NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New partnerships for growth: FCDO Minister’s speech at the LSE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    FCDO Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds gave a keynote speech to the UK financial sector at the London Stock Exchange today on partnerships for growth.

    Thank you so much, Julia [Dame Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange], and a very good morning to all of you.

    Thank you so much for joining us today, I really appreciate it.

    It was an absolute thrill to see the market open this morning.

    I am very keen to hear from as many of you as possible, so I’m not going to speak for too long.

    I want to leave plenty of time for questions.

    But I do want to share a few reflections with you this morning.

    This is, as Dame Julia kindly said, the second time I had the privilege of opening the London Stock Exchange.

    I had the privilege of speaking in this room almost two years ago, and it was then as now a very moving moment, because sat in the front row were some of the first women, in fact the first women, and others who set foot on the London Stock Exchange because they had not been allowed to do so until then.

    What a privilege to have been there for that moment, as for this moment.

    Two years ago, when I was here, I spoke about my own family background – with my dad having worked in financial services.

    And I want again to place on record, my respect for the work that goes on in this building, and across the country.

    Businesses in the financial sector power jobs and growth across the UK, and indeed often around the world as we’ve just heard.

    Well, of course, a lot has changed in the last two years, since I was last here.

    I am addressing you, not as a shadow minister – but now as the Minister for Development, and for Women and Equalities.

    We have a new government focused on growth and restoring our reputation on the world stage.

    And the Prime Minister and the Chancellor have set us all a guiding mission to grow our economy, and bring opportunity to people across our country.

    They have been clear that supporting growth and development around the globe is not just the right thing to do.

    It is an essential part of how we unlock growth, jobs, trade, investment, and pride in our economy here at home as well.

    Indeed, as the Foreign Secretary said in a major speech at the start of the new year, in today’s contested, competitive world, what we need now is a whole new level of global engagement – drawing on our greatest strengths.

    That absolutely includes the expertise, experience, and dynamism in this room.

    Clearly, the City of London and wider UK financial sector must be at the heart of how we meet the opportunities and challenges of our time.

    Twenty years ago, people marched and campaigned to Make Poverty History.

    [Political content redacted]

    That call was heeded and huge progress was made.

    Debt was cancelled, and development assistance was ramped up.

    Lives were saved and lives were changed.

    Today, the challenges we face are growing and becoming increasingly complex – not least because our world is so deeply interconnected.

    We have all seen how shocks can indeed reverberate across the globe.

    A vicious cycle of conflicts.

    The pandemic.

    The climate and nature crisis, and others.

    We have seen supply chains disrupted, and investor confidence shaken – harming our economy, here at home.

    Yet we have all seen the power of harnessing this interconnectedness as well.

    By working together – we can get ahead of global shocks, mitigate their impact, and unlock new opportunities for growth.

    For outward investment by UK businesses.

    To build future markets for UK exports.

    To support low-and-middle-income countries to grow their economies as well.

    As the UK’s Minister for Development, and for Women and Equalities, I am determined to build genuine partnerships across the Global South, based on genuine respect, and in service of our mutual interests.

    Indeed, in all of the visits I’ve undertaken over the last 6 months, from Indonesia to Malawi, to the major global gatherings of the UN General Assembly, the World Bank Annual Meetings, and the climate summit at COP29 – I heard loud and clear that our drive for growth is an ambition our partners all share.

    They want respectful, modern partnerships that benefit us all, too.

    They want to tap into your expertise and the innovative financial solutions you are pioneering – to harness the power of private finance.

    They want to work with us to build resilience to shocks.

    To escape the trap of unsustainable debt.

    To break down the barriers to private investment.

    And they want to work with us to champion much-needed reform of the global financial system, so we unlock more opportunities for everyone – from millions of women and girls around the world whose game-changing potential has yet to be unleashed, to investors right here in the City of London.

    Your hard work is at the heart of these partnerships.

    Already, 115 African companies are listed here.

    London is the world’s number one hub as I said before for green finance.

    All of this puts the UK in pole position to be the leading source of investment for emerging markets – and to build on the reputation you have worked so hard to develop.

    So today, I want to focus on four key areas, where the government and the City can make the most of the important roles we have to play – to support stable, resilient long-term growth, here at home, and around the world.

    Mobilising private capital – to help us maximise the impact of public and private finance.

    Reforming international financial institutions – to make sure they are bigger, better, and fit for the future.

    Tackling unsustainable debt – to achieve the fast, orderly restructuring that helps countries avoid default and supports stability.

    And scaling up insurance – to get more finance in place before disasters strike, to protect and promote growth across the world.

    First – mobilising private capital.

    Together, we can maximise the impact of billions of dollars of public money – and unlock many billions more.

    Consider that globally, there are some $121 trillion of assets under management.

    Currently, Africa accounts for less than 1% of the overseas portfolio allocation of UK pension funds.

    Yet Africa’s GDP growth – and I know I don’t need to tell many in this room of this – is projected to outpace the global average – and almost 70% of UK savers say they want their investments to consider impact on people and the planet.

    It is time to lean in.

    So, I was delighted to hear the Chancellor announce her plans – to consolidate the UK’s fragmented £1.3 trillion pension fund landscape, and create larger, more agile funds, capable of investing in high-growth emerging and developing markets.

    This is exactly the kind of opportunity we need to embrace.

    And I’m delighted that today, a new report from leading UK-based institutional investors sets out how the UK can continue to be the climate finance hub for the world.

    The report makes it clear that investing in other countries to accelerate the transition to clean energy is critical – to growing our economy at home, and to building financial stability long-term, in the UK, and right around the world.

    The Energy Secretary is rightly championing this through the new Global Clean Power Alliance, that the Prime Minister launched at the G20 in Rio.

    Well, today I am pleased to announce that alongside the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, I am convening an Investor Taskforce – to increase UK private investment for climate and development, in markets around the world.

    We are building partnerships with public markets like the London Stock Exchange to pursue this.

    In just four years, our flagship MOBILIST initiative has mobilised almost $250 million for listed products focussed on climate and development globally – including recent investments, like the infrastructure securitisation through Bayfront.

    This method of structuring bank infrastructure loans makes it possible for institutional investors to purchase them through investment-grade listed instruments.

    MOBLIST also helped achieve a $100 million first close for the Green Guarantee Company that will provide up to $1 billion of guarantees – for institutional investors buying green bonds, including those listed on the London Stock Exchange, and green loans issued in the private credit market.

    Today, I am pleased to announce up to £100 million of additional funding for MOBILIST – so we can build on this innovative work pioneering public market investment in emerging markets.

    This will allow MOBILIST to provide a platform for even more partners to draw on UK financial expertise – unlocking opportunities for investments in green growth, and helping more businesses to access new and affordable sources of capital across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

    MOBILIST is not the only way that we are doing this.

    When I visited the London-based Private Infrastructure Development Group, funded by the UK and others – I saw how they are developing and de-risking infrastructure projects across Africa and Asia.

    The UK financial sector has been a key partner for them.

    For example, one arm of the group – GuarantCo – has guaranteed bonds and loans, to unlock $5.7 billion of private investment in infrastructure, benefitting over 44 million people.

    And – breaking news – I am delighted that a new $50 million deal with Standard Chartered Bank – signed today – will allow them to expand further.

    As another example, take British International Investment, or BII – the world’s oldest Development Finance Institution, at the forefront for 75 years.

    The BII teams were full of ambition when I visited their HQ in November.

    I am always proud to tell our partners that 25% of BII’s new investment commitments already meet the 2X Challenge standard – to increase investment in women.

    By making this a priority, BII is funding everything from affordable housing led by women in India, to making lines of credit accessible to small-scale retailers run by women in Nigeria – supporting jobs and growth.

    And when I sat down with key African investors alongside partners from the City in the autumn, I was able to highlight that over half of BII’s portfolio is invested in Africa, and at least 30% of BII’s investments are in climate finance.

    So today, I want to encourage you to engage with their live call for proposals that is open right now.

    BII are looking for innovative pilots to be funded through a new facility announced by the PM at UNGA in New York – that we expect to mobilise over $500 million of institutional investment.

    We are supporting public markets to mobilise finance in other ways as well.

    UK support has been instrumental in helping Ethiopia to launch its first public stock exchange just a few weeks ago, with support from the UK government through Financial Sector Deepening Africa – or ‘FSD Africa’ for short.

    This exchange brings transparency and international-standard accounting to listed companies – and the diverse ownership that should improve accountability, and broaden both the gains from growth, and the buy-in.

    We are sharing UK expertise on financial regulation with our partners as well.

    Through a partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, the Bank of England is now supporting more than 10 countries to improve monetary policy and strengthen financial stability – from Nigeria to South Africa, and from Bangladesh to Indonesia.

    And in the last few days we have signed a new partnership with the Financial Conduct Authority, that will lead to them sharing knowledge with partner countries – to ensure that markets are competitive and fair.

    That is good for our partners – and it is good for us as well.

    Last year, Tanzania’s NMB Bank cross-listed East Africa’s first sustainability bond on the London Stock Exchange and the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange – again, with support from FSD Africa, and an anchor investment from BII.

    The $73 million raised through this ‘Jamii’ Bond will support renewable energy, food security, jobs, and growth.

    In fact, thanks in no small part to your hard work, these sorts of listing are becoming a trend on the London Stock Exchange.

    Last year, the Brazilian Government dual-listed its first $2 billion sovereign sustainable bond on the London Stock Exchange.

    That was followed by a full listing of its second $2 billion sustainable bond, a few weeks later.

    All of this was enabled by UK support that helped Brazil develop a Sovereign Sustainable Bonds framework.

    Now, as we heard earlier, just a few weeks ago, the first $500 million Climate Investment Funds Capital Markets Mechanism bond was issued on the London Stock Exchange.

    It generated considerable investor interest.

    As has already been mentioned of course, it was over-subscribed six times over.

    Further issuances could raise up to $7.5 billion over ten years, for new investments in clean energy in developing countries – leveraging UK government contributions, and those from our international partners.

    So, I could not have been more delighted to open the market this morning – and to congratulate the Climate Investment Funds and World Bank Treasury on issuing this promising new bond today.

    Now, of course, no one in this room is going to invest in developing economies, or provide climate finance – simply because it is a nice thing to do.

    You are making those investments and building those partnerships because they represent a remarkable opportunity – to marry investment in the economies and technologies of the future, with the experience and expertise of the City of London.

    [Political content redacted]

    Let us keep up the momentum – so the London Stock Exchange continues to be the preferred choice.

    My second point is about reforming international financial institutions.

    We are asking a lot of all of you – but of course, there are certain things that only governments can do.

    And reforming the multilateral development banks or MDBs is one of the biggest ways that we are holding up our end of the bargain.

    Every year, the World Bank Group and various regional development banks multiply every pound the UK government and other shareholders put in.

    Last year alone, they raised around £30 billion from bond issuances in London.

    Together with finance raised on other markets around the world, this allowed them to deploy over $170 billion to low-and-middle-income countries.

    This finance is on much more affordable terms than many of our partners could access directly – thanks to the banks’ triple-A credit ratings.

    They use this to invest in high-impact public and private projects.

    Green infrastructure, healthcare, education, women and girls – all underpinning the foundations for growth around the world, and here in the UK.

    So clearly, pursuing reforms that make the MDBs bigger, better, and fit for the future is key.

    As the Prime Minister set out at the UN General Assembly last year –that is exactly what we are using the UK’s influence to do, in partnership with the Global South.

    Indeed, when I travelled to Washington D.C in October, as the UK Governor of the World Bank Group, I made it my priority to agree changes to its risk appetite, that will unlock an additional $30 billion over ten years.

    This builds on UK government guarantees that have made it possible for the World Bank and other MDBs to lend an additional $6 billion, across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

    Ahead of the next big ‘Financing for Development’ summit in Seville this summer – we must do more.

    To make sure the MDBs can shoulder more risk.

    To create more opportunities for private companies to invest in emerging markets.

    And to empower the women and girls who have the power to lift up whole families, communities, countries, and economies.

    Thirdly – we have to tackle the unsustainable debt that is dampening global growth.

    As we take the next steps now, we need the City to be at the forefront of expertise and solutions, to make sure that countries facing unsustainable debt burdens can restructure it effectively.

    Clearly, fast, orderly restructuring can help countries avoid default, and support stability.

    This is squarely in the interest of lenders, such as bondholders and commercial lenders here in the City.

    Obviously, it is squarely in the interests of borrowers too.

    I heard that loud and clear from the governments of Malawi and Zambia during my visit at the end of last year.

    With some 95% of African bonds issued under English Law, the UK has a key role to play.   We need to leverage this.

    Half of the lowest income countries are now in debt distress, or at high risk of it.

    Some 3.3 billion people are living in countries that are spending more on servicing their debt, than on the health and education services that underpin long-term, global growth.

    So, I want us to build on the successes of Collective Action Clauses that featured in over 90% of new bond issuances.

    These have been rolled out widely since their introduction in 2004.

    They have played an important role in ensuring a smooth process and strong private sector participation, in recent debt restructuring negotiations in Ghana and Zambia – avoiding situations where one or two bondholders can hold up a deal.

    This is a great example of what market-friendly innovation can achieve.

    My challenge to the commercial banks now is to introduce the equivalent clauses for syndicated lending – that the UK government has worked with the International Capital Markets Association, legal and financial advisors based in the City, and international partners to develop.

    No lender has implemented them – yet.

    So today, I am announcing that the UK government will offer support for the first ten transactions that put ‘majority voting provisions’ into existing or new lending to low-or-middle-income countries.

    Together, we can speed up debt restructuring negotiations with syndicated lenders – and get growth recovering more quickly in cases where debt has become unmanageable.

    We can do more on Climate Resilient Debt Clauses as well.

    The UK government was the first bilateral creditor to offer these clauses.

    Several other lenders have followed since.

    The difference they can make is significant.

    They allow repayments to be paused when a shock hits.

    This frees up fiscal space for countries responding to a crisis.

    Helps avoid default.

    Supports stability.

    And safeguards growth.

    Just look at Grenada.

    At the end of last year, following Hurricane Beryl – these clauses were triggered on government-issued bonds

    The result was $30 million of interest payments being suspended over the following year – thanks to the bondholders who pioneered these clauses.

    Already, we are going further.

    In October, I announced that the UK will support small states to take up Climate Resilient Debt Clauses in their World Bank loans, by covering the fees.

    In the long run these should be offered at no cost – improving sustainability, and offering benefits both to borrowers and lenders.

    All of this builds on the leadership of countries like Grenada and Barbados who championed these clauses.

    Today, I am reiterating our call on all creditors to offer these clauses in their sovereign lending, by the end of this year – including private sector lenders here in the City.

    I want to see greater transparency on debt as well.

    This improves investors’ understanding – and reduces the hidden debt that poses substantial risks for creditors here in the City.

    It lowers the cost of borrowing for our partners.

    And it allows citizens across the world to hold their governments to account for borrowing and using resources.

    Already, the UK government publishes all its new lending quarterly, on a loan-by-loan basis.

    Now, we want to see other public and private creditors meeting the same standards of transparency in their lending – especially to low-income countries.

    The UK will keep under review if further action is needed – working together with the private sector, to combat high levels of indebtedness.

    Fourth and finally, we need to get insurance and other contingent finance in place before disasters strike, so we protect and promote growth around the world.

    Extreme weather events are on the rise, as we all know.

    Millions of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people are bearing the brunt of repeated shocks.

    Yet currently, less than 2% of crisis finance is of the ‘pre-arranged’ variety – that makes sure every pound spent yields three or four times its worth in benefits.

    Changing that is so important – to help countries receive the rapid payments they need to avoid losses.

    To reduce the need for humanitarian support.

    And to protect growth and jobs.

    Once again, the City is well-placed to meet the needs of this growing, and largely untapped market – as a global leader in innovative insurance and managing risk.

    In Africa, the Caribbean, South-East Asia and the Pacific, the FCDO has helped to establish regional insurance schemes – helping countries get cheaper prices by buying insurance from the private sector as a group, pooling their risk.

    London reinsurers underwrote a quarter of the first eight pools that have allowed Africa to transfer over $1 billion of risk, through the UK-funded African Risk Capacity.

    On a visit at the end of last year, I saw first-hand the difference that payouts from the African Risk Capacity are making to people in Zambia and Malawi, as they respond to a devastating recent drought.

    I was proud to tell them that this was made possible by UK government subsidies for insurance premiums – for countries that otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford them.

    Now, I want us all to engage with the ground-breaking report published by a high-level industry panel, that I helped to launch last week – on how we can strengthen the provision of insurance and other contingent finance, and scale up the use of pre-arranged finance.

    Improving modelling, and the way we price risk.

    Championing innovative parametric insurance.

    De-risking investments upfront.

    This work is so important for giving investors confidence, expanding markets in development economies, improving returns, and strengthening the UK’s role as a leading global financial hub.

    Cultivating a virtuous cycle of global resilience and growth is in all our best interests.

    Your expertise, innovation, and investment are critical.

    So, my pledge to you is that I will make it a priority to build stronger partnerships between the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and the City.

    So we face up to unprecedented challenges.

    Embrace new opportunities.

    And reinvigorate hope for our shared future – and for sustained and sustainable economic growth here and overseas – by working towards it together, in the months and years ahead.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Allegro MicroSystems Appoints Dr. Krishna Palepu to its Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MANCHESTER, N.H., Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. (“Allegro”) (Nasdaq: ALGM) a global leader in power and sensing semiconductor solutions for motion control and energy-efficient systems, today announced the appointment of Krishna Palepu, Ross Graham Walker Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, to Allegro’s Board of Directors (“Board”) as an independent director. Dr. Palepu’s appointment was effective on January 31, 2025. 

    Dr. Palepu brings extensive expertise in strategy, governance, and emerging markets to the Board, as well as experience advising companies in the technology and semiconductor sectors. His academic research focuses on globalization, particularly in India and China, and corporate board effectiveness. He has served on multiple public company boards and is a fellow of the International Academy of Management.

    “I am delighted to welcome Krishna to Allegro’s board of Directors,” said Yoshihiro “Zen” Suzuki, Chairman of the Board. “He brings a unique perspective with his impressive background in academia combined with considerable board and consulting experience in the sectors and markets of focus for the company. Dr. Palepu’s deep understanding of business strategy and global markets positions him perfectly to navigate the complexities of international business. His practical experience complements his research background, bringing valuable insight to the Board as we move towards our next stage of growth.”

    “It is an exciting time to join Allegro’s Board, and I am honored to be appointed,” said Dr. Palepu. “I look forward to working closely with Allegro’s directors and management team and drawing upon my expertise in corporate governance, emerging markets, and global strategy to further enable the company to continue its strong progress.”

    Dr. Palepu holds a master’s degree in Electronics from Andhra University, an MBA-equivalent degree from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, and a Ph.D. in Management from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

    About Allegro MicroSystems

    Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. is leveraging more than three decades of expertise in magnetic sensing and power ICs to propel automotive, clean energy and industrial automation forward with solutions that enhance efficiency, performance and sustainability. Allegro’s commitment to quality drives transformation across industries, reinforcing our status as a pioneer in “automotive grade” technology and a partner in our customers’ success. For additional information, visit www.allegromicro.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release should be considered forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “aim,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “exploring,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “would,” “contemplate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “seek,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar words and expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future results, performance or achievements, and one should avoid placing undue reliance on such statements.

    Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s current expectations, beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to us. Such beliefs and assumptions may or may not prove to be correct. Additionally, such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to various factors, including, but not limited to, those identified in Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 29, 2024, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on May 23, 2024, which is available at www.sec.gov. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: downturns or volatility in general economic conditions; our ability to compete effectively, expand our market share and increase our net sales and profitability; our reliance on a limited number of third-party semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities and suppliers of other materials; any failure to adjust purchase commitments and inventory management based on changing market conditions or customer demand; shifts in our product mix, customer mix or channel mix, which could negatively impact our gross margin; the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry, including the analog segment in which we compete; any downturn or disruption in the automotive market or industry; our ability to successfully integrate the acquisition of other companies or technologies and products into our business; our ability to compensate for decreases in average selling prices of our products and increases in input costs; our ability to manage any sustained yield problems or other delays at our third-party wafer fabrication facilities or in the final assembly and test of our products; our ability to accurately predict our quarterly net sales and operating results and meet the expectations of investors; our dependence on manufacturing operations in the Philippines; our reliance on distributors to generate sales; events beyond our control impacting us, our key suppliers or manufacturing partners; our ability to develop new product features or new products in a timely and cost-effective manner; our ability to manage growth; any slowdown in the growth of our end markets; the loss of one or more significant customers; our ability to meet customers’ quality requirements; uncertainties related to the design win process and our ability to recover design and development expenses and to generate timely or sufficient net sales or margins; changes in government trade policies, including the imposition of export restrictions and tariffs; our exposures to warranty claims, product liability claims and product recalls; our dependence on international customers and operations; the availability of rebates, tax credits and other financial incentives on end-user demands for certain products; risks, liabilities, costs and obligations related to governmental regulations and other legal obligations, including export/trade control, privacy, data protection, information security, cybersecurity, consumer protection, environmental and occupational health and safety, antitrust, anti-corruption and anti-bribery, product safety, environmental protection, employment matters and tax; the volatility of currency exchange rates; our ability to raise capital to support our growth strategy; our indebtedness may limit our flexibility to operate our business; our ability to effectively manage our growth and to retain key and highly skilled personnel; our ability to protect our proprietary technology and inventions through patents or trade secrets; our ability to commercialize our products without infringing third-party intellectual property rights; disruptions or breaches of our information technology systems or confidential information or those of our third-party service providers; our principal stockholder continues to have influence over us; the negative impact any future issuance or sale of our shares may have on the market price of our common stock; anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents and under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware; any failure to design, implement or maintain effective internal control over financial reporting; changes in tax rates or the adoption of new tax legislation; the negative impacts of sustained inflation on our business; the physical, transition and litigation risks presented by climate change; and other events beyond our control. Moreover, we operate in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all risk factors and uncertainties.

    You should read this press release with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and except as required by applicable law, we do not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

    Allegro Contact
    Jalene Hoover
    VP of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
    jhoover@allegromicro.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minister of Defense of the Republic of Moldova to visit Sweden

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Minister of Defense of the Republic of Moldova to visit Sweden – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry of Defence

    Published

    On Tuesday 4 February, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson and Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin will receive Minister of Defense of the Republic of Moldova, Anatolie Nosatîi at Karlberg Castle.

    In August 2024, Mr Jonson and Mr Bohlin visited the Republic of Moldova, where they signed a Letter of Intent on strengthened defence cooperation. 

    On Tuesday 4 February, Mr Nosatîi will visit Sweden and be received by Mr Jonson and Mr Bohlin. Bilateral meetings and a joint press conference with Mr Jonson and Mr Nosatîi at 11.25 will follow the ceremony.

    The aim of Tuesday’s visit is to deepen and further develop the defence cooperation. The visit will take place in light of the proposal to donate man-portable anti-armour weapons (Saab AT4) to the Republic of Moldova, which the Swedish Government announced on 30 January.

    Press contact

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: We must scrap Ofsted say Greens

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Responding to the news that Ofsted is considering a new approach to inspecting education providers and introducing ‘report cards’ for schools, Green Party Education Spokesperson, Vix Lowthion, said:

    “Ofsted isn’t working. For teachers or parents. We’ve seen the toxic impact it can have on teachers and we know it doesn’t serve children. These reforms are too close to the previous failed model. We must instead scrap Ofsted and end the era of forcing teachers into narrowly defined boxes. To replace it we need a collaborative model connecting teachers on the frontline with local experts. By connecting them with specialists in pedagogy, child development and social care we can encourage teacher retention, tailor support to local circumstances and drive much better local and national outcomes.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Better pay crucial to recruiting more officers

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has submitted evidence to the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) and the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB).

    Police chiefs, whilst recognising the financial context, are calling for an increase in officer pay across all ranks of 3.8% as well as raising the starting salary for constables and reviewing pay scales to match skills and experience.

    These changes together will help with the recruitment and retention of officers and in turn support the Government’s Safer Streets Mission, Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee and its focus on reducing knife crime, anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls.

    The recommendations, recognising the highly demanding nature of the role, also include wider officer pay structure reform and outline the importance of making policing a competitive career through better pay for all officers.

    Police chiefs have also stressed the importance of adequate funding for all forces to cover any increase, recognising that the ability for forces to absorb additional cost pressures is extremely limited.

    National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Pay and Conditions, Assistant Chief Officer Philip Wells, said: “Below market starting salaries for constables and real term pay cuts for officers poses a significant challenge to attracting and retaining talented police officers.

    “To deliver against the Government’s Safer Streets Mission and Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee we need to recruit, build and retain skills, attracting those people with the aptitude but also values and standards we need in policing.

    “Our recommendations recognise the significant financial pressure facing both forces and government, whilst advocating for the critical need for a funded uplift in officer pay which reflects the incredibly challenging nature of the job.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sixteen people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord- Lieutenant of Gwent

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The efforts of 16 people, including 3 young cadets from across Gwent have been recognised by the King’s representative for the county.

    Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent Awards. Copyright of RFCA for Wales.

    In recognition of their outstanding service and devotion to duty, 3 people were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit by Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE CStJ at the awards ceremony at Chapman VC House, Cwmbran, on Thursday 30 January.

    The recipients were Staff Sergeant Paul Carter of 100 Field Squadron, The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) and Second Lieutenant Katie Marfell and Sergeant Major Instructor Tyrone Gravell both of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force.

    The achievements of the Lord-Lieutenant’s 3 cadets were recognised and celebrated during the event attended by 80 people. 

    Cadet Sergeant Major Robert Lewis and Cadet Sergeant Major Thomas Wilson both of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force and Cadet Warrant Officer Megan Hutton of No 1 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets outlined to the audience highlights of their time in cadets.

    The role, which lasts for a year, includes attendance with the Brigadier (who acts as the King’s representative) at a number of official engagements such as Remembrance events, Royal visits and parades.

    The 3 were selected for the prestigious Lord-Lieutenant’s cadet role after being put forward for nomination by cadet group leaders and the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales.

    The King’s Coronation Medal was also presented to Staff Sergeant Paul Carter, 5 members of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force and two members of No 1 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets, in recognition of their service. The King’s Coronation Medal is a thank you from the nation for those who were a member of the Armed Forces on 6 May 2023 and had 5 years’ uninterrupted service.

    They were Second Lieutenant Greg McFarlane, Staff Sergeant Instructor Peter Clements, Staff Sergeant Instructor Peter Hire, Staff Sergeant Instructor Kevin Trigg and Sergeant Instructor Clive Scott of Gwent and Powys ACF and Squadron Leader Ken Lavender and Squadron Leader Chris Stubbs of No 1 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets.

    Staff Sergeant Peter Hire was also presented with the Cadet Forces’ Medal, which is awarded to members of the Cadet Force for 12 years service. 

    Volunteer service recognition awards were also presented to three members of the Sea Cadet Corps. These were Civilian Instructor Brendyn Metcalfe of Torfaen Sea Cadets for 12 years service, Petty Officer Bryony Duggan of Newport Sea Cadets for six years service and Mr Robin Lawlor of Torfaen Sea Cadets also for six years service. 

    There are nearly 5,000 cadets in Wales who gain skills and qualifications through working with local communities, charities and taking part in a variety of practical activities. 

    The cadet syllabus is delivered by 1,850 volunteering adult Instructors and civilian assistants, who give up their spare time on weeknights and weekends.

    The awards event was organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales – an organisation that has supported the Armed Forces for over 100 years.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government sets out plans to target ‘stuck’ schools

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Education Secretary sets out plan for a new era of school standards.

    Stronger accountability, increased intervention in stuck schools and faster school improvement are at the heart of this government’s plan to give every child the best start in life, the Education Secretary has said today.

    Speaking at the Centre for Social Justice, Bridget Phillipson laid out plans for a new era of school standards building on the reforms of successive governments and delivering on the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change – breaking the link between background and success. 

    This includes an excellent teacher for every classroom, a high-quality curriculum for every school and a core offer of excellence for every parent so that every child can achieve and thrive.  

    The Secretary of State announced new plans to tackle forgotten schools as part of proposals for a significantly strengthened school accountability system that works for parents. 

    There are more than 600 ‘stuck’ schools in England that have received consecutive poor Ofsted judgements, and which are attended by more than 300,000 children. Those attending these schools leave primary school with results 14 percentage points worse on average and secondary school with results a grade per subject worse on average.  

    Plans unveiled by the Education Secretary today provide for a stronger, faster system, spearheaded by an initial £20m investment in new regional improvement teams, known as RISE teams which will prioritise these stuck schools. They will draw up bespoke improvement plans with those schools, with government making up to £100,000 available initially to each school for specialist support. This compares to a £6,000 grant that was available previously for similar schools. 

    In her speech, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: 

    Stuck schools are the new front in the fight against low expectations. 

    I will not accept a system that is content for some to sink, even while others soar.  

    The opportunity to succeed must be the right of every child. 

    We simply can’t allow stuck schools to disappear off the radar. 

    The reforms announced today continue the strong accountability already within the education system since the growth of inspection in the 1990s that has improved school standards.

    The government will continue to use structural intervention – converting to an academy, or moving to a new, strong trust – where Ofsted identifies the most serious concern or does not identify rapid improvement. It has also proposed closer monitoring of schools with the most serious problems to track progress. 

    The government expects the number of schools that receive mandatory intervention – including structural and from RISE teams – to be around double than before, securing swift improvement for children and driving high and rising standards in every part of the country.  

    Leora Cruddas, Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trust, said:

    There is a lot to be proud of about our school system in England. We are a good school system on a journey to great.

    This is because we have built on the evidence of what works – thirty years of curriculum development, teacher development, accountability, structural reform, and innovation. But the school system does not work for all children: the gap between economically disadvantaged pupils and their peers has widened; the system does not serve children with SEND well; and not enough of our children feel like they belong in our schools. Some of our schools are not on a secure improvement trajectory.

    If we are to build a great school system, then we must design it so that all our children achieve and thrive. We are committed to working with government to design a system that is built on excellence, equity, and inclusion.

    Sir Hamid Patel, Chief Executive of Star Academies, said:

    The Government is right to focus on strong and supportive accountability to deliver high standards and expectations. While we take pride in the significant strengths, achievements, and international reputation of our school system, the entrenched disadvantage gap is a national crisis that requires urgent and persistent action from us all.

    The introduction of RISE Teams to support the work of our outstanding school trusts, along with additional funding for tailored school improvement and enhanced monitoring of schools facing serious performance challenges, will contribute to an aspirational system that benefits all children and families.

    Jon Coles, Chief Executive of United Learning, said:

    Turning around schools which are not doing a good enough job for children is a critical priority for our school system. It is therefore good to see the government’s determination to ensure rapid improvement in a larger number of struggling schools while continuing with structural intervention in the weakest schools by using all the resources and capacity available.

    Jason Elsom, Chief Executive of Parentkind said:

    Parents will welcome efforts to make sure that there are high standards in every classroom.

    Schools will be at the centre of significant social change during the decade ahead and we will need a robust, responsive system that not only recognises when schools are excelling but steps in with meaningful support when they struggle.

    When we engage with parents about school inspections, their message is clear: they want a framework that is firm yet fair, one that places the success and well-being of every child at its core and acknowledges the essential role of parents in making this vision a reality.

    Dr Vanessa Ogden, Chief Executive Mulberry Schools, said:

    We see an ambitious plan announced today that invests in the quality assurance, leadership and resources to build on existing success and improve standards for all. Those schools that need it will get the expert challenge and support required to achieve turnaround. Those that already hold this knowledge can help. Working together in this way, we can ensure that every child gets the great school they deserve – and we can reach higher and further than ever in education, for a thriving economy, regional prosperity and fulfilled secure lives.

    Tom Campbell, Chief Executive Office, E-Act, said:

    I welcome the government investment in support for schools who have been left to struggle in recent years.  The RISE teams and their focus on support rather than intervention makes high quality school improvement available to all schools, irrespective of which trust or LA they are in or which geographical region they are based.

    While RISE teams will immediately prioritise stuck schools, the proposals also set out that they will engage with schools that have concerning levels of pupil attainment, including large year-on-year declines.  

    The teams will also work across all schools providing a universal service, signposting to best practice and bringing schools together to share their knowledge and innovation.  

    The measures today come as Ofsted has unveiled the new report cards which they propose will evaluate schools across nine separate areas.  They also set out proposals for evaluating areas from ‘exemplary’ to ‘causing concern’, holding schools to a higher standard and providing far greater information for parents.  

    School report cards will start to be introduced from this autumn.  

    ENDS 

    • RISE teams abbreviated from ‘Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence’.

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 11.5 million file Self Assessment by 31 January deadline

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Millions of taxpayers filed their Self Assessment tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year by the deadline.

    • More than 11.5 million taxpayers filed their Self Assessment tax return by midnight on 31 January.
    • 97.36% of tax returns were filed online.
    • 90.53% of expected filers filed their Self Assessment.

    More than 11.5 million taxpayers beat the Self Assessment deadline to file their tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year by 31 January and avoid a £100 late filing penalty, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can reveal.

    The number of people who filed their return on deadline day was 732,498, with the most common time being 16:00 to 16:59 when 58,517 people filed. Thousands left submitting their return until the very last minute when 31,442 filed between 23:00 and 23:59.

    HMRC is urging anyone who has missed the deadline to file their tax return now and pay any tax owed. One of the quickest ways to pay is via the free and secure HMRC app. Time to Pay arrangements are available for those who cannot pay their tax bill in full. Late filing and late payment penalties are charged for failure to meet the deadline.

    Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

    Thank you to the millions of people and agents who filed their Self Assessment tax return and paid any tax owed by 31 January. I’m urging anyone who missed the deadline, to submit their return as soon as possible to avoid any further penalties. Search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.

    The penalties for filing a tax return late are:

    • an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time
    • after 3 months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900
    • after 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater
    • after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater

    There are also additional penalties for paying late – 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months. Interest will also be charged on any tax paid late.

    If someone regularly sells goods or provides services through an online platform, they may need to pay tax on their income. Customers can find out more about selling online and paying taxes on GOV.UK by searching ‘online platform income’ or by downloading the HMRC app. The guidance will help them decide if their activity should be treated as a trade and if they need to complete a Self Assessment tax return.

    Further information

    Self Assessment 2025 facts summary:

    • 12,026,540 Self Assessment returns expected
    • 11,509,810 returns received by 31 January. This includes expected returns, voluntary returns and late registrations
    • 10,887,810 expected returns received by 31 January
    • An estimated 1.1 million customers missed the deadline
    • 11,205,810 returns were filed online (97.36% of returns, following adjustments)
    • 304,000 paper tax returns were filed (2.64% of returns, following adjustments)

    Voluntary returns/late registrations are an estimate based on returns received by early January and previous filing behaviour.

    These figures are indicative and may be subject to further adjustments once all figures have been ratified.

    Previous Self Assessment statistics:

    • 11,581,962 returns received for the 2022 to 2023 tax year by 31 January 2024
    • 11,351,289 returns received for the 2021 to 2022 tax year by 31 January 2023

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New partnerships with financial sector to unlock growth in UK and overseas

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    UK Minister for Development announces funding and partnerships to deliver Sustainable Development Goals and domestic growth, in speech at London Stock Exchange.

    • Government to partner with UK financial sector to deliver on the Plan for Change by tackling climate change and driving growth at home.
    • Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds pays tribute to the UK financial services sector, which “powers jobs and growth across the UK”.
    • New funding and partnerships will unlock investment opportunities, as part of a new development approach supporting sustainable economic growth overseas.

    Efforts to address the climate crisis and boost growth in the Global South and at home will be enhanced under a partnership approach between the government and the UK financial sector, the UK’s Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds announced today (Monday 3 February).

    Speaking at the London Stock Exchange, Minister Dodds praised the “expertise, experience and dynamism” of the UK’s financial services sector, and pledged to put this expertise “at the heart of how we meet the opportunities and challenges of our time”, including accelerating delivery of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These seek to address global challenges, including poverty, inequality, and climate change, to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all, by 2030.

    Minister Dodds set out how investment in the Global South is an opportunity for UK financial services “to marry investment in the economies and technologies of the future, with the experience and expertise of the City of London”, adding that the government will hold up its end of the bargain by working internationally to reform the global financial system to provide greater opportunity and stability.

    Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds said:

    With businesses and the government working hand in hand to drive investment in the Global South, we can unlock growth, jobs, trade, investment, and pride in our economy overseas and here at home.

    This government is enabling the financial services sector to flourish and use its expertise and depth of capital to invest in the markets and technologies of the future.

    Through partnerships like this, we will deliver on the Plan for Change, drive domestic growth, and create a world free from poverty on a liveable planet.

    The Minister announced up to £100 million for the UK’s flagship public markets programme MOBILIST. This programme will provide businesses focused on delivering the SDGs with the anchor funding and expert advice they need to list on stock exchanges around the world, including in London, allowing them to attract significant sums of additional private investment. 

    This is expected to generate between £400 million and £600 million of new investments in businesses across emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These investments will support economic growth, sustainable development, and climate action in local markets.

    She also celebrated the issuance of the first Climate Investment Fund (CIF) Capital Markets Mechanism (CCMM) bond last month, which raised $500 million (approximately £400 million) for energy and clean technology projects in low- and middle-income countries. The CCMM, launched by the Prime Minister at COP29, is a new financial mechanism to leverage future loan repayments by issuing bonds on capital markets.

    As today’s announcements demonstrate, this government’s modern approach to development focuses on harnessing the power of the private sector in mobilising the finance emerging markets need to grow. This will create future export markets for the UK and new overseas investment opportunities, supporting domestic growth and delivering on the government’s Plan for Change. It will also make the UK safer and more stable by tackling the drivers of conflict, climate crises and economic decline in partner countries.

    UK Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy said: 

    This is a historic moment for tackling the climate crisis, with the first bond raising $500 million to accelerate the global clean energy transition and support the flow of climate finance to developing countries.

    Public finance alone cannot tackle the scale of this challenge, and this mechanism will help leverage the private finance needed to support those on the frontline of a changing climate.

    Its listing in the UK positions London as a green finance capital. By working with partners such as the World Bank the UK can drive the action needed to grow the economy and reap the rewards of net zero.

    Minister Dodds made the announcements during a speech to the UK financial sector, including pension funds, insurers, banks, and development finance organisations, after joining a market opening ceremony at the London Stock Exchange.

    Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange, added:

    Flows of investment are vital to generating sustainable growth both in the UK and around the world. London’s capital markets have long played a leading role in driving flows of capital to where they need to go, and we welcome the focus on fuelling growth and supporting the just transition to net zero.

    As part of these efforts, we are proud to celebrate the listing of the Climate Investment Funds’ Capital Markets Mechanism on the London Stock Exchange. This pioneering bond issuance programme not only brings a new financing tool to our market but is facilitating critical investment in sustainable and clean assets.

    As part of the speech, the Minister also welcomed a first-of-its-kind report from UK institutional investors, co-led by Mercer, Aviva Investors and the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) and supported by the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC), on scaling private capital for climate action in emerging markets, and announced a new taskforce to take its recommendations forward.

    The speech comes a week after British International Investment (BII), which is funded by the FCDO, launched a call for institutional investors to work with them to develop solutions that will boost the flow of private capital into emerging markets, which are often considered too risky by global investors, but can offer attractive investment opportunities for growth, diversification and impact for the climate transition. 

    Tariye Gbadegesin, Chief Executive Officer, Climate Investment Funds, said:

    The UK has long recognized that to transform our energy systems at the scale and speed required, we must deploy public money smartly. That means putting climate finance to work where it’s most needed: investing in promising new technologies and enabling new clean energy markets, to spur private sector interest at scale.

    As a founding member of the Climate Investment Funds and a proud partner in the launch of our next-generation CIF Capital Markets Mechanism today, the UK is demonstrating its commitment to bold new models of public-private partnership for both people and planet.

    Benoit Hudon, Mercer’s UK President and CEO said:

    UK institutional investors, as part of the wider financial and professional services ecosystem are uniquely placed to help finance development projects in emerging markets and developing economies, which will also support UK growth. The report published today, co-led by Mercer, sets out a range of measures the UK Government and finance industry can take to secure the UK’s position as the world’s leading destination for transition finance.

    Background

    The Minister’s full speech will be made available on gov.uk following the event: Search – GOV.UK

    Photos to be available on FCDO Flickr later today.

    About MOBILIST 

    A flagship UK government programme, MOBILIST (Mobilising Institutional Capital Through Listed Product Structures) identifies and invests in scalable, replicable transactions on public markets that help deliver the climate transition and the Sustainable Development Goals. MOBILIST invests capital on commercial terms, delivers technical assistance, conducts research, and builds partnerships to catalyse investment in newly listed products. Since its inception, MOBILIST has invested £87 million in equity and equity commitments, directly mobilising £247.5 million in private capital.

    Examples of initiatives supported by MOBILIST include:

    • Citicore Renewable Energy Company: in June 2024, MOBILIST supported the Philippines in its transition to renewable energy through a £9.9 million local currency investment in the initial public offering (IPO) of Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation (CREC) on the Philippines Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE), helping to decarbonise the Philippines power generation fleet by rapidly rolling out wind and solar, adding 2.3GW by the end of 2025 and 5GW by 2028. MOBILIST’s investment supported £63.7 million of private investment, a mobilisation ratio of 6.25.
    • Bayfront Infrastructure Capital IV: MOBILIST’s £4 million equity investment in September 2023 into a $410 million securitisation vehicle that listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange and enabled the greening of bank balance sheets in Southeast Asia and attracted international investors into developing countries’ infrastructure. MOBILIST’s investment supported £90.5 million in private investment, a mobilisation ratio of 22.9.

    About the CIF & CCMM

    The Climate Investment Funds (CIF) were launched in 2008 to invest in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs) climate projects. To date, the CIF has leveraged over $64bn from $12.3bn of donor contributions, supporting over 400 projects in over 80 countries. The UK (led by DESNZ) is a leading donor and chairs its Joint Trust Fund Committee.

    The CIF Capital Markets Mechanism (CCMM) was launched by the Prime Minister at COP29, and the bonds were issued on the London Stock Exchange in January 2025. It is a new financial mechanism to leverage future loan repayments (reflows) from previous investments made under the CIF’s Clean Technology Fund (CTF), by issuing bonds on capital markets. 

    Examples of investments made by the CTF include:

    • In South Africa, CTF invested $430.9 million (with co-financing of $2.28 billion). Key achievements include supporting Sub-Saharan Africa’s first large-scale battery storage project and increasing clean energy share in the power grid. This has led to a reduction of 1 million tons of CO2 annually. Notable projects include the KaXu, Xina, and Khi solar plants and the 2023 launch of Africa’s largest battery energy storage system.
    • In Thailand, CTF invested $85.7 million (with co-financing of $1.1 billion). This funding supported over 480MW of solar and wind capacity, reducing 160,000 tons of CO2 annually. Over eight years, wind capacity increased seven-fold, and solar capacity more than doubled. CTF also helped finance the Theppana Wind Power Project and kickstarted the Solar Power Company Group to develop solar farms across northeastern Thailand.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Debt collection and enforcement services

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Advantis take over responsibility for Crown Court means testing (CCMT) debt collection and enforcement services (DCES).

    On Monday 3 February 2025, Advantis Credit Ltd. took over responsibility for Crown Court means testing (CCMT) debt collection and enforcement services (DCES) for the Legal Aid Agency (LAA).

    Advantis were awarded the DCES contract in August 2024, following a competitive procurement process, and have been working with LAA and the previous supplier, Marston Holdings Ltd. over the past six months to mobilise the service and ensure a smooth transition between suppliers.

    Further information

    You can find frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Advantis, including information specific to LAA, at Advantis Credit FAQ.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Escalation of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: G7 foreign ministers’ statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    G7 foreign ministers gave a statement condemning the Rwanda-backed M23 offensive in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the capture of Minova, Saké and Goma.

    Joint statement:

    We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, strongly condemn the Rwanda-backed M23 offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in particular, the capture of Minova, Saké and Goma. We urge M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) to cease their offensive in all directions. We call for the urgent protection of civilians.

    We also call for an end to all direct and indirect support to the M23 and all non-state armed groups in the DRC. This offensive constitutes a flagrant disregard for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC. We also condemn M23’s intention to continue expansion into South Kivu.

    This latest M23 offensive has led to a dramatic increase in displaced civilians in Goma and across eastern DRC, on top of the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people since the start of the M23 offensive in January. We deplore the devastating consequences of the renewed M23 and RDF offensive, worsening already difficult humanitarian conditions.

    G7 Foreign Ministers call for the rapid, safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians and reiterate that humanitarian personnel must be provided assurances of safety.

    We urge all parties to return to the negotiating table and honour their commitments under the Luanda Process. We urge the M23 to withdraw from all controlled areas. We also urge all parties to fully commit to a peaceful and negotiated resolution of the conflict.

    We reiterate our full support to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) to protect civilians and stabilize the region and call on all parties to respect its mandate.

    Attacks against peacekeeping personnel are entirely unacceptable. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers of MONUSCO and the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC).

    We strongly condemn all attacks against diplomatic missions in Kinshasa. We urge the Congolese authorities to take all appropriate steps to protect diplomats and the premises of diplomatic missions, as is their responsibility in accordance with international law.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Former Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Executive Board Member Sanjeev ‘SG’ Gupta, Joins APO Group as Senior Advisor to the Founder and Chairman

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, February 3, 2025/APO Group/ —

    APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sanjeev ‘SG’ Gupta as Senior Advisor to its Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com). In this role, Mr Gupta will assist APO Group in guiding African governments and corporations to harness the power of public relations and strategic communication to attract vital investments, amplify their competitive advantages, and unlock their growth potential. His experience will be invaluable in developing compelling and globally resonant narratives that not only highlight the unique opportunities but also inspire investor confidence and foster an environment primed for sustainable growth.

    This strategic relationship highlights APO Group’s commitment to furthering its impact on the African continent by empowering African governments and the private sector to create coherent branding and communication strategies that is recognised internationally as a balanced and constructive argument on African realities and opportunities.

    Gupta brings over three decades of distinguished experience in finance and investment, particularly within African markets. As the former Executive Director of Financial Services at the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), a leading pan-African multilateral development finance institution, Gupta played a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s infrastructure and economic development landscape. During his tenure, AFC raised well over USD 10 billion from diverse funding sources and maintained an A3 investment-grade credit rating during what has been another decade of extreme turbulence and an enhanced risk environment for the continent. The Treasury team under his guidance was named “Best Supranational Treasury & Funding Team of the Year”. 

    Mr Gupta has been a vocal advocate for integrating climate considerations into investment decisions, promoting sustainable development, and through his academic interests has nurtured young professionals globally to understand and appreciate the African relevance to global challenges better. 

    A powerful orator and a passionate campaigner for a fair role for Africa on the global stage, he has been particularly successful in structuring significant investment flows into Africa along with African domestic capital to provide equitable returns to both private and public investors on transformational projects on the continent. 

    Gupta has consistently highlighted that unlocking Africa’s demographic dividend is a vital priority, alongside the need for the continent to firmly establish itself as a leading source of solutions to critical global challenges.  

    Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman of APO Group, said: “Sanjeev’s extensive experience and visionary leadership in African finance are truly unique as we seek to work together to amplify the continent’s stories on the global stage. His expertise and extensive network will be instrumental in advancing APO Group’s mission to promote positive and impactful narratives about Africa.” 

    Speaking on his new role, Gupta stated: “I am delighted to join APO Group and collaborate with Nicolas and his exceptional team. APO Group’s dedication to showcasing Africa’s potential resonates deeply with my own commitment to fostering sustainable development and investment across the continent. I look forward to contributing to APO Group’s efforts to ensure Africa is heard and accurately understood by all relevant stakeholders, so that both the African voice and the critical role it must play in building a better world are fully embraced and acted upon”. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Thousands of children to be supported thanks to multi-million expansion of innovation in family courts

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Families, children and victims of domestic abuse will be spared the trauma of going to court thanks to a multi-million-pound expansion of an innovative pilot across Wales and West Yorkshire.

    • Funding boost to benefit up to 8,000 families in Wales and West Yorkshire
    • New data shows “Pathfinder” courts resolve cases quicker – tackling backlogs and shielding children from further trauma
    • Flagship family mediation voucher scheme extended for a year

    The £12.5 million funding boost comes as new figures published today (3 February) show the Pathfinder scheme is resolving cases faster, with family court backlogs reduced by half in pilot areas.

    The Pathfinder pilot works by bringing together local authorities, police and support services to gather and share information on cases as early as possible.

    This saves children and families from having to go through unnecessary and potentially hostile hearings. As part of delivering on its Plan for Change and mission to halve violence against women and girls, the scheme also provides extra support to victims of domestic abuse.

    New figures published today show the approach is working, with cases being resolved 11 weeks quicker, and the backlog of cases reducing by 50 per cent across both Dorset and North Wales.

    Lord Ponsonby, the Minister for Family Justice, said:

    For too long families have been pitted against each other in the court room, or abusers have hijacked proceedings to continue campaigns of cruelty. Children and vulnerable people bear the brunt of this, and it must stop.

    Pathfinder has been welcomed as a less adversarial approach, and early evidence shows it’s working. This is another important step to achieving our promise of halving violence against women and girls.

    A primary focus of the courts is improving information sharing between agencies to allow for more informed decision making, fewer bureaucratic hearings, less time in court and quicker resolution to cases. The courts can also offer specialist support to victims of domestic abuse through Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs).

    To further help separating families resolve conflict, the Government’s family mediation vouchers scheme will also be extended to March 2026.

    The programme, which provides £500 to help couples settle issues before they get to court, has provided helped over 37,700 families to date, with early analysis showing 70 per cent of recipients reach a whole or partial agreement thanks to mediation. 

    Since the voucher scheme was introduced in April 2021, the number of applications being made to court has dropped – avoiding thousands of these cases a year, which could save taxpayers millions of pounds.

    There were 50,807 private law applications in 2023, compared to 55,711 in 2020.

    It also saves families, especially children, from a potentially length and damaging court process.

    Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs said:

    Improving the Family Court is a key priority for my office. It is clear to me that Pathfinder Courts recognize the impact of domestic abuse and consider children’s needs much earlier than in the traditional Family Court.

    I believe this approach is essential to ensuring the protection of victims in the family justice system. I welcome Government’s commitment to this pilot and look forward to seeing its influence on all Family Courts.

    The family mediation voucher scheme was introduced in 2021 as a pilot to help relieve backlogs in the family court caused by the pandemic.

    Further information

    • The Pathfinder pilot launched in Dorset and North Wales in February 2022, it expanded to South East Wales in April 2024, and Birmingham in May 2024.
    • The expansion is set to launch in Mid and West Wales on 3 March, and in West Yorkshire on 3 June.
    • In 2020 The Harm Panel, comprised of experts on the family justice system, was convened to draw together evidence and published a report on private law children cases. It recommended reform to the Child Arrangements Programme (CAP), which is the process that the family court follows when settling disputes between separating parties involving children.
    • The Pathfinder pilot was designed in response to this recommendation to achieve the reform of private law by trialling a more investigative approach which better supports victims of domestic abuse and other harms.
    • The 2023 update on the pilots can be found here: Assessing Risk of Harm to Children and Parents in Private Law Children Cases – https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1158907/annex-integrated-domestic-abuse-courts.pdf
    • For more information on the impact parental conflict can have on young people and their life chances: What works to enhance interparental relationships and improve outcomes for children? – Early Intervention Foundation (eif.org.uk)
    • Family mediation is a process in which an independent, professionally trained mediator helps parties work out arrangements for children and finances where there is a dispute. For more information on mediation and how it works visit: Home – Family Mediation Council

    Data published today shows:

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Better protection for victims from domestic abusers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Victims of domestic abuse will be better protected as part of a new law ensuring even more abusers face tougher management from police and probation.

    • Closer management of offenders convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour

    • Agencies such as Police and Probation will have a legal duty to work

    • Part of the Government’s Plan for Change and mission to halve violence against women and girls

    Offenders convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour, and sentenced to 12 months or longer, will now be automatically managed under multi-agency public protection arrangements. This means agencies are legally required to cooperate to better manage the risks posed by these serious offenders, recognising the significant harm this kind of offending can cause.  

    For the first time, it puts controlling or coercive behaviour on a par with other domestic abuse offences including threats to kill, attempted strangulation and stalking.

    Evidence shows offenders who are managed under multi-agency public protection arrangements have a reoffending rate less than half of the national average

    The law change means even more domestic abusers will fall under this management, in which agencies are legally required to share any information which indicates increased risk to others, such as former partners or members of the public.

    This is part of the Government’s Plan for Change to take back our streets by protecting women and girls from harassment, aggression and violence and manifesto commitment to target the most prolific and harmful perpetrators using methods previously reserved for terrorist and other violent offenders.

     Minister for Prisons and Probation, Lord James Timpson said:

    Domestic abuse creates fear and isolation, and I will do everything in my power to tackle it and ensure women and girls feel safe in their homes.

    This new approach will put controlling or coercive behaviour on a par with physical violence and will help prevent these despicable crimes.

    Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Philips said:

    Domestic abuse devastates lives and affects more than two million people every year.

    For the first time, under this change to the law, coercive or controlling behaviour is being placed where it belongs – on a par with serious violent offending. This is an important step to recognise the harm caused by all forms of domestic abuse, ensure the most harmful offenders are managed in the right way, and ultimately keep victims safe.

    This Government will crack on with our work to deliver a system that protects victims, supports their journey to justice and holds perpetrators to account – part of our mission under the Plan for Change to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.

    The law change will apply to all offenders who are sentenced to at least 12 months’ imprisonment, including suspended sentences, or given a hospital order for an offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship.

    It was introduced by the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 and was signed into law after Justice Minister Lord Timpson signed a statutory instrument early this year.

    Previously, those convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour could be actively managed under multi-agency arrangements on a discretionary basis only.

    This measure will put beyond doubt the legal requirement for agencies to work together to assess and manage the risks posed by this group of offenders.

    Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, Farah Nazeer, said:

    Coercive control is a key tool used by perpetrators of domestic abuse, as it isolates survivors and makes them dependent on an abuser.

    Women’s Aid welcomes plans to treat coercive and controlling behaviours seriously, automatically managing those convicted of this form of abuse under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangement (MAPPA).

    It is essential that specialist domestic abuse services, with expertise on abusive behaviours and the impacts on victims and survivors, are routinely included in the MAPPA process if survivors are to be properly protected by this measure.

    This announcement builds on measures already set out by the Government as part of our mission to halve violence against women and girls. This includes launching new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders in select areas to ensure victims of all types of domestic abuse including coercive control, stalking, and violence can seek protection and more abusers face harsher restrictions. 

    Further information:

    • Multi-agency public protection arrangements, known as MAPPA, are the set of arrangements through which the Police, Probation and Prison Services work together with other agencies to manage the risks posed by violent, sexual and terrorist offenders living in the community to protect the public.
    • Research conducted by Anglia Ruskin University indicates that reoffending rates for individuals managed under MAPPA are less than half of the national average. The one-year reoffending rate for MAPPA is 12.2%, while the national overall one-year reoffending rates range between 30.0% and 31.3% during a similar timeframe.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report 03/2025: Derailment of a passenger train at Roudham Heath

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    RAIB has today released its report into the derailment of a passenger train at Roudham Heath, Norfolk, 6 February 2024.

    The train involved in the accident after it had been rerailed.

    R032025_250203_Roudham Heath

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    Summary

    At around 20:53 on 6 February 2024, a passenger train travelling at 83 mph (134 km/h) through Roudham Heath, Norfolk, struck two trees which had fallen onto the track. As a result, the train derailed and travelled for around 680 metres before coming to a stop.

    One of the 31 passengers on board suffered a minor injury. There were no other injuries to the passengers or staff on the train. The train and infrastructure both suffered damage, and the line was closed for a day while repairs took place.

    The two trees were part of a forest adjacent to the railway that is owned and managed by Forestry England. One of the trees, a twin-stemmed pine tree, fell first, landing on and felling an adjacent oak tree. The pine tree suffered from a loss of root anchorage, primarily because it was standing in highly saturated, sandy soil. Because of the way the pine tree had grown and its proximity to the railway, it was more likely to land over the tracks in the event of it falling. Inspections of the trees by Network Rail and Forestry England had not identified any cause for concern, and so no action had been taken to reduce the likelihood of the tree falling.

    RAIB’s investigation identified that the risk imposed by trees standing in saturated soil was not being effectively managed by either Forestry England or Network Rail. This was an underlying factor to this accident.

    There was no significant deformation of the train’s cab structure following the collision, and an axle-mounted brake disc on the train engaged with one of the rails which helped to contain the train’s path during the derailment.

    Recommendations

    RAIB has made two recommendations, one addressed to Forestry England and one to Network Rail. Both recommendations ask the respective organisations to review their processes for inspecting and managing trees that are within falling distance of the railway, to consider the effects of high soil saturation levels on the risk of trees falling, and to make any appropriate changes.

    Notes to editors

    1. The sole purpose of RAIB investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents and improve railway safety. RAIB does not establish blame, liability or carry out prosecutions.

    2. RAIB operates, as far as possible, in an open and transparent manner. While our investigations are completely independent of the railway industry, we do maintain close liaison with railway companies and if we discover matters that may affect the safety of the railway, we make sure that information about them is circulated to the right people as soon as possible, and certainly long before publication of our final report.

    3. For media enquiries, please call 01932 440015.

    Newsdate: 3 February 2025

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Eight new members appointed to the Council for Science and Technology

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Eight new members have been appointed to the Council that advises the Prime Minister and Cabinet on science and technology.

    Images of the eight new Council members.

    Eight new members have been appointed to the Council for Science and Technology (CST). The Council advises the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on strategic science and technology policy issues that cut across the responsibilities of individual government departments. 

    Professor Dame Angela McLean, the Government Chief Scientific Adviser and Co-Chair of  CST,  said: 

    The eight new members bring extraordinary breadth and depth of experience: from AI and data to chemical engineering and venture capital. I am confident that new members will further invigorate the Council and its ability to provide robust advice on the government’s high-level priorities for science and technology. I look forward to collaborating across a wide range of topics to further embed specialist knowledge of the UK’s strength in science and technology into the heart of government decision-making.

    New members: 

    • Mark Enzer OBE is a Strategic Advisor at Mott MacDonald. He is a Visiting Professor at the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London. 

    • Professor Dame Lynn Gladden DBE is Shell Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Cambridge, and former Executive-Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. 

    • Priya Lakhani OBE is Founder CEO of CENTURY Tech. She co-founded the Institute for Ethical AI in education. 

    • Avid Larizadeh Duggan OBE is a Senior Managing Director, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Teachers’ Venture Growth. She is a Non-Executive Director on the board of Barclays Bank UK.

    • Professor (Emeritus) Nick McKeown is Senior Fellow at Intel Corporation, Professor (Emeritus) of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Stanford University and Visiting Professor of Engineering and Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University. 

    • Professor Sir Nigel Richard Shadbolt is Professor of Computer Science at the University of Oxford and Principal of Jesus College, Oxford. He is Co-Founder and Chair of the Open Data Institute. 

    • Richard Slater is Chief R&D Officer for Unilever. He was previously Senior Vice President R&D, GSK Consumer Healthcare. He is a Non-Executive Director at Future Origins. 

    • Paul Taylor CBE is Director of Morgan Stanley International, Chair of Interrupt Labs Ltd and Chair of Beyond Blue. He is a Non-Executive Director on the Defence Technology and Innovation Board at the Ministry of Defence.  

    See more details on CST and its members.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Retail sales down 9.7% in December

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The value of total retail sales for December, provisionally estimated at $32.8 billion, was 9.7% less than in the same month a year earlier, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

    After netting out the effects of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate represents an 11.5% year-on-year decrease.

    The value of total retail sales for 2024 as a whole was provisionally estimated at $376.8 billion, down 7.3% in value and 9% in volume against 2023.

    Online sales accounted for 7.2% of December’s total retail sales value. Provisionally estimated at $2.4 billion, the value of this segment fell 17.2% from the same month a year earlier.

    The value of sales of jewellery, watches, clocks and valuable gifts dropped by 13.8%.

    Meanwhile, decreases were likewise seen in sales of “consumer goods not elsewhere classified” (down 2.9%); commodities in supermarkets (down 3.1%); clothing (down 11.1%); food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (down 0.6%); commodities in department stores (down 8.9%); and medicines and cosmetics (down 2.2%).

    Sales also declined in the following categories: electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (down 20.2%); motor vehicles and parts (down 36.3%); fuels (down 11.2%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (down 4.9%); Chinese drugs and herbs (down 2.2%); furniture and fixtures (down 22%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (down 9.6%); and optical items (down 7.5%).

    The Government commented that the decline in the value of total retail sales in December from a year earlier partly reflected an increase in outbound trips by residents during the holidays.

    Looking ahead, it said the retail sector’s near-term performance will continue to be affected by changes in the consumption patterns of visitors and residents.

    However, it added that increasing earnings from employment, and the introduction of various measures by the central government to boost the Mainland’s economy and benefit Hong Kong, together with proactive efforts by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to promote tourism and boost market sentiment, will benefit the sector.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Government expands opportunities for Swedish businesses to help support Ukraine’s reconstruction

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Government expands opportunities for Swedish businesses to help support Ukraine’s reconstruction – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    The Government has amended the conditions and expanded the framework for special export credit guarantees for doing business with Ukraine. The aim is to enable more businesses to export to Ukraine and thus contribute to the country’s sustainable reconstruction. It should now also be possible to offer guarantees with longer maturities, higher coverage and that cover services. The amendments to the regulation took effect on 1 February. The Government has also expanded the existing framework of SEK 333 million to SEK 555 million. In total, guarantees can be offered to a maximum of SEK 888 million.

    “Swedish businesses both want and are able to contribute more to Ukraine’s reconstruction, but they need support that mitigates the risk. The aim of amending the conditions is to make it easier and safer for Swedish companies to export to Ukraine. This is an important step in Sweden’s contribution to the country’s reconstruction,” explains Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.

    The regulation on special export credit guarantees for Ukraine came into force on 1 April 2024. This means that exporting companies can apply for special export credit guarantees through the Swedish Export Credit Agency to do business that helps support economic and social development and welfare in Ukraine. In 2024, SEK 333 million was set aside for these special export credit guarantees for Ukraine, with this amount subsequently raised in 2025 to SEK 888 million.

    The amendments to the regulation will make it even easier for more companies to export to Ukraine. The maximum maturity of the guarantees has been adjusted from three to four years, with coverage expanded from 80 per cent to a maximum of 95 per cent. The amount that can be granted to businesses that form part of the same group has now been raised from SEK 100 million to SEK 300 million.

    Press contact

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Troubled road in New Caledonia fully reopens after eight-month closure

    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk

    The main provincial road linking New Caledonia’s capital, Nouméa, to the south of the main island will be fully reopened to motorists after almost eight months.

    Route Provinciale 1 (RP1), which passes through Saint Louis, had been the scene of violent acts — theft, assault, carjackings — against passing motorists and deemed too dangerous to remain open to the public.

    Instead, since the violent riots that started in mid-May 2024, residents of nearby Mont-Dore had to take special sea ferries to travel to Nouméa, while police and gendarmes gradually organised protected convoys at specific hours.

    The rest of the time, motorists and pedestrians were “filtered” by law enforcement officers, with two “locks” located at each side of the Saint Louis village.

    The troubled road was even fully closed to traffic in July 2024 after tensions and violence in Saint Louis peaked.

    Last Friday, January 31, French High Commissioner Louis Le Franc announced that the RP1 would be fully reopened to traffic from today.

    Gendarme patrols stay
    The French High Commission, however, stressed that the law enforcement setup and gendarme patrols would remain posted “as long as it takes to ensure everyone’s safety”.

    “Should any problem arise, the high commission reserves the right to immediately reduce traffic hours,” a media release warned.

    The RP1’s reopening coincides with the beginning, this week, of crucial talks in Paris between pro-independence, pro-France camps and the French state on New Caledonia’s political future status.

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Economy grows 2.5% in 2024

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Hong Kong’s economy in the fourth quarter of 2024 increased 2.4% year-on-year, and grew 2.5% for 2024 as a whole.

    The Census & Statistics Department announced the figures today as it released its advance estimates on gross domestic product (GDP) for the fourth quarter and the whole of 2024.

    According to the estimates, private consumption expenditure decreased 0.2% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2024 over a year earlier, while it decreased 0.6% for the whole year.

    Government consumption expenditure grew 1.9% year-on-year and expanded 0.9% for 2024 as a whole.

    Gross domestic fixed capital formation fell 0.9% year-on-year and increased 2.4% for the whole of 2024.

    Over the same period, total goods exports and imports grew 1.2% and 0.1% from a year earlier. For the whole of 2024, total goods exports and imports increased 4.7% and 2.3%.

    Compared with a year earlier, exports of services rose 5.6% in the fourth quarter, while imports of services went up 8.7%. For 2024 in full, exports and imports of services increased 4.8% and 11.8% respectively.

    Commenting on the figures, the Government said the Hong Kong economy posted moderate growth of 2.5% in 2024, further to 3.2% growth in 2023.

    During the year, total exports of goods resumed growth amid improved external demand. Exports of services continued to increase, driven by further growth of visitor arrivals and improvement in other cross-border economic activities. Overall investment expenditure showed a further increase as the economy continued to expand.

    However, private consumption expenditure recorded a slight decline, affected by the change in residents’ consumption patterns.

    Looking ahead, the Hong Kong economy is expected to register further growth in 2025 despite heightened uncertainties in the external environment. Trade protectionist policies implemented by the US may disrupt global trade flows and adversely affect Hong Kong’s goods exports, and also lead to a slower pace of interest rate cuts in the US and keep the Hong Kong dollar strong for longer.

    Nevertheless, the Mainland’s proactive policy to boost its economy will help bolster market confidence and benefit a wide spectrum of economic segments in Hong Kong. The central government’s various measures benefitting Hong Kong, coupled with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s wide range of initiatives to promote economic growth, will also provide support to various economic activities, it added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minister for Foreign Affairs visited Peru

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Minister for Foreign Affairs visited Peru – Government.se

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    Article from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    On 30–31 January 2025, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard visited Peru together with a business delegation. The visit highlights Sweden’s good relations and mutual trade interests with Peru.

    The visit took place in the capital, Lima, and was conducted together with a business delegation in the areas of mining and energy. Ms Malmer Stenergard met with Peru’s Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén, Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmer Schialer and Minister of Economy and Finance José Arista. Current foreign policy issues, Swedish-Peruvian trade relations and cooperation in areas such as sustainable mining were included in their discussions.

    Together with Peru’s Vice Minister of Mines and Energy, Ms Malmer Stenergard opened the Sweden-Peru Mining Summit. There are many Swedish businesses operating in Peru, and the Swedish Government sees good opportunities to strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, mining and green transition.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New chief executive Stannard “ambitious” for Manchester

    Source: City of Manchester

    Manchester City Council’s new Chief Executive Tom Stannard starts in the role today, Monday 3 February 2025. 

    Tom becomes only the third Chief Executive in more than 25 years in a city which prides itself on stability and long-term strategic planning. 

    He brings with him considerable experience, having served as Chief Executive in neighbouring Salford City Council for the past four years – overseeing achievements including the transformative regeneration of Salford, an ambitious council housebuilding programme and high-performing children’s services – and held a number of senior posts in a long local government career.  

    Tom is nationally recognised as a leading voice in local government, public service reform and delivering inclusive growth and currently holds the lead chief executive brief for Greater Manchester in the economy, business and international portfolio.   

    He joins the Council at a pivotal moment as it gears up to bring forward the 2025-2035 Our Manchester Strategy which will guide the city in the decade ahead. The new vision will aim to build on the achievements of the 2015-2025 plan, delivering economic growth that benefits everyone – including by addressing inequalities through the Making Manchester Fairer action plan and pursuing ambitious housebuilding and zero carbon programmes.  

    As well as driving forward this long-term strategy, Tom will ensure the Council stays focused on providing high quality day-to-day services and supporting clean, green and vibrant neighbourhoods across the city.  

    Tom will also be the place-based lead for Manchester and its locality health arrangements within the Greater Manchester Integrated Care system.  

    Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Tom brings experience, energy and ideas to this important role for the city and will oversee the delivery of our vision for Manchester’s next decade.  

    “The city is on a positive trajectory, making an impact on the world stage while continuing to improve its neighbourhoods and create opportunities for its residents, and I’m looking forward to working with Tom in the years ahead to take these achievements to the next level.”  

    Tom Stannard, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, said: “I’m highly ambitious for Manchester and the people who call it home.  

    “I’ve lived and worked in Greater Manchester for much of my career so I know the area well and have a deep personal commitment to it. But at the same time, there’s always more insight to gain and I’m looking forward to getting to know more of those who make up Team Manchester – from the elected members and council staff to partner organisations, businesses and residents who all have a part to play in the city’s success.  

    “This is an incredible job in a remarkable city and I’m delighted to be here to get working on behalf of Manchester and its people.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNCCD COP16 side event: Dry Lands, Green Cities: United for Urban Land Restoration

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The side event highlights strategies to scale urban forestry and nature-based solutions (NBS) to advance land restoration, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation in arid urban areas.

    The session emphasizes the transformative potential of urban forestry as a nature-based solution that supports the objectives of UNCCD and other Rio Conventions. Specifically, reflecting the Coalition’s key messages and Action Agenda, the event presents actionable guidance for funding and integrating urban forestry into national policies and plans to strengthen climate, biodiversity and land restoration goals. This includes national plans under the Rio conventions National Action Plans (UNCCD), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) (UNFCCC Paris Agreement), National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) (UNCBD).

    Practical insights will be shared on how urban forestry drives sustainable urban development in dry cities, along with innovative funding models to support these efforts. Participants will engage in a cross-sector dialogue, fostering collaboration between local and national governments, financial institutions and international organizations, highlighting tools and replicable models for embedding urban greening into national plans and budgets for resilience in dry regions.

    The Trees in Dry Cities Coalition operates as a collaborative network of UN Member States, cities, civil society, NGOs, private sector partners, and international organizations, including the UNCCD. This collective effort aligns urban greening initiatives with key global commitments, creating a cohesive approach to tackle environmental and urban challenges. The Coalition champions urban forestry as a scalable, impactful solution to build resilient, sustainable, and ecologically sound urban landscapes in arid regions.

    The outcomes of the event will be an important input to shaping the work and activities of the Coalition over the coming year and beyond.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Peacekeepers from Timor-Leste share their unique stories

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    One of the main examples of successful stabilization by the UN comes from East Timor, a context that was marked by 24 years of conflict during the Indonesian occupation and violent internal crises after independence. With support from the United Nations, the small Asian nation achieved self-determination and pacification.

    To overcome divisions and other issues, Timor-Leste invested in reconciliation, an experience that can inspire global peace and security efforts in other contexts. Therefore, on a recent visit to the country, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, stated that “the world has a lot to learn” from the Timorese experience.

    Between 1999 and 2012, Timor-Leste hosted six of the organization’s missions, four of which were peacekeeping and the other two were political. The Asian nation lives under the motto “conflict never again, welcome development” and works to send more and more Timorese soldiers to stabilization missions around the world.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQLOZv9Grhw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to news that AstraZeneca has scrapped plans for a £450m expansion of a vaccine factory in Merseyside

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on AstraZeneca scrapping plans for a UK based vaccine plant. 

    Sharon Todd, Chief Executive, Society of Chemical Industry (SCI), said:

    “Today’s news regarding AstraZeneca’s vaccine factory is a real concern for industry, sending out the wrong message at a time government is shaping its new industrial strategy, Invest 2035. 

    “Since 2013 inward FDI in life sciences has grown at a CAGR of 6% (2013-2023) across 18 major countries, however the UK growth in FDI was only 3%, falling way short of most of the other countries, which include France, Germany, Ireland and Singapore. 

    “If life sciences are going to be a major pillar of the UK’s new industrial strategy, then the UK needs to make some bold steps forward to ensure it is competitive for life sciences investments.”

    Declared interests

    The nature of this story means everyone quoted above could be perceived to have a stake in it. As such, our policy is not to ask for interests to be declared – instead, they are implicit in each person’s affiliation.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State secures L.A. firestorm areas ahead of rain, crews lay 60 miles of specialized protective materials

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 2, 2025

    What you need to know: At Governor Gavin Newsom’s directive, crews have been working around the clock to install nearly 60 miles of emergency protective materials in the recent Los Angeles-area burn scars.

    Los Angeles, California – As another storm system is expected to reach California this week, work continues in Southern California to ensure communities impacted by the recent firestorms in Los Angeles are protected.

    At Governor Gavin Newsom’s directive, crews have been working around the clock to install nearly 60 miles of emergency protective materials in the recent Los Angeles-area burn scars. Through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), the California Department of Water Resources, California Conservation Corps, CAL FIRE, Caltrans, and the California Department of Conservation have coordinated and conducted comprehensive watershed and debris flow mitigation efforts to safeguard public health and protect the environment in affected communities.

    Our top priority is to protect people and the environment from the cascading effects of wildfire damage. Through coordinated collaborative efforts, we are reducing the risk of debris flows and maintaining the integrity of our natural resources.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    To date, the state has conducted mitigation efforts on 5,795 affected parcels with the use of protective barriers, laying over 310,150 linear feet of materials – equivalent to more than 58 miles.

    On the Palisades Fire, task force members have installed 7,350 linear feet of straw wattle, 157,675 linear feet of compost sock, and 6,500 linear feet of silt fence for watershed protection efforts. On the Eaton Fire, task force members have installed 8,275 feet of straw wattles, and 130,350 linear feet of compost sock. 

    According to the National Weather Service, a storm system will bring widespread rain to the area Tuesday into early Friday, along with gusty southerly winds. While moderate rainfall across the area is the most likely scenario, there is a 10-20 percent chance of moderate debris flows if heavier rain moves over one of the recent burn scars.

    Wildfires significantly alter the landscape and burned debris leave behind contaminants, leaving areas vulnerable to erosion, flooding, and debris flows, particularly during subsequent rain events. These hazards can compromise drinking water sources, damage infrastructure, and pose serious risks to both human health and wildlife habitats.

    Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed about potential debris flow risks, especially during storms, and to follow guidance from local emergency officials. For resources and information specific to the Los Angeles firestorms, visit CA.gov/LAfires.

    Preparing the state for storms 

    Governor Newsom has deployed resources and thousands of personnel to communities throughout California in anticipation of the storm system. 

    Newly deployed resources include swift water rescue crews and fire engines in at least 12 counties: Butte, El Dorado, Glenn, Lake, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Tuolumne. More resources will be deployed to further help protect communities.

    Previously, Governor Newsom directed the Cal OES to coordinate state and local partners to deploy emergency resources to support impacted communities. State officials are urging people to take precautions now before the storm arrives, and to stay informed. 

    Go to ready.ca.gov for tips to prepare for the incoming storm.

    Speeding recovery 

    This is part of the state’s ongoing work to help Los Angeles families recover from the January firestorms, including reopening Pacific Palisades to residents, surging CHP patrols along the Pacific Coast Highway, supporting impacted workers and businesses, and launching a unified recovery initiative to support rebuilding efforts, among other efforts. 

    Additional actions to aid in the rebuilding and recovery efforts include:

    • Providing tax relief to those impacted by the fires. California postponed the individual tax filing deadline to October 15 for Los Angeles County taxpayers. Additionally, the state extended the January 31, 2025, sales and use tax filing deadline for Los Angeles County taxpayers until April 30 — providing critical tax relief for businesses. Governor Newsom suspended penalties and interest on late property tax payments for a year, effectively extending the state property tax deadline.
    • Fast-tracking temporary housing and protecting tenants and homeowners. To help provide necessary shelter for those immediately impacted by the firestorms, the Governor issued an executive order to make it easier to streamline the construction of accessory dwelling units, allow for more temporary trailers and other housing, and suspend fees for mobile home parks. Governor Newsom also issued an executive order that prohibits landlords in Los Angeles County from evicting tenants for sharing their rental with survivors displaced by the Los Angeles-area firestorms. For homeowners, California has worked with five major lenders, as well as 270 financial institutions, to provide mortgage relief to their customers.
    • Mobilizing debris removal and cleanup. With an eye toward recovery, the Governor directed fast action on debris removal work and mitigating the potential for mudslides and flooding in areas burned. He also signed an executive order to allow expert federal hazmat crews to start cleaning up properties as a key step in getting people back to their properties safely. The Governor also issued an executive order to help mitigate the risk of mudslides and flooding and protect communities by hastening efforts to remove debris, bolster flood defenses, and stabilize hillsides in affected areas. 
    • Safeguarding survivors from price gouging. Governor Newsom expanded restrictions to protect survivors from illegal price hikes on rent, hotel and motel costs, and building materials or construction. Report violations to the Office of the Attorney General here.
    • Directing immediate state relief. The Governor signed legislation providing over $2.5 billion to immediately support ongoing emergency response efforts and to jumpstart recovery efforts for Los Angeles. California quickly launched CA.gov/LAfires as a single hub of information and resources to support those impacted and bolsters in-person Disaster Recovery Centers.  
    • Getting kids back in the classroom. Governor Newsom signed an executive order to quickly assist displaced students in the Los Angeles area and bolster schools affected by the firestorms.
    • Protecting victims from real estate speculators. The Governor issued an executive order to protect firestorm victims from predatory land speculators making aggressive and unsolicited cash offers to purchase their property.

    Get help today

    For those Californians impacted by the firestorms in Los Angeles, there are resources available. Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.  

    Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:

    If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

    Recent news

    Feb 1, 2025

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    Feb 1, 2025

    News What you need to know: At the direction of Governor Newsom, the state is augmenting flood fighting and swift water resources across Northern and Central California to protect communities from the significant wet weather event expected through the upcoming days….

    Feb 1, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom’s executive orders to extend price gouging prohibitions protect Los Angeles firestorm survivors. Los Angeles, California – Protecting Los Angeles firestorm survivors from nefarious actors, Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Whether Biden Or Trump, US’ Latin American Policy Will Be Contemptible

    Source: Council on Hemispheric Affairs –

    By John Perry and Roger D. Harris

    Migration, Drugs, and Tariffs.

    With Donald Trump as the new US president, pundits are speculating about how US policy towards Latin America might change.

    In this article, we look at some of the speculation, then address three specific instances of how the US’s policy priorities may be viewed from a progressive, Latin American perspective. This leads us to a wider argument: that the way these issues are dealt with is symptomatic of Washington’s paramount objective of sustaining the US’s hegemonic position. In this overriding preoccupation, its policy towards Latin America is only one element, of course, but always of significance because the US hegemon still treats the region as its “backyard.”

    First, some examples of what the pundits are saying. In Foreign Affairs, Brian Winter argues that Trump’s return signals a shift away from Biden’s neglect of the region. “The reason is straightforward,” he says. “Trump’s top domestic priorities of cracking down on unauthorized immigration, stopping the smuggling of fentanyl and other illicit drugs, and reducing the influx of Chinese goods into the United States all depend heavily on policy toward Latin America.”

    Ryan Berg, who is with the thinktank, Center for Strategic and International Studies, funded by the US defense industry, is also hopeful. Trump will “focus U.S. policy more intently on the Western Hemisphere,” he argues, “and in so doing, also shore up its own security and prosperity at home.”

    According to blogger James Bosworth, Biden’s “benign neglect” could be replaced by an “aggressive Monroe Doctrine – deportations, tariff wars, militaristic security policies, demands of fealty towards the US, and a rejection of China.” However, notwithstanding the attention of Trump’s Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, Bosworth thinks there is still a good chance of policy lapsing into benign neglect as the new administration focuses elsewhere.

    The wrong end of the telescope

    What these and similar analyses share is a concern with problems of importance to the US, including domestic ones, and how they might be tackled by shifts in policy towards Latin America. They view the region from the end of a US-mounted telescope.

    Trump’s approach may be the more brazen “America first!,” but the basic stance is much the same as these pundits. The different scenarios will be worked out in Washington, with Latin America’s future seen as shaped by how it handles US policy changes over which it has little influence. Analyses by these supposed experts are constrained by their adopting the same one-dimensional perspective as Washington’s, instead of questioning it.

    Here’s one example. The word “neglect” is superficial because it hides the immense involvement of the US in Latin America even when it is “neglecting” it: from deep commercial ties to a massive military presence. It is also superficial because, in a real sense, the US constantly neglects the problems that concern most Latin Americans: low wages, inequality, being safe in the streets, the damaging effects of climate change, and many more. “Neglect” would be seen very differently on the streets of a Latin American city than it is inside the Washington beltway.

    Who has the “drug problem”?

    The vacuum in US thinking is nowhere more apparent than in responses to the drug problem. Trump threatens to declare Mexican drug cartels to be terrorist organizations and to invade Mexico to attack them.

    But, as academic Carlos Pérez-Ricart told El Pais: “This is a problem that does not originate in Mexico. The source, the demand, and the vectors are not Mexican. It is them.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also points out that it is consumption in the US that drives drug production and trafficking in Mexico.

    Trump could easily make the same mistake as his predecessor Clinton did two decades ago. Back then, billions were poured into “Plan Colombia” but still failed to solve the “drug problem,” while vastly augmenting violence and human rights violations in the target country.

    A foretaste of what might happen, if Trump carries out his threat, occurred last July, when Biden’s administration captured Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. That caused an all-out war between cartels in the Mexican state of Sinaloa.

    Sheinbaum rightly turns questions about drug production and consumption back onto the US. Rhetorically, she asks: “Do you believe that fentanyl is not manufactured in the United States?…. Where are the drug cartels in the United States that distribute fentanyl in US cities? Where does the money from the sale of that fentanyl go in the United States?”

    If Trump launches a war on cartels, he will not be the first US president to the treat drug consumption as a foreign issue rather than a concomitantly domestic one.

    Where does the “migration problem” originate?

    Trump is also not the first president to be obsessed by migration. Like drugs, it is seen as a problem to be solved by the countries where the migrants originate, while both the “push” and “pull” factors under US control receive less attention.

    Exploitation of migrant labor, complex asylum procedures, and schemes such as “humanitarian parole” to encourage migration are downplayed as reasons. Biden intensified US sanctions on various Latin American countries, which have been shown conclusively to provoke massive emigration. Meanwhile Trump threatens to do the same.

    Many Latin American countries have been made unsafe by crime linked to drugs or other problems in which the US is implicated. About 392,000 Mexicans were displaced as a result of conflict in 2023 alone, their problem aggravated by the massive, often illegal, export of firearms from the US to Mexico.

    Costa Rica, historically a safe country, had a record 880 homicides in 2023, many of which were related to drug trafficking. In Brazil and other countries, US-trained security forces contribute directly to the violence, rather than reducing it.

    Mass deportations from the US, promised by Trump, could worsen these problems, as happened in El Salvador in the late 1990s. They would also affect remittances sent home by migrant workers, exacerbating regional poverty. The threatened use of tariffs on exports to the US could also have serious consequences if Latin America does not stand up to Trump’s threats. Economist Michael Hudson argues that countries will have to jointly retaliate by refusing to pay dollar-based debts to bond holders if export earnings from the US are summarily cut.

    China in the US “backyard”

    Trump also joins the Washington consensus in its preoccupation with China’s influence in Latin America. Monica de Bolle is with the Peterson Institute for International Economics, a thinktank partly funded by Pentagon contractors. She told the BBC: “You have got the backyard of America engaging directly with China. That’s going to be problematic.”

    Recently retired US Southern Command general, Laura Richardson, was probably the most senior frequent visitor on Washington’s behalf to Latin American capitals, during the Biden administration. She accused China of “playing the ‘long game’ with its development of dual-use sites and facilities throughout the region, “adding that those sites could serve as “points of future multi-domain access for the PLA [People’s Liberation Army] and strategic naval chokepoints.”

    As Foreign Affairs points out, Latin America’s trade with China has “exploded” from $18 billion in 2002 to $480 billion in 2023. China is also investing in huge infrastructure projects, and seemingly its only political condition is a preference for a country to recognize China diplomatically (not Taiwan). Even here, China is not absolute as with Guatemala, Haiti, and Paraguay, which still recognize Taiwan. China still has direct investments in those holdouts, though relatively more modest than with regional countries that fully embrace its one-China policy.

    Peru, currently a close US ally, has a new, Chinese-funded megaport at Chancay, opened in November by President Xi Jinping himself. Even right-wing Argentinian president Milei said of China, “They do not demand anything [in return].”

    What does the US offer instead? While Antony Blinken proudly displayed old railcars that were gifted to Peru, the reality is that most US “aid” to Latin America is either aimed at “promoting democracy” (i.e. Washington’s political agenda) or is conditional or exploitative in other ways.

    The BBC cites “seasoned observers” who believe that Washington is paying the price for “years of indifference” towards the region’s needs. Where the US sees a loss of strategic influence to China and to a lesser extent to Russia, Iran, and others, Latin American countries see opportunities for development and economic progress.

    Remember the Monroe Doctrine

    Those calling for a more “benign” policy are forgetting that, in the two centuries since President James Monroe announced the “doctrine,” later given his name, US policy towards Latin America has been aggressively self-interested.

    Its troops have intervened thousands of times in the region and have occupied its countries on numerous occasions. Just since World War II, there have been around 50 significant interventions or coup attempts, beginning with Guatemala in 1954. The US has 76 military bases across the region, while other major powers like China and Russia have none.

    The doctrine is very much alive. In Foreign Affairs, Brian Winter warns: “Many Republicans perceive these linkages [with China], and the growing Chinese presence in Latin America more broadly, as unacceptable violations of the Monroe Doctrine, the 201-year-old edict that the Western Hemisphere should be free of interference from outside powers.”

    Bosworth adds that Trump wants Latin America to decisively choose a side in the US vs China scrimmage, not merely underplay the role of China in the hemisphere. Any country courting Trump, he suggests, “needs to show some anti-China vibes.”

    Will Freeman is with the Council on Foreign Relations, whose major sponsors are also Pentagon contractors. He thinks that a new Monroe Doctrine and what he calls Trump’s “hardball” diplomacy may partially work, but only with northern Latin America countries, which are more dependent on US trade and other links.

    Trump has two imperatives: while one is stifling China’s influence (e.g. by taking possession of the Panama Canal), another is gaining control of mineral resources (a reason for his wanting to acquire Greenland). The desire for mineral resources is not new, either. General Richardson gave an interview in 2023 to another defense-industry-funded thinktank in which she strongly insinuated that Latin American minerals rightly belong to the US.

    Maintaining hegemonic power against the threat of multipolarity

    Neoconservative Charles Krauthammer, writing 20 years ago for yet another thinktank funded by the  defense industry, openly endorsed the US’s status as the dominant hegemonic power and decried multilateralism, at least when not in US interests. “Multipolarity, yes, when there is no alternative,” he said. “But not when there is. Not when we have the unique imbalance of power that we enjoy today.”

    Norwegian commentator Glen Diesen, writing in 2024, contends that the US is still fighting a battle – although perhaps now a losing one – against multipolarity and to retain its predominant status. Trump’s “America first!” is merely a more blatant expression of sentiments held by his other presidential predecessors for clinging on to Washington’s contested hegemony.

    The irony of Biden’s presidency was that his pursuit of the Ukraine war has led to warmer relations between his two rivals, Russia and China. In this context, the growth of BRICS has been fostered – an explicitly multipolar, non-hegemonic partnership. As Glen Diesen says, “The war intensified the global decoupling from the West.”

    Other steps to maintain US hegemony – its support for Israel’s genocide in Gaza, the regime-change operation in Syria and the breakdown of order in Haiti – suggest that, in Washington’s view, according to Diesen, “chaos is the only alternative to US global dominance.” Time and again, Yankee “beneficence” has meant ruination, not development.

    These have further strengthened desires in the global south for alternatives to US dominance, not least in Latin America. Many of its countries (especially those vulnerable to tightening US sanctions) now want to follow the alternative of BRICS.

    Unsurprisingly, Trump has been highly critical of this perceived erosion of hegemonic power on Biden’s watch. Thomas Fazi argues in UnHerd that this is realism on Trump’s part; he knows the Ukraine war cannot be conclusively won, and that China’s power is difficult to contain. Accordingly, this is leading to a “recalibrating of US priorities toward a more manageable ‘continental’ strategy — a new Monroe Doctrine — aimed at reasserting full hegemony over what it deems to be its natural sphere of influence, the Americas and the northern Atlantic,” stretching from Greenland and the Arctic to Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica.

    The pundits may not agree on quite what Trump’s approach towards Latin America will be, but they concur with Winter’s judgment that the region “is about to become a priority for US foreign policy.” His appointment of Marco Rubio is a signal of this. The new secretary of state is a hawk, just like Blinken, but one with a dangerous focus on Latin America.

    However, the mere fact that such pundits hark back to the Monroe Doctrine indicates that this is only, so to speak, old wine in new bottles. Even in the recent past, an aggressive application of the 201-year-old Monroe Doctrine has never seen a hiatus.

    Recall US-backed coups that deposed Honduran President Manuel Zelaya (2009) and Bolivian Evo Morales (2019), plus the failed coup against Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua (2018), along with the parliamentary coup that ousted Paraguayan Fernando Lugo (2012). To these, US-backed regime change by “lawfare” included Dilma Rousseff in Brazil (2016) and Pedro Castillo in Peru (2023). Currently presidential elections have simply been suspended in Haiti and Peru with US backing.

    Even if Trump is more blatant than his predecessors in making clear that his policymaking is based entirely on what he perceives to be US interests, rather than those of Latin Americans, this is not new.

    As commentator Caitlin Johnstone points out, the main difference between Trump and his predecessors is that he “makes the US empire much more transparent and unhidden.” From the other end of the political spectrum, a former John McCain adviser echoes the same assessment: “there will likely be far more continuity between the two administrations than meets the eye.”

    Regardless, Latin America will continue to struggle to set its own destiny, patchily and with setbacks, and this will likely draw it away from the hegemon, whatever the US does.

    Nicaragua-based John Perry is with the Nicaragua Solidarity Coalition and writes for the London Review of Books, FAIR, and CovertAction.

    Roger D. Harris is with the Task Force on the Americas, the US Peace Council, and the Venezuela Solidarity Network

    Featured image courtesy of Cornell University/Wikimedia Commons

    First published by Popular Resistance: https://popularresistance.org/whether-biden-or-trump-us-latin-american-policy-will-still-be-contemptible/

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHRA asks for views on proposed guidance to support the safe regulation of new personalised cancer therapies  

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The draft MHRA guidance aims to clarify and streamline pathways for bringing these therapies through to patients, without compromising on robust safety principles

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today launched a consultation on regulatory guidance for individualised mRNA cancer immunotherapies (colloquially referred to as cancer vaccines). This is an important step in bringing these promising therapies closer to clinical practice.

    The eight-week consultation was launched today and will run until 31 March 2025. The MHRA is asking all stakeholders, including developers of these medicines, to provide comments, after which the guidance will be updated. The UK regulator also welcomes comments from members of the public including people affected by cancer. 

    The guidance aims to streamline pathways for bringing these therapies through to patients, without compromising on robust safety principles.

    Julian Beach, MHRA Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access said:

    “Individualised cancer immunotherapies, while still being tested in clinical trials, are a very exciting development in our hunt to find new and better ways to treat cancer, which is a leading cause of death worldwide.

    “Because these treatments are tailored to an individual’s tumour, they pose unique scientific questions on how they should be regulated.”

    June Raine, MHRA Chief Executive said:

    “As an enabling regulator, we do not wish to keep patients waiting unnecessarily for important new medicines such as personalised immunotherapies.

    “We are asking all stakeholders to comment on draft guidance that addresses the questions this new regulatory pathway raises.”

    Minister for Public Health, Andrew Gwynne, said:

    “More people than ever are being diagnosed with cancer so it’s vital that we push the boundaries of science to develop the treatments of the future.

    “Personalised immunotherapies could revolutionise our approach by helping patients fight cancer cells in their bodies.

    “As government ramps up the use of groundbreaking technologies and medicines across the board, this guidance will be fundamental to achieving our goal of moving from sickness to prevention. And it is yet another example of Britain leading the way on cancer research, transforming cancer care to save lives and support the NHS.”

    Individualised mRNA cancer immunotherapies are a new type of cancer treatment that use mRNA technology.  mRNA acts as a messenger in the body and tells cells how to make a specific protein. When used in medicines, specific mRNA molecules can teach the body how to fight diseases.  

    Unlike conventional cancer therapies, for these medicines each patient receives a version of the mRNA therapy that has been matched to their unique tumour fingerprint using artificial intelligence (AI). In this way, the therapy aims to teach the patient’s immune system to target and destroy their specific tumour cells. 

    These highly innovative therapies are currently in clinical trials. They pose unique questions on how they should be safely regulated.  With this guidance, the MHRA aims to facilitate patient access to these novel individualised cancer therapies by outlining a clear and streamlined regulatory pathway to approval.

    The guidance covers product design and manufacture, evidence needed show safety and effectiveness, and post-approval safety monitoring. The MHRA aims to expand the guidance in due course to cover other types of highly personalised therapies, including for rare diseases. 

    This guidance has been developed with independent scientific advice from the Highly Personalised Medicines Expert Working Group of the Commission on Human Medicines, including patient experts.

    Notes to editors

    1. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks. 
    2. The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care. 
    3. For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic students reach semi-finals of XI All-Russian engineering competition

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The selection round of the XI All-Russian Engineering Competition has ended. Experts evaluated over 12,000 projects and scientific research. 751 graduates from universities across the country, including SPbPU, reached the semi-finals. The All-Russian Engineering Competition is an annual intellectual competition that has been held since 2014. The organizer is the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. The operator of the competition is the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI.

    The objectives of the competition are to develop the human resources potential of high-tech industries, to attract young people to solve promising production, technical, and economic problems of strategic importance for the development of Russian industry, and to improve the quality of engineering education by creating tools for interaction between engineering educational organizations and high-tech enterprises in the real sector of the economy.

    Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University will be represented in the semi-final of VIK 24/25 by 11 students, including 5 master’s students from the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”:

    Alena Aquentieva, student of the Higher Engineering and Economic School of IPMEIT SPBPU. The theme of the project “Financial pyramids, modern methods of fraud: analysis and measures to reduce them”, the direction of the competition “Countering technogenic, biogenic, sociocultural threats, terrorism and extremist ideology, destructive foreign information and psychological impact, as well as cyberosis and other danger to society , economics and state ”;
    Anna Gaina, student of the Higher School of Management of Cyber-Physical Systems of the ICNK SPBPU. The theme of the project “Universal system of temperature control of laser radiation parameters during hardening steel”, the direction of the competition “Intellectual transport, energy and telecommunication systems”;
    Iona Gesin, student of the advanced engineering school of SPBPU “Digital Engineering”. The theme of the project “Study of the behavior of through cracks in elastic-high bodies”, the direction of the contest “Advanced digital technologies for designing and creating high-tech products”;
    Natalia Grozova, student of the advanced engineering school of SPBPU “Digital Engineering”. The theme of the project “Development of radiation -resistant polymer composite materials to protect solar elements”, the direction of the competition “New materials, chemical compounds and design methods;
    Ilya Ermilov, student of the advanced engineering school of St. Petersburg State University “Digital Engineering”. The theme of the project “Development of a virtual test stand for validation of the model of compositional material under the action of centrifugal force”, the direction of the contest “Advanced digital technologies for designing and creating high -tech products”;
    Ekaterina Isupova, student of the Higher School of Applied Physics and Space Technologies IEIT SPBPU. The theme of the project “Universal temperature control system for high -precision measurements in frequency standards”, the direction of the competition “Advanced digital design and creation of high -tech products”;
    Julia Kolesnikova, student of the Higher Engineering and Economic School of IPMEIT SPBPU. The theme of the project “Using new technologies for illegal purposes”, the direction of the competition “Combating technogenic, biogenic, sociocultural threats, terrorism and extremist ideology, destructive foreign information and psychological impact, as well as cyberosis and other danger to society, economy and state”;
    Nikita Piskun, a student of the advanced engineering school of St. Petersburg State University “Digital Engineering”. The theme of the project “Synthesis of non -linear models of reduced order based on the method of final elements in the tasks of rotary dynamics”, the direction of the contest “Advanced digital design technologies and the creation of high -tech products”;
    Elena Porfiryeva, student of the Higher School of Management of Cyber-Physical Systems of the ICNK SPBPU. The theme of the project “A new non -invasive method for determining the coefficients in ESCCO technology for the reliable diagnosis of the patient’s heart release in real time”, the direction of the “High -tech healthcare contest and health technology, including the rational use of drugs (primarily antibacterial) and the use of genetic data and technologies” ;
    Yana Sprygina, student of the advanced engineering school of SPBPU “Digital Engineering”. The theme of the project “Development and training of a prototype of the language model to adapt the requirements in the machine-readable IDS format (Information Delivery Specification)”, the direction of the “Tim-modeling in construction” contest;
    Lina Sycheva, student of the Higher School of Management of Cyber-Physical Systems of the ICNK SPBPU. The theme of the project “Automatic management system of a special climatic camera”, the direction of the contest “Advanced digital technologies for designing and creating high -tech products”.

    The development of modern protective coatings for solar cells used in the space industry is an important problem in the field of materials science. Glass coatings currently used have significant drawbacks. A promising direction is the use of polymer and composite materials that are highly flexible, low density and have excellent optical characteristics. The key challenge remains increasing the resistance of such materials to radiation, which requires the creation of fundamentally new composite materials. This is the task that was set during the project. Thanks to the equipment laboratories “Polymer composite materials”, as well as the competencies of the project curator, research fellow of the laboratory “Modeling of technological processes and design of power equipment” of the SPbPU PISh “Digital Engineering” Elizaveta Bobrynina, I managed to develop and test the technology for obtaining optically transparent composite materials based on thermoplastic polyurethane and glass flakes to protect solar cells, – shared 2nd year master’s student of the SPbPU PISh Natalia Grozova.

    I submitted a project for the All-Russian engineering competition, “Development of a virtual test bench for validation of a composite material model under centrifugal force”, prepared in the interests of the industrial partner of the SPbPU PIS “Digital Engineering”, CentroTech-Engineering LLC, under the supervision of the curator, associate professor of the Higher School of Advanced Digital Technologies of the SPbPU PIS Ilya Keresten and scientific consultant, engineer of the power engineering department of the SPbPU PIS “Digital Engineering” Daria Ozhgibesova. The goal of the work is to create a VIS for conducting virtual tests, which will allow obtaining a degradation curve of the mechanical properties of the material based on experimental data of structurally similar samples. The result of the work is necessary to obtain a highly accurate digital model of the material required for the calculation justification of the design elements of high-speed rotor systems, and the modeling technique will reduce the number of tests of prototypes of new design solutions, said Ilya Ermilov, a second-year master’s student at the Digital Engineering School.

    On February 1, an extensive business program started for the participants: in-person events for the semi-finalists will be organized together with the competition’s partner employers, including career consultations, trainings and master classes aimed at developing professional skills, as well as effective planning of work on engineering projects. The semi-final will include a “Job Auction” – a competition in which participants will be able to compete for the best offers from leading employers.

    The final of the competition will be held in the format of defending final and scientific qualification works before state examination (expert) commissions headed by the top officials of high-tech corporations. Based on the results of the defenses, the winners and prize-winners of VIK 24/25 will be determined.

    The best participants will be able to receive exclusive job offers, cash prizes from Rosatom State Corporation, a trip to the cosmodrome from Roscosmos State Corporation and advantages when entering the next level of education. Winners and prize winners will be included in the state information resource about individuals who have demonstrated outstanding abilities of the Talent and Success educational foundation.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada announces $155B tariff package in response to unjustified U.S. tariffs 

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that the Government of Canada is moving forward with 25 per cent tariffs on $155 billion worth of goods in response to the unjustified and unreasonable tariffs imposed by the United States (U.S.) on Canadian goods.

    MIL OSI Canada News –