stark contrast to 2019, when slightly over a quarter of schools experienced such high levels of chronic absence.” Years after the COVID-19 pandemic, our schools and communities still have much work to do to help students recover and the Department’s termination of the remaining resources Congress passed for that purpose will only serve to delay and undermine our students’ recovery.

    Third, Congress intended the Secretary to support states and districts in their use of the flexibility under the law to ensure the unique needs of their communities were met and to implement evidence-based learning loss interventions. The Department is now trying to change the spending rules and impose an administrative hurdle by stating “the Department will consider an extension to your liquidation period on an individual project-specific basis.” This is despite the fact that such extensions to liquidation periods were noticed more than one year ago, with some granted more than six months ago, and that states assured to the Department that “The SEA will ensure that LEAs [school districts] use ARP ESSER funds for activities allowable under section 2001(e) of the ARP.” We are astonished by the amount of hypocrisy here from an administration that has repeatedly said it wants to return education to the states, including your recent statement that “Education is fundamentally a state responsibility. Instead of filtering resources through layers of federal red tape, we will empower states…”. Now, it appears the Department is turning its back on states by arbitrarily imposing more federal red tape.

    We would be heartened if the Department’s new policy was really intended to better support students. However, actions of the past two months tell a starkly different story. The Department has cancelled hundreds of millions in teacher training grants that were at work in addressing educator shortages and improving the quality of instruction in our schools. The Department has cancelled hundreds of millions of research and evaluation contracts on critical issues like an evaluation of transition supports for students with disabilities, which was intended to provide states and school districts with high quality evidence on approaches to support students with disabilities with their transition to post-school outcomes. The Department also cancelled an evaluation of the programs that receive the largest amount of funding appropriated for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, depriving Congress and the Department of critical information about the implementation of those programs. The Department cancelled contracts for the Comprehensive Centers program, which—in addition to being statutorily required—were poised to provide effective capacity building support and technical assistance to states, school systems, and schools in addressing chronic absenteeism, and math and literacy learning, among other locally and regionally identified challenges. The Department also canceled the Long Term Trend NAEP for 17 year olds, which has been providing data on student achievement for decades. The Department has implemented a massive dismantling and reduction in staff, which has reduced the number of staff available at the Office for Civil Rights to protect the rights of all students. Finally, the massive reduction also appears to have delayed the processing of COVID-19 relief reimbursement requests prior to the announcement of the changed policy that is the subject of this letter.

    Let’s be very clear: The abrupt change in the liquidation extension policy is yet another way this administration is seeking to strip educational opportunities for students in order to pay for tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations. President Trump and Congressional Republicans are intent in claiming any savings they can in the federal budget that they intend to use to pay for their tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations. It is appalling to us that those billionaire and corporate giveaways are valued over the students in rural school districts that faced supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic that led to the districts’ need for these liquidation extensions, valued over students experiencing homelessness who have seen the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds dedicated to them spent down slowly, and valued over so many other students that will be attending schools that are already facing difficult budget choices for the next school year without the additional burden of this changed policy. That is, unless states undertake the newest burden put in place by your Department and are able to navigate the Department’s bureaucratic maze and receive funds for projects that may have been committed to years ago.

    We believe there is a better way. We urge you to immediately rescind your March 28 revision to the longstanding liquidation extension policy. Further, we believe you should work with us to start properly executing our federal education laws as Congress intended.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: eInvoicing for businesses

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Register for eInvoicing

    To start using eInvoicing, you need to register on the Peppol eInvoicing network.

    There are different options to register on the Peppol network, including through either:

    Choose an option that best fits your business needs and plans. To get ready, you can:

    If you need help, talk to your business adviser about eInvoicing and how to get started.

    The Peppol eInvoicing standard can be used to issue an invoice that complies with the requirements of a tax invoice.

    For record keeping purposes, an eInvoice is no different to other digital records. Make sure you follow the digital record keeping rules for business.

    The ATO and New Zealand Government have developed an eInvoicing guide to assist large businesses and government agencies starting an eInvoicing implementation. Download the A-NZ Peppol eInvoicing Business Guide from the ‘Implementing eInvoicing’ section of NZ’s ‘Advice for large businesses’External Link webpage.

    For more information about eInvoicing for your business, see:

    Plan for a smooth transition

    To successfully transition to eInvoicing, review your business processes and requirements to understand your current state of invoicing. This includes:

    • how many invoices you send and receive, and how often
    • how you send, receive and process invoices and if you use purchase orders
    • who your top suppliers and buyers are (by number of invoices)
    • what changes are required in the current software and scanning tools that you use to manage your accounts payable and receivable.

    To plan for a smooth transition to eInvoicing:

    • understand and manage changes in business processes within your business
    • communicate with your trading partners about upcoming changes
    • make sure your customer records are up to date, including capturing their ABN
    • encourage your trading partners to get ready and start using eInvoicing.

    Onboard your trading partners

    To successfully onboard your trading partners, you should:

    • try eInvoicing with a small number of your trading partners
    • progressively onboard more of your trading partners, focussing on those with most benefit to your organisation, for example high-volume suppliers, or those with a high error rate
    • transition as many of your trade partners as possible to the eInvoicing channel to maximise your benefits.

    For more information see, Onboarding trading partners for large businesses.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Deming, Washington man convicted at trial of receipt and possession of images of child sexual abuse

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant possessed some 90,000 files of child sexual abuse imagery on 21 different electronic devices

    Seattle – A 47-year-old resident of Deming, Whatcom County, Washington was convicted last week in U.S. District Court in Seattle of two federal felonies related to his receipt and possession of images of child sexual abuse, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Robert J. Howell Jr. came to the attention of law enforcement in late 2019 when a foreign country police organization alerted Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) that an Ip address associated with Howell Jr’s residence had accessed a website devoted to images of child sexual abuse. Following a two-day jury trial, jurors deliberated about an hour before finding Howell Jr. guilty on April 1, 2025.  U.S District Judge John C. Coughenour scheduled sentencing for July 15, 2025.

    According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, after getting the tip from a foreign law enforcement organization, HSI agents sought information on the account associated with the IP address. The IP address was linked to Howell’s home in Deming. On September 15, 2020, federal agents executed a search warrant and seized several dozen electronic devices. A forensic review determined there were more than 90,000 files depicting child sexual abuse on some 21 electronic devices. Many of the images were of the sexual abuse of very young children and included depictions involving extreme violence.

    At trial prosecutors specifically proved that between 2016 and 2019, Howell Jr. received five specific files of child sexual abuse material and knowingly possessed many more.

    In all more than 75 electronic assets including computers, phones, tablets, hard drives, storage devices, gaming devices, and CDs were seized by law enforcement and have been forfeited to the government.

    Howell Jr. faces a mandatory 5 years in prison and up to twenty years in prison when sentenced by Judge Coughenour. The actual sentence will be determined by Judge Coughenour after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Hampton and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica M. Ly.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Environmental permit reforms to empower regulators to slash business red tape

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Environmental permit reforms to empower regulators to slash business red tape

    UK and Welsh Governments launch joint consultation to reform environmental permitting regulations, supporting UK Government’s Plan for Change

    Streamlined environmental permitting will drive economic growth and help tackle crime while continuing to safeguard the environment, under reforms unveiled by Environment Minister Emma Hardy today (Tuesday 8 April). 

    The UK and Welsh Governments have today launched an eight-week consultation on reforming environmental permitting for England and Wales to speed up the work of regulators and the industries they support, demonstrating rapid delivery of a commitment in the UK Government’s Regulatory Action Plan to consult on reforms to permitting legislation before Easter. 

    Reforming the process for exemptions could empower regulators – the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales – to use the proposed powers in the following ways, among others: 

    • Taking speedy action: simplifying processes such as for bringing suitable land back into beneficial use for new housing or infrastructure, strongly supporting regional growth.   
    • New permitting exemptions for certain flood risk activities: which could make it easier to install survey equipment for monitoring river flow and water quality.  
    • Potential greater flexibility around the use of scaffolding in or alongside rivers: supporting the UK Government’s key mission of growing the economy for communities across the country.   
    • Changes to exemptions abused by rogue waste operators: the proposals could enable regulators to clamp down on illegal activity that blights communities and causes environmental harm. 
    • Stringent safeguards: the proposals look to ensure effective controls apply where there is a high risk of environmental harm and to keep the regulatory system open and accountable. 

    The proposals cover a wide variety of activities undertaken by businesses or individuals operating within guardrails that protect the environment, such as managing flood risk, handling waste, and the discharging of water – ensuring that exempt activities relating to the latter do not pollute inland freshwaters, coastal waters, or relevant territorial waters. 

    Making environmental permitting more agile and responsive through the UK Government’s Plan for Change will empower regulators to slash red tape for businesses, putting an end to delays that can slow down the decisions needed to get spades in the ground.  

    The proposed changes would also allow a quicker and more flexible response to new technologies and emerging risks, benefitting businesses while protecting the environment.   

    The consultation has been recommended by economist and former charity leader Dan Corry in his landmark review into the regulators and regulation at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. 

    Environment Minister Emma Hardy said:

    This Government is committed to delivering streamlined, hassle-free regulation that protects the environment while also driving economic growth. 

    As part of the Plan for Change, we are rewiring Defra and its arms-length bodies to boost economic growth and unleash an era of building, while also supporting stringent environmental safeguards. 

    I encourage all interested parties to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of the environmental permitting regime.

    Jo Nettleton, Chief Regulator at the Environment Agency, said:

    The Environment Agency firmly believes protecting the environment and sustainable development go hand-in-hand and we support the Government’s aim to get the economy growing. 

    We welcome the proposed reforms to environmental permitting, which will empower us to carry out our role as a fair and proportionate regulator for people and the environment while supporting business and sustainable economic growth.

    Environmental permitting plays an important role in protecting the environment and human health from a wide range variety of risks, such as from flooding, water and air pollution, and contamination from waste. 

    While a review of the regulations in 2023 found them to be functioning effectively, it also identified potential improvements, such as making the framework more responsive to changes on the ground and the needs of operators. 

    Operators of exempt activities are not required to hold a permit, but there are still specified conditions with which operators must comply.  

    The current process for changing which activities are exempt and the conditions that apply is lengthy and subject to disruption, which has led to delays in bringing forward changes in the past.  

    The proposed reforms will speed up work to update the regulations, allowing the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales to make decisions proportionate to the level of environmental risk on which activities should be exempt from environmental permits.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government invests nearly £38 million to bring 319 new green buses to communities across England

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government invests nearly £38 million to bring 319 new green buses to communities across England

    Funding will make bus travel cleaner and more affordable for passengers, while helping the UK to meet its zero emissions goals.

    • funding will create jobs in engineering, construction and green manufacturing, boosting regional economies and delivering the government’s Plan for Change
    • nearly £38 million will deliver 319 new zero emission buses by spring 2027, supporting cleaner and greener public transport
    • comes as the Bus Services Bill progresses through Parliament, as government continues to drive growth in the industries of the future and put passengers back at the heart of services

    Passengers across England will enjoy greener, smoother and quieter bus journeys thanks to a £37.8 million government investment to propel forward green transport, with 319 new zero emission buses. 

    Every pound of government funding is set to be topped up by at least £3 of private investment.

    The funding has been allocated to 12 successful local authorities across England – following bids to expand their zero emission bus fleets – and will see 319 cleaner, more comfortable vehicles serving passengers by spring 2027. 

    It comes as the government made changes to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate yesterday, including increasing flexibility of the mandate up to 2030 and allowing hybrid vehicles to be sold until 2035, all with the aim of supporting UK electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers.

    Today (8 April 2025), the Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, will visit Hull to see how the funding will bring improved journeys for passengers and discuss how highly skilled engineering and construction jobs will be created locally as electric bus infrastructure is delivered.  

    Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, said:  

    I’m thrilled to announce this £38 million investment, which will deliver 319 new zero emission buses to communities across England by 2027. This funding will not only make bus travel cleaner, greener and more comfortable, but it will deliver on our Plan for Change, creating jobs, supporting local economies and accelerating our journey towards a zero emission future. 

    By backing local councils and UK manufacturers, we are putting the power in the hands of communities, while helping to deliver on our vision of a sustainable, green transport network.

    From Hull to Hove, there’s an electrifying future on the way for our buses.

    Among the biggest winners are Nottinghamshire County Council, which will benefit from £2.6 million to launch 42 new electric buses, Hull City Council, where £3.9 million has been allocated to provide 42 vehicles and the West of England Combined Authority, which will receive nearly £20 million for 160 buses.  

    This funding comes on top of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Area 2 (ZEBRA 2) programme, which has funded a further 995 zero emission buses.  

    Funding will see vital bus routes given a new lease of life, for example in Bristol, where funding will be used to expand zero emission bus services across 22 different routes through the city, connecting passengers with vital services including hospitals and universities. 

    Matt Cranwell, Stagecoach East Midlands Managing Director, said: 

    Stagecoach prides itself on the importance of putting sustainability at the core of our business strategy. We’re delighted to be working with local authorities and the government to invest in a further 78 new electric buses to play our part in improving air quality in those regions where we operate.

    This new government funding, supported by significant investment by bus operators, will play a key role in Stagecoach’s transition to green bus fleets, helping us to meet our goal of having a zero emission UK bus fleet nationally, by 2035.

    The government is encouraged that UK-based manufacturers are well placed to benefit from these new bus orders. 60% of buses funded by previous ZEBRA investments are being procured from domestic firms, supporting highly skilled jobs and growing regional economies to improve living standards, as per the government’s Plan for Change.  

    Regional leaders and leading manufacturers are also being given a voice on zero emission plans – through the UK bus manufacturing expert panel – which seeks to put local people at the heart of bus building.

    The first event was hosted by the Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, in Sheffield last month and saw experts from Alexander Dennis and Wrightbus speak with Metro Mayors Oliver Coppard (South Yorkshire) and Tracy Brabin (West Yorkshire), about how local transport ambitions could link hand in hand with zero emission ambitions. 

    Matt Carney, CEO, Go-Ahead Bus, said:

    We’re very grateful to the Department of Transport for this continued partnership. Together we’re investing in even more zero-emission buses so that customers across the UK can access cleaner, greener public transport. This funding will support new zero-emissions buses in Hull, Salisbury, Brighton and Hove, Plymouth and Isle of Wight.

    The incoming Bus Services Bill will not only hand power back for local authorities to operate their own services, but also include a measure to ultimately end the use of new diesel and petrol buses across England. It is expected to progress into the House of Commons shortly.  

    The Local Transport Minister also visited Wrightbus’ site in Ballymena last week, to continue engagement around the green future of bus manufacturing and mark the significant milestone of their fleet passing 50 million green miles travelled.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Business leaders supported to bolster online defences to safeguard growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Business leaders supported to bolster online defences to safeguard growth

    Directors and company boards are being urged to shore up their cyber defences using new guidance published today, in a bid to protect their organisations from the growing tide of online threats.

    • Package of measures sets clear steps boards and directors can take to protect their businesses from cyber criminals
    • Improved strategies and better risk management will help secure sensitive data and ensuring business continuity and protecting growth
    • New resources come days after cyber security legislation plans unveiled – securing the digital services which will deliver growth and the government’s Plan for Change

    Directors and company boards are being urged to shore up their cyber defences using new guidance published today, in a bid to protect their organisations from the growing tide of online threats.  

    A new Code of Practice launched by the Cyber Security Minister today (8 April) sets out how business leaders can protect their day-to-day operations and secure future growth for the British economy – the engine driving the government’s Plan for Change.  

    One of the actions include having a cyber strategy in place to ensure cyber risk management effectively supports business resilience and growth. Other key actions include promoting a cyber secure culture so employees at all levels know what to look out for, and putting incident response plans in place, allowing organisations to quickly respond to incidents when they occur.   

    The Code has received backing from across UK industry with organisations including the Institute of Directors, EY and Wavestone welcoming the launch.  

    Cyber attacks have become increasingly common, with 74% of large businesses and 70% of medium-sized firms experiencing attacks and breaches in the past year. Cyber threats cost the UK economy almost £22 billion a year between 2015 and 2019, with significant knock-on effects to daily operations and an organisation’s long-term reputation.   

    With a third of large businesses lacking a formal cyber strategy and nearly half of medium firms operating without an incident response plan, the Code provides the direction leaders need to take control of their cyber risk. 

    Cyber Security Minister Feryal Clark said:  

    A successful cyber attack doesn’t just have the potential to grind operations to a halt – it could drain millions from the bottom line.

    If we want to drive the economic growth which is fundamental to our Plan for Change, then we need to stand side-by-side with British business leaders as they face down that threat.

    Our new Cyber Governance Code of Practice does exactly that – setting out in clear terms steps organisations should take to safeguard their day-to-day operations, while also securing the livelihoods of their workers and protecting their customers.

    NCSC CEO Richard Horne said: 

    In today’s digital world, where organisations increasingly rely on data and technology, cyber security is not just an IT concern – it is a business-critical risk, on a par with financial and legal challenges.

    From my experience working alongside senior leaders across both private and public sectors, I’ve seen first-hand how robust cyber governance is essential to drive resilience, support growth, and help to ensure long-term success.

    I urge all board members to engage with the new Cyber Governance resources unveiled today and make cyber security an integral part of their governance. Cyber security is a leadership imperative.

    The Cyber Governance Code of Practice is the foundation of this new support package, developed in partnership with the National Cyber Security Centre and industry leaders setting out key actions boards should take to strengthen accountability and reduce risk. It’s supported by online training to help implement the Code, and a detailed Board Toolkit with further practical guidance. This will arm businesses with confidence in the tools they deploy to protect themselves online, safeguarding their businesses, their workers, and their customers.    

    This package, also produced in collaboration with Non-Executive Directors, ensures boards have practical, relevant resources to deepen their understanding and effectively govern cyber risks.  

    Small businesses looking to strengthen their online defences are encouraged to engage with the NCSC’s Small Business Guide, which provides quick and easy actions to help bolster their defences and support through the Cyber Local scheme, which provides tailored funding to boost the regional cyber skills.  

    Cyber security has become a central part of the government’s plans to secure the digital services which drive growth across the country to deliver on its Plan for Change.   

    Just last week, the Technology Secretary set out his ambition for cyber security legislation which will be introduced to Parliament later this year – a set of proposals which will protect the UK’s supply chains, critical national services, and IT service providers and suppliers. As part of the new measures, hospitals and energy suppliers are set to boost their cyber defences, protecting public services and safeguarding growth.

    Stakeholder reaction

    John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner, ICO said:  

    With cyber incidents increasing across all sectors, it is crucial for organisations and businesses to take a proactive approach to cybersecurity governance, including putting the appropriate security measures and training in place to protect people’s data while boosting innovation.  

    We welcome the new Cyber Governance Code of Practice and would encourage organisations to prioritise the digital safety of their assets and, ultimately, their reputation.

    Jonathan Geldart, Director General, Institute of Directors said:  

    Cyber resilience is fundamental to organisational success and a core responsibility for boards and directors. The UK Government’s Cyber Governance package provides valuable guidance to help business leaders effectively oversee cyber risk.  

    Members of the Institute of Directors have actively contributed to shaping the Cyber Governance Code of Practice through consultative workshops and panel discussions. We welcome this action by the government, which will support our members, UK business and the wider economy in strengthening cyber security.

    Jean-Philippe Perraud, CEO, NEDonBoard, Institute of Board Members said: 

    Cyber resilience is fundamental to organisational success. The Cyber Governance Code of Practice sets a clear benchmark for boardroom engagement. NEDonBoard, Institute of Board Members, supports board members in upskilling for effective oversight of cyber risk, digital transformation, and resilience.  

    We are proud to have been a key stakeholder and representative group, actively contributing to the development and refinement of the Cyber Governance Package. We support this important initiative by DSIT and NCSC and encourage boards to embed the principles of the Code and the pledge into their organisations’ oversight and risk management practices.

    Rick Hemsley, UK Cybersecurity Leader, EY said: 

    We are proud to have contributed to the development of the Cyber Governance Code of Practice, drawing on our extensive real-world experience. The code will serve as a vital resource for Boards and senior leadership teams, providing them with the guidance needed to address cyber resilience. The code emphasises the importance of not only protecting sensitive data but also ensuring that organisations can respond effectively to incidents when they occur.   

    A strong culture of cyber resilience can help organisations to anticipate, withstand, and recover from cyber incidents, ultimately safeguarding their stakeholders and maintaining trust in their operations. 

    Thomas Clayton, UK Head of Cyber, Zurich UK said: 

    The cyber insurance market is relatively new in comparison to other propositions in our industry. It has developed rapidly in recent years to keep pace with the sophisticated tactics used in the event of an attack. The key to protecting organisations from attacks is resilience rather than simply prevention – these incidents are detrimental to business operations but also bring longer term reputational and wider economic damage. 

    Preparation is therefore vital and as a result, the Cyber Governance package published by the UK Government which brings clarity to the responsibility of boards and directors when it comes to governing cyber risk, is something we fully welcome and support. 

    Anne Kiem OBE, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors said:  

    We welcome the new Cyber Governance Code of Practice, which empowers organisations to bolster their governance of cyber risks and controls. As cyber-attacks further escalate, boards must ensure that the assurance and oversight of their cyber resilience is robust and consistent with existing internal audit assurance mechanisms – as highlighted in the new Code. Internal audit is key in supporting the Code’s implementation by providing independent, insightful assurance that internal controls for cyber risks are strong and effective.

    Rob Deri, CEO of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT said: 

    Strong cyber governance is critical in today’s digital landscape, and it must be a board-level priority. BCS welcomes the publication of the Cyber Governance package, which provides valuable guidance in formalising cyber security practices. Cyber risk is a principal risk for organisations, and this package will be a valuable resource for our members and the wider industry. 

    Chris Dimitriadis, Chief Global Strategy Officer, ISACA said:  

    ISACA is proud to have supported DSIT in designing this significant new piece of enterprise guidance. Digital trust is critical for enterprises to innovate and drive economic growth. At ISACA, we are committed to equipping organisations and professionals with the knowledge they need to build a culture of resilience. By providing clear guidance on cyber risk management, this Code empowers boards and directors with the tools they need to strengthen organisational cyber resilience. 

    Esther Mallowah, Head of Tech Policy, ICAEW said:  

    Boards and directors recognise the importance of cyber resilience to their organisations’ success but face an ever-evolving challenge in understanding and fulfilling their responsibilities around cyber governance. The Cyber Governance package, published by the UK Government, helps to clarify their responsibilities and provides much needed direction on where to focus and what actions to take to govern cyber risk. We’re pleased the government is taking this action to support our members and to improve cyber resilience across the economy and look forward to continuing to work with DSIT on the evolution of the code.

    Julia Graham, CEO, Airmic said:  

    Airmic supports actions to improve the management of cyber risk and the guidance for boards and top management provided by the Code of Practice and supporting materials. These will add tangible value to our members and the organisations they represent by helping to keep our country,  businesses and citizens safe and resilient to risks set out in the National Risk Register, including cyber threats.

    Mike Maddison, CEO of NCC Group, said: 

    Cyber security is an economic necessity in today’s digital and interconnected world. But, a major cultural shift within organisations’ senior leadership is needed to ensure that those running the UK’s public and private sector institutions understand our collective responsibility to invest in cyber resilience. 

    The Code of Practice is a welcome step in the right direction. Delivering whole-of-society cyber resilience is a complex undertaking. As part of the UK Government’s wider approach, initiatives like the Code play a key role in spotlighting senior leaders’ responsibilities and supporting the rollout of stronger digital defences.

    Ben Martin, Policy Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: 

    Cyber threats against businesses are continuously evolving, and without coordinated action many SMEs will remain at risk. Research suggests there is a lack of specialist digital security knowledge in many smaller companies. This guidance is a welcome step forward to help firms take the steps needed to protect their digital assets and information.

    Graham Wynn, Assistant Director for Consumer, Competition and Regulatory Affairs, British Retail Consortium said: 

    The BRC first published a Guide to cyber security measures for Boards and Directors nearly a decade ago. This Code with its emphasis on risk; strategy; recovery; and people is very much in line with our approach. It is vital that Boards should understand the risks and the need for a coherent plan of action in the event of an attack. The Code will help to highlight that need.

    Graeme Trugdill, CEO British Insurance Brokers’ Association said: 

    BIBA welcomes the Cyber Governance Code of Practice published by the UK Government. This voluntary guidance will support boards and directors of medium and large businesses to govern their cyber risk and enhance their operational resilience.

    Olu Odeniyi, Co-founder, CxB said:  

    Cyber resilience is essential for organisational success, and the UK Government’s Cyber Governance Code provides clear guidance on the responsibilities of boards and directors in managing cyber risks. We at CxB – Cyber Governance for Boards strongly welcome this initiative and contributed our expertise, thought leadership and experience to help shape the Code and the associated training, which empowers boards across all sectors to strengthen their cyber resilience.

    Rowena Ironside, founder of WB Directors’ ‘Women on Boards’ network & portfolio NED said:  

    Cyber resilience is fundamental to organisational success – all board directors today need to have a handle on the risk and their responsibilities in this area. We welcome the Cyber Governance Package published by the UK Government, which clarifies the responsibilities of boards and directors in governing cyber risk. It will be an indispensable tool for members of our cross-sector non-executive director network to ensure the organisations they govern strengthen their security posture and contribute to a more resilient economy.

    Further Information  

    Read the Cyber Governance Code of Practice launched today.

    Visit the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) website for the NCSC Cyber Governance Training and NCSC Board toolkit.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stars of stage and screen will perform for VE Day 80 anniversary

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Stars of stage and screen will perform for VE Day 80 anniversary

    Julian Glover, Siân Phillips, and Joseph Mydell will appear in the National Theatre’s ‘The Next Morning’ to mark VE Day 80

    • VE Day 80 concert will be broadcast to millions live on BBC One
    • Commonwealth War Graves Commission will bring the Second World War to life through a national touring exhibition

    Stars of the stage and screen taking part in plans to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War have been announced today, as we reach one month to go until an unforgettable national event.

    The National Theatre’s new film ‘The Next Morning’, written by stage and screen writer James Graham for the occasion, will feature award-winning actors Julian Glover, Siân Phillips, and Joseph Mydell.

    Released online on 8 May, the short film will take viewers through a series of intimate, interconnected stories, exploring intergenerational perspectives on the end of the Second World War.

    It will connect young people today with the experiences of an older generation, all of whom carry different memories of the war, helping them to understand the resilience of those that came before them, and uncover deeply personal histories that challenge their perceptions of the past. The film will also be made available alongside resources for schools.

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    It is absolutely right that we ensure that the stories of those who lived through and fought in the Second World War are remembered by generations to come.

    Through the National Theatre, the VE Day 80 concert and our UK wide exhibition, we will bring to life the stories of those no longer with us so that the next generation are able to honour their sacrifice and recognise the legacy of peace that they fought to secure.

    Elsewhere, stars of stage and screen will take part in a major VE Day 80 concert on Thursday 8 May. The concert will be broadcast live on BBC One at 8pm and will include performances, readings and poignant moments that will tell the story of VE Day and the nation’s reaction to the end of the Second World War 80 years ago.

    More than 12,500 people are expected to be be in attendance, including a number of Second World War veterans.Tickets for the VE Day 80 concert are being allocated to people across the country from the networks of organisations connected to VE Day including the Royal British Legion, British Evacuees Association and Commonwealth War Graves Commission. More than 2,500 young people including all 12 Uniformed Youth groups, Duke of Edinburgh ambassadors, #iwill ambassadors and Commonwealth Scholars will also watch the concert live on Horse Guards Parade to ensure that the legacy of the stories of our veterans are saved for the next generation.

    To bring the commemorations to communities across the country, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) will kick off the ‘For Evermore Tour’ that will see a UK interactive mobile exhibition bring to life Second World War histories and stories. The tour will begin in Coventry, the city that suffered the single most concentrated air attack on a British city during the Second World War and then travel to iconic locations and landmarks across the UK. Events will be held internationally at several commemorative sites in Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand, highlighting the global stories of all those who fought for the UK and Commonwealth in the Second World War.

    At the heart of the tour is the Commonwealth War Graves’ Torch for Peace, an enduring symbol, honouring the contributions made by individuals, which will act as a baton to pass and share stories to future generations.

    The events and exhibitions will run alongside the government’s national programme to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day which includes a Military procession and flypast of current and historic military aircraft, the return of the poppies to the Tower of London and a nationwide call for families to delve into their lofts and discover their own Second World War stories.

    Director General of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Claire Horton CBE said:

    Stories of individual people whose lives were cut short by conflict must be told and shared, their contribution provides the human connection to an important aspect of our global history.

    For us, the VE and VJ 80th commemorations are a pivotal moment to come together and remember the immense loss of life during the Second World War – a devastating and deadly conflict that impacted people of all ages and from all corners of the world.

    At the heart of the tour – and joining many of the national ceremonial events – is the Commonwealth War Graves Torch for Peace. The lit torch is an enduring symbol, honouring the contributions made by individuals, yet it is also a baton to pass the responsibility of commemoration to future generations – helping us acknowledge our shared histories and complex pasts.

    As the world wars fade from living memory, we urge everyone to take time to take part in these important commemorations.

    Visit the dedicated interactive website  ve-vjday80.gov.uk for latest information and ways to get involved.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More than 100,000 Baby Loss Certificates have now been issued 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    More than 100,000 Baby Loss Certificates have now been issued 

    More than 100,000 baby loss certificates have now been issued to parents who have lost a pregnancy, allowing them to formally recognise their loss.

    • Thousands more parents have benefited from the scheme since it was extended in October 2024
    • Over 100,000 certificates have now been issued, helping parents formally recognise the loss of baby during pregnancy
    • The government remains committed to improving healthcare services and strengthening support for women and their families

    More than 100,000 baby loss certificates have now been issued to parents who have lost a pregnancy, allowing them to formally recognise their loss.

    Baby loss certificates offer a way of providing comfort and support to bereaved parents, who have gone through an unimaginable loss. They provide acknowledgement that their baby existed and mattered.

    Support groups have long campaigned for these certificates and have welcomed this news.

    The government is also committed to ensuring bereaved parents are better supported, and that the impact and importance of their loss is recognised. 

    Work to improve women’s health services and maternity outcomes in ongoing with thousands more midwives trained, and we are committed fulfilling our commitment to closing the Black and Asian maternal mortality gap.

    We are making progress already – cutting gynaecology waiting lists through our Plan for Change, boosting menopause support in the workplace, and revolutionising AI cancer screening for breast cancer through our £11 million AI EDITH cancer trial.  We are also utilising the independent sector to cut down waiting lists and provide more appointments – this includes for women’s health conditions such as endometriosis and breast cancer.

    Health Minister Baroness Gillian Merron said: 

    Losing a pregnancy can be devastating, and it is important that bereaved parents have the option to formally recognise the existence of their babies.  

    I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of countless women who have spoken up about their experiences, and to campaigners for their perseverance and great work promoting this service. From meeting with them, I know there is much to do to improve services on the ground. 

    We will always listen to women and families as we reform our NHS and maternity services, to make sure everyone gets the care and compassion they deserve.

    Baby loss certificates were first launched in February 2024 but were only available to those who had experienced a loss since September 2018. 

    The voluntary service was extended by this government in October 2024 to allow all parents to apply, no matter when they lost their baby.

    Sands’ Chief Executive Clea Harmer said:

    It’s wonderful that baby loss certificates have enabled so many bereaved parents in England whose lives have been touched by pregnancy loss to get official recognition that their babies existed and matter.

    The certificates are an important part of many people’s bereavement journey, and while we recognise they are not something everyone wants, we would like all bereaved parents to have that choice. Sands is here to offer understanding and emotional support for every bereaved parent and family, for as long as they need this.

    Baroness Floella Benjamin OM DBE said:

    The success of ‘Certificates of Loss’ is heartwarming as this was the vision of  Zoe Clark-Coates, founder of the Saying Goodbye charity, almost a decade ago. In parliament I was proud to work with her during those years as I personally knew what it was like to suffer several miscarriages. So applying for my certificates, like thousands of others, brought a great sense of comfort and formal recognition of our babies and I encourage others to so. 

    I hope this successful initiative will continue to provide solace to millions of parents long into the future.

    Lead Bereavement Midwife, George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton and Co-lead and co-author of the ‘Independent Pregnancy Loss Review’, Samantha Collinge said:

    The announcement today that 100,000 baby loss certificates have been issued to parents is a significant milestone, not just for Zoe and myself, the co-chairs and co-authors of the ‘Independent Pregnancy Loss Review’ which recommended this scheme to the government but for the millions of people who have experienced pre-24 weeks baby loss.

    The huge number of certificates issued serves to demonstrate the real need for bereaved parents to have official recognition that their babies did exist and that their lives, however brief really do matter.

    Being able to signpost families in our care to the certification scheme is a huge step forward for myself and my colleagues in the care that we deliver along the pre -24 week loss pathway and it is truly heartwarming when parents tell me how receiving a certificate in recognition of their precious baby has really helped them in their grief journey.

    Zoe Clark-Coates MBE, Co-Chair & Author of The Pregnancy Loss Review 

    I am deeply moved by the overwhelmingly positive response from bereaved families to the new certificates of loss.

    After nearly a decade of leading the campaign for their introduction with Mariposa International (sayinggoodbye.org) and dedicating 5.5 years to co-chairing and authoring the pregnancy loss review where we were able to bring them to pass, I am profoundly relieved and honoured that this vital recognition is now in the hands of those who need it most.

    It is heartening to see that our efforts have provided comfort and acknowledgment during the most challenging times, and knowing these certificates will offer solace for decades to come is incredibly moving. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting every family on their grief journey.

    Vicki Robinson, Chief Executive of the Miscarriage Association, said:

    This is an important milestone and one that shows the vital role that recognition, support and understanding play in helping bereaved parents cope with their loss.

    However early a pregnancy is lost, it can be felt as a bereavement like any other as people try to come to terms with the end of a very special set of hopes, dreams, and plans for the future.

    These certificates provide official recognition that their baby existed, mattered, and will never be forgotten. The positive difference that makes to so many at an extremely distressing time cannot be overstated.

    In November, the government announced new regulations which will fortify bread with folic acid, reducing neural tube defects by 20% in the UK. Alongside this, an extra £57 million has been allocated for Start for Life services to help expectant and new mothers with a range of services, from breastfeeding and mental health support. 
    Background information

    Any parent can apply for a certificate following a loss before 24 weeks, or 28 weeks for a loss that happened before October 1992. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and live in England.

    Request a baby loss certificate

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over 1,500 extra GPs recruited to fix front door of the NHS

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Over 1,500 extra GPs recruited to fix front door of the NHS

    New figures show an extra 1,503 GPs have been recruited since 1 October thanks to government action.

    • New figures show over 1,503 extra GPs have been hired through new scheme since 1 October
    • Major recruitment boost comes after government removed red tape which made it difficult for surgeries to hire doctors
    • Increased GP capacity will help fix the front door of the NHS and increase appointments to bring back the family doctor
    • Milestone builds on Plan for Change’s progress, which has delivered two million appointments seven months early, and cut waiting lists by 193,000

    New figures show an extra 1,503 GPs have been recruited since 1 October – thanks to government action.

    The recruitment boost, part of the government’s Plan for Change will help to end the scandal of patients struggling to see a doctor – easing pressure on GPs and cutting waiting lists. Alongside changes to the GP contract for 2025-26, these additional GPs will help end the 8am scramble for appointments which so many patients currently endure every day.

    When the government came into office, unnecessary red tape was preventing practices from hiring newly qualified GPs, meaning more than 1,000 were due to graduate into unemployment. At the same time, there were also 1,399 fewer fully qualified GPs than a decade prior, showing how years of underfunding and neglect had eroded GP services.

    The government cut the red tape and invested an extra £82 million to allow networks of practices to hire the GPs, with the funding continuing past this year thanks to the extra funding announced at the Budget.

    People in communities across England will be more readily able to receive the timely care they deserve, helping to shift healthcare from hospitals to the community.

    Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said:

    Rebuilding our broken NHS starts with fixing the front door. We inherited a ludicrous situation where patients couldn’t get a GP appointment, while GPs couldn’t get a job. By cutting red tape and investing more in our NHS, we have put an extra 1,503 GPs into general practice to deliver more appointments.

    The extra investment and reforms we have made will allow patients to book appointments more easily, to help bring back the family doctor and end the 8am scramble.

    It is only because of the necessary decisions we took to increase employer National Insurance that we are able to recruit more GPs and deliver better services for patients. The extra investment and reform this government is making, as part of its Plan for Change, will get the NHS back on its feet and make it fit for the future.

    Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, said:         

    I would like to thank the general practice teams that have employed significantly more than the 1,000 extra GPs promised to provide care for patients.

    Improving access to general practice is an NHS priority and GP teams are delivering 29 million appointments every month – up a fifth since before the pandemic.  

    But we have more to do to make it easier for patients to see their local GP, so practice teams should continue to use this funding to best effect by recruiting more GPs, so more patients can be seen more quickly.

    The recruitment of an additional 1,503 GPs was made possible by the tough but fair decisions the Chancellor took at the Budget to fix the foundations of the NHS, enabling the government to provide almost £26 billion to get the NHS back on its feet and make it fit for the future.

    Thanks to these decisions, the government has already delivered over two million extra appointments since July, meeting its target seven months early, and brought the waiting list down by 193,000.

    Last year, the department added GPs to the additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS) and provided extra funding, meaning that GPs could be recruited more quickly by primary care networks (PCNs).

    The government has since provided the biggest boost to GP funding in years – an extra £889 million on top of the existing budget for general practice in 2025-26.

    The investment comes alongside new reforms to modernise general practice. GP surgeries must now allow patients to request appointments online throughout working hours from October, freeing up the phones for those who want to book over the phone, and making it easier for practices to triage patients based on medical need. More patients will also be able to book appointments with their regular doctor if they choose to, to bring back the family doctor.

    Cutting waiting times and improving access to health care for patients is one of the government’s top priorities in its Plan for Change which is driving forward reform of the health service to rebuild our NHS and improve living standards, which are growing at their fastest rate in two years.

    Notes to editors:

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AI Energy Council to ensure UK’s energy infrastructure ready for AI revolution

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    AI Energy Council to ensure UK’s energy infrastructure ready for AI revolution

    Industry heavyweights from the energy and technology sectors will descend on Whitehall today (8 April) for the first meeting of the UK’s new AI Energy Council.

    AI Energy Council launched to support the use of sustainable energy to power AI.

    • New AI Energy Council holds first round of talks on delivering the power which will drive the UK’s AI ambitions.
    • Technology and Energy Secretaries chair first round of talks on driving forward power and AI goals – central to delivering growth, jobs and opportunity through government’s Plan for Change. 
    • Energy representatives such as NESO, EDF, Scottish Power, Ofgem, and National Grid to join tech heavyweights Microsoft, ARM, Google and Amazon in sharing expert insights. 

    Co-chaired by the Technology and Energy Secretaries, today’s inaugural meeting will see members agree the council’s objectives with a key aim focused on how the government’s clean energy superpower mission, and its commitment to advancing AI and compute infrastructure, can work together to deliver economic growth.

    It’s expected the Council will also look at clean energy, like renewables and nuclear – advising on improving energy efficiency and sustainability in AI and data centre infrastructure, such as the use of water. The council will also take steps to ensure the secure adoption of AI across the UK’s energy network itself.

    Unveiled in January as part of the government’s response to the AI Opportunities Action Plan, the Council will bring together expert insights on the energy demands of AI, as the UK puts the technology front and centre of its plans to drive economic growth and deliver its Plan for Change. 

    Concerns over the energy demands needed to power AI data centres is an issue faced by countries the world over. One of the ways the UK is already rising to meet this challenge is by focussing its new AI Growth Zones – dedicated hotbeds of AI development – in areas which can access at least 500MW of power. Representing the equivalent of enough energy to power roughly two million homes, this will help to spark significant private investment from companies looking to set up shop in Britain – creating local jobs which will put more money in people’s pockets.

    Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle said: 

    The work of the AI Energy Council will ensure we aren’t just powering our AI needs to deliver new waves of opportunity in all parts of the country, but can do so in a way which is responsible and sustainable. 

    This requires a broad range of expertise from industry and regulators as we fire up the UK’s economic engine to make it fit for the age of AI – meaning we can deliver the growth which is the beating heart of our Plan for Change.

    Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband said:

    We are making the UK a clean energy superpower, building the homegrown energy this country needs to protect consumers and businesses, and drive economic growth, as part of our Plan for Change.

    AI can play an important role in building a new era of clean electricity for our country and as we unlock AI’s potential, this Council will help secure a sustainable scale up to benefit businesses and communities across the UK.

    The UK government has also been working closely with both Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator to deliver fundamental reforms to the UK’s connections process. Subject to final signoffs from Ofgem, this could release more than 400GW of capacity from the connection queue – accelerating projects vital to economic growth such as the delivery of new large scale AI data centres. 

    Joining the council are 14 organisations – including regulators and companies drawn from the energy and tech sectors – who will support its work by sharing expert insights.

    Among these organisations are: EDF, Ofgem, National Energy System Operator (NESO), Scottish Power, National Grid, Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and chip designer ARM, and infrastructure investment firm Brookfield. 

    This collaborative approach which brings together the energy and technology sectors will make sure there is join up across the board to speed up energy projects getting connected to the grid – especially with a growing pipeline of tech companies announcing plans to build datacentres across the UK.

    Alison Kay, Vice President, UK and Ireland, at Amazon Web Services (AWS), said:

    At Amazon, we’re working to meet the future energy needs of our customers, while remaining committed to powering our operations in a more sustainable way, and progressing toward our Climate Pledge commitment to become net-zero carbon by 2040.

    As the world’s largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy for the fifth year in a row, we share the government’s goal to ensure the UK has sufficient access to carbon-free energy to support its AI ambitions and to help drive economic growth.

    Jonathan Brearley, CEO of Ofgem, said:

    AI will play an increasingly important role in transforming our energy system to be cleaner, more efficient, and more cost-effective for consumers, but only if used in a fair, secure, sustainable and safe way.

    Working alongside other members of this Council, Ofgem will ensure AI implementation puts consumer interests first – from customer service to infrastructure planning and operation – so that everyone feels the benefits of this technological innovation in energy.

    As part of our Clean Power Action Plan, the government is getting more homegrown clean power connected to the grid by building the necessary infrastructure, prioritising the projects needed for 2030 to connect as much clean power as possible. We will clean up the grid connection queue, meaning crucial infrastructure from housing to gigafactories and data centres can get a connection to the grid, helping to unlock billions of investment and grow the economy. 

    Bolstered by accelerated planning approvals which will mean spades in the ground at a fraction of the time it currently takes, AI innovators will be able to call on cutting-edge infrastructure and ready access to power to drive forward the next wave of AI opportunity.

    Further information 

    Attendees to the first meeting of the AI Energy Council will include representatives of: 

    • Ofgem 
    • NESO 
    • Energy Networks Association 
    • Nuclear Industry Association 
    • ScottishPower 
    • National Grid 
    • EDF 
    • Google 
    • Microsoft 
    • Amazon Web Services 
    • Equinix 
    • Brookfield 
    • ARM 
    • ARIA

    The council will meet on a quarterly basis, with the next meeting scheduled for this summer.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Mental Health Australia welcomes ALP’s comprehensive platform for mental health

    Source:

    The country’s peak mental health body Mental Health Australia welcomes the Australian Labor Party’s $1bn election commitment to significantly increase access to free mental health supports across the country, along with a much needed boost to grow the workforce.

    See full media release at the PDF attached below. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Remarks by Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director at the CPD58 High-Level Side Event: Improving Health and Well-being for Women and Newborns

    Source: United Nations Population Fund

    Excellencies,
    Esteemed delegates, 
    Dearest colleagues,
    Dear community leaders and young people,

    Greetings of peace, the noble pursuit of the United Nations and the fervent desire of every woman and girl that UNFPA serves in over 150 locations.

    We meet at a time when our shared mission of peace, human rights and development is more vital than ever; and where we count on people of goodwill like you for solidarity in forging a brighter future.

    As we face a world of unprecedented challenges, among the most profound is the continued injustice of women dying in pregnancy and childbirth, often from entirely preventable causes.

    How can it be, that in this day and age, each and every two minutes, a woman dies from complications in pregnancy or childbirth? And in places affected by conflict, maternal mortality more than doubles. 

    These are not just numbers; they are real lives.

    Let me tell you what I heard from Aicha, a young woman displaced from a traditional village in Cameroon after repeated flooding and then violence by armed groups. She confided: “I am so scared for the baby in my womb and for myself”.

    Pull back the curtain and behind every maternal death you will find a clinic that didn’t have essential medicines, a community without skilled midwives, and a crisis putting basic human care out of reach.

    With never-ending conflicts, growing economic uncertainty, and more frequent climate disasters, women’s health needs are surging – and that’s happening as resources and political will seem to be far less reliable.

    Yet we know that major progress is possible. Change happens when we mobilize the full weight of local communities joined by the international community. 

    Changed happened over the past 25 years, during which the world saw a remarkable 40 percent drop in global maternal mortality. 

    And while progress slowed more recently, there has been a 10 percent decline in maternal deaths since 2015. Let me emphasize that the most gains were made in the least developed countries. Progress is possible!

    Even with setbacks from Covid-19, we are beginning to get back on track in most countries.

    Three powerful examples stand out – Tanzania, Sierra Leone, and Nepal.

    Through impressive government leadership and strategic investments, Tanzania cut maternal mortality by 79 percent, Sierra Leone by 52 percent, and Nepal by one third.

    Seeing is believing. Tangible progress follows when countries prioritize women’s health. This means thousands of lives saved, mothers and their babies poised for a healthier future.

    Importantly, we have the tools to replicate this success. We have cost-effective, evidence-based strategies. We know what works.

    This is all good news. Yet let’s not rest on our laurels while steep funding cuts right now are forcing countries to roll back vital services for maternal, newborn and child health – putting fragile gains at risk.

    We need to go further and we certainly need to go faster.

    Native American wisdom tell us: We will be known forever for the tracks we leave.

    Now is the time to expand all of the proven interventions that we have at hand. Now is the time to ensure equitable access to quality care, especially for any woman who is poor, because she is the one too often left behind.

    Here is where the transformative power of midwives shines bright. 

    Midwives save lives!

    With proper investment in the midwifery profession, did you know that midwives could deliver up to 90 percent of essential sexual and reproductive health services? That includes vital antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care. 

    What’s more, every dollar poured into midwifery yields a 16-fold return in economic and social benefits. That’s an outstanding return on investment and a financially sustainable solution all around.

    • Midwifery care significantly reduces mother and newborn complications.
    • Midwives are leaders. They are embedded in communities, and therefore better able to reach remote and marginalized groups. That’s the path to bridging the inequalities that fuel maternal deaths.
    • Midwives provide holistic care that respects women’s preferences and minimizes medical interventions. They improve the overall experience of childbirth and are a trusted, stabilizing force within their communities.

    I tell you all of this so that you understand that we must act to end the global shortage of nearly one million midwives. 

    The largely female midwifery workforce, unfortunately, remains persistently under-recognized, under-utilized, and under-funded – despite all the overwhelming and longstanding evidence in support of the midwifery model of care.

    That is why UNFPA, with the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), WHO, UNICEF and other terrific partners, are so proud to launch the Midwifery Accelerator. Thank goodness we now have a global blueprint and a fearless coalition to close the midwifery gap and hasten progress towards ending maternal and newborn deaths by 2030.

    Our unwavering promise is to educate, deploy, retain and empower midwives. Because every woman, everywhere deserves safe, respectful, quality care when she brings life into this world. And a strong, well-resourced midwifery workforce defines the pathway to success.

    You know, safe birth is no longer a technical challenge; rather it is a political choice. Governments hold the power to enact policies, allocate critical resources, and build robust health systems that protect and safeguard lives. 

    I urge Member States to prioritize and set measurable reproductive, maternal, and newborn health targets aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNFPA stands shoulder-to-shoulder with you in this critical endeavour.

    The survival and well-being of every woman and every newborn is no less than the foundation of strong families, resilient communities and prosperous societies.

    Again, we will be known forever for the tracks we leave.

    So let us galvanize our collective will and stand united in our complete, interconnected humanity.

    The status quo is done; it is over. Let us seize this moment for resolute action. Let us create a world where everyone has the opportunity to not just survive, but to thrive and flourish in their full potential.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Peters Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Boost America’s AI Workforce Pipeline

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen America’s workforce pipeline in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and other critical technologies. Peters’ AI and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act – which he reintroduced with U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) – would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop a workforce framework that defines AI and other emerging and critical technology jobs, and the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform them. Building off the successful National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework developed by NIST, this bill would help drive U.S. economic competitiveness and advance our skills pipeline in AI and other emerging technologies by ensuring that individuals have a roadmap to find good-paying jobs. This framework would also help schools, universities, training programs, and employers as they educate, train, and employ the best and brightest in the workforce of the future.   

    “As the artificial intelligence sector continues to grow and play an increasingly important role in everything from health care to finance to agriculture, it’s crucial that we have a highly skilled workforce ready to drive innovation and keep the United States at the forefront of this industry,” said Senator Peters. “My bipartisan bill would help expand our nation’s workforce pipeline, not only in AI, but also cybersecurity and other critical technologies that will shape the future of our economy.” 

    “The AI and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act stands as a pivotal step towards ensuring Michigan’s workforce remains at the forefront of AI and emerging technologies,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “This legislation aligns seamlessly with the mission of the Michigan Works! Association to prepare Michigan’s workers for the future through inclusive workforce development.”

    “Addressing gaps in the AI and cybersecurity workforce will help safeguard U.S. competitiveness and national security,” said Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC) President and CEO Jason Oxman. “The tech sector appreciates U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Eric Schmitt’s bipartisan leadership in introducing the Artificial Intelligence and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act of 2025. This crucial bill will expand resources to ensure that the U.S. has the robust workforce it needs to win the global AI race.”

    “ISACA enthusiastically supports the legislation by Senator Peters and Senator Schmitt to bring the coherence of NICE KSA’s to AI,” said Emily Bastedo, Head of Government Affairs for the Information Systems Audit and Control Association. “The model of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) has proven to be effective in developing a skilled cybersecurity workforce. ISACA supports using this model for increasing talent in workers with experience in artificial intelligence. There is a significant gap between the demand for AI skills and the supply of workers who possess them. ISACA’s research, certifications, and professional development programs recognize the connections between the AI, security, privacy, and emerging technology workforces. ISACA supports enactment of the AI and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act.”

    “Preparing our workforce for an AI-integrated economy is an all hands on deck moment,” said Americans for Responsible Innovation President Brad Carson. “We need a coordinated federal effort to ready American workers with the skills to stay globally competitive and keep the U.S. at the forefront of innovation. Big changes are coming for our economy, and this bipartisan bill positions the U.S. workforce to lead in an AI-powered world.”

    The AI and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act would direct NIST to develop an AI workforce framework and identify and report to Congress on other critical or emerging technology areas that could benefit from workforce frameworks, with a focus on ensuring that the frameworks are useful for individuals from nontraditional backgrounds and education. As technologies continue to evolve, this legislation will help ensure that similar frameworks for emerging technology like advanced biology and quantum computing are developed, while ensuring America is positioned to develop and retain skilled individuals across these industries. The bipartisan bill would also require the NICE cybersecurity framework to be updated with input from industry, academia, and government agencies to reflect changes in the cybersecurity sector. The bill would also encourage NIST to offer career resources and guidance to students and adults about careers in cybersecurity, ensuring a sustainable and capable future cyber workforce. 

    Peters has worked to promote responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and to expand the AI workforce. In his role leading the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters convened multiple hearings on the transformative potential of AI, as well as how the federal government can enable the responsible and effective adoption of AI. Last Congress, Peters led bipartisan legislation to establish guardrails for the federal government to effectively and responsibly purchase and use AI. Peters also introduced bipartisan legislation to designate a Chief AI Officer at every federal agency to coordinate responsible adoption and deployment of AI tools within agencies and across the federal government. Peters also introduced bipartisan legislation to create an AI training program for federal supervisors and management officials. Peters also authored the bipartisan Transparent Automated Governance Act would require federal agencies to notify individuals when they are interacting with or subject to decisions made using automated systems. In 2022, his bipartisan bill to create a training program to help federal employees responsible for purchasing and managing AI technologies better understand the capabilities and risks they pose was signed into law.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Sounds Alarm on Inexperienced Trump Nominee to Run Nuclear Arsenal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    April 07, 2025

    “I am concerned that a leader without strong technical expertise and extensive experience could put our nuclear deterrent at risk and waste billions of dollars.” 

    “The person confirmed to lead the NNSA…must also make it abundantly clear that they would not share information with companies that might support China’s own nuclear modernization efforts, further jeopardizing American national security.”

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote to Mr. Brandon Williams, nominee for Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), with concerns over his lack of experience and potential ties to the Chinese government through his business. Mr. Williams’ nomination will be considered by the Senate Armed Services Committee on April 8, 2025. 

    The NNSA is tasked with the design, production, and maintenance of the nation’s nuclear arsenal, along with ensuring the safety, security, and reliability of the country’s nuclear weapons. By law, anyone nominated for the position must “have extensive background in national security” and be “well qualified to manage nuclear weapons.” Each of the six previous Under Secretaries for Nuclear Security and NNSA Administrators had strong backgrounds in fields related to nuclear technology or national security. William’s two most recent predecessors each worked for more than 30 years in nuclear security before taking on the role. 

    Mr. Williams lacks any of the extensive technical experience of his predecessors. He completed a training at the Naval Nuclear Power School and served as a junior officer on a nuclear submarine, but does not possess any advanced degree in physics or engineering. The NNSA is in the middle of a $200 billion nuclear modernization project, which the Government Accountability Office has found already exceeded initial cost estimates by more than $2 billion and is behind by almost 10 years. Williams’ lack of experience raises concerns about his ability to effectively manage the nuclear arsenal.  

    “I am concerned that a leader without strong technical expertise and extensive experience could put our nuclear deterrent at risk and waste billions of dollars,” said Senator Warren.

    Senator Warren also called out Mr. Williams’ ties to the Chinese government through his software cloud computing company, CPLANE.ai. In 2013, after founding the company, Mr. Williams partnered with PCCW Global, which was partially controlled by the Chinese government through China Unicom, a company banned from U.S. markets in 2018 due to “spying concerns.” 

    “The person confirmed to lead the NNSA…must also make it abundantly clear that they would not share information with companies that might support China’s own nuclear modernization efforts, further jeopardizing American national security,” concluded Senator Warren. 

    Senator Warren asked Mr. Williams to explain whether he supports DOGE’s mass firings at NNSA, how he plans to address his experience shortfalls, asked him to commit to not share information that would compromise national security interests, and more, by April 14, 2025. 

    Senator Warren has long worked to ensure the stability and safety of the United States nuclear arsenal: 

    • In March 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren slammed Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) reckless firings of federal employees, including at the NNSA, where workers who ensure the safety and security of the country’s nuclear stockpile were fired and had to be rehired. 
    • In January 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to Elon Musk with recommendations that would cut at least $2 trillion in government waste, including cutting nearly $2 billion in NNSA yearly spending on plutonium pit production at the Savannah River Site. 

    MIL OSI USA News –