NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Wang Yi: China will continue to support Iran in safeguarding state sovereignty and national dignity

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TIANJIN, July 16 (Xinhua) — China will continue to support Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty and dignity, opposing power politics and bullying, upholding its legitimate rights and interests through political negotiations, and further improving and developing relations with its neighbors based on the principle of good-neighborliness and friendship, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday.

    Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who arrived in China to attend a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sanction Update (1)

    Source: Isle of Man

    Financial Sanctions: Haiti

     

    The Authority has been notified that the Isle of Man Treasury, Customs and Immigration Division has recently published new and updated information regarding the above Sanction regimes.

    News Releases advising details of the updates to the above Sanctions regimes can be read on the IOM Government website (www.gov.im/news) at:

    Financial Sanctions: Haiti

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/jul/09/financial-sanctions-haiti/

     

    Copies of extant Sanctions Notices, are available free of charge over the Internet from the Sanctions and Export Control page on the website of the Isle of Man Treasury, Customs and Immigration Division located at: https://www.gov.im/categories/tax-vat-and-your-money/sanctions-and-export-control

    Any queries regarding the above, or any Sanctions related matter should be addressed to the Isle of Man Treasury, Customs and Immigration Division, Sanctions Officer  on telephone number +44 (0) 1624 648109 or by email to sanctions@gov.im

     

    To receive regular updates about sanctions, including updates to the UK Sanctions List, you can subscribe to the RSS feed for sanctions & Excise news releases by copying and pasting this URL:

     

    https://gov.im/categories/tax-vat-and-your-money/sanctions-and-export-control/news/RssCategorisedNews

     

     into your RSS feed reader or Microsoft Outlook RSS feeds folder. You can also view our guidance on how to use RSS Feeds.

     

    The UK Treasury operate an ‘alert’ system to provide email updates as and when changes to sanctions are introduced.  Licenceholders may consider it very prudent to avail themselves of this service if they do not already have relevant notification processes in place. 

     

    This service can be found at   Subscribe to Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation updates

     

    FSA Ref: News/ENF/14/2025 – 2025

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sanction Update (1)

    Source: Isle of Man

    Financial Sanctions: Haiti

     

    The Authority has been notified that the Isle of Man Treasury, Customs and Immigration Division has recently published new and updated information regarding the above Sanction regimes.

    News Releases advising details of the updates to the above Sanctions regimes can be read on the IOM Government website (www.gov.im/news) at:

    Financial Sanctions: Haiti

    https://www.gov.im/news/2025/jul/09/financial-sanctions-haiti/

     

    Copies of extant Sanctions Notices, are available free of charge over the Internet from the Sanctions and Export Control page on the website of the Isle of Man Treasury, Customs and Immigration Division located at: https://www.gov.im/categories/tax-vat-and-your-money/sanctions-and-export-control

    Any queries regarding the above, or any Sanctions related matter should be addressed to the Isle of Man Treasury, Customs and Immigration Division, Sanctions Officer  on telephone number +44 (0) 1624 648109 or by email to sanctions@gov.im

     

    To receive regular updates about sanctions, including updates to the UK Sanctions List, you can subscribe to the RSS feed for sanctions & Excise news releases by copying and pasting this URL:

     

    https://gov.im/categories/tax-vat-and-your-money/sanctions-and-export-control/news/RssCategorisedNews

     

     into your RSS feed reader or Microsoft Outlook RSS feeds folder. You can also view our guidance on how to use RSS Feeds.

     

    The UK Treasury operate an ‘alert’ system to provide email updates as and when changes to sanctions are introduced.  Licenceholders may consider it very prudent to avail themselves of this service if they do not already have relevant notification processes in place. 

     

    This service can be found at   Subscribe to Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation updates

     

    FSA Ref: News/ENF/14/2025 – 2025

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: David Robie: New Zealand must do more for Pacific and confront nuclear powers

    Rongelap Islanders on board the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior travelling to their new home on Mejatto Island in 1985 — less than two months before the bombing. Image: ©1985 David Robie/Eyes of Fire

    He accused the coalition government of being “too timid” and “afraid of offending President Donald Trump” to make a stand on the nuclear issue.

    However, a spokesperson for New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters told RNZ Pacific that New Zealand’s “overarching priority . . . is to work with Pacific partners to achieve a secure, stable, and prosperous region that preserves Pacific sovereignty and agency”.

    The spokesperson said that through its foreign policy “reset”, New Zealand was committed to “comprehensive relationships” with Pacific Island countries.

    “New Zealand’s identity, prosperity and security are intertwined with the Pacific through deep cultural, people, historical, security, and economic linkages.”

    The New Zealand government commits almost 60 percent of its development funding to the region.

    Pacific ‘increasingly contested’
    The spokesperson said that the Pacific was becoming increasingly contested and complex.

    “New Zealand has been clear with all of our partners that it is important that engagement in the Pacific takes place in a manner which advances Pacific priorities, is consistent with established regional practices, and supportive of Pacific regional institutions.”

    They added that New Zealand’s main focus remained on the Pacific, “where we will be working with partners including the United States, Australia, Japan and in Europe to more intensively leverage greater support for the region.

    “We will maintain the high tempo of political engagement across the Pacific to ensure alignment between our programme and New Zealand and partner priorities. And we will work more strategically with Pacific Governments to strengthen their systems, so they can better deliver the services their people need,” the spokesperson said.

    The cover of the latest edition of Eyes of Fire: The Last Voyage and Legacy of the Rainbow Warrior. Image: Little Island Press

    However, former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark, writing in the prologue of Dr Robie’s book, said: “New Zealand needs to re-emphasise the principles and values which drove its nuclear-free legislation and its advocacy for a nuclear-free South Pacific and global nuclear disarmament.”

    Dr Robie added that looking back 40 years to the 1980s, there was a strong sense of pride in being from Aotearoa, the small country which set an example around the world.

    “We took on . . . the nuclear powers,” Dr Robie said.

    “And the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior was symbolic of that struggle, in a way, but it was a struggle that most New Zealanders felt a part of, and we were very proud of that [anti-nuclear] role that we took.

    “Over the years, it has sort of been forgotten”.

    ‘Look at history’
     France conducted 193 nuclear tests over three decades until 1996 in French Polynesia.

    Until 2009, France claimed that its tests were “clean” and caused no harm, but in 2010, under the stewardship of Defence Minister Herve Morin, a compensation law was passed.

    From 1946 to 1962, 67 nuclear bombs were detonated in the Marshall Islands by the US.

    The 1 March 1954 Bravo hydrogen bomb test at Bikini Atoll, the largest nuclear weapon ever exploded by the United States, left a legacy of fallout and radiation contamination that continues to this day. Image: Marshall Islands Journal

    In 2024, then-US deputy secretary of state Kurt Campbell, while responding to a question from RNZ Pacific about America’s nuclear legacy, said: “Washington has attempted to address it constructively with massive resources and a sustained commitment.”

    However, Dr Robie said that was not good enough and labelled the destruction left behind by the US, and France, as “outrageous”.

    “It is political speak; politicians trying to cover their backs and so on. If you look at history, [the response] is nowhere near good enough, both by the US and the French.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: David Robie: New Zealand must do more for Pacific and confront nuclear powers

    Rongelap Islanders on board the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior travelling to their new home on Mejatto Island in 1985 — less than two months before the bombing. Image: ©1985 David Robie/Eyes of Fire

    He accused the coalition government of being “too timid” and “afraid of offending President Donald Trump” to make a stand on the nuclear issue.

    However, a spokesperson for New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters told RNZ Pacific that New Zealand’s “overarching priority . . . is to work with Pacific partners to achieve a secure, stable, and prosperous region that preserves Pacific sovereignty and agency”.

    The spokesperson said that through its foreign policy “reset”, New Zealand was committed to “comprehensive relationships” with Pacific Island countries.

    “New Zealand’s identity, prosperity and security are intertwined with the Pacific through deep cultural, people, historical, security, and economic linkages.”

    The New Zealand government commits almost 60 percent of its development funding to the region.

    Pacific ‘increasingly contested’
    The spokesperson said that the Pacific was becoming increasingly contested and complex.

    “New Zealand has been clear with all of our partners that it is important that engagement in the Pacific takes place in a manner which advances Pacific priorities, is consistent with established regional practices, and supportive of Pacific regional institutions.”

    They added that New Zealand’s main focus remained on the Pacific, “where we will be working with partners including the United States, Australia, Japan and in Europe to more intensively leverage greater support for the region.

    “We will maintain the high tempo of political engagement across the Pacific to ensure alignment between our programme and New Zealand and partner priorities. And we will work more strategically with Pacific Governments to strengthen their systems, so they can better deliver the services their people need,” the spokesperson said.

    The cover of the latest edition of Eyes of Fire: The Last Voyage and Legacy of the Rainbow Warrior. Image: Little Island Press

    However, former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark, writing in the prologue of Dr Robie’s book, said: “New Zealand needs to re-emphasise the principles and values which drove its nuclear-free legislation and its advocacy for a nuclear-free South Pacific and global nuclear disarmament.”

    Dr Robie added that looking back 40 years to the 1980s, there was a strong sense of pride in being from Aotearoa, the small country which set an example around the world.

    “We took on . . . the nuclear powers,” Dr Robie said.

    “And the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior was symbolic of that struggle, in a way, but it was a struggle that most New Zealanders felt a part of, and we were very proud of that [anti-nuclear] role that we took.

    “Over the years, it has sort of been forgotten”.

    ‘Look at history’
     France conducted 193 nuclear tests over three decades until 1996 in French Polynesia.

    Until 2009, France claimed that its tests were “clean” and caused no harm, but in 2010, under the stewardship of Defence Minister Herve Morin, a compensation law was passed.

    From 1946 to 1962, 67 nuclear bombs were detonated in the Marshall Islands by the US.

    The 1 March 1954 Bravo hydrogen bomb test at Bikini Atoll, the largest nuclear weapon ever exploded by the United States, left a legacy of fallout and radiation contamination that continues to this day. Image: Marshall Islands Journal

    In 2024, then-US deputy secretary of state Kurt Campbell, while responding to a question from RNZ Pacific about America’s nuclear legacy, said: “Washington has attempted to address it constructively with massive resources and a sustained commitment.”

    However, Dr Robie said that was not good enough and labelled the destruction left behind by the US, and France, as “outrageous”.

    “It is political speak; politicians trying to cover their backs and so on. If you look at history, [the response] is nowhere near good enough, both by the US and the French.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Ken Henry urges nature law reform after decades of ‘intergenerational bastardry’

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phillipa C. McCormack, Future Making Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide

    Former Treasury Secretary Ken Henry has warned Australia’s global environmental reputation is at risk if the Albanese government fails to reform nature laws this term.

    In his speech to the National Press Club on Wednesday, Henry said reform was needed to restore nature and power the net zero economy.

    Speaking as chair of the Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation, Henry said with “glistening ambition”, Australia can “build an efficient, jobs-rich, globally competitive, high-productivity, low-emissions nature-rich economy”.

    The speech comes at a crucial time for nature law reform in Australia. The new Environment Minister Murray Watt has committed to prioritise reform, after the Albanese government failed to achieve substantial changes to these laws in the last parliament.

    On Wednesday, Henry condemned previous failed attempts to reform the laws. He described delays in improving environmental management as “a wilful act of intergenerational bastardry”.

    The need for fundamental reform

    The Albanese government abandoned efforts to pass important reforms in its first term.

    Environment Minister Murray Watt has committed to achieving reforms within 18 months, acknowledging “our current laws are broken”.

    In his speech on Wednesday, Henry agreed with this sentiment. He described the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act as “a misnomer, if ever there was one”.

    Henry is both a former Treasury Secretary and former chair of National Australia Bank. He also wrote Australia’s most important white paper on tax reform.

    Henry has previously said environmental law reform could be a template for other essential, difficult law reform, such as fixing Australia’s broken tax system.

    He understands Australia’s broken environmental laws. In 2022-23, he led an independent review into nature laws in New South Wales. That review found the laws were failing and would never succeed in their current form.

    At the start of his speech on Wednesday, Henry came close to tears when he acknowledged Greens Senator Sarah Hansen-Young’s support for those who look after injured and orphaned native animals.

    As a bureaucrat in Canberra, Henry also used to rescue injured animals and nurse them back to health.

    Logging and land clearing for development destroys koala habitat.
    Pexels, Pixabay, CC BY

    Big challenges ahead

    As Henry noted on Wednesday, Australia faces enormous challenges. These include the need to rapidly build more housing and triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.

    But before building suburbs, wind farms, transmission lines, mines and roads, projects need to be assessed for their potential to harm the environment.

    Henry on Wednesday called for sweeping changes, drawing on Graeme Samuel’s 2019-20 review of the EPBC Act. The changes include:

    • genuine cooperation across all levels of government, industry and the community
    • high-integrity evidence to inform decision making
    • clear, strong and enforceable standards applied nationwide
    • an independent and trusted decision-maker, in the form of a national Environment Protection Authority
    • a natural capital market, which – if well-designed – could provide a financial incentive for nature restoration and carbon storage in the form of tradable credits.

    Without the reforms, Henry said, Australia would not “retain a shred of credibility” for two global commitments: reaching net zero emissions, and halting and reversing biodiversity loss.

    The net zero commitment is at risk because existing laws are not sufficient to protect carbon sinks, such as forests. The roll out of renewable energy is also being slowed by inefficient approvals processes.

    Henry said the concept of “ecologically sustainable development”, which seeks to balance economic, social, and economic goals, needs serious rethinking. This concept has been the foundation of environment policy in Australia, including the EPBC Act, for the past 30 years.

    Henry wrote the first Intergenerational Report for the federal government in 2002. He has criticised governments for allowing environmental destruction that will leave future generations worse off.

    He has variously described Australia’s failure to steward our natural resources as an intergenerational tragedy, as intergenerational theft, and a wilful act of intergenerational bastardry – claims he repeated on Wednesday.

    Making money grow on trees

    Henry grew up on the Mid North Coast of NSW where his father, a worker in the timber industry, helped log native forests.

    Land clearing is the main threat to Australian biodiversity, and preventing native vegetation loss would also cut greenhouse gas emissions.

    The foundation Henry chairs advocates for the protection and restoration of Australia’s native forests. Henry has previously backed a plan to store carbon in native forests, which would mean trees were protected and not cut down.

    In his Press Club address, Henry lamented ongoing land clearing, poor fire management in remnant forests, and logging of habitat for endangered species such as the koala and the greater glider. He also called for nature laws that enable projects to be delivered in a way that not only protects but also restores nature. For instance, he said carbon credits could help fund the Great Koala National Park proposed for NSW.

    Logging continues in old growth native forest.
    Chris Putnam/Future Publishing via Getty Images

    What’s the Australian government doing?

    Despite Murray Watt’s stated commitment to nature law reform, there are signs the environment may again come off second-best.

    At a recent meeting with key stakeholders, including industry and environment groups, Watt said compromise was needed. He warned environmental protections must come with streamlined project approvals “to improve productivity”.

    Henry on Wednesday acknowledged faster approvals were needed, saying:

    We simply cannot afford slow, opaque, duplicative and contested environmental planning decisions based on poor information mired in administrative complexity.

    But he said faster approvals should not come at a greater cost to nature. In his words:

    with due acknowledgement of the genius of AC/DC, there is no point in building a faster highway to hell.

    Henry said the current parliament has time to put the right policy settings in place. The remedies also enjoy broad stakeholder support. “We’ve had all the reviews we need,” he said. “All of us have had our say. It is now up to parliament. Let’s just get this done.”

    Phillipa C. McCormack receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Natural Hazards Research Australia, the National Environmental Science Program, Green Adelaide and the ACT Government. She is a member of the National Environmental Law Association and affiliated with the Wildlife Crime Research Hub.

    – ref. Ken Henry urges nature law reform after decades of ‘intergenerational bastardry’ – https://theconversation.com/ken-henry-urges-nature-law-reform-after-decades-of-intergenerational-bastardry-261167

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Ken Henry urges nature law reform after decades of ‘intergenerational bastardry’

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phillipa C. McCormack, Future Making Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide

    Former Treasury Secretary Ken Henry has warned Australia’s global environmental reputation is at risk if the Albanese government fails to reform nature laws this term.

    In his speech to the National Press Club on Wednesday, Henry said reform was needed to restore nature and power the net zero economy.

    Speaking as chair of the Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation, Henry said with “glistening ambition”, Australia can “build an efficient, jobs-rich, globally competitive, high-productivity, low-emissions nature-rich economy”.

    The speech comes at a crucial time for nature law reform in Australia. The new Environment Minister Murray Watt has committed to prioritise reform, after the Albanese government failed to achieve substantial changes to these laws in the last parliament.

    On Wednesday, Henry condemned previous failed attempts to reform the laws. He described delays in improving environmental management as “a wilful act of intergenerational bastardry”.

    The need for fundamental reform

    The Albanese government abandoned efforts to pass important reforms in its first term.

    Environment Minister Murray Watt has committed to achieving reforms within 18 months, acknowledging “our current laws are broken”.

    In his speech on Wednesday, Henry agreed with this sentiment. He described the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act as “a misnomer, if ever there was one”.

    Henry is both a former Treasury Secretary and former chair of National Australia Bank. He also wrote Australia’s most important white paper on tax reform.

    Henry has previously said environmental law reform could be a template for other essential, difficult law reform, such as fixing Australia’s broken tax system.

    He understands Australia’s broken environmental laws. In 2022-23, he led an independent review into nature laws in New South Wales. That review found the laws were failing and would never succeed in their current form.

    At the start of his speech on Wednesday, Henry came close to tears when he acknowledged Greens Senator Sarah Hansen-Young’s support for those who look after injured and orphaned native animals.

    As a bureaucrat in Canberra, Henry also used to rescue injured animals and nurse them back to health.

    Logging and land clearing for development destroys koala habitat.
    Pexels, Pixabay, CC BY

    Big challenges ahead

    As Henry noted on Wednesday, Australia faces enormous challenges. These include the need to rapidly build more housing and triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.

    But before building suburbs, wind farms, transmission lines, mines and roads, projects need to be assessed for their potential to harm the environment.

    Henry on Wednesday called for sweeping changes, drawing on Graeme Samuel’s 2019-20 review of the EPBC Act. The changes include:

    • genuine cooperation across all levels of government, industry and the community
    • high-integrity evidence to inform decision making
    • clear, strong and enforceable standards applied nationwide
    • an independent and trusted decision-maker, in the form of a national Environment Protection Authority
    • a natural capital market, which – if well-designed – could provide a financial incentive for nature restoration and carbon storage in the form of tradable credits.

    Without the reforms, Henry said, Australia would not “retain a shred of credibility” for two global commitments: reaching net zero emissions, and halting and reversing biodiversity loss.

    The net zero commitment is at risk because existing laws are not sufficient to protect carbon sinks, such as forests. The roll out of renewable energy is also being slowed by inefficient approvals processes.

    Henry said the concept of “ecologically sustainable development”, which seeks to balance economic, social, and economic goals, needs serious rethinking. This concept has been the foundation of environment policy in Australia, including the EPBC Act, for the past 30 years.

    Henry wrote the first Intergenerational Report for the federal government in 2002. He has criticised governments for allowing environmental destruction that will leave future generations worse off.

    He has variously described Australia’s failure to steward our natural resources as an intergenerational tragedy, as intergenerational theft, and a wilful act of intergenerational bastardry – claims he repeated on Wednesday.

    Making money grow on trees

    Henry grew up on the Mid North Coast of NSW where his father, a worker in the timber industry, helped log native forests.

    Land clearing is the main threat to Australian biodiversity, and preventing native vegetation loss would also cut greenhouse gas emissions.

    The foundation Henry chairs advocates for the protection and restoration of Australia’s native forests. Henry has previously backed a plan to store carbon in native forests, which would mean trees were protected and not cut down.

    In his Press Club address, Henry lamented ongoing land clearing, poor fire management in remnant forests, and logging of habitat for endangered species such as the koala and the greater glider. He also called for nature laws that enable projects to be delivered in a way that not only protects but also restores nature. For instance, he said carbon credits could help fund the Great Koala National Park proposed for NSW.

    Logging continues in old growth native forest.
    Chris Putnam/Future Publishing via Getty Images

    What’s the Australian government doing?

    Despite Murray Watt’s stated commitment to nature law reform, there are signs the environment may again come off second-best.

    At a recent meeting with key stakeholders, including industry and environment groups, Watt said compromise was needed. He warned environmental protections must come with streamlined project approvals “to improve productivity”.

    Henry on Wednesday acknowledged faster approvals were needed, saying:

    We simply cannot afford slow, opaque, duplicative and contested environmental planning decisions based on poor information mired in administrative complexity.

    But he said faster approvals should not come at a greater cost to nature. In his words:

    with due acknowledgement of the genius of AC/DC, there is no point in building a faster highway to hell.

    Henry said the current parliament has time to put the right policy settings in place. The remedies also enjoy broad stakeholder support. “We’ve had all the reviews we need,” he said. “All of us have had our say. It is now up to parliament. Let’s just get this done.”

    Phillipa C. McCormack receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Natural Hazards Research Australia, the National Environmental Science Program, Green Adelaide and the ACT Government. She is a member of the National Environmental Law Association and affiliated with the Wildlife Crime Research Hub.

    – ref. Ken Henry urges nature law reform after decades of ‘intergenerational bastardry’ – https://theconversation.com/ken-henry-urges-nature-law-reform-after-decades-of-intergenerational-bastardry-261167

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: World Population Day Event Held in Beijing

    Source: People’s Republic of China Ministry of Health

    n July 11, World Population Day event was held in Beijing. Ms. Guo Yanhong, Vice minister of the National Health Commission of P.R. China, Ms. Nadia Rasheed, the UNFPA Representative to the People’s Republic of China, and Mr. Xu Xinchao, Deputy Secretary-General of the Beijing Municipal Government, attended and delivered speeches.

    The theme for World Population Day 2025 in China is “Happy Marriage and Parenthood, Accompanied by Love and Support”. Ms. Guo Yanhong pointed out that the Chinese government has always cared about the happiness of young people, actively cultivated new types of marriage and childbearing culture and provided support. In 2024, China’s core indicators of maternal and child health ranked at the forefront of middle and high income countries in the world. The coverage of child care services has expanded, the number of child care providers has grown continuously, and inclusive child care services have been of better quality and become more accessible. China will continue to lead the new normal of population development, strive to build a childbirth-friendly society, and support Chinese-style modernization with high-quality population development. It will deepen cooperation with the UNFPA and countries around the world to jointly promote the realization of the Program of Action of the ICPD and United Nations SDGs, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

    Ms. Rasheed expressed gratitude for the long-term cooperation with the National Health Commission and pointed out that it is crucial to listen to the voices of young people and respect their aspirations.

    Officials from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League, the All-China Women’s Federation, relevant departments and directly affiliated institutions of the National Health Commission, and the Beijing Municipal Health Commission attended the event.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ22: Toys safety

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by Professor the Hon Chow Man-kong and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, in the Legislative Council today (July 16):

    Question:

    It has been reported that certain toys (e.g. slime, powerful magnetic beads and toy aqua beads, etc.) pose potential safety hazards. For instance, in 2023, there were 6 000 cases of children seeking emergency medical treatment in the United States (US) due to the inadvertent use of toy aqua beads, and there was even a 10-month-old infant found dead as a result. In Hong Kong, there are also numerous cases in which the unsafe toys have endangered children’s health. Regarding toys safety, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) in each of the past five years, of the number of (i) proactive inspections (both online and offline) conducted by the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) for the purpose of enforcing the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance (Cap. 424) (the Ordinance), (ii) reports received and their details (including the names of the substandard toys seized in enforcement actions and their hazardous nature), (iii) prohibition notices served on retailers and wholesalers, and (iv) cases of conviction for contravening the Ordinance and the penalty imposed in each of such cases;

    (2) whether it has compiled statistics, through channels such as schools and the number of visits to accident and emergency departments, on the number of cases involving Hong Kong children suffering from suffocation, acute toxicity and injury due to the inadvertent use of toys in each of the past five years; if so, of the details of each case (including the age of the children involved, the names of toys and whether they have been put on the C&ED’s list concerning “cases of unsafe products” (“the list”), as well as the follow-up actions taken by the C&ED; if not, whether it will consider establishing a notification mechanism to ensure that all the stakeholders (especially parents and teachers) will stay timely informed of toy safety incidents which involve significant social interests and children’s safety;

    (3) given that according to a test report published by the Consumer Council in August 2019, the boron migration of 12 models of slime or putty toys exceeded the recommended upper limit of the European standard, and prolonged exposure to or indirect excessive intake of the substance may result in vomiting or even affect one’s fertility, whether the authorities have prohibited the local sale of relevant toys associated with health risks since the publication of the report; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

    (4) it is learnt that the US Consumer Product Safety Commission intended to impose more stringent regulation on toy aqua beads last year, and members of the public can still purchase such toy aqua beads and other toys on the list through online or offline channels at present, whether the authorities will consider stepping up the regulation of the safety of relevant products as well as banning local sale of certain toys which have caused fatal accidents overseas; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply

    President,

         The Government attaches great importance to ensuring the safety of toys and children’s products and regulates the safety of toys and children’s products which are manufactured, imported or supplied for local consumption, in accordance with the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance (the Ordinance) (Cap. 424).

         The Ordinance stipulates that a person must not manufacture, import or supply a toy unless the toy complies with all the applicable requirements contained in one of the toy standards (which are international standards or standards adopted by major economies) specified in Schedule 1 to the Ordinance. A person who contravenes the above provision is liable to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for one year and a fine of $100,000 on first conviction and is liable to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for two years and a fine of $500,000 on subsequent conviction.

         The Government keeps in view any amendments to the relevant safety standards so as to update the standards applicable to the toys and children’s products supplied in Hong Kong.

         Moreover, the Toys and Children’s Products Safety (Additional Safety Standards or Requirements) Regulation (the Regulation) stipulates that a toy supplied in Hong Kong must comply with the requirements including the carrying of identification markings (i.e. the full name and address of the manufacturer, importer or supplier) and the bilingual warnings or cautions (with respect to the safe keeping, use, consumption or disposal) applicable to the toy; and the compliance with the requirements on concentration of phthalates contained in a toy.

         As the enforcement agency of the Ordinance, the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) proactively conducts surveillance in the market and online shopping platforms. Having conducted risk assessment, the C&ED will test-purchase different types of toys and children’s products and pass them to the Government Laboratory for safety tests. Besides, the C&ED will conduct investigations into the complaints received and the cases referred from relevant government departments or organisations and take appropriate enforcement actions based on facts and evidence. In addition, the C&ED will actively follow up information about suspected unsafe toys and children’s products obtained from different sources such as media coverage and measures taken by the Mainland or overseas places against certain toys and children’s products; and the news about product safety issued by law enforcement agencies and institutions of product safety outside Hong Kong.

    Having consulted the C&ED, our reply to various parts of the question is as follows:

    (1) From 2020 to 2024, the C&ED received 68 complaints in relation to toys, conducted more than 7 920 surveillance visits or spot checks and investigated 127 cases. During the above period, the C&ED prosecuted individuals or companies involved in 14 cases. All defendants, including eight persons and six companies, were convicted and fined by the court, with the amount ranging from $3,000 to $32,000. The toys involved in these cases were lanterns, glow sticks, heart-shaped fluorescent toys, projectile toys, puzzle toys, expanding bead toys, squeeze toys, magnetic toys, joint mats, bubble toys and microphone toys. Furthermore, the C&ED issued 32 prohibition notices to prohibit related persons from supplying products that were believed to be unsafe for a specified period of time; and issued 94 warning letters. Meanwhile, the C&ED also conducted 45 blitz checks at boundary control points to combat the import of unsafe toys and children’s products into Hong Kong. The relevant figures categorised by year are listed in the table in the Annex.

    (2) Currently, the C&ED did not compile statistics on cases involving children suffering injuries resulting from the use of unsafe toys through channels such as schools or the number of visits to accident and emergency departments. For cases referred by the relevant government departments or organisations, the C&ED will conduct follow-up investigations as and when appropriate.

    All along, the C&ED has attached great importance to disseminating information about toys safety to the public and traders through various channels, including:
     

    • if any toys with safety issues are identified during investigations, a press statement will be published immediately; and after completion of the investigation, the relevant information will be included in the “cases of unsafe products” in the C&ED’s webpage;
    • striving to carry out compliance promotion for traders to assist the traders in understanding the relevant toy safety requirements of the Ordinance; and
    • organising with the Department of Health toys and children’s products safety talks for the public and for students and parents in schools; and distributing pamphlets about the Ordinance, introducing and sharing safety information of toys and children’s products.

         The C&ED has no plan to establish a specific notification mechanism.

    (3) In the testing report published by the Consumer Council in August 2019, the boron migration level in some of the samples of slime or clay toy exceeded the suggested safety limit of the European Standard. Upon receiving the referral, the C&ED immediately conducted surveillance visits in various districts and test-purchased four different brands of slime or clay toy from the market for safety testing. Test results showed that all the samples complied with the safety standards stipulated in the Ordinance. However, the C&ED found that one sample of slime failed to comply with the identification markings and bilingual warnings or cautions requirements and was suspected to be in contravention of the requirements of the Ordinance. Immediate enforcement action was taken against the retailer concerned and a written warning was subsequently issued to the said retailer.

    (4) Under the Ordinance, manufacturers, importers, and suppliers of water-bead toys are required to ensure that their products comply with all the applicable requirements contained in one of the three toy safety standards specified in Schedule 1 to the Ordinance (i.e. the International Standard ISO 8124, the European Standard BS EN 71 and the American Society for Testing and Materials Standard ASTM F963).

         The C&ED has noted that the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission is considering more stringent regulations for water-bead toys, although these more stringent regulations have not yet been implemented by law. The Government will continue to closely monitor any new requirements for toys safety standards from law enforcement agencies and institutions of product safety outside Hong Kong, and will revise or update the Schedules to the Ordinance as and when appropriate.

    At present, for water-bead toys suspected to be unsafe, the C&ED has actively conducted inspections and test-purchases in various districts to assess their safety, with a view to ensuring that both imported and locally supplied toys have reached a reasonable standard of safety. From 2020 to 2024, the C&ED conducted 29 inspections or targeted spot checks on water-bead toys, received three complaint cases related to water-bead toys and initiated two investigations. In one case, a person was fined in court for supplying water-bead toys exceeding the expandable limit of the safety standard and without bearing the identification markings and bilingual warnings or cautions. In another case, a written warning was issued to a company supplying water-bead toys without bearing the identification markings and bilingual warnings or cautions.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: What’s Next for African Upstream? African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 to Explore 2026 Market Trends

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    With Africa’s upstream capital expenditure expected to reach $54 billion by 2030, the continent is gearing up for significant growth. A rise in frontier drilling, untapped resources in proven petroleum plays in tandem with growing global demand for sustainable fuels is expected to drive spending, with African licensing rounds further supporting investments. Amid this growth, key challenges come to the fore, including access to financing and maximizing output at mature fields. As such, the question remains: what’s next for African upstream?

    This year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town – will feature a series of presentations and panel discussions tackling this very question. A panel discussion on Frontier Plays Within Africa’s Mature Basins will examine strategies for unlocking additional reserves at mature assets. Speakers include Katrina Fisher, Managing Director at ExxonMobil Angola; Layi Fatona, Chairman of the Board, Renaissance Africa Energy Company; and Osayande Igiehon, Managing Director and CEO, Heirs Energies. As operators focus on perseverance and value creation from late-life assets, the session will explore the benefits of repurposing mature fields to meet anticipated energy demand.

    Ahead of the panel discussion, Dan Pratt, Head of Upstream Solutions at global energy and commodities information provider S&P Global Commodity Insights, will deliver a presentation on What’s Next for African Upstream in 2026. The presentation will unpack key challenges and opportunities across the continent’s upstream market. Additionally, Tony Attah, Managing Director and CEO of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, will participate in a Fireside Chat, delving into ongoing projects and future investment strategies.

    In 2026, Africa’s upstream sector is set to receive a major boost, with investments by companies such as ExxonMobil set to unlock new reserves as mature fields. In Angola, the company targets greater production at legacy assets, leveraging policies such as the Incremental Production Initiative to bolster output. In June 2025, the company signed a production sharing contract extension for Block 17 offshore Angola. The extension enables the ongoing use of existing infrastructure and technical expertise to maximize value from the mature field. This follows a discovery made by ExxonMobil in 2024 at the Likember-01 research well. The first find under the country’s Incremental Production Initiative, the discovery showcases the potential for greater production.  

    Meanwhile, Renaissance Africa Energy Company – a consortium of independent oil and gas companies – is also positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s upstream sector. The company is investing $15 billion across 32 oil and gas projects over the next five years, aiming to establish itself as a prominent player in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. This follows the $1.3 billion acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, affirming the company’s role in the country’s upstream sector. For Heirs Energies, investing in both producing and exploration assets is a top priority. As operator of OML 17 in Nigeria, the company has doubled production from 25,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 50,000 bpd since the block’s acquisition from Shell in 2021. Looking ahead, the company strives to replicate this success in other markets and is eyeing new investment opportunities in the Republic of Congo – one of Africa’s biggest oil producers.   

    The AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 panel discussions and presentations will explore the impact these investments will have on Africa’s upstream sector. Insights into anticipated drilling campaigns, upcoming projects and challenges will be shared, providing a comprehensive overview of the continent’s upstream market. 

    – on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    About AEW: Invest in African Energies:
    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: ‘A Dream Realized’: Mercy Ships Supports First-Of-Its-Kind African Dental Education Symposium

    Source: APO – Report:

    What began as a dream two years ago has now become a reality in Casablanca, Morocco. On July 11 and 12, 2025, representatives from 24 nations across the continent gathered at Université Mohammed VI des Sciences de la Santé (UM6SS) for the inaugural African Dental Education Symposium, which culminated in the creation of the groundbreaking African Education Dental Association (AEDA).

    The need for an association of this kind is pressing, as African nations face a critical shortage of dental professionals. According to the World Health Organization, there are just 0.44 dentists per 10,000 people (https://apo-opa.co/46H8Yv2) in Africa, compared to around 7 per 10,000 (https://apo-opa.co/4f0Tgx6) in many high-income countries. Only 84 dental schools operate (https://apo-opa.co/46H8Yv2) across 26 African nations. This contributes to the fact that, as of 2021, around 42% of Africa’s population have untreated oral diseases.

    The symposium, initiated by Professor Ihsane Benyayha, Dean of the UM6SS Dental School, and supported by international surgical charity Mercy Ships, brought together deans and directors from dental schools across Africa. This gathering, and its successful signing of a new association, marks a new chapter in intentional collaboration and innovation in dental education.

    “I think that we, as African leaders, African professors, African dentists, we can do a lot for our countries. We should help each other. I see that we have an American Dental Education Association, and a European one… Why not an African Education Dental Association?” said Professor Benyayha.

    “We’re at a time where it should no longer be acceptable for any country to have one dentist per 1 million people. Now is the time to solve this issue and overcome it. All the stakeholders and leaders we need are in this room. We need to ask ourselves; how can we take the next step?” said Dr. David Ugai, Mercy Ships Country Director for Guinea.

    The African Dental Education Symposium centered around a clear purpose: to catalyze African nations collaborating in new and dynamic ways to train dental professionals, develop sustainable education programs, and strengthen access to dental health throughout the continent.

    Key to fulfilling this mission is the launch of the African Education Dental Association, modeled after similar associations in the United States and Europe. The association will provide African dental educators with a unified voice, a space for sharing best practices, and a clear structure for long-term collaboration.

    “This is the realization of a great dream… This symposium is a necessity because everyone was in their own countries, working in isolation. But thanks to the symposium, we will be able to join forces, combine efforts, and try to share our points of view. Cooperation between African countries will allow the various dental schools in Africa to speak with one voice,” said Professor Mohamed Siddick Fadiga, Head of the Department of the Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry Dental School in Guinea.

    The symposium also featured international leaders, including the FDI World Dental Federation, the American Dental Education Association, and Association for Dental Education in Europe, offering their support as African deans and program directors take the lead in transforming dental education for the next generation.

    As of 2025, Mercy Ships has partnered with UM6SS to support the training of more than 20 dental professionals from Guinea, Benin, and Madagascar in advanced specialization programs. After graduating, these students will return home equipped to teach, mentor, and expand access to dental care in their own communities.

    “This symposium is the first to my knowledge. It’s the first time I’ve seen so many schools come together in one country to discuss the problems of dental education in Africa. So, it’s quite clear that this symposium is part of the history of dental education in Africa, and I hope it’s just the first of more,” said Professor El Hadj Babacar Mbodj, Dean of UCAD Dental School in Senegal.

    Mercy Ships’ partnerships extend far beyond Morocco. Across Africa, long-term collaboration with universities and ministries of health is helping expand infrastructure, enhance clinical training, and equip faculty to strengthen dental healthcare capacity. These efforts currently span the continent, including:

    • In Guinea, Mercy Ships’ ongoing partnership with Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry (UGANC) has revitalized the nation’s dental education opportunities and renovations have more than doubled the school’s training capacity.
    • In Senegal, an upcoming expansion to the dental school at Universite Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar will increase clinical training chairs from 30 to over 70.
    • In Togo, Mercy Ships is helping to build the first simulation and clinical training space at the University of Lomé, which first opened a dental program in 2019.
    • In Benin, Mercy Ships is training future educators to reopen the nation’s only dental school, which closed in 2018 due to a lack of specialty professors and infrastructure.
    • In Burkina Faso, a brand-new partnership will support training faculty development at the country’s growing dental school.
    • In Madagascar, Mercy Ships is sponsoring dentists for specialization to become specialists and future national university professors.
    • In Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, and Liberia, Mercy Ships is sponsoring a student exchange program through Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry that will increase access to dental education and expand the dentist workforce in their respective countries.

    “In the school’s years of existence, we have never thought about the next generation of teachers. But thanks to this partnership with Mercy Ships, we have hope for the survival of the school with the continuity of these young graduates who will return with their diplomas to our country. So, this partnership, for us, is very precious,” shared Professor Jeannot Randrianarivony, Dean of the University of Mahajanga Dental School in Madagascar.

    The African Dental Education Symposium reflects the heart of Mercy Ships’ mission: to bring hope and healing through surgical care and education, training, and advocacy. Events like the symposium offer a glimpse into a sustainable future where nations are equipped, educators are empowered, and communities have access to the care they need.

    – on behalf of Mercy Ships.

    For more information about Mercy Ships, contact:
    Eveline Vanduynhoven
    International PR manager – Special Projects
    Mercy Ships
    international.media@mercyships.org

    ABOUT MERCY SHIPS:
    Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with nations in Africa for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact. 

    Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit www.MercyShips.org and follow @MercyShips on social media.  

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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) Announces 20th Plenary Assembly in Rwanda

    Source: APO – Report:

    The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) (https://SECAM.org) is pleased to announce its 20th Plenary Assembly, scheduled to take place from 30 July to 4 August 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, under the theme: “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace.” This Assembly, coinciding with the Jubilee Year, offers a moment of deep ecclesial grace to evaluate the life and mission of the Church in Africa and to set forth a visionary roadmap for the next 25 years (2025–2050).

    A Continental Ecclesial Milestone

    The Plenary Assembly of SECAM is the most important gathering of the Catholic Church in Africa and its Islands. Held every three years, it brings together a significant number of Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, religious men and women, and lay faithful from across the continent and beyond. This 20th edition is expected to host approximately 250 participants from all 54 African countries and its islands, along with invited dignitaries and Church partners from other continents, making it a truly continental and global ecclesial event. It will serve as a privileged moment of reflection, communion, and decision-making for the life and mission of the Church in Africa.

    The Assembly will be presided over by His Eminence Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM. Building on the mandate of the 19th Plenary Assembly in Accra (July 2022), the Kigali Assembly will evaluate progress in strengthening synodality, institutional autonomy, theological foundations, and regional collaboration across the Church in Africa.

    Advancing a Shared Vision

    Since 2022, SECAM has worked through its Standing Committee and Secretariat to promote greater communion and mission through:

    • Advancing synodality and participation at all levels;
    • Strengthening institutional and financial self-reliance;
    • Enhancing theological reflection and pastoral care;
    • Fostering intercontinental and ecumenical partnerships;
    • Raising Africa’s voice on global issues such as climate change, justice, and peace.

    Addressing Pastoral and Cultural Realities

    One major issue under review will be the pastoral accompaniment of Catholics in polygamous unions, a complex cultural reality in African societies and beyond. SECAM has engaged theologians across the continent to explore this topic theologically and pastorally.

    The Assembly will also feature key presentations, including:

    • A theological reflection on the theme: “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace”
    • A draft document entitled: “The Vision of the Church–Family of God in Africa and its Islands: 2025–2050”
    • A pastoral document on “Accompaniment of Persons in Polygamous Situations”

    These will be complemented by plenary discussions, working groups, liturgical celebrations, departmental reports, and a concluding message to the Church and society.

    The Twelve Pillars of the Church’s Future

    Earlier this year, in preparation for the Assembly, SECAM held a high-level seminar in Accra (April 2025) to develop a long-term vision for the African Church. Discussions centered around twelve key pillars:

    1. Evangelization (Catholic education and theological formation)
    2. A self-reliant Church;
    3. Family-based models of leadership;
    4. Missionary discipleship and synodality;
    5. Care for creation;
    6. Youth engagement and ecclesial renewal;
    7. Justice, peace, and integral human development;
    8. Ecumenism and interfaith dialogue;
    9. Digital evangelization;
    10. Health and well-being of God’s people;
    11. Liturgical life in African contexts;
    12. Church and political engagement.

    This strategic vision document will be presented for discussion and possible adoption by the bishops at the Kigali Assembly.

    Engaging Africa’s Socio-Political Challenges

    In keeping with its prophetic mission, SECAM will also assess current political and social dynamics across the regions of Africa, with a focus on:

    • Governance and public leadership;
    • Human rights and social justice;
    • Poverty and debt;
    • Climate and environmental stewardship;
    • Dialogue, peacebuilding, and interreligious relations;
    • Safeguarding and youth protection.

    – on behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

    For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
    communications.secam@gmail.com
    www.SECAM.org

    Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Júnior
    Secretary General, SECAM
    Accra, Ghana

    About SECAM:
    Founded in 1969 during Pope St. Paul VI’s historic visit to Africa, SECAM is the continental structure of the Catholic Church in Africa and Madagascar. Its mission is to foster communion, promote evangelization, and be the moral and spiritual voice of the Church across the continent.

    Its key departments include:

    • Commission for Evangelization;
    • Justice, Peace and Development Commission (JPDC);
    • Department of Social Communication.

    In addition, SECAM operates a Liaison Office to the African Union based in Addis Ababa to ensure Church participation in continental policymaking and advocacy.

    SECAM is composed of eight regional episcopal bodies:

    • ACEAC (Central Africa), ACERAC (Central Africa), AHCE (Egypt), AMECEA (Eastern Africa), CEDOI (Indian Ocean), CERNA (North Africa), IMBISA (Southern Africa), RECOWA-CERAO (West Africa).
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  • Iran parliament rules out resumption of US talks until preconditions are met

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran’s parliament said the country should not resume nuclear negotiations with the United States until preconditions are met, in a statement reported on Wednesday by Iranian state media.

    “When the U.S. use negotiations as a tool to deceive Iran and cover up a sudden military attack by the Zionist regime (Israel), talks cannot be conducted as before. Preconditions must be set and no new negotiations can take place until they are fully met,” the statement said.

    The statement did not define the preconditions, but Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has previously said there should be guarantees there will be no further attacks against Tehran.

    Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities last month, saying that they were part of a programme geared towards developing nuclear weapons. Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is purely for civilian purposes.

    Tehran and Washington had held five rounds of indirect negotiations mediated by Oman prior to the 12-day air war, with U.S. demands that Tehran drop its domestic uranium enrichment programme reaching a dead end.

    Last week, Araqchi reiterated Tehran’s position that it would not agree to a nuclear deal that prevents it from enriching uranium and would refuse to discuss extra-nuclear topics such as its ballistic missile programme.

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he was in no rush to negotiate with Iran as its nuclear sites were now “obliterated”, but the U.S., in coordination with three European countries, has agreed to set the end of August as the deadline for a deal.

    French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Tuesday that Paris, London and Berlin would trigger the United Nations sanctions snapback mechanism, which would reimpose international sanctions on Iran, by the end of August if there is no concrete progress regarding an agreement.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Deploying technology to save the white rhino

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Deploying technology to save the white rhino

    Government has launched a strategy that seeks to rebuild the Kruger National Park’s white rhino population from just over 2 000 to 12 000 within the next decade by using technology.

    Government aims to monitor rhino herds daily using drones, GPS collars, and digital reporting systems to provide real-time data to enforcement teams.

    “Starting this year, 90 Rhino Monitors will be trained and deployed annually across Kruger National Park. They are not just protecting rhino. They are protecting livelihoods, family legacies, and the possibility of green jobs for a generation to come,” Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr Dion George said on Tuesday.

    The Minister made these remarks during the official launch of the Rhino Renaissance Campaign at the Kruger National Park, which is grounded on 24/7 rhino tracking; biological management such as targeted dehorning; DNA tagging and genetic research; enforcement cooperation across provincial, national, and regional levels and, critically, resource mobilisation to sustain operations over the long term.

    With South Africa currently hosting the Group Twenty (G20) Presidency, this campaign has been adopted as a G20 Legacy Project to rally global support, both diplomatic and financial, to scale this work.

    South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024, which runs to 30 November 2025, under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability”.

    “This work does not stand alone. We are fighting wildlife crime on every front. Our National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking is anchored in the Medium-Term Development Plan, the country’s roadmap for the next five years. 

    “This strategy brings together key government departments – including my department, Police, Justice, Border Management, Intelligence, [the] South African National Parks (SANParks) and the provincial conservation entities – in a united, multidisciplinary response. It also builds strong partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and communities on the ground,” George explained.

    Tackling wildlife crimes

    Fighting wildlife crime is one of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s six core priorities. 

    “At its heart is a commitment to a fair and sustainable future – one where our iconic wildlife supports livelihoods, uplifts communities, and strengthens our national identity. 

    “The Rhino Renaissance Campaign is a vital part of this effort. It supports our vision of a fair industry for lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos — a future where these species are not only protected but thrive alongside the people who live among them.
    “No country or sector can tackle this threat alone. South Africa is building strong enforcement networks across borders and finalising agreements with rhino horn destination countries,” the Minister said.

    Government is engaging partners such as Interpol, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) neighbours to strengthen intelligence-sharing and cross-border cooperation.

    South Africa’s response goes beyond law enforcement. It includes financial intelligence, anti-corruption efforts, and international diplomacy- because wildlife crime is deeply embedded in global criminal networks.

    Decline in rhino poaching

    As of the end of June, 195 rhinos had been poached across South Africa this year – a reduction of 35 compared to the same period in 2024.

    “While any loss is too many, this decrease signals that our intensified enforcement efforts are starting to have an effect. June recorded the lowest monthly poaching figures so far this year, with 22 rhinos killed nationwide. Here in the  Kruger, which is still a primary target for poachers, we lost 11 rhinos in both May and June, down from 17 in January and 30 in February.

    “These numbers are a stark reminder that the threat remains real and unrelenting. But they also show that progress is possible. Our rangers, enforcement teams, and intelligence units continue to work tirelessly on the front lines to protect our wildlife and hold the line,” the Minister said.

    Through rhino dehorning, South Africa removes the reasons rhinos are being killed in the first place.
    “Dehorning does not harm the animal. It saves its life. It buys us time – to restore numbers, upgrade security, and disrupt demand,” he explained.

    The country is already seeing green shoots which include the relocation of 2 000 rhinos from African Parks to safe havens across the country; Munyawana Conservancy and others are growing populations through rewilding; cross-border work is underway in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and across the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area.

    Safe havens have been identified in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana and collaboration between government and private wildlife owners in the Integrated Wildlife Zones has been enhanced. –SAnews.gov.za
     

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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Creecy dissolves RAF board amid governance challenges

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Creecy dissolves RAF board amid governance challenges

    The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, has decided to dissolve the Board of Directors of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) due to persistent governance and operational challenges that have beset the fund and significantly undermined its ability to discharge its statutory mandate.

    While the fund is grappling with governance challenges and concerns, which were further confirmed through internal oversight and regulatory engagements, the Minister reiterated on Tuesday that her department would continue to pursue all necessary measures to restore institutional stability.

    The Department of Transport has also committed to enhancing the RAF’s capacity to fulfil its statutory obligations to the public and ensure a speedy and equitable access to the Road Accident Benefit Scheme by the road accident victims.

    READ | Ministry of Transport to engage Road Accident Fund board

    Last month the RAF board suspended Collins Letsoalo as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for not attending a Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) hearing in Parliament.

    Furthermore, SCOPA resolved to launch a full committee inquiry into allegations of maladministration, financial mismanagement, wasteful and reckless expenditure, and related financial misconduct at the entity.

    READ | SCOPA probes RAF for maladministration 

    SCOPA made this decision after months of repeated attempts by the committee to obtain truthful, complete information from the RAF Board and executive management to little avail.

    The department has flagged as a concern the inconsistent and, at times, reckless handling of the suspension of the CEO, which attracted a legal challenge and institutional uncertainty.

    Through an internal oversight and regulatory engagements, the department noted deep divisions within the Board itself, evidenced by most resolutions being passed through the use of casting votes, rather than consensus, reflecting a lack of cohesion in critical decision-making processes.

    The board failed to fill at least two critical executive positions, which are critical to the mandate of the fund, namely that of Chief Claims Officer and Head of Legal.

    Furthermore, the department identified the protracted and costly litigation pursued by the RAF on the application of accounting standards as a concern. This has resulted in further strain on the entity’s financial resources and capacity.

    The department said the frequent incurrence of default judgments against the RAF, exacerbates its contingent liabilities and weakens its financial sustainability.

    “This has resulted in the loss of confidence in the board’s ability to run the entity effectively. On 5 June 2025, the Minister issued letters to the eleven members of the RAF board, affording them the opportunity to make representations regarding her intention to dissolve the board due to their failure to discharge their fiduciary duties effectively. 

    “The representations were received and have been duly considered. Consequently, the board has been dissolved,” the department said.

    Interim measures and review

    A submission has been prepared requesting the Minister of Finance to appoint an interim functionary as Accounting Authority in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act.

    The proposed appointment is intended to prevent a governance vacuum while a new board is being constituted.

    “A draft public advertisement has been prepared to commence the process of appointing a new board, ensuring transparent and merit-based selection in line with applicable legislation. 

    “To support the development of a sustainable operational and governance model, the Minister has initiated the appointment of a panel of independent experts to review the RAF’s business processes and propose actionable recommendations. Members of the panel will be announced in due course.

    “Furthermore, a request has been made to the SIU [Special Investing Unit]  to establish if the current investigation under Proclamation 44 of 2024 covers the events of the last three months and if not, formally request the expansion of the scope to cover these events. 

    “The response from the SIU in this regard is eagerly awaited,” the department said. –SAnews.gov.za

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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Rise in e-commerce activity boosts SA’s supply chain sector

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Rise in e-commerce activity boosts SA’s supply chain sector

    Despite facing ongoing challenges, South Africa’s supply chain sector is experiencing growth fuelled by a surge in e-commerce and advancements in technology. 

    This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was speaking at the opening ceremony of the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing on Wednesday. 

    “Our business communities have been resilient and adapting through strategies like diversifying suppliers, holding more inventory, and investing in digital transformation,” he told delegates.

    Mashatile is in China for a strategic working visit, which began on Monday. Its aim is to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance economic cooperation between the two nations. 

    The Deputy President participated in the CISCE at the invitation of Ren Hongbin, the chairperson of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). The prestigious event highlights the latest advancements in supply chain management. 

    Mashatile said this high-level expo is essential for both countries, as it fosters trade, investment, cooperation, innovation and learning within the global supply chain ecosystem.

    “South Africa is committed to strengthening global supply chains and fostering resilience in the face of challenges. In today’s rapidly changing world, the global supply chain landscape is facing unprecedented challenges, from natural disasters to political upheavals.” 

    He assured the expo that government has also adopted policies and strategies that are conducive for businesses to thrive. 

    “We understand the importance of building robust supply chains that can withstand disruptions and ensure the efficient flow of goods and services.

    “Our diverse economy and strategic location make us a natural gateway for trade and investment, connecting Africa to the rest of the world.” 

    The Deputy President described China as an essential partner in South Africa’s economic journey, recognising significant opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth.

    “Together, we can leverage our strengths and capabilities to further build supply chains that are not only efficient and cost-effective but also sustainable and resilient.

    “The fact that China and South Africa have a strong desire to diversify and expand trade between Africa and China is crucial to our efforts to create a solid supply chain.” 

    Mashatile said South Africa’s export portfolio to China comprises mainly basic commodities. 

    “While the trade volumes confirm South Africa’s natural endowment, the heavy slant towards mineral-based exports belies our advanced infrastructure, our diversified industrial base, and our leading service sectors.” 

    Showcasing unique SA offerings

    The South African government delegation was accompanied by 30 manufacturers and producers of uniquely South African products and services. 

    These products and services showcase the diversity of South African exports, ranging from ethically sourced and clean cosmetics comprising pure, natural extracts, as well as durable electro-technical equipment that has passed the tests of extreme African climate conditions. 

    “Naturally, our offering would not be complete without the companies that are showcasing the finest of South African clothing, leather and footwear.  

    “We are exceptionally proud of the delegation that comprises plastics, chemical and mining engineering firms, whose services have met the Chinese standards, such that they have been able to jointly complete infrastructure projects with Chinese firms.” 

    The Deputy President believes that the expo is instrumental in linking up Chinese buyers and importers with the South African producers at the stands today. 

    “One of the most critical steps in South Africa’s journey to balancing its trade with China will be the extensive listing of South African products on e-commerce platforms like Alibaba.

    “We are also making efforts to ensure the placement of quality South African products in various Free Trade Zones throughout China.”

    Trade on the African continent

    With regards to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Deputy President said the project fosters economic integration and increased trade and investment within Africa, while also providing opportunities for China to deepen its engagement with the continent. 

    To diversify its energy balance, reduce carbon emissions and improve energy security, Mashatile said South Africa is also rapidly increasing its dependence on renewable energy sources. 

    “We have set ambitious targets for renewable energy deployment, particularly in solar and wind power.”

    Through the Renewable Energy Masterplan, government has set out how South Africa can set up a new manufacturing industry in renewable energy and battery storage value chains. 

    The masterplan also aims to attract at least R15 billion in investment by 2030 and train “green workers” for employment in 25 000 direct jobs. – SAnews.gov.za

    Gabisile

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint letter from Ofqual and UCAS to students, summer 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Joint letter from Ofqual and UCAS to students, summer 2025

    A letter to students, explaining how exam marking and grade boundaries work, what to do if results aren’t what you expected and how to prepare for results day.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Joint letter from Ofqual and UCAS to students, summer 2025 (accessible)

    Ref: Ofqual/25/7237

    HTML

    Details

    What you need to know at a glance: 

    • The tried and tested process for marking and grading continues – the standard of work needed to achieve any particular grade is the same each year.
    • Your grade will be determined by your performance in your exams and assessments.
    • Most people get their first university choice, your UCAS ‘firm choice’. If you don’t, or you change your mind, there are plenty of options available, with around 28,000 courses in Clearing offering you choice and flexibility.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK House Price Index for May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK House Price Index for May 2025

    The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

    Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock.com

    The May data shows:

    • on average, house prices have risen 1.1% since April 2025
    • there has been an annual price rise of 3.9% which makes the average property in the UK valued at £269,000

    England

    In England the May data shows, on average, house prices rose by 1.3% since April 2025. The annual price rise of 3.4% takes the average property value to £290,000.

    • Yorkshire and the Humber  experienced the most significant monthly increase with a movement of 2.4%
    • London saw the biggest monthly price fall, with a reduction of -1.4%
    • The North East experienced the greatest annual price rise, up by 6.3%
    • The South West saw the lowest annual price growth, with a rise of 1.9%

    The regional data for England indicates that:

    Price change by region for England

    Region Average price May 2025 Annual change % since May 2024 Monthly change % since Apr 2025
    East Midlands £242,000 5 1.9
    East of England £340,000 4.2 2
    London £566,000 2.2 -1.4
    North East £159,000 6.3 2.2
    North West £209,000 3.3 2
    South East £381,000 2.1 0.4
    South West £304,000 1.9 1.5
    West Midlands £244,000 3.5 2.2
    Yorkshire and the Humber £204,000 5.1 2.4

    Repossession sales by volume for England

    The lowest number of repossession sales in March 2025 was in the East of England.

    The highest number of repossession sales in March 2025 was in the North East and North West.

    Repossession sales March 2025
    East Midlands 5
    East of England 2
    London 12
    North East 20
    North West 20
    South East 17
    South West 6
    West Midlands 6
    Yorkshire and the Humber 8
    England 96

    Average price by property type for England

    Property type May 2025 May  2024 Difference %
    Detached £473,000 £451,000 4.8
    Semi-detached £285,000 £273,000 4.3
    Terraced £239,000 £232,000 3.1
    Flat/maisonette £226,000 £225,000 0.7
    All £290,000 £281,000 3.4

    Funding and buyer status for England

    Transaction type Average price May 2025 Annual price change % since May 2024 Monthly price change % since April 2025
    Cash £276,000 2.5 1.4
    Mortgage £296,000 3.8 1.3
    First-time buyer £243,000 3.2 1.6
    Former owner occupier £353,000 3.6 1

    Building status for England

    Building status* Average price March 2025 Annual price change % since March 2024 Monthly price change % since February 2025
    New build £463,000 31.6 3.2
    Existing resold property £290,000 5.8 1.4

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    London

    London shows, on average, house prices decreased by 1.4% since April 2025. House prices have shown an annual price increase of 2.2% meaning the average price of a property is £566,000.

    Average price by property type for London

    Property type May 2025 May 2024 Difference %
    Detached £1,156,000 £1,106,000 4.5
    Semi-detached £716,000 £682,000 5
    Terraced £633,000 £615,000 3
    Flat/maisonette £453,000 £451,000 0.6
    All £566,000 £554,000 2.2

    Funding and buyer status for London

    Transaction type Average price May 2025 Annual price change % since May 2024 Monthly price change % since April 2025
    Cash £614,000 2.3 -1.9
    Mortgage £555,000 2.1 -1.2
    First-time buyer £483,000 1.5 -0.8
    Former owner occupier £708,000 3.3 -2.3

    Building status for London

    Building status* Average price March 2025 Annual price change % since March 2024 Monthly price change % since February 2025
    New build £620,000 23.8 3.3
    Existing resold property £552,000 0.4 -1.2

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    Wales

     Wales shows, on average, house prices rose by 0.5% since April 2025. An annual price increase of 5.1% takes the average property value to £210,000.

    There were 5 repossession sales for Wales in March 2025.

    Average price by property type for Wales

    Property type May 2025 May 2024 Difference %
    Detached £330,000 £312,000 5.7
    Semi-detached £209,000 £198,000 5.7
    Terraced £166,000 £158,000 5
    Flat/maisonette £130,000 £128,000 1.9
    All £210,000 £199,000 5.1

    Funding and buyer status for Wales

    Transaction type Average price May 2025% Annual price change % since May 2024 Monthly price change % since April 2025
    Cash £208,000 4.2 0.9
    Mortgage £210,000 5.6 0.3
    First-time buyer £180,000 5.3 0.5
    Former owner occupier £251,000 5 0.4

    Building status for Wales

    Building status* Average price March 2025 Annual price change % since March 2024 Monthly price change % since February 2025
    New build £385,000 26.5 1.4
    Existing resold property £206,000 3.4 1

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    UK house prices

    UK house prices rose by 3.9% in the year to May 2025, up from the revised estimate of 3.6% in the 12 months to April 2025. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, average house prices in the UK increased by 1.1% between April 2025 and May 2025, compared with a increase 0.8% from the same period 12 months ago (April 24 and May 2024).

    The UK Property Transactions Statistics showed that in May 2025, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the estimated number of transactions of residential properties with a value of £40,000 or greater was 81,000. This is 11.8% lower than a year ago (May 2025). Between April 2025 and May 2025, UK transactions decreased by 25.1% on a seasonally adjusted basis.

    House price monthly increase was highest in Yorkshire and the Humber where prices increased by 2.4% in the year to May 2025. The highest annual growth was in the the North East, where prices increased by 6.3% in the year to May 2025.

    See the economic statement.

    The UK HPI is based on completed housing transactions. Typically, a house purchase can take 6 to 8 weeks to reach completion. As with other indicators in the housing market, which typically fluctuate from month to month, it is important not to put too much weight on one month’s set of house price data.

    Access the full UK HPI

    Background

    1. We publish the UK House Price Index (HPI) on the second or third Wednesday of each month with Northern Ireland figures updated quarterly. We will publish the June 2025 UK HPI at 9:30am on Wednesday 20 August 2025. See calendar of release dates.
    2. We have made some changes to improve the accuracy of the UK HPI. We are not publishing average price and percentage change for new builds and existing resold property as done previously because there are not currently enough new build transactions to provide a reliable result. This means that in this month’s UK HPI reports, new builds and existing resold property are reported in line with the sales volumes currently available.
    3. The UK HPI revision period has been extended to 13 months, following a review of the revision policy (see calculating the UK HPI section 4.4). This ensures the data used is more comprehensive.
    4. Sales volume data is available by property status (new build and existing property) and funding status (cash and mortgage) in our downloadable data tables. Transactions that require us to create a new register, such as new builds, are more complex and require more time to process. Read revisions to the UK HPI data.
    5. Revision tables are available for England and Wales within the downloadable data in CSV format. See about the UK HPI for more information.
    6. HM Land Registry, Registers of Scotland, Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and the Valuation Office Agency supply data for the UK HPI.
    7. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency calculate the UK HPI. It applies a hedonic regression model that uses the various sources of data on property price, including HM Land Registry’s Price Paid Dataset, and attributes to produce estimates of the change in house prices each month. Find out more about the methodology used from the ONS and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency.
    8. We take the UK Property Transaction statistics  from the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) monthly estimates of the number of residential and non-residential property transactions in the UK and its constituent countries. The number of property transactions in the UK is highly seasonal, with more activity in the summer months and less in the winter. This regular annual pattern can sometimes mask the underlying movements and trends in the data series. HMRC presents the UK aggregate transaction figures on a seasonally adjusted basis. We make adjustments for both the time of year and the construction of the calendar, including corrections for the position of Easter and the number of trading days in a particular month.
    9. UK HPI seasonally adjusted series are calculated at regional and national levels only. See data tables.
    10. The first estimate for new build average price (April 2016 report) was based on a small sample which can cause volatility. A three-month moving average has been applied to the latest estimate to remove some of this volatility.
    11. The UK HPI reflects the final transaction price for sales of residential property. Using the geometric mean, it covers purchases at market value for owner-occupation and buy-to-let, excluding those purchases not at market value (such as re-mortgages), where the ‘price’ represents a valuation.
    12. HM Land Registry provides information on residential property transactions for England and Wales, collected as part of the official registration process for properties that are sold for full market value.
    13. The HM Land Registry dataset contains the sale price of the property, the date when the sale was completed, full address details, the type of property (detached, semi-detached, terraced or flat), if it is a newly built property or an established residential building and a variable to indicate if the property has been purchased as a financed transaction (using a mortgage) or as a non-financed transaction (cash purchase).
    14. Repossession sales data is based on the number of transactions lodged with HM Land Registry by lenders exercising their power of sale.
    15. For England, we show repossession sales volume recorded by government office region. For Wales, we provide repossession sales volume for the number of repossession sales.
    16. Repossession sales data is available from April 2016 in CSV format. Find out more information about repossession sales.
    17. We publish CSV files of the raw and cleansed aggregated data every month for England, Scotland and Wales. We publish Northern Ireland data on a quarterly basis. They are available for free use and re-use under the Open Government Licence.
    18. HM Land Registry is a government department created in 1862. Its vision is: “A world-leading property market as part of a thriving economy and a sustainable future.”
    19. HM Land Registry’s purpose is: “We protect your land ownership and provide services and data that underpin an efficient and informed property market.”
    20. HM Land Registry safeguards land and property ownership valued at £8 trillion, enabling over £1 trillion worth of personal and commercial lending to be secured against property across England and Wales. The Land Register contains more than 26.5 million titles showing evidence of ownership for more than 89% of the land mass of England and Wales.
    21. For further information about HM Land Registry visit www.gov.uk/land-registry.
    22. Follow us on @HMLandRegistry, our blog, LinkedIn and Facebook

    Contact

    Press Office

    Trafalgar House
    1 Bedford Park
    Croydon
    CR0 2AQ

    Email HMLRPressOffice@landregistry.gov.uk

    Phone (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm) 0300 006 3365

    Mobile (5:30pm to 8:30am weekdays, all weekend and public holidays) 07864 689 344

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RSH takes enforcement action against Easy Housing Association

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    RSH takes enforcement action against Easy Housing Association

    The Regulator of Social Housing has published an enforcement notice for Easy Housing Association

    The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has published an enforcement notice  for Easy Housing Association (EHA), as well as making three appointments to its board and requiring EHA to appoint a manager.

    EHA, a Birmingham-based landlord providing supported housing through leases, has failed to demonstrate that it is managing its affairs appropriately with the necessary skills and expertise.   

    RSH has engaged intensively with EHA since the regulatory notice in March 2023 which set out findings that EHA was not delivering the outcomes of the Governance and Financial Viability Standard and the Rent Standard. EHA has however been unable or unwilling to make the needed improvements.    

    The combination of enforcement actions and interventions are aimed at improving EHA’s capacity and capability to address its failures.   

    The new appointees are: 

    • Nicole Seymour – Executive Director – Corporate Services (Sanctuary Group) 

    • Sayeed Haris – Executive Director of Property Services (Midland Heart)  

    • Waseem Butt – Director of Building Safety (Midland Heart) 

    EHA is required to commission an independent review and to appoint a manger to ensure a credible and comprehensive action plan is developed and that capacity is in place for its delivery. 

    Jonathan Walters, Deputy Chief Executive of RSH, said:  

    “When landlords cannot or will not resolve issues on their own, we will use our enforcement powers when necessary to make sure things are put right to protect tenants and their homes. 

    “In this case, EHA has persistently failed to address serious failings and we are taking enforcement action as a result.” 

    Notes to Editors 

    1. A registered provider is responsible for ensuring that it manages itself effectively, achieves the standards set by the regulator, and engages positively with the regulator’s regulatory framework. Where a failure against a standard or other problem has been identified, the regulator expects providers to respond in a prompt and effective manner. It may be necessary for the regulator to step in and exercise its powers under the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 as amended (the Act) when a provider fails to do so.  The regulator has published guidance on how the regulator uses and intends to use its statutory regulatory and enforcement powers.

    2. Sections 219 to 225 of the Act allow the regulator to require a registered provider to take specified action to resolve a specified failure or other problem.  Sections 251 to 252 of the Act allow the regulator to require a registered provider to appoint a manager to manage the entirety of their affairs relating to social housing or specific aspects of social housing. Section 269 of the Act enables the regulator to appoint one or more persons as an officer of a private registered provider.  

    3. RSH has previously set out its concerns about the long-term viability of the lease-based model, most recently in a report in April 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Creative and AI sectors kick-off next steps in finding solutions to AI and copyright

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Creative and AI sectors kick-off next steps in finding solutions to AI and copyright

    Representatives of both sectors in newly formed expert working groups on AI and copyright.

    • Representatives of the creative industries and the AI sector to make up newly formed expert working groups on AI and copyright as part of Plan for Change. 
    • Groups will play a vital role in helping to drive forward practical, workable solutions. 
    • Expert groups launch today, as the Technology and Culture Secretaries Chair first round of talks in London. 

    The Technology and Culture Secretaries kickstart the next phase of work today (Wednesday 16 July) to help deliver a solution which will support AI innovation while ensuring robust protection for our creators and vibrant creative industries as part of the Plan for Change. 

    A consultation on the UK’s legal framework for copyright which explores how the government can deliver solutions supporting both the creative industries and the AI sector was launched in December last year, attracting 11,500 responses. Close collaboration on the issues raised across the debate has been central to the government’s approach – ensuring both sectors not only have the support they need to drive further growth, but that the British public can share in the successes of 2 sectors which are crucial to the Modern Industrial Strategy.

    Representatives of both the AI sector and creative industries have engaged widely with Ministers throughout the consultation process, and the formal launch of new, expert working groups will continue to ensure both sectors play a vital role in supporting the work which will drive forward practical, workable solutions to foster innovation and growth.

    Representatives of the creative and AI sectors will now gather in London in the first of a series of regular planned meetings, with the groups made up of key industry figures. They include representatives of:

    • News Media Association
    • Alliance for IP
    • Sony Music Entertainment
    • Publishers Association
    • The Guardian
    • Open AI
    • Amazon
    • Meta

    Today’s discussions mark the first in a series of planned talks, and will initially focus on the impacts, opportunities, and common ground in the AI and copyright debate, with their work then helping to inform next steps following the conclusion of the government’s consultation.

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

    I am determined to harness expert insights from across the debate as we work together to deliver a solution that brings the legal clarity our creative industries and AI sector badly need in the digital age.

    Today’s meeting and the formation of these expert working groups will continue to ensure all voices can be heard so we can reset and refocus on how we can deliver precisely that.

    The work we’ll be taking forward in the coming months will ensure we can work in partnership to deliver a fresh start for creatives and AI developers alike.

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: 

    Our world-class creative industries are a key part of our economy which create jobs and drive growth right across the country. These sectors have been recognised as a priority sector by the government and I am fully focused on supporting them to flourish.

    We have heard loud and clear the concerns from the creative industries around AI and copyright and these roundtables will give us another chance to consider the best way forward.

    We have committed to ensuring a copyright regime that values and protects human creativity, can be trusted and unlocks new opportunities for innovation across the creative sector and wider economy.

    Both sectors are a vital part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy, and the AI and Copyright consultation considered a broad range of issues in the copyright debate, including how right holders can have a better understanding of how AI developers are using their material and how it has been obtained.  

    The consultation also explored how access to high-quality data can be improved for AI developers – bolstering their ability to innovate and drive the growth which underpins the government’s Plan for Change. 

    Today’s talks will also contribute to finalising Terms of Reference for the expert working groups moving forward as they feed into wider discussions with both sectors.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Stop Calling Me: How China Fights Internet Fraud and Spam Calls

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese citizens can avoid providing explicit personal information to internet service providers by using “cyberspace identifiers.”

    On July 15, 2025, China enacted the Regulations on the Public Service Related to Cyberspace Identifiers. This step is aimed at promoting cyberspace identifiers and strengthening the protection of personal information privacy online.

    According to the document, an online identifier operates in two forms: one as a set of letters and numbers, and the other as an online account. Both correspond to a person’s real identity, but exclude any information in plain text.

    If an Internet user decides to use a cyberspace identifier to register and verify his or her identity, the relevant Internet service provider shall not require him or her to provide additional information in plain text unless this is provided for by laws and administrative regulations or without the user’s consent.

    Citizens will no longer be forced to provide personal information such as ID card numbers or real names to internet service providers when they register for services or verify their identity.

    According to the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), more than 6 million Chinese citizens have received and activated digital IDs since the introduction of the online service.

    HEADACHE OF THE CHINESE POPULATION

    For many years, the Chinese have suffered from telephone and Internet fraud, as well as from spam calls and spam messages. Such forms of fraud include various deception schemes, as well as auto-dialing of subscribers to random numbers: a person picks up the phone and hears a pre-recorded voice message with an offer to buy an apartment, take out a loan, and so on. Another concern is that when making calls, scammers or spammers can accurately name a person’s first and last name, and sometimes even an ID number.

    According to a 2024 study on spam calls in China by analytics company iiMedia Research, more than 91 percent of subscribers reported receiving calls from scammers and spammers.

    In particular, about 56 percent of subscribers received unwanted phone calls less than 10 times a day, and about 27 percent received unwanted phone calls 10-15 times a day. The share of subscribers who received such calls 16-20 times a day accounted for 10 percent.

    He Yanzhe, an employee of the China Institute of Electronic Technology Standardization, noted that some organizations do not implement security measures such as authentication and access control when setting up data transmission interfaces, which allows hackers to intercept the interface and obtain data in real time.

    Lao Dongyang, a professor at Tsinghua University School of Law, said some information collection agencies require users or consumers to provide “authorization packages” for various reasons including “improving service quality,” which is the main reason for data leaks.

    LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT

    The regulations on public service related to cyberspace identifiers, issued in May this year, are China’s latest effort to combat cyber fraud and spam calls.

    In June 2023, China established a government service platform for issuing digital identification documents based on the verification of their real counterparts, such as the ID card and the national demographic information database.

    The National Cyberspace Personal Identifier Platform will only collect personal information that is strictly necessary for online authentication purposes, the rules say.

    In accordance with the “minimum and necessary” principle, the cyberspace identifier platform will only provide the results of the verification to the ISPs. In cases where the retention of the user’s real identity information is required by law, the platform must do so only with the explicit consent of that user.

    According to the Ministry of Defense, the official mobile application for registration and verification of online IDs has been downloaded over 16 million times. In addition, registration of a digital personal ID is voluntary.

    In China, the Telecommunications and Internet Fraud Prevention Law came into effect on December 1, 2022.

    The law stipulates that public security organs shall cooperate with relevant government departments and enterprises to establish an early warning and suppression system for fraud, and take timely measures to prevent potential victims from falling into the traps of telecommunications and online fraudsters.

    According to the law, those who travel to regions where telecommunications fraud is serious and are suspected of being involved in fraudulent activity, as well as those who have been convicted and punished for telecommunications and online fraud, may be prohibited from leaving the country.

    THE PRACTICE OF REMAINING STRUGGLE

    In practice, the National Telecommunication and Internet Fraud Control Center of China has developed its official mobile application. This application can recognize suspicious calls, messages, websites or applications and promptly warn the user about possible data leaks.

    The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to combat fraud in China is also impressive. In one case reported to police in Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, East China, it took just 10 minutes to track the movement of funds and prevent the withdrawal of 500,000 yuan. Eight hours later, the suspects were located overseas, and 24 hours later, an online arrest warrant was issued. Using AI, police arrested nine suspects and returned more than 70 percent of the stolen funds to the victim within three days.

    According to He Yongliang, an official with the Kunshan City Public Security Bureau, police efficiency has increased more than sixfold thanks to the creation of an “AI police team” comprising 30 digital officers who assist in analyzing victim reports, tracking suspects and conducting investigations.

    “Since their implementation, 609 fraud cases have been detected, and the total amount of funds recovered was 32.47 million yuan,” he added.

    Another area of combating telecommunications and Internet fraud in China is strengthening international cooperation in this area.

    In November 2024, the PRC MoS announced that all major telecom fraud centers located in northern Myanmar near the China-Myanmar border had been neutralized.

    More than 53,000 Chinese nationals suspected of fraud have been arrested through joint efforts by Chinese and Myanmar police since the MDS launched a special campaign in 2023 to crack down on telecom fraud in northern Myanmar targeting China and its nationals, the ministry said in a statement.

    Despite all these efforts, attackers and spammers are updating their “toolkits” to include AI technologies. Several major Chinese cities, including Beijing and Hangzhou, have already reported scams that involve fake faces or voice synthesis using AI technology.

    Some experts believe that mirror measures can be taken to combat these problems – by expanding the use of AI technologies to promptly identify and stop illegal activities.

    For example, Chinese brand Honor officially launched the world’s first AI-based fraud detection technology at the device level in September last year. The technology, based on a deep learning model, can identify fake AI-generated content in real time by analyzing facial features and behavior patterns in an image. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US to Launch Section 301 Investigation into Brazil

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    NEW YORK, July 16 (Xinhua) — The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced Tuesday that it will launch an investigation into Brazil’s trade policies under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

    The investigation, ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump, will focus on “Brazil’s attacks on U.S. social media companies and other unfair trade practices that harm American businesses, workers, farmers, and technologists,” the agency said in a statement, citing U.S. trade negotiator Jamison Greer.

    The investigation will aim to determine “whether the actions, policies, and practices of the Brazilian government relating to digital commerce and electronic payment services, unfair, preferential tariffs, interference in the fight against corruption, intellectual property protection, market access for alcohol, and illegal logging are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce,” the statement said. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: UN chief deeply concerned about ongoing violence in southern Syria

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    UNITED NATIONS, July 16 (Xinhua) — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned about the ongoing violence in the predominantly Druze region of As-Suwayda province in southern Syria, which has left dozens of casualties, including civilians, the UN chief’s spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.

    “He is concerned about reports of arbitrary killings of civilians, religious incitement and the looting of private property. He condemns any violence against civilians, especially actions that could fuel sectarian tensions,” Dujarric said at a daily briefing.

    He said the UN Secretary-General urged the Syrian interim authorities and local leaders to immediately de-escalate, protect civilians, restore calm and prevent further incitement, and urged the interim authorities to conduct a transparent and open investigation and hold those responsible for violations accountable.

    A. Guterres also expressed concern about Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory and called on this country to refrain from violating the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, said S. Dujarric.

    “The Secretary-General stresses the critical importance of supporting a credible, orderly and inclusive political transition in Syria in line with the key principles of resolution 2254 of 2015,” he added. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ17: Monitoring operation of government departments and performance of civil servants

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Carmen Kan and a written reply by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (July 16):

    Question:

         Regarding the monitoring of the operation of government departments and the performance of civil servants, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether it has compiled statistics on the following information in respect of the investigations/audits conducted by the Office of The Ombudsman and the Audit Commission (Audit) since 2015 (set out in a table):

    (i) the subjects and names of government departments involved in the investigation reports/audit reports completed each year; and
    (ii) the number of investigations/audits conducted on various government departments, and the subjects on which investigations/audits had been conducted repeatedly (set out by department and year);

    (2) whether it knows which of the subjects examined by Audit mentioned in (1) have not yet completed the follow-up work in accordance with the recommendations of Audit and the Public Accounts Committee of this Council;

    (3) of the measures put in place by the Government to improve the operation of government departments which have been investigated/examined repeatedly and found to have problems; whether it has held the then responsible personnel (including accountability officials and civil servants) responsible and imposed punishments; if so, of the details, including the number of the relevant personnel being punished (with a breakdown by the investigated/examined subjects and government departments) and the form of penalty imposed; if not, the reasons for that, and whether it will study the establishment of the relevant mechanism;

    (4) whether the authorities have put in place an incentive mechanism for government departments with outstanding performance, so as to further increase the incentive of government personnel; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that, and whether they will study establishing the relevant mechanism; and

    (5) since the promulgation of the updated Civil Service Code (the Code) last year, of the number of civil servants who have been issued with notifications by the Government under section 12 of the Public Service (Administration) Order and not granted increments as a result of substandard performance (with a breakdown by rank), and how such number compares with the data before the Code was updated; of the measures in place to enhance the effectiveness of rewarding and punishing civil servants for their performance, e.g. whether it will study reforming the incremental point system to improve their overall performance; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

         The current-term Government has all along been result-oriented and citizen-centered, striving to provide quality public services, while at the same time deepening reforms and introducing various enhancement measures. According to the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025 published in June this year, Hong Kong’s global competitiveness rises from the fifth place last year to the third. In terms of government efficiency, Hong Kong’s ranking rises from the third to the second place globally, indicating that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s policies are working, various policies have yielded results, and that Government departments are also operating highly effectively in providing the requisite services for the public, foreign investors and tourists, etc. To ensure that the quality of public services is maintained and further enhanced, we attach great importance to the investigation/audit reports and valuable advice provided by the Office of The Ombudsman (OMB) and the Audit Commission. Respective departments will examine and study the reports in detail and follow up on the relevant recommendations.

         Having consulted the Administration Wing and the OMB, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Audit Commission, as well as the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, my reply to the question raised by the Hon Carmen Kan is as follows:

    (1) Established under The Ombudsman Ordinance, the OMB is an independent statutory body responsible for investigation works on maladministration. It is not a government department nor an organisation under the HKSAR Government. Under the legislation, apart from investigating complaints lodged by complainants against alleged maladministration in government departments and public organisations, The Ombudsman is also empowered to initiate direct investigation operations where injustice may have been caused by maladministration. The direct investigation operations are prompted mainly by subjects of significant public interest. 

         Over the past decade, the OMB has completed a total of 98 direct investigation operations involving 40 departments, covering a wide range of areas including medical and health, transport, buildings, lands, planning, labour, environmental protection, food and environmental hygiene, education, social welfare, housing, culture, recreation and sports. In general, the OMB completes eight to ten direct investigation operations per year.

         During this period, the departments involved in the highest number of direct investigation operations were, in descending order, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (17 operations), the Lands Department (13 operations), the Housing Department (11 operations), the Transport Department (9 operations), the Environmental Protection Department (8 operations), the Home Affairs Department (8 operations), and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (8 operations). 

         Each direct investigation operation has its own uniqueness. In the past decade, none of the direct investigation operations were repeated. However, the OMB has carried out different direct investigation operations on different topics under some major areas, such as public housing, tree management, water seepage, after-death arrangement.

         For instance, food and environmental hygiene, lands matters, public housing, transport and recreation and sports are major areas. Examples of direct investigations conducted by the OMB in the area of food and environmental hygiene include regulation of swimming pools, enforcement against defective sewage works of New Territories exempted houses, regulation over sale of food in hot/cold holding and non-pre-packaged beverages by means of vending machine, after-death arrangements; an example of direct investigations in the area of lands matters is enforcement against unauthorised land developments; direct investigation examples in relation to public housing include housing for senior citizens, combating abuse, recovery, refurbishment and reallocation of public housing, illegal parking in public housing estates; examples in the area of traffic and transport include arrangements for driving tests, on-street parking spaces designated for people with disabilities; examples in relation to recreation and sports include obstruction of passageways by bicycles owned by operators of bicycle rental services, as well as repairs and maintenance of outdoor recreational and sports facilities. The OMB has conducted direct investigation operations on such topics.

         It is worth noting that the frequency of the departments or their subject areas being involved in direct investigation operations might be affected by various factors including nature of service, service target and prevailing concern in the society. Therefore, the frequency of departments under investigation does not represent the operation situation or performance of the department.

         On the other hand, value for money audits are conducted by the Audit Commission to examine the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which government departments and organisations have discharged their functions, and the results of such audits are published in the Director of Audit’s Reports. 

         In the past ten years, the Audit Commission completed a total of 174 value for money audits covering 63 government departments (including the relevant policy bureaux), covering a wide range of areas including public works, commerce and industry, social welfare, buildings, lands and planning, recreation, culture and facilities, education, employment and labour, transportation and environmental protection. In general, the Audit Commission completes over ten value for money audits per year.

         During the period, the departments involved in the highest number of audits in their respective policy areas were, in descending order, the Environment and Ecology Bureau (27 audits), the Development Bureau (18 audits), the Education Bureau (16 audits), the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (14 audits), the Labour and Welfare Bureau (14 audits), the Transport and Logistics Bureau (13 audits), the Environmental Protection Department (12 audits), the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (12 audits), and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (12 audits).

         In the past ten years, the Audit Commission conducted two audits on the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales, involving the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Trade and Industry Department. The audit findings were published in Chapter 1 of the Director of Audit’s Report No. 84 and Chapter 7 of the Director of Audit’s Report No. 66 respectively.

         The Director of Audit takes into account a number of factors, including the significance of the project, its timeliness, the amount of public money and risks involved, and the benefits to be brought about, in selecting the subjects for value for money audits and deciding on the priority for conducting the audits.

    (2) The number of value for money audits for which follow-up actions have not been completed in accordance with the recommendations of the Audit Commission or the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Legislative Council (LegCo) is 42, as set out in Annex. The Government has been reporting regularly to LegCo on the progress of implementing the recommendations in the form of Government Minute and annual progress reports, and the Audit Commission discusses with the PAC annually the progress of implementation of the recommendations by the audited organisations.

    (3) and (4) The HKSAR Government adopts a proactive and positive attitude in following up the investigations of the OMB and the audit reports of the Audit Commission as well as the recommendations therein, and carefully scrutinises and takes on board the recommendations to improve the relevant policy measures and public services. As the Ombudsman explained to this Council at its meeting on July 8, some government departments are responsible for more services which are in close contact with the public, and hence they may receive more complaints, and as mentioned above, the Director of Audit will take into account factors such as the significance of the subject, its timeliness, the amount of public funds and risks involved, as well as the benefits to be brought about, in selecting the value for money audit subjects and in determining the priority for conducting the audit; therefore, a department’s performance cannot be measured solely on the basis of the number of investigations conducted by the OMB and the number of projects selected for audit. Some of the complaints received by the OMB involved no or only minor maladministration, and the OMB has successfully concluded 555 such cases by way of mediation. Departments and bureaux will strive to follow up on any areas of improvement in the economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the administrative operations, administrative systems, administrative procedures or in the discharge of duties identified by the OMB and the Audit Commission upon completion of their investigations/audits. The causes of departmental maladministration, inefficiency and ineffective use of resources are numerous and often not homogeneous. The Government as a whole also pays close attention to deep-seated issues, such as over-emphasis on procedures to the detriment of effective achievement of objectives. The current-term Government adopts a result-oriented approach at all levels, and this element is emphasised in our daily work as well as in the leadership training of senior and middle-level civil servants. If a civil servant is found to be incapable of performing his/her duties or to have a less than positive attitude towards his/her work in any of the investigations or audits, his/her supervisors will reflect this in his/her appraisal report, and if he/she is under consideration by a promotion board, the board will also take into account deficiencies in his/her ability or attitude towards work. If an investigation or audit reveals that a civil servant has misconducted himself/herself, the department will deal with the case in accordance with the civil service disciplinary mechanism. As regards politically appointed officials, the Government will act in accordance with the Code for Officials under the Political Appointment System.

         The current-term Government is committed to setting up a performance-based management system. In respect of awards, the Government endeavours to implement various commendation schemes for civil servants, including the Chief Executive’s Award for Exemplary Performance, the Secretary for the Civil Service’s Commendation Award Scheme, the Civil Service Outstanding Service Award Scheme, to give due recognition to departments and individuals with outstanding performances in different areas, encourage civil servants to strive for excellence and provide quality services to the public. The Civil Service Outstanding Service Award Scheme aims to recognise government departments and teams in providing exemplary services, encourage civil servants’ innovation, and promote a people-oriented and “one government” public service culture. The OMB has also set up an annual Ombudsman’s Awards Scheme to recognise the contribution of departments and public organisations to the improvement of public administration. Individual and team awards are also presented to public officers in recognition of their outstanding performance and professionalism in serving the public.

    (5) In September 2023, the Civil Service Bureau promulgated and implemented the streamlined mechanism of retiring civil servants in the public interest on the ground of persistent sub-standard performance (the streamlined mechanism) under Section 12 of the Public Service (Administration) Order (Section 12 action) to strengthen the management of staff with sub-standard performance. From September 2023 to the end of June 2025, a total of 16 officers were issued with Section 12 Notification due to their sub-standard performance. They were advised to improve their performance to the acceptable standard within a specified observation period; otherwise Section 12 action would be taken. Among these officers, three officers were ordered to be retired due to persistent sub-standard performance; two officers resigned upon receipt of the Section 12 Notification; two officers with Section 12 action suspended as their performance was improved to the acceptable standard; and the cases of nine officers are still ongoing. When compared to the five–year period from September 2018 to September 2023 (i.e. before the implementation of the streamlined mechanism) in which a total of 12 officers were issued with the notification under the old mechanism informing that Section 12 action would be taken (i.e. 2.4 officers per year on average), 16 officers have been issued with Section 12 Notification since the implementation of the streamlined mechanism, indicating a higher usage of the streamlined mechanism by departments. The average processing time has also been largely reduced from 31.5 months for cases processed within the five years before the implementation of the streamlined mechanism to 10 months after its implementation. Apart from the 16 officers mentioned above, some officers have resigned before the commencement of the observation period when they were informed of the department’s intention to initiate Section 12 action against them, and the Government does not keep information on the number of such cases. As regards the granting of increments, a total of 12 and 21 civil servants were not granted an increment due to unsatisfactory performance in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

         The civil service is an integral part of the HKSAR’s governance system. The current-term Government has been attaching great importance to the enhancement of the civil service management system. The Civil Service Code updated last year states that accountability for performance is one of the core values, and that civil servants should be held accountable for their decisions and actions in discharging their public duties. We will continue to push ahead with the relevant work.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prison rules to be amended

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government will publish the Prison (Amendment) Rules 2025 in the Gazette this Friday, which will take effect immediately that day.

    The amendment rules will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting next Wednesday.

    The Security Bureau today said the Prison Rules have been in operation for many years. 

    The bureau added that it proposes to improve the extant Prison Rules, after reviewing the relevant law enforcement experience in the past in respect of custody of convicted persons in custody (PICs) and prisoners awaiting trial, potential national security risks and security threats that may be faced by correctional institutions in the future, and relevant law and practices in other jurisdictions.

    The amendment aims to ensure that the bureau can effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security as well as continue to strengthen the legal basis for correctional officers in discharging their duties.

    It also intends to maintain the security, good order and discipline of prisons; and facilitate the rehabilitation of PICs and protect their lawful rights and interests.

    The bureau also put forward other amendments to strengthen the enforcement effectiveness of the Correctional Services Department.

    At the same time, the bureau has reviewed and will amend other provisions with a view to making the Prison Rules more up-to-date and meeting the needs for the management of correctional institutions.

    The bureau emphasised that national security risks still exist amidst the present complicated geopolitical situation, and it is necessary to amend the Prison Rules as soon as possible to prevent and resolve relevant risks in a timely manner, the earlier the better, for safeguarding national security effectively.

    The Government will proactively facilitate LegCo’s scrutiny work, with a view to further strengthening the solid defence in safeguarding national security.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: First-hand view of peacemaking challenge in the ‘Holy Land’

    Occupied West Bank-based New Zealand journalist Cole Martin asks who are the peacemakers?

    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin

    As a Kiwi journalist living in the occupied West Bank, I can list endless reasons why there is no peace in the “Holy Land”.

    I live in a refugee camp, alongside families who were expelled from their homes by Israel’s violent establishment in 1948 — never allowed to return and repeatedly targeted by Israeli military incursions.

    Daily I witness suffocating checkpoints, settler attacks against rural towns, arbitrary imprisonment with no charge or trial, a crippled economy, expansion of illegal settlements, demolition of entire communities, genocidal rhetoric, and continued expulsion.

    No form of peace can exist within an active system of domination. To talk about peace without liberation and dignity is to suggest submission to a system of displacement, imprisonment, violence and erasure.

    I often find myself alongside a variety of peacemakers, putting themselves on the line to end these horrific systems — let me outline the key groups:

    Palestinian civil society and individuals have spent decades committed to creative non-violence in the face of these atrocities — from court battles to academia, education, art, co-ordinating demonstrations, general strikes, hīkoi (marches), sit-ins, civil disobedience. Google “Iqrit village”, “The Great March of Return”, “Tent of Nations farm”. These are the overlooked stories that don’t make catchy headlines.

    Protective Presence activists are a mix of about 150 Israeli and international civilians who volunteer their days and nights physically accompanying Palestinian communities. They aim to prevent Israeli settler violence, state-sanctioned home demolitions, and military/police incursions. They document the injustice and often face violence and arrest themselves. Foreigners face deportation and blacklisting — as a journalist I was arrested and barred from the West Bank short-term and my passport was withheld for more than a month.

    Reconciliation organisations have been working for decades to bridge the disconnect between political narratives and human realities. The effective groups don’t seek “co-existence” but “co-resistance” because they recognise there can be no peace within an active system of apartheid. They reiterate that dialogue alone achieves nothing while the Israeli regime continues to murder, displace and steal. Yes there are “opposing narratives”, but they do not have equal legitimacy when tested against the reality on the ground.

    Journalists continue to document and report key developments, chilling statistics and the human cost. They ensure people are seen. Over 200 journalists have been killed in Gaza. High-profile Palestinian Christian journalist Shireen Abu-Akleh was killed by Israeli forces in 2022. They continue reporting despite the risk, and without their courage world leaders wouldn’t know which undeniable facts to brazenly ignore.

    Humanitarians serve and protect the most vulnerable, treating and rescuing people selflessly. More than 400 aid workers and 1000 healthcare workers have been killed in Gaza. All 38 hospitals have been destroyed or damaged, with just a small number left partially functioning. NGOs have been crippled by USAID cuts and targeted Israeli policies, marked by a mass exodus of expats who have spent years committed to this region — severing a critical lifeline for Palestinian communities.

    All these groups emphasise change will not come from within. Protective Presence barely stems the flow.

    Reconciliation means nothing while the system continues to displace, imprison and slaughter Palestinians en masse. Journalism, non-violence and humanitarian efforts are only as effective as the willingness of states to uphold international law.

    Those on the frontlines of peacebuilding express the urgent need for global accountability across all sectors; economic, cultural and political sanctions. Systems of apartheid do not stem from corrupt leadership or several extremists, but from widespread attitudes of supremacy and nationalism across civil society.

    Boycotts increase the economic cost of maintaining such systems. Divestment sends a strong financial message that business as usual is unacceptable.

    Many other groups across the world are picketing weapons manufacturers, writing to elected leaders, educating friends and family, challenging harmful narratives, fundraising aid to keep people alive.

    Where are the peacemakers? They’re out on the streets. They’re people just like you and me.

    Cole Martin is an independent New Zealand photojournalist based in the occupied West Bank and a contributor to Asia Pacific Report. This article was first published by the Otago Daily Times and is republished with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: First-hand view of peacemaking challenge in the ‘Holy Land’

    Occupied West Bank-based New Zealand journalist Cole Martin asks who are the peacemakers?

    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin

    As a Kiwi journalist living in the occupied West Bank, I can list endless reasons why there is no peace in the “Holy Land”.

    I live in a refugee camp, alongside families who were expelled from their homes by Israel’s violent establishment in 1948 — never allowed to return and repeatedly targeted by Israeli military incursions.

    Daily I witness suffocating checkpoints, settler attacks against rural towns, arbitrary imprisonment with no charge or trial, a crippled economy, expansion of illegal settlements, demolition of entire communities, genocidal rhetoric, and continued expulsion.

    No form of peace can exist within an active system of domination. To talk about peace without liberation and dignity is to suggest submission to a system of displacement, imprisonment, violence and erasure.

    I often find myself alongside a variety of peacemakers, putting themselves on the line to end these horrific systems — let me outline the key groups:

    Palestinian civil society and individuals have spent decades committed to creative non-violence in the face of these atrocities — from court battles to academia, education, art, co-ordinating demonstrations, general strikes, hīkoi (marches), sit-ins, civil disobedience. Google “Iqrit village”, “The Great March of Return”, “Tent of Nations farm”. These are the overlooked stories that don’t make catchy headlines.

    Protective Presence activists are a mix of about 150 Israeli and international civilians who volunteer their days and nights physically accompanying Palestinian communities. They aim to prevent Israeli settler violence, state-sanctioned home demolitions, and military/police incursions. They document the injustice and often face violence and arrest themselves. Foreigners face deportation and blacklisting — as a journalist I was arrested and barred from the West Bank short-term and my passport was withheld for more than a month.

    Reconciliation organisations have been working for decades to bridge the disconnect between political narratives and human realities. The effective groups don’t seek “co-existence” but “co-resistance” because they recognise there can be no peace within an active system of apartheid. They reiterate that dialogue alone achieves nothing while the Israeli regime continues to murder, displace and steal. Yes there are “opposing narratives”, but they do not have equal legitimacy when tested against the reality on the ground.

    Journalists continue to document and report key developments, chilling statistics and the human cost. They ensure people are seen. Over 200 journalists have been killed in Gaza. High-profile Palestinian Christian journalist Shireen Abu-Akleh was killed by Israeli forces in 2022. They continue reporting despite the risk, and without their courage world leaders wouldn’t know which undeniable facts to brazenly ignore.

    Humanitarians serve and protect the most vulnerable, treating and rescuing people selflessly. More than 400 aid workers and 1000 healthcare workers have been killed in Gaza. All 38 hospitals have been destroyed or damaged, with just a small number left partially functioning. NGOs have been crippled by USAID cuts and targeted Israeli policies, marked by a mass exodus of expats who have spent years committed to this region — severing a critical lifeline for Palestinian communities.

    All these groups emphasise change will not come from within. Protective Presence barely stems the flow.

    Reconciliation means nothing while the system continues to displace, imprison and slaughter Palestinians en masse. Journalism, non-violence and humanitarian efforts are only as effective as the willingness of states to uphold international law.

    Those on the frontlines of peacebuilding express the urgent need for global accountability across all sectors; economic, cultural and political sanctions. Systems of apartheid do not stem from corrupt leadership or several extremists, but from widespread attitudes of supremacy and nationalism across civil society.

    Boycotts increase the economic cost of maintaining such systems. Divestment sends a strong financial message that business as usual is unacceptable.

    Many other groups across the world are picketing weapons manufacturers, writing to elected leaders, educating friends and family, challenging harmful narratives, fundraising aid to keep people alive.

    Where are the peacemakers? They’re out on the streets. They’re people just like you and me.

    Cole Martin is an independent New Zealand photojournalist based in the occupied West Bank and a contributor to Asia Pacific Report. This article was first published by the Otago Daily Times and is republished with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Role specification for external panel members of the GDS Responsible AI Advisory Panel

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Role specification for external panel members of the GDS Responsible AI Advisory Panel

    The Government Digital Service (GDS) Responsible AI Advisory Panel is seeking applicants for external panel members.

    The GDS Responsible AI Advisory Panel advise and guide Government Digital Service (GDS) approach to the development of AI across government.

    Role

    The duties of external panel members of the Government Digital Service (GDS) Responsible AI Advisory Panel (the panel) involve, but are not limited to:

    • Providing technical and cross-disciplinary expertise relevant to the responsible development of AI to GDS through the work of the panel
    • Providing strategic advice on how GDS can better deliver responsible AI products
    • Shaping the work programme of the panel to ensure that it best delivers on its objective of providing the best possible advice to GDS on the responsible development of AI
    • Ensuring that the work of GDS is appropriately informed by the latest evidence, standards and best practice across the AI sector
    • Scrutinising individual AI products across government, and providing advice on how these products can best be responsibly delivered

    Expertise

    External panel members should have:

    • an interest in the challenges and opportunities posed by AI in the public sector

    • leading expertise in one or more of the following areas:

      • data ethics, AI ethics or responsible innovation
      • AI and data science, from a commercial, academic or civil society perspective
      • Tech policy and regulation
      • International perspectives of AI use
      • Workforce impacts of AI
    • an ability to think strategically and exercise sound judgment strong communication, influencing and persuading skills
    • an ability to work constructively with fellow board members and wider stakeholders

    Time commitment and expectations

    • The panel will convene for an initial one year from its initial meeting. External panel members will be appointed for a one year term, with the possibility for this term to be extended
    • The panel will meet for full meetings at a minimum of once a quarter
    • Panel members are direct ministerial appointments, subject to due diligence checks and baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) checks
    • Panel members are able to access departmental material at no higher classification than Official-Sensitive
    • Panel members will be expected to follow the Seven Principles of Public Life and are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies
    • Panel members will be expected to provide the equivalent of 1-2 hours per month on the work of the panel
    • Panel members will not receive remuneration for their work on the panel

    Apply

    Apply to be external panel member to the GDS Responsible AI Advisory Panel.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Politics with Michelle Grattan: Malcolm Turnbull on Australia’s ‘dumb’ defence debate

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    The Albanese government remains in complicated territory on the international stage. It has to tread carefully with China, despite the marked warming of the bilateral relationship. It is yet to find its line and length with the unpredictable Trump administration.

    Meanwhile, with the new parliament meeting for the first time next week, the federal Opposition remains in a tough spot, still reeling from a brutal election defeat. The Liberals have an untested leader and uncertainty over what policies they will keep and which they will scrap, with their future commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 yet to be reconfirmed.

    Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has personally navigated the highs and lows of these issues, and joins the podcast today.

    On AUKUS and national security, Turnbull says the debate has “never been dumber”.

    The fundamental problem with our debate about national security is a profound lack of patriotism, because not enough people are putting Australia first. I mean I’m not saying that our politicians should be like Donald Trump, in terms of his bravado and braggadocio – you know all that sort of stuff he goes on with – but they should be like Trump in the sense of putting Australia first.

    You know Donald Trump expects other countries to stand for themselves. Who is the foreign leader that is an ally that he respects the most? [Israel’s Prime Minister] Bibi Netanyahu. Bibi Netanyahu stands up for himself and brutally. And brutally. I mean, Netanyahu’s attitude is, if you’re in the Middle East, if you’re weak, you’re roadkill.

    On defence spending, Turnbull calls a proper review on what Australia needs, rather then spending a certain percent on defence.

    We’ve got to have a proper examination of what capabilities we need, and what capabilities we can afford. The point about submarines is, if you’re going have a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines – they’re literally the most expensive defence platforms in the world – then you’ve got to work out what else you need and then what that’s going to cost you. That will come to quite a lot more than [the current] 2% of GDP, I would estimate.

    Turnbull also warns of a “reckless” degree of “delusion” in Canberra about the risk of not getting nuclear-powered submarines from the US.

    On global affairs, Turnbull says the Albanese government has performed well in a time of uncertainty.

    It’s complicated, but they’re managing this disrupted global environment well. The directions they’re going in are correct. The need plainly is to strengthen partnerships, alliances, relations with countries other than the United States.

    […] There’s a degree of anxiety about China because we don’t share the same political values. It clearly wants to displace the United States as the hegemon in this region […] I think the government and certainly most Australians would recognise that the days of American primacy in this region are over and the outcome for us that we want to have is, as [a former Japanese prime minister] Shinzo Abe used to say, a free and open Indo-Pacific, a balance between the two powers. Indeed as [Foreign Minister] Penny Wong said, a region where no one dominates, nobody is dominated.

    On Albanese’s failure to meet yet with the US president, Turnbull says it doesn’t matter “a huge amount”.

    It is very important for the prime minister of Australia to have a good personal relationship with Donald Trump. It really is. When I was prime minister, my relationship with him got off to a very stormy start, but it was a very good one, because by standing up to his bullying, I won his respect.

    […] When he does meet with Trump, it’s got to be in a situation where he can have an extended discussion, where it’s a substantive meeting and they can really get to know each other. So I think it’s not just the timing of the meeting, but the quality of the meeting.

    On the Liberal Party, Turnbull is pessimistic about its chances of moderating its views, even with Sussan Ley, generally regarded as centrist, as leader,

    [Ley’s] problem, even if she was centrist, and even if was genuine about moving the party back to the centre, I would question whether she can do it. Because there are not many moderates left in the party room in Canberra. How many moderates are left in the branches anymore? Has there been a sort of self-sorting now? Essentially the party […] has moved off into that right wing.

    […] The leader has a lot of authority. However, there is the right wing of the party and you cannot separate it from the right-wing media. From the Murdoch media in particular, they’re joined at the hip. I mean, they’re almost the same thing. They operate in the context of the Liberal Party almost like terrorists. Or like terrorists in this sense: they don’t kill people or blow things up, but they basically are prepared to burn the joint down if they don’t get what they want. I mean, I experienced that.

    Despite reservations, Turnbull says quotas for women are the only way to the Liberal party to where it wants to be.

    Everything else has been tried and it’s failed […] My view is that the party has got to say, well, we recognise this is contrary to grassroots tradition. But unless we do something fairly draconian and directive, then we’re not going to be able to get to the parity of men and women that we want, that we’ve said we wanted for years, and which the electorate clearly prefers.

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

    – ref. Politics with Michelle Grattan: Malcolm Turnbull on Australia’s ‘dumb’ defence debate – https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-malcolm-turnbull-on-australias-dumb-defence-debate-261178

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Life Sciences Sector Plan to grow economy and transform NHS

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Life Sciences Sector Plan to grow economy and transform NHS

    The government has today (Wednesday 16 July) launched a bold new Life Sciences Sector Plan as part of the government’s flagship Industrial Strategy.

    The government has today (Wednesday 16 July) launched a bold new Life Sciences Sector Plan as part of the government’s flagship Industrial Strategy, setting out a ten-year mission to harness British science and innovation to deliver long-term economic growth and a stronger, prevention-focused NHS.

    The UK is already a global leader in life sciences, with the sector worth around £100 billion to the economy, and employing around 300,000 people. This plan, developed in close coordination with the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, doubles down on that strength – turning cutting-edge research into real-world results: new treatments, faster diagnoses, and more lives saved. It’s about making sure breakthroughs happen here – and stay here – creating jobs, improving lives in every part of the country, and driving growth.

    Life sciences’ critical importance to both driving economic growth and improving our health – 2 of the core elements of the Plan for Change – has been shown through the government’s action to date to support the sector. The Chancellor re-committed up to £520 million for the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund at the Spending Review to pull investment into the UK, and red tape is being slashed to speed up clinical trials, while an up to £600 million investment will deliver a Health Data Research Service that will be unmatched globally – bringing the power of data to bear to unlock breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

    The plan sets out a comprehensive roadmap built around 3 core pillars:

    1. Enabling World-Class R&D – strengthening the UK’s leadership in science and discovery
    2. Making the UK an outstanding place to start, scale and invest – growing homegrown companies and attracting global capital
    3. Driving Health Innovation and NHS Reform – delivering better outcomes for patients and a more modern, preventative healthcare system

    6 bold actions to kickstart change

    The Life Sciences Sector Plan will be supported over the lifetime of the Spending Review by government funding of over £2 billion, alongside funding from UKRI and NIHR. Actions include:

    1. Unlocking NHS data to find new cures

    Up to £600 million investment to build the world’s most advanced health data system – helping scientists develop better treatments faster.

    2. Speeding up clinical trials

    Cutting red tape so patients can join trials sooner – and get access to life-changing medicines quicker.

    3. Backing British manufacturing

    Up to £520 million to invest in life sciences manufacturing projects – creating high-skilled jobs and making more treatments and medical devices here at home.

    4. Getting new treatments to patients faster

    Making regulation simpler and faster by boosting departmental support for the MHRA with additional investment – so doctors can use safe, effective innovations without delay.

    5. Helping doctors use cutting-edge tech

    A new NHS ‘passport’ to roll out proven tools faster – like AI cancer scanners or wearable devices that detect disease early.

    6. Backing brilliant UK firms to grow

    Helping fast-growing companies raise investment, scale up, and stay in the UK – with at least one major industry partnership secured every year.

    Built for delivery

    This Plan was shaped with input from over 250 organisations including doctors, scientists, NHS leaders and industry experts to ensure it delivers real impact. It builds on the strong foundations of the 10-Year Health Plan, extending its ambition by uniting health and growth interventions into a single, coherent strategy for the Life Sciences sector. Every action has clear goals and named leads. This is a Plan designed to deliver, not in isolation but as a vital part of the government’s broader Plan for Change.

    Early momentum 

    The plan builds on the Chancellor’s commitment to reduce regulatory costs by a quarter, with increased investment in the MHRA to accelerate approvals and improve efficiency. It aims to streamline MedTech market entry through closer coordination between the MHRA and NICE.  

    The government is also focused on strengthening the UK’s clinical research infrastructure by improving trial delivery, expanding patient access, and embedding research more effectively within the NHS. 

    We have already started delivering on key actions, from investing up to £600 million in the Health Data Research Service alongside Wellcome, through to committing over £650 million in Genomics England and up to £354 million in Our Future Health, while the rollout of ‘innovator passports’ will help speed up the adoption of new tech and treatments on the NHS. This is clear evidence of our commitment and confidence in life sciences as a driver of both economic growth and better health outcomes. 

    Why life sciences matter

    • Life Sciences is one of 8 priority sectors in the government’s Industrial Strategy – reflecting the sector’s high growth potential.
    • Life sciences companies employ over 300,000 people, with more than three-quarters of jobs outside London and the Southeast, supporting opportunity in every part of the UK.
    • The sector improves economic productivity by improving health. With long-term illness a major drag on workforce participation, better health leads directly to a stronger, more resilient economy.
    • The Life sciences sector attracts record levels of private investment. In 2023, the UK raised the third highest amount of life sciences equity finance in the world, behind only the US and China.
    • It is a UK export powerhouse -medicines and medical technologies were the UK’s third largest goods export by value in 2024.
    • And it is innovation-intensive, with 17% of all UK business R&D spend is in pharmaceuticals, the highest of any sector.
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also revolutionising the Life Sciences sector across research, diagnostics, treatment, and manufacturing, reshaping how we prevent, treat, and manage disease. The potential economic impact is substantial, with McKinsey Global Institute estimating that AI could generate $60–110 billion annually for the pharmaceutical and medical-product industries alone .

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    Our world-leading life sciences sector employs hundreds of thousands of people and is a powerhouse for economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets. Our Plan for Change is ramping up this success story even further.

    The ten-year life sciences plan we have released today as part of our Industrial Strategy will cut red tape and deliver the investment we funded at the Spending Review so it can stay ahead of the curve globally and we can reap the economic rewards for years to come.

    Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    The life sciences sector is one of the crown jewels of the UK economy. It sits at the heart of both our Plan for Change, and our Modern Industrial strategy, as a unique catalyst for both economic prosperity, and better health outcomes for people across the UK.

    Moving in lockstep with industry, academia and our NHS, we will unleash this sector as a force for good and for growth. The suite of measures we’re announcing today will unlock its full potential — attracting global investment, accelerating innovation, and delivering breakthroughs that will make the UK healthier, wealthier, and even more open for business.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    We’re committed to making the UK a life sciences superpower, and our modern Industrial Strategy has earmarked it as one of 8 priority sectors so it can double down on our strengths and keep us at the cutting edge of innovation.

    This government is taking the bold action needed to help this £108 billion industry flourish and create new high-skilled, well-paid jobs right across the country, making our Plan for Change a reality.

    Health Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    This Life Sciences Sector Plan represents a pivotal moment in our mission to rebuild the NHS and shift our healthcare system from one that treats illness to one that prevents it.

    By bringing together the brilliance of British science with the power of our NHS, we’re not just improving healthcare outcomes – we’re building a stronger economy and creating jobs across the country.

    The £2 billion investment will help us make the most of our world-leading health data, speed up access to innovative treatments, and transform the experience of patients. This is how we deliver a health service fit for the future – by embracing innovation that saves lives, cuts waiting times, and makes the NHS sustainable for generations to come.

    The plan comes just days on the same day as the fourth “Made in the UK, Sold to the World” Roadshow, a government-led initiative designed to boost SME exports in the Life Sciences sector.

    The roadshow focuses on the 8 sectors highlighted in the modern industrial strategy, forming part of the government’s commitment to supporting high-growth industries with the greatest potential to create jobs, increase productivity, and drive long-term economic growth.

    Support for the Life Sciences Sector Plan

    Professor Sir John Bell, President of the Ellison Institute of Technology and UK Government Life Sciences Champion said: 

    With our world-leading science base, genomics capabilities and industrial heritage, our Life Sciences sector can truly be among the best globally, ensuring the UK is developing and benefiting from the technologies of the future. We must however move past high level ambitions. This plan, with an inbuilt, relentless focus on delivery, provides the vehicle to take us there.

    Deepak Nath, CEO of Smith+Nephew, said:  

    Smith+Nephew welcomes the publication of the government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan and its clear recognition of the critical role that medical technology plays in building a sustainable, high-performing NHS.  

    We are encouraged by the plan’s focus on the full life cycle of medical technologies – from research and development, and manufacturing, through to regulation, evaluation and adoption – and by the continued engagement with industry throughout its development.  We look forward to supporting the plan’s implementation.

    Dr Tony Wood, Chief Scientific Officer, GSK, said: 

    We welcome the government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan – in particular, the reforms to incentivise more UK clinical trials, establish a new Health Data Research Service and create a network of translational labs and clinics to accelerate drug discovery and development. These changes can bring unique competitive advantage to the country and make the UK a leader in future life sciences research.

    Tim Sheppard, SVP & GM, North Europe, IQVIA, said:

    IQVIA welcomes the Life Sciences Sector Plan and its bold ambition to realise  more investment in commercial R&D than any other country in Europe by 2030.

    Human data science and AI technology underpin our global leadership in commercial clinical research, we recognise the potential in the Plan for the Health Data Research Service to be a catalyst in the UK Government’s  commitment to create the  world’s most advanced and secure health data platform, enhancing the UK’s attractiveness for global trials and AI investment.

    The Life Sciences Sector Plan will strengthen IQVIA’s ability to offer its global life sciences sponsors a seamless and efficient development pathway from early phase trials to regulatory approval and enhance patient access to innovative treatments – improving patients’ lives and driving further economic growth in the UK.

    Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: 

    The Liverpool City Region has a proud history of innovation and is fast becoming recognised as a powerhouse in health and life sciences – from pioneering infection and disease control to cutting-edge manufacturing.  

    This plan is a welcome step towards unlocking the sector’s full potential, and I’m confident our region will play a central role in delivering that ambition. With our world-leading assets in biomanufacturing, digital health and infectious disease research, we’re already demonstrating how innovation in our region can improve lives, create highly skilled jobs, and attract global investment. Backed by the right partnerships and investment, we can help cement the UK’s place as a global leader in life sciences.

    Lord Ara Darzi, Paul Hamlyn Chair of Surgery, Imperial College London, Consultant Surgeon, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Independent Member of the House of Lords said: 

    This plan is a detailed blueprint for implementation. It marks a profound change not just in how we go about enabling discovery but also in the way we deliver it. It sets the United Kingdom up to lead not just in trialling innovation but in making such innovations have real world impact for the benefit for patients, the National Health Service, and economic growth.

    Dr. Vin Diwakar, Clinical Transformation Director at NHS England, said:

    The Life Sciences Sector Plan is a major step forward, accelerating patient access to the latest health innovations through better industry partnerships, solidifying the NHS’s role in economic growth. Through initiatives like the Health Data Research Service and ‘innovator passports,’ we’re unlocking data’s potential for cures and fast-tracking proven health technologies, ultimately transforming patient care and making the NHS fit for the future.

    Peter Ellingworth, Chief Executive of the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) said:  

    ABHI welcomes the publication of the Life Sciences Sector Plan. Developed with meaningful engagement from the HealthTech industry, it recognises the critical role that HealthTech will play in driving innovation and supporting the NHS to deliver the reforms needed to ensure its long-term sustainability. We are particularly encouraged by the commitments to regulatory reform, investment in research infrastructure, and measures to accelerate the adoption of innovation. To succeed, this strategy must be delivered in genuine partnership with industry and the NHS, and focused on removing the persistent barriers that prevent patients from benefiting from the best technologies. ABHI and our members are committed to playing an active role in translating these ambitions into tangible improvements for patients, the NHS and the economy.

    Paul Tredwell, Executive Vice President of Accord Healthcare said: 

    It is very encouraging to see a Life Sciences Sector Plan which for the first time recognises the immense contribution of the off-patent industry, a sector which provides around 80% of all the UK’s medicines. As one of the largest manufacturers supplying medicines to the NHS, and a company currently applying to the government’s LSIMF scheme, we welcome this Sector Plan as a positive step and look forward to working with government on policies that will support future growth and investment.

    Nicola Perrin MBE, Chief Executive of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) said: 

    We’re pleased to see life sciences recognised as a priority sector for the UK. This is a triple win for the economy, for the NHS and for patients. It will benefit people across the country and unlock new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disease. 

    We welcome the positioning of research at the heart of the Life Sciences Sector Plan, from the earliest stages of discovery science and beyond. We also welcome the focus on ensuring that the NHS embraces new discoveries and innovations – these will only have an impact if they get to patients quickly and effectively.  

    It’s reassuring to see a clear focus on implementation and accountability in the plan. This will help to ensure urgent action and real change. Medical research charities must be key delivery partners – they support R&D that focuses on patients, addresses areas of unmet need and accelerates impact.

    Dr Samantha Walker, Director of Research and Innovation at Asthma + Lung UK, says:    

    We are pleased to see the Life Sciences Sector Plan setting out an array of opportunities for action to accelerate the growth of the UK’s respiratory research and innovation sector.   

    There has been too little scientific progress for people living with lung conditions – the third biggest killer in the UK. This plan for investment, with its focus on innovation and access to health data for research, could help drive desperately needed improvements to the diagnosis and treatment of lung disease, which affects 1 in 5 people in the UK.  

    With effective implementation, this plan could lead to research investment that will save lives and significantly reduce the number of preventable A&E visits due to asthma attacks and COPD exacerbations. Furthermore, it has scope to increase the growth of the life sciences sector and will benefit the UK economy by cutting days lost to sickness.

    Louis Taylor CBE, CEO of the British Business Bank, said:  

    In the UK, we are very good at starting high-potential companies and creating breakthrough innovation, but what’s often lacking is the capital to scale these startups. The British Business Bank has been at the heart of growing the UK innovation economy for the last ten years. Today, the Bank is the largest investor in UK venture and venture growth capital funds and the most active late-stage investor in life sciences and deeptech. We welcome today’s Life Sciences Sector Plan and will continue to support the growth of this critical sector.

    Mike Fairbourn, Vice President & General Manager, UK & Ireland for Becton Dickinson said: 

    Becton Dickinson welcomes the UK government’s publication of the Life Sciences Sector Plan. The plan’s focus on accelerating regulatory approvals, streamlining procurement pathways and investing in innovative manufacturing underscores the crucial role of medical technology in driving better health outcomes and economic growth. We strongly support these commitments and stand ready to work hand-in-hand with government, the NHS and regulators to deliver on these ambitions. Together, we can unlock the full potential of the UK’s medical technology industry to bolster the UK life sciences sector and the wider economy, and to benefit patients across the country.

    Dr Daniel Mahony, Chair of the UK BioIndustry Association said:  

    Making the UK an outstanding place in which to start, grow, scale and invest in life science companies is key to driving UK economic growth.  The life science sector plan is right to focus on getting substantially more public and private investment in early-stage companies, improved access to data, trials and skills to help companies grow, and more streamlined regulation and market access pathways to get innovative medicines to NHS patients. We particularly welcome the focus on unlocking pension funds to increase investment in scaling life science companies. In this parliament, the UK has the opportunity to create a truly-world leading life sciences ecosystem that works for start-ups, scale-ups and established global companies alike.

    Dr Kevin Lee, CEO of Bicycle Therapeutics said:  

    Bicycle Therapeutics welcomes the government’s vision to make the UK a Life Sciences superpower as part of its bold and ambitious Industrial Strategy. We support the strategy’s aspiration to accelerate the growth of UK companies by encouraging investment in the sector, simplifying the regulatory environment, and leveraging the UK’s unique healthcare ecosystem to innovate in clinical trial design. At Bicycle, we view this plan as an opportunity to support the advancement of our work to unlock the potential of our Nobel prize-winning science and create new medicines for a wide variety of diseases, starting with cancer. We are excited by the prospect of working in an ever more innovative and productive sector that will see British scientific breakthroughs transform the lives of patients across the globe.

    Professor Sir Rory Collins, Principal Investigator and Chief Executive of UK Biobank, said: 

    The Life Sciences Sector Plan shows how, with long-term thinking, the UK can build on its many world-leading institutions and facilities to deliver a world-class base for science. UK Biobank is living proof of the value of long-term thinking and the impact it can have on life sciences, with projects like our recent decade-long work scanning 100,000 volunteers that is transforming health research and helping the NHS. 

    The UK government continually supports UK Biobank as shown by its £20 million investment for our project to measure proteins in the blood of our half a million volunteers. This investment is helping generate the world’s most comprehensive health data and, by making it so accessible, we’re effectively able to crowdsource the minds of the planet’s greatest experts. That accessibility is why philanthropists and industry from around the world keep amplifying the government’s investment, leading to more data that drives even more research.

    Professor Ugur Sahin, Managing Director, CEO and Co-Founder of BioNTech said:  

    We believe that innovative treatments reach patients faster when sectors collaborate towards a common goal. The renewed Life Sciences Plan reflects this spirit and has the potential to transform medicine through real progress in cancer care and beyond – both in the UK and globally.

    Helen Dent, CEO of British In Vitro Diagnostic Association (BIVDA) said: 

    This plan reflects the government’s understanding of the challenges facing the life sciences industry and their commitment to driving investment, growth, and innovation across the sector. 

    Pledges which reduce the cost and streamline the adoption of diagnostics, MedTech and genomics are hugely welcome, as are measures to introduce low-friction procurement and contracting mechanisms. 

    Ultimately, success will depend upon continued collaboration between government, industry, and the healthcare system to ensure its ambition is matched by delivery. BIVDA looks forward to supporting this process and bolstering the UK’s position as a world-leader in life sciences.

    Hyoungki Kim, CEO and Vice Chairman of Celltrion, said: 

    As a South-Korea based company with a global outlook, we are committed to adapting to the long-term dynamics of the markets we serve. The UK is a key supply destination for us, and we remain committed to supporting the NHS through the increased availability of biosimilar medicines in the coming years. The UK is an important supply destination for us, and we are planning substantial investments to expand our biosimilar medicine supply in the coming years. We therefore welcome the recognition in the life sciences plan that biosimilars are a critical means of delivering value to the NHS and, importantly, expanding patient access. This acknowledgement reinforces our confidence in prioritising the UK as a central focus of our global efforts.

    Massimiliano Collela, Chief Executive Officer of CMR Surgical, said: 

    We are grateful to the government for their support of leading UK Tech and Life Sciences scale-ups like CMR Surgical through the government’s Industrial Strategy, the 10 Year Health Plan and the Life Sciences Sector Plan.  With the government’s support, the UK innovation sector continues to flourish.

    Lars Petersen, President & Chief Executive Officer of FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, said: 

    FUJIFILM Biotechnologies warmly welcomes the UK government doubling down on its commitment to life sciences with this timely and ambitious new Sector Plan. 

    The UK has long been a global powerhouse in life sciences R&D – but what truly excites me about this plan is its potential to supercharge the life sciences ecosystem. By combining world-class discovery, cutting-edge development, and advanced manufacturing under one cohesive vision, the UK is positioning itself to not just lead in innovation but ensure the entire life sciences value chain flourishes. 

    I’m especially pleased to see the critical role of innovative medicines manufacturers, like FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, recognised as essential to the UK’s future growth. This isn’t just about planning; it’s a clear roadmap to unlocking our potential to fuel economic growth, spark groundbreaking innovation, and improve patient outcomes across the board. 

    The government’s pledge of £520 million in grants to expand the UK’s medicines manufacturing sector can also be a game-changer. Remaining globally competitive requires action, and this is exactly the kind of commitment needed to kickstart a new era for the UK’s life sciences. Combined with ongoing private-sector investment and the support of an empowered Life Sciences Sector Council, we’re looking at the foundation of a win-win scenario for government, business, patients, and innovators alike. 

    As one of the UK’s largest investors in innovative medicines manufacturing, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies stands ready to seize this opportunity. We look forward to helping turn this vision into a reality and build a stronger, more sustainable future for life sciences in the UK.

    Richard Stubbs, Chair of the Health Innovation Network said:  

    The UK is now in a race to the top to become a global powerhouse for the life sciences sector. To achieve this, we will need to go further to find, test and implement health innovations at pace and at scale. It is right that place-based innovation capacity and capabilities have been identified in the Life Science Sector Plan as a key enabler for the sector. 

    The Health Innovation Network is proud of the impact that we deliver with our partners in the NHS, academia and industry – from SMEs to multinationals – to improve patient outcomes, release capacity in the NHS to cut waiting lists and to drive economic growth, all priorities that are rightly recognised in this plan. The contribution the life sciences sector has to improve the health and wealth of the country is more evident now than ever. Through working locally with our vibrant life science sector, our health innovators, and our NHS staff we will deliver real change on the ground that has a national impact, and that supports the bold ambitions set out in the Life Sciences Sector Plan.

    Yamin Mohammed Khan, CEO of hVIVO said: 

    We were pleased to establish a working partnership with the Office for Life Sciences in support of their sector plan. The UK has a remarkable and longstanding legacy in life sciences, something which we at hVIVO are proud to be a part of as the world leading provider of human challenge trials. The UK has a proven track record of innovation that continues to thrive. As a global pillar in health research and life sciences, the UK plays a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare and scientific advancement. We’re excited to see how this 10-year plan unfolds, helping the UK maintain its global reputation and further strengthen its leadership in the life sciences sector.

    Mark Robinson, Vice President and General Manager, UK and Ireland, and North Europe at Illumina, said: 

    Illumina strongly supports the UK government’s ambition, outlined in the Life Sciences Sector Plan, for genomics to contribute to half of all healthcare interventions by 2035. The plan’s focus on integrated health data, streamlined clinical trials, and expanded genomic infrastructure aligns with Illumina’s mission to unlock the power of the genome to improve human health for all. Illumina’s longstanding partnerships in the UK have played a key role in advancing our understanding of the genome, and we look forward to continuing these collaborations to support the UK’s leadership in global genomic research and innovation.

    Dr Stella Peace, Interim Executive Chair of Innovate UK said: 

    The Life Science Sector Plan positions innovation as a critical engine with the potential to power breakthroughs, drive economic growth and transform lives. The plan sets out how we will unlock the full potential of UK life sciences by backing the businesses, researchers and technologies shaping the future of healthcare and delivering real societal impact.  Innovate UK look forward to being part of bringing this plan to life.

    David Marante, Vice President UK and Ireland at Intuitive, said: 

    We know how important equity of access to innovation is to improve patient care in the NHS.  For the last 2 decades we’ve worked together with NHS Trusts in England to implement da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery programmes, harnessing our innovations to help enhance patient and care team experience, and reduce waiting lists through increased productivity to ultimately improve patient outcomes. 

    With health innovation as a key pillar of the government’s vision for the UK’s Life Sciences sector, we’re excited to continue supporting NHS care teams to improve equity of access to minimally invasive care with da Vinci RAS, enabling patients to get back to what matters most.

    Mark Samuels, Chief Executive of Medicines UK, said:   

    Generics and biosimilars account for 4 in every 5 NHS prescriptions, making them a cornerstone of patient care and an essential part of the UK’s life sciences ecosystem. We welcome this plan’s recognition of their vital role.   

    The off-patent sector operates in a highly competitive global environment. To maintain supply and attract sustained investment, the UK must offer a policy and operating landscape that is both supportive and internationally attractive.   

    We are encouraged by the strategy’s ambition and clarity – particularly its objective to make the UK a world leader in the adoption of off-patent medicines, with a strong emphasis on biosimilars.

    A thriving off-patent sector delivers access and value for the NHS and forms the foundation for future pharmaceutical innovation and investment. We look forward to working with Government to deliver on this important agenda.

    Lawrence Tallon, Chief Executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, said:  

    I welcome the publication of the Life Sciences Sector Plan and fully support its ambition to make the UK a global leader in life sciences and a country where innovation delivers for everyone. 

    It’s great to see the MHRA is recognised as a pivotal partner in delivering the plan’s vision – by supporting innovation, protecting public health, and making the UK a global destination for innovators to research, develop and launch cutting-edge medical products. 

    Working with our partners across the sector, we will continue to enable safe and effective innovation that benefits patients, the public, and the economy.

    Kit Erlebach, Chairperson of the UK’s Medicines Manufacturing Industry Partnership (MMIP) and Senior Director, Engineering at FUJIFILM Biotechnologies UK said: 

    The UK government’s new Life Sciences Sector Plan signals a clear and ambitious commitment to the future of life sciences in the UK. This plan provides a unique opportunity to build upon our nation’s strengths in research, development, and manufacturing, creating a fully connected and world-leading life sciences ecosystem, with innovative large and small medicines producers. 

    By articulating a clear vision for medicines manufacturing alongside discovery and development, the UK is laying the foundation for a thriving sector that benefits patients, drives innovation, and delivers economic growth. The focus on medicines manufacturing as a key component of this strategy is vital, providing the necessary support to strengthen the UK’s position on the global stage. 

    The allocation of £520 million in grants for expanding medicines manufacturing capabilities demonstrates the government’s dedication to fostering a competitive and sustainable industry. Combined with continued private-sector investment and collaboration across the sector, this targeted support will create new opportunities for innovation, employment, and improved health outcomes. 

    The Medicines Manufacturing Industry Partnership (MMIP) is proud to have contributed to support the development of this Sector Plan. In a rapidly changing international context, today’s announcement is a key step on the journey to enhance the UK’s international competitiveness. We are committed to working with Government to drive implementation of this plan, and the other necessary steps set out in the MMIP’s 10-year vision to deliver on our shared ambition.

    Darius Hughes, UK General Manager for Moderna, said:   

    Moderna welcomes the UK government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan as a bold and timely commitment to strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in healthcare innovation and adoption.   

    Through our strategic partnership, we’ve invested in UK-based mRNA R&D and manufacturing, because we believe in the UK’s ability to turn scientific excellence into real-world impact.   

    This Plan gets the fundamentals right — from smarter regulation to investing in talent and unlocking the potential of health data — and we look forward to continuing our work together to deliver meaningful outcomes for patients, the NHS, and the economy.

    Professor Patrick Chinnery, Executive Chair of the Medical Research Council, said: 

    The new Life Sciences Sector Plan sets out a bold vision to transform how one of the UK’s most dynamic and globally competitive sectors delivers for our economy and for people around the world. 

    The Medical Research Council is committed to playing a central role in realising this vision by accelerating the translation of curiosity-driven research into innovations that support disease prevention, earlier diagnosis and better treatments. 

    In partnership with researchers, charities and industry, we will help more people live healthier, more productive lives, and attract further investment to strengthen the UK’s life sciences sector.

    Matthew Taylor CBE, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, said: 

    Health leaders will welcome the publication of the life sciences sector plan which will play a crucial role in building an NHS that’s fit for the future. Having a thriving UK life sciences and innovation sector is key to ensuring patients get access to the treatments and innovations they need and at the best value to the health system.  

    For the government’s NHS reforms to succeed a successful life sciences programme is key, and the sector benefits from using the NHS as a testbed and delivery partner for new innovations. We look forward to working with the Office of Life Sciences, the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to ensure the views of health system leaders are reflected in the implementation of the plan so that it can deliver for both the health system and life sciences sector.

    Dr Sam Roberts, Chief Executive of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), said: 

    We warmly welcome the publication of the government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan, which sets out how NICE will ensure patients get faster, fairer access to transformative new medicines and life-changing healthtech, while supporting a thriving life sciences industry in the UK.  

    This comprehensive plan establishes a clear vision for how NICE, the NHS, and industry can collaborate to truly transform people’s lives through better, more equitable access to innovation. At NICE, we are committed to playing our part in ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of life sciences innovation while delivering a sustainable and effective health service for all.

    Ros Deegan, CEO of OMass Therapeutics, said:  

    The new Life Sciences Sector Plan outlines ambitions that fit the UK’s world-leading capabilities and should help small and medium sized Life Sciences businesses scale, grow and keep innovation within the UK. As a growing biotechnology company with products approaching the clinic, we are encouraged to see actions designed to cut clinical trial approval times and improve access to capital – 2 critical factors that will benefit the sector and the wider economy.

    Dr. Lucinda Crabtree, Chief Financial Officer of Oxford Biomedica, said: 

    The UK government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan sets out a clear commitment to making the UK a global hub for health innovation. At OXB, we have experienced first-hand how targeted government support — including funding from Innovate UK — can help unlock growth and build globally competitive capabilities. The plan’s focus on accelerating clinical trial processes, streamlining regulatory pathways, and investing in manufacturing, genomics, and health data infrastructure will support innovation and improve access to breakthrough treatments. These initiatives are vital to establishing the UK as a key market to scale life sciences businesses, attract investment and world-class talent, and drive long term economic growth.

    Gordon Sanghera CBE, CEO and Co-founder of Oxford Nanopore Technologies, said: 

    The UK’s ambition to further expand the integration of genomic and molecular data into health systems and the economy – at scale – is exactly the kind of bold infrastructure investment that can improve lives and drive economic growth. In that system, being able to move quickly from innovation to implementation is essential to translating UK science into global health and economic impact.

    Roland Sinker CBE, Chief Executive of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:  

    As I outlined in the Innovation Ecosystem Programme report, there is a significant opportunity to deliver meaningful benefits to the NHS and patients through innovations developed by UK life sciences companies. I fully support the Life Sciences Sector Plan and its clear commitments to advancing research, enabling UK life sciences to thrive, and accelerating health innovation. These actions are essential to ensuring that NHS staff and patients are among the first to benefit from the latest breakthroughs.

    Richard Saynor, CEO of Sandoz said:  

    We welcome the government’s commitment to becoming a world leader in the uptake of off-patent medicines. The target of £1 billion of savings from biosimilars is both realistic and achievable. Increasing their use will unlock greater worker productivity and increase the health of the UK population – a major contribution to the government’s growth imperative. As a committed partner to the NHS and government, Sandoz will dedicate resources and expertise to realise the goals for the off-patent sector within the Life Sciences Strategy.

    Neil Daly, CEO and Founder of Skin Analytics, said: 

    We welcome the clear action plan in the Life Sciences Sector Plan for streamlining and speeding up the adoption of proven healthcare technologies and feel the plan will make a meaningful difference to UK health innovators. In skin cancer, this means that the NHS can move much more swiftly to establish appropriately regulated autonomous AI triage as standard practice for all patients. This will find more cancers, free up clinician time and save taxpayers’ money.

    Dr Michael Spence, University College London President and Provost said: 

    Universities will be at the heart of making the UK the leading life sciences economy in Europe. With its backing for world-class research and clinical trials, the Life Sciences Sector Plan will help us achieve even more. 

    London is a global centre for innovation, with Euston already a leading area for life sciences where world-class universities, healthcare, and life science companies come together. With new investments in Oriel at St Pancras Way with Moorfields Eye Hospital, and a state-of-the art neuroscience facility at Grays Inn Road, UCL is at the heart of making the area a global leader. The new Life Science Hub at Euston station is a step towards realising the huge potential in this area and achieving the government’s ambitions 

    John-Arne Røttingen, CEO of Wellcome, said: 

    The ambition set out in the Life Sciences Sector Plan is hugely welcome. Life sciences are a historic strength of the UK, and this strategic vision is important to cement the country’s advantage in the future. The plan’s emphasis on the importance of early-stage research is particularly shrewd. Basic discovery science underpins later health breakthroughs and clinical trials, making it the essential bedrock for a thriving research economy.  

    The focus on speeding up trials and on data infrastructure for research will not only lead to real impact for patients but also strengthen the UK’s attractiveness to innovative researchers and businesses.  

    If the level of ambition in the plan is matched by meaningful action and investment, the UK will be well on its way to securing its place as a global life sciences leader.

    Notes to editors

    The full collection of Industrial Strategy sector plans can be found here.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

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