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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Are our future trade relations with China dependent on its ties to Russia? – E-001983/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001983/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mathilde Androuët (PfE)

    Beijing has lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organization against the EU’s customs duties for Chinese car manufacturers following an anti-subsidy investigation.

    By way of appeasement, the Commission announced on 20 August 2024 that the duties could be lowered[1]. The Commission is also concerned about the threat of countermeasures on EU brandy[2], and China’s anti-dumping investigations into EU pork and dairy exports, which it ‘will challenge vigorously in all available venues’[3].

    On 13 September 2024, Josep Borrell, Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, explained that ‘the Union is determined to continue to trade with China’ and to ‘avoid a trade war’, but that ‘future relations with China will also depend on how it behaves with regard to the Ukrainian conflict’, as ‘our greatest concern and geopolitical threat is Russia’[4].

    In the Commission’s view, will the scope and volume of our trade with China, and the activation of mechanisms to protect our industries, depend in future on Beijing hypothetically distancing itself from Moscow?

    Submitted: 8.10.2024

    • [1] ‘EU lowers tariffs on China-made EVs, signals softening trade stance’, Thomas Moller‑Nielsen, Euractiv, 21 August 2024.
    • [2] ‘China holds off on EU brandy tariffs but alleges dumping and damage’, Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro, Euractiv, 29 August 2024.
    • [3] ‘L’UE saisit l’OMC contre une enquête chinoise visant ses produits laitiers’ (L’Opinion with AFP), 23 September 2024.
    • [4] ‘Borrell: riformare l’Unione è difficile ma inevitabile’, Euractiv Italia, 13 September 2024, https://euractiv.it/section/mondo/interview/borrell-riformare-lunione-e-difficile-ma-inevitabile/.
    Last updated: 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan – B10-0140/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Miriam Lexmann, Sebastião Bugalho, Rasa Juknevičienė, Danuše Nerudová
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    B10‑0140/2024

    European Parliament resolution on the People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan

    (2024/2891(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan,

    – having regard to the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence, approved by the Council on 21 March 2022,

    – having regard to the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 16 September 2021 entitled ‘The EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific’ (JOIN(2021)0024),

    – having regard to the EU’s ‘One China’ policy,

    – having regard to the statement of 23 September 2024 by the Chair of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting,

    – having regard to the joint declaration by the G7 Defence Ministers of 19 October 2024,

    – having regard to the urgency motion on Taiwan passed by the Australian Senate on 21 August 2024,

    – having regard to the motion on UN Resolution 2758 passed by the Dutch House of Representatives on 12 September 2024,

    – having regard to UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 (XXVI) of 25 October  1971,

    –  having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas UN Resolution 2758 was passed by the UN General Assembly on 25 October 1971 and shifted official recognition from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the People’s Republic of China (PRC);

    B. whereas since then, most countries have shifted recognition from Taiwan to the PRC; whereas today, Taiwan, while not being a member of the UN, maintains diplomatic relations with 11 of the 193 UN member states, and with the Holy See;

    C. whereas following the adoption of UN Resolution 2758, Taiwan lost its right to participate in multilateral forums, such as the World Health Organization;

    D. whereas through their statement of 23 September 2024, the G7 members, among other things, underlined their support for ‘Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations as a member where statehood is not a prerequisite and as an observer or guest where it is’;

    E. whereas in recent years, the PRC has deliberately distorted UN Resolution 2758, persistently claiming that the PRC’s ‘One China’ principle allegedly has international endorsement through this resolution, which would entail that Taiwan is part of the PRC;

    F. whereas the EU continues to maintain its own ‘One China’ policy position, which is different from the PRC’s ‘One China’ principle; whereas the EU’s long-standing position has been to support the status quo and a peaceful resolution of differences across the Taiwan Strait, while encouraging dialogue and constructive engagement;

    G. whereas Taiwan has never been part of the PRC; whereas the Republic of China was established in 1912 and the PRC was established in 1949;

    H. whereas over the past decade, the PRC has persistently tried to increase its influence over international institutions, using this to sideline Taiwan and prevent Taiwanese passport holders, including journalists, non-governmental organisation workers and political activists, from accessing international institutions; whereas the PRC exercises transnational repression by misusing extradition treaties to target Taiwanese people abroad and therefore put them at risk of arbitrary persecution and human rights abuses;

    I. whereas the EU and Taiwan are like-minded partners that share common values, such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law;

    J. whereas Taiwan is a vibrant democracy, with a flourishing civil society; whereas Taiwan held peaceful and well-organised elections on 13 January 2024;

    K. whereas the PRC is a one-party state that is entirely controlled and ruled by the Chinese Communist Party; whereas the Chinese People’s Liberation Army is the military of the Chinese Communist Party and not an army of the PRC’s Government;

    L. whereas on 14 October 2024, the PRC launched a large-scale military drill, named Joint Sword-2024B, that simulated a blockade of Taiwan; whereas during this exercise, a record number of 153 PRC aircraft,18 warships and 17 PRC coastguard ships were detected around Taiwan;

    M. whereas on 23 May 2024, the PRC launched a military drill called Joint Sword-2024A, coming just days after the inauguration of Lai Ching-te as the new President of Taiwan;

    N. whereas over the past years, the PRC has held similar military drills around Taiwan; whereas these military drills have increased in intensity and have been moved closer and closer to Taiwan’s mainland; whereas during a previous drill in August 2022, the PRC also fired missiles into the exclusive economic zone of Japan;

    O. whereas on top of military pressure, the PRC has long been pursuing a sophisticated strategy of targeting Taiwan with foreign information manipulation and interference, including hybrid and cyber attacks with the goal of undermining Taiwan’s democratic society;

    P. whereas the PRC, under the leadership of Xi Jinping, has said that it will not renounce the use of force to seek unification with Taiwan; whereas the PRC is engaging in a historically unprecedented military build-up that is continuously shifting the power balance in the Indo-Pacific; whereas this is negatively affecting cross-Strait stability;

    Q. whereas the PRC is supporting Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, in particular through the exportation of dual-use goods to Russia, and the ongoing involvement of PRC-based companies in sanctions evasion and circumvention;

    R. whereas in a speech on 10 October 2024, Taiwan’s national day, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te stated that the PRC has ‘no right to represent Taiwan’ and reiterated that the two sides are ‘not subordinate’ to each other; whereas the PRC has justified its recent military exercise by claiming that President Lai Ching-te is pursuing a separatist strategy;

    S. whereas the PRC’s increasingly aggressive behaviour, in particular in its own neighbourhood, such as the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, poses a risk to regional and global security; whereas the PRC has for many years promoted an alternative narrative, challenging democratic values, open markets and the rules-based international order; whereas the PRC’s growing influence in international organisations has impeded positive progress and further excluded Taiwan from rightful and meaningful participation in international institutions;

    T. whereas through its 2021 strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, the EU and its Member States increased their presence in the region, including a higher military presence and the continued passage of military ships through the Taiwan Strait;

    U. whereas the EU is Taiwan’s fourth largest trading partner after the PRC, the United States and Japan; whereas in 2022, Taiwan was the EU’s 12th biggest trading partner; whereas the EU is the largest source of foreign direct investment in Taiwan; whereas Taiwanese investments in the EU remain below their potential;

    V. whereas members of the Australian Senate and of the Dutch House of Representatives have recently adopted motions concerning the distortion of UN Resolution 2758 by the PRC, and called for support for Taiwan’s greater participation in multilateral organisations;

    1. Reiterates that Taiwan is a key EU partner and a like-minded democratic ally in the Indo-Pacific region; commends Taiwan and the Taiwanese people for their strong democracy and vibrant civil society, demonstrated once more by the peaceful and well-organised elections of 13 January 2024;

    2. Strongly condemns the PRC’s military exercises of 14 October 2024, its continued military provocations against Taiwan and its continued military build-up that is changing the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, and reiterates its firm rejection of any unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait; reiterates its call for the EU and its Member States to ensure, through clear and consistent signalling, that any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, particularly by means of force or coercion, will not be accepted;

    3. Opposes the PRC’s constant distortion of UN Resolution 2758 and its efforts to block Taiwan’s participation in multilateral organisations; calls for the EU and its Member States to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in relevant international organisations, such as the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change;

    4. Underlines that UN Resolution 2758 takes no position on Taiwan; strongly rejects and refutes the PRC’s attempts to distort history and international rules;

    5. Strongly underlines that the EU’s ‘One China’ policy corresponds to UN Resolution 2758, while the PRC’s ‘One China’ principle is not endorsed by it;

    6. Reiterates its strong condemnation of statements by Chinese President Xi Jinping that the PRC will never renounce the right to use force with respect to Taiwan; underlines that the PRC’s use of force or threats or other highly coercive measures to achieve unification contradicts international law; recalls that neither Taiwan nor the PRC is subordinate to the other; expresses grave concern over the PRC’s use of hostile disinformation to undermine trust in Taiwan’s democracy and governance; reiterates its previous calls for the EU and its Member States to cooperate with international partners in helping to sustain democracy in Taiwan, keeping it free from foreign interference and threats; underlines that only Taiwan’s democratically elected government can represent the Taiwanese people on the international stage;

    7. Condemns the PRC’s systematic grey-zone military actions, including cyber and disinformation campaigns against Taiwan, and urges the PRC to halt these activities immediately; calls, in this regard, for cooperation between the EU and Taiwan to be deepened further in order to enhance structural cooperation on countering disinformation and foreign interference;

    8. Reiterates its call on the Member States to increase the frequency of freedom of navigation operations in the Taiwan Strait and to deepen security dialogues with Taiwan to deter Chinese aggression against the democratic island;

    9. Reiterates its call on the Member States to engage in meaningful and structural technical cooperation with Taiwan’s National Fire Agency and National Police Agency and with local administrations in the field of civil protection and disaster management;

    10. Reiterates its call on the Member States to engage in meaningful and structural technical cooperation with Taiwan in the field of whole-of-society defence;

    11. Recognises the importance of Taiwan in securing global supply chains, especially in the high-tech sector where Taiwan is the leading producer of semiconductors, and calls for the EU and its Member States to engage in closer cooperation with Taiwan;

    12. Calls on the Commission to launch, without delay, preparatory measures for negotiations on a bilateral investment agreement with Taiwan;

    13. Condemns all forms of pressure and threats of reprisals, including economic coercion, regarding the independent right of the EU and its Member States to develop relations with Taiwan, in line with their interests and shared values of democracy and human rights, without foreign interference;

    14. Welcomes visits by former and current Taiwanese politicians to Europe, including the recent visit of former President Tsai Ing-wen to the European Parliament on 17 October 2024; welcomes, furthermore, continued exchanges between its Members and Taiwan and encourages further visits by official European Parliament delegations to Taiwan; also encourages further exchanges between the EU and Taiwan at all levels, including political meetings and people-to-people encounters; encourages, in this light, increased economic, scientific and cultural interactions and exchanges, focusing, among other areas, on youth, academia, civil society, sports, culture and education, as well as city-to-city and region-to-region partnerships;

    15. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the governments of the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Poland’s announcement of the suspension of the right to asylum – P-002141/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    17.10.2024

    Priority question for written answer  P-002141/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE), Erik Marquardt (Verts/ALE), Damian Boeselager (Verts/ALE), Anna Strolenberg (Verts/ALE), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Leoluca Orlando (Verts/ALE)

    Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently announced the temporary territorial suspension of the right to asylum in Poland as part of a new migration strategy[1].

    • 1.How does the Commission view the legality of the territorial suspension of the right to asylum announced by Poland in light of the EU acquis relating to asylum and the Schengen area, which requires Member States to grant access to asylum procedures, including at the border, and in light of the right to asylum enshrined in Article 18 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the principle of non-refoulement?
    • 2.Can the Commission confirm that the suspension announced by Poland violates the above-mentioned provisions and that it will take firm action to prevent the suspension from going through, including, if needed, through an infringement action with an application for interim measures?
    • 3.Given the current political debates on migration in some Member States, does the Commission agree that not taking action to address this violation of the right to asylum carries a real risk that other Member States will follow suit, leading to a further deterioration in respect for the EU acquis?

    Submitted: 17.10.2024

    • [1] https://www.politico.eu/article/poland-donald-tusk-asylum-right-border-migration-belarus-russia-hybrid-war-eu/.
    Last updated: 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation – RC-B10-0123/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Peter Liese
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Tiemo Wölken
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Ondřej Knotek
    on behalf of the PfE Group
    Ruggero Razza
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Andreas Glück
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Ignazio Roberto Marino
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    European Parliament resolution on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation

    (2024/2849(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 168 thereof,

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2017/745 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2017 on medical devices, amending Directive 2001/83/EC, Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 and Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and repealing Council Directives 90/385/EEC and 93/42/EEC[1] (MDR),

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2017/746 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2017 on in vitro diagnostic medical devices and repealing Directive 98/79/EC and Commission Decision 2010/227/EU[2] (IVDR),

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2023/607 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2023 amending Regulations (EU) 2017/745 and (EU) 2017/746 as regards the transitional provisions for certain medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices[3],

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2020/561[4], Regulation (EU) 2022/112[5], Regulation (EU) 2023/607[6] and Regulation (EU) 2024/1860[7] extending the implementation periods of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 and Regulation (EU) 2017/746,

    – having regard to the Commission’s proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulations (EU) 2017/745 and (EU) 2017/746 as regards the transitional provisions for certain medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices (COM(2023)0010),

    – having regard to the European Medicines Agency’s 2023 Annual Report and its review on market access and safety concerns for medical devices,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices play a crucial role in high-quality healthcare, directly affecting the health, safety and well-being of millions of patients across the EU;

    B. whereas approximately 500 000 different medical devices are available on the EU market, covering a broad range of technologies, from contact lenses to pacemakers, and serving different purposes, including diagnosis, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and improving the quality of life of patients and the work of healthcare professionals and carers;

    C. whereas disparities in access to medical devices persist across Member States, affecting patient care and leading to health inequalities; whereas such disparities underscore the need for improved availability and affordability of crucial devices;

    D. whereas the MDR and IVDR were adopted to strengthen the regulatory framework for medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices, as a response to several high-profile scandals with unsafe medical equipment, with the purpose of ensuring higher standards of safety, transparency and clinical performance while also fostering innovation in the sector;

    E. whereas the MDR and IVDR introduced more robust requirements for clinical evaluations, post-market surveillance and vigilance reporting, promoting transparency in the approval and monitoring processes;

    F. whereas despite these aims, significant challenges have been encountered in implementing the MDR and the IVDR, not only leading to delays but also resulting in failures to achieve certification and approval of medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices, particularly impacting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as resulting in shortages of medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices, thus restricting patient access to innovative and life-saving therapeutic and diagnostic technologies;

    G. whereas many stakeholders, in particular small and medium-sized manufacturers, notified bodies and healthcare providers, have reported difficulties in navigating the complex regulatory procedures under the current MDR and IVDR framework, with potential risks posed to the continuous availability of life-saving medical devices and critical in vitro diagnostic tests in the EU;

    H. whereas the transitional periods for the implementation of the MDR and IVDR have been extended on numerous occasions to address issues including the capacity of notified bodies and to allow industry more time to adapt to new rules in order to prevent devices being withdrawn from the EU market;

    I. whereas due to a lack of harmonised procedures across notified bodies in the EU, among other things, manufacturers can in some instances face unpredictable timelines for certification and market access, which creates unpredictability, alongside inconsistency in decisions and a lack of transparency in relation to the work of the notified bodies;

    J. whereas there is a need for the regulatory frameworks to better accommodate innovative devices that address unmet medical needs and provide better prioritisation and fast-track pathways;

    K. whereas the Commission initiated non-legislative actions to support the transition to the MDR and IVDR, focusing in particular on the availability of medical devices on the market, the preparedness of notified bodies, the development of orphan and paediatric devices, SME support and the waiving of fees for scientific advice in critical areas where, despite these measures, financial and administrative challenges persist, particularly in the orphan and paediatric sectors;

    L. whereas the deadlines for implementing the MDR and IVDR have been extended multiple times to help the industry adapt to new regulations, to prevent market withdrawals and to ensure the continuous supply of devices; whereas these extensions were critical in maintaining public health protection during the COVID-19 pandemic;

    M. whereas since the adoption of the MDR and IVDR, the Commission has also introduced new provisions regarding the European Database on Medical Devices (EUDAMED) and a notification system for market interruptions or supply discontinuation;

    N. whereas it is important to ensure that patients and healthcare professionals have access to all relevant documents and decisions taken by the notified bodies;

    1. Calls on the Commission to propose, by the end of Q1 2025, delegated and implementing acts to the MDR and the IVDR to address the most pressing challenges and bottlenecks in the implementation of the legislative frameworks and to propose the systematic revision of all relevant articles of these regulations, accompanied by an impact assessment, to be conducted as soon as possible;

    2. Calls on the Commission to make full use of legislative and non-legislative tools to resolve issues of divergent interpretation and of practical application to streamline the regulatory process, improve transparency, and eliminate unnecessary administrative work for notified bodies and manufacturers, particularly SMEs, without compromising patient safety;

    3. Deplores the risk of shortages of medical devices and the lack of access to certain medical devices and in vitro diagnostics in parts of the EU; stresses that access to and quality of healthcare, including medical devices and in vitro diagnostics, should not depend on where in the EU a patient is located;

    4. Encourages the notified bodies to ensure that there are sufficient resources to meet the market demand in a timely manner; in this regard, calls on the Commission and the Member States to enhance support and cooperation to ensure that the notified bodies have the optimal capacities and capabilities to fully implement the regulatory framework;

    5. Advocates the creation of transparent and binding timelines, including clock stops for procedural steps in conformity assessment by notified bodies, thus creating predictability and certainty for manufacturers regarding the market access procedure and its duration within the EU;

    6. Calls for transparency in notified bodies’ fees and fee structures, to allow economic operators to compare notified bodies and make informed choices, ensuring that fees remain a fair compensation for the public service provided;

    7. Stresses the need to eliminate the unnecessary re-certification of products, and underlines that certain product updates or adjustments should not necessarily lead to an entire re-certification of the product; stresses the need to harmonise such provisions and ensure consistency across the EU; calls for cooperation between the competent authorities and advisory bodies responsible for other regulatory frameworks, and stresses the need for products to be classified correctly and consistently;

    8. Strongly calls on the Commission to consider fast-track and prioritisation pathways for the approval of innovative technologies in areas of unmet medical need and for devices linked to health emergencies;

    9. Highlights the need to establish a clear working definition of ‘orphan device’, as determined by the Medical Device Coordination Group in the MDR and IVDR, to facilitate the adoption of harmonised measures across the EU; additionally calls for a robust system to prevent misuse through artificial ‘orphanisation’;

    10.  Calls for the introduction of adapted rules for orphan and paediatric medical devices, without compromising patient safety, and emphasises the need for more efficient conformity assessment procedures tailored to medical devices and in vitro diagnostics serving relatively small markets, such as products for the treatment of children or rare diseases;

    11. Calls on the Commission to facilitate the collection of clinical data from existing national registries for small patient groups treated or diagnosed with orphan and paediatric devices, in compliance with the protection of personal data; recognises the challenges faced by various SMEs in adapting to the legal frameworks; invites the Member States and the Commission to develop specific measures to support SMEs, including the provision of model application documents and forms, regulatory guidance and other assistance to reduce the costs and complexity of the regulatory frameworks;

    12. Calls on the Commission to continuously monitor the availability of devices, particularly the last remaining devices of particular types, and to take appropriate action to keep them available in the EU market; in this regard, calls for an urgent full implementation of EUDAMED, which will enable information about medical devices and manufacturers to be processed to enhance transparency, provide better access to information for the public and healthcare professionals, and enhance coordination between Member States;

    13. Emphasises that any new rules or changes to existing rules must come with an appropriate transition period to allow all stakeholders sufficient time to adjust to the changes;

    14. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dame Diana Johnson speech on tackling anti-social behaviour

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Crime and Policing Minister spoke at the Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour Conference on 22 October 2024.

    Location:
    Online
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    Good morning, it is a real privilege to be speaking at this event and to be amongst a group so incredibly passionate about addressing anti-social behaviour at a national and local level.  

    I can see we have a variety of professionals on the call and wanted to take this opportunity, firstly, to express my sincere gratitude for your continued efforts to tackle and prevent anti-social behaviour. Each and every one of you is equally important to this government’s mission to crack down on anti-social behaviour and to take back our streets.  

    Having spent a lot of time asking the department challenging questions on how the government is tackling ASB as Chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, it is an honour to have the opportunity of working with you now to deliver real change across the country and ensure that communities feel safe, secure and are able to thrive.  

    Anti-social behaviour is not merely a low-level nuisance. It hits the poorest and most vulnerable communities hardest and, if left unchecked, leads to more serious offending – and I know this very well as a constituency MP in Hull. 

    Everyone involved in this conference has a wealth of knowledge, insight and expertise that will help us deliver this mission. 

    I’d now like to set out how I envisage this approach, the strategies we will be implementing and the importance of restoring public trust in both policing and local partners to create real, impactful change.  

    Cracking down on anti-social behaviour is a top priority for this government, and a key part of our Safer Streets Mission.    

    Too many town centres and high streets across the country have been gripped by an epidemic of anti-social behaviour, theft and shoplifting, which is corroding our communities and cannot be allowed to continue. 

    Currently, the powers in the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 do not go far enough to tackle anti-social behaviour. We will crack down on those causing havoc on our high streets by legislating to ensure that anti-social behaviour powers are as effective as possible to tackle repeat offending, in addition to tackling the plague of shoplifting that blights so many areas.  

    This is why we will be introducing Respect Orders to tackle the worst ASB offenders and stamp out issues such as public drinking and drug use to ensure that our communities are free from harm and nuisance.  

    The Respect Order will help ensure that persistent adult offenders of ASB are banned from public areas where they are causing harm to our communities. 

    It is, of course, for local areas to decide how best to deploy these powers depending on the specific circumstances. They are best placed to understand what is driving the behaviour in question, the impact that it is having, and to determine the most appropriate response.  

    Shoplifting is at a record high and continues to increase at an unacceptable level – and I saw this for myself when visiting my local Co-op in Hull, while I was in store shoplifting took place, with a holdall being filled with meat and the thief then walking out. 

    More and more offenders are using violence and abuse against shopworkers to do this. It’s damaging business and hurting our communities. It’s vital people feel safe out in their local shops and on their high streets.  

    And I welcome operational commitments that police made in the Retail Crime Action Plan last October, and there are positive outcomes already. But there is much more to do.    

    So we are going to bring back neighbourhood policing, ensuring thousands of additional officers are out patrolling towns and communities as part of our mission to make streets safer.  

    We will also end the effective immunity, introduced by the previous government, granted to low level shoplifting of goods under £200 to remove the perception that those committing low value shop theft will escape punishment. We will introduce a new offence of assaulting a retail worker to protect the hardworking and dedicated staff that work in stores. This is long overdue.   

    Now turning to anti-social behaviour involving vehicles such as off-road bikes, motorbikes and e-scooters – they cause untold nuisance and misery for communities. We want to make it easier for the police to take illegal, dangerous and vehicle-related ASB off the streets for good, and quickly destroy vehicles that they seize from offenders.   

    I want to just turn to recent trends in anti-social behaviour. 

    In the year ending March 2024, the Crime Survey of England and Wales showed that around 35% of respondents personally witnessed or experienced anti-social behaviour in their local area.  

    Groups hanging around on the streets, vehicle-related ASB and people using or dealing drugs were the most common types of anti-social behaviour reported.  

    Now this is a statistic that we must aim to significantly reduce through consistent join up of police and local partners.  

    ​We also know that ASB is under reported to the police and other agencies. Either because people don’t know how to report it or because they feel it will not be taken seriously or addressed.  

    A survey conducted in 2023 by YouGov on behalf of Resolve found that over 58% of victims or witnesses don’t report anti-social behaviour.   

    The most common reasons for not reporting an incident was a feeling it was too trivial, not worth reporting and not thinking that it would be taken seriously, and I know, because my constituents have told me, that they often don’t report incidents because they feel that nobody cares and nothing is done. 

    We need to change that. No victim of anti-social behaviour should feel that their issues will not be taken seriously or isn’t worth reporting.  

    And I look forward to the annual ASB Awareness Week run by Resolve that is taking place from 18-24 November. The theme is ‘Making Communities Safer’. This will be a brilliant opportunity to raise awareness of what anti-social behaviour is and to promote the ASB Case Review, a mechanism which gives victims of repeated ASB the ability to request a formal case review where a locally defined threshold is met.  

    It is vitally important that we place focus on helping the victims of ASB. 

    ASB often affects the most vulnerable in our society, and we will work to ensure that the police, local authorities and local agencies, in addition to the tools and powers available to them to tackle ASB, are also aware of the support available to victims of ASB.   

    I now want to turn to national strategies to invest in communities and prevent ASB from occurring in the long-term. 

    The Home Secretary and I have been clear that we see neighbourhood policing as the bedrock of restoring public confidence in policing. The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will be a crucial part of that. 

    Neighbourhood police officers are at the forefront of the fight against anti-social behaviour and for many years neighbourhood policing stood as the bedrock of that traditional British model of policing by consent.  

    However, the last decade has seen the decline of neighbourhood policing to such an extent that many of the bonds of trust and respect between the police and local communities have been lost.  

    And that’s why we will implement a new Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, restoring patrols to town centres, recruiting thousands of additional police personnel, and ensuring every community has a named local police officer to turn to.  

    As part of this we have agreed funding to support the College of Policing to roll out a specialist new training programme for neighbourhood officers across the country.   

    The training will help equip neighbourhood officers with the knowledge they need to tackle anti-social behaviour, problem solve and engage effectively with the communities they serve. It is essential that our neighbourhood officers have the skills, knowledge and confidence to build local relationships and to tackle the issues that damage communities the most.  

    Every community deserves local officers who understand what is needed to keep them safe. With this new training, and our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, we will deliver the change our towns and villages are desperate for.  

    I understand that no single agency holds all the levers to tackle anti-social behaviour. Effective multi-agency working is crucial to reducing ASB and ensuring safer communities. 

    That is why the strategies we are implementing are going to focus on preventing ASB in the long term and we are committed to intervening earlier to stop young people being drawn into crime.  

    An essential part of achieving this will be the Young Futures programme.  

    This will consist of the creation of prevention partnerships across England and Wales to map existing youth provision and at-risk individuals. These partnerships will work to ensure children and young people receive the support they need to stop them being pulled into a life of crime.  

    These will be accompanied by a network of Young Future Hubs, which will bring together local services to deliver additional interventions for young people, including mental health support. 

    And, during the election campaign, we committed to cracking down in particular on vehicle-related ASB to deal with the associated noise, nuisance and dangers which communities experience.  Our proposals will make it easier for the police to seize and dispose of vehicles, including e-scooters and e-bikes, that are used anti-socially. 

    And in addition, we are working on progressing research and development on a novel technology solution to safely stop e-scooters and e-bikes and enhance the ability of the police to prevent them from being used to commit criminal acts. 

    Now I will finish by saying how grateful I am to everyone at this conference for the work that you do. It really matters.   

    And I look forward to working together as we tackle anti-social behaviour and make communities up and down the country safer.  

    Thank you very much for your time, and I very much hope you enjoy the conference.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government commits to addressing housebuilding recommendations

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK Government has today published its response to the Competition and Market’s Authority’s (CMA) housebuilding study.

    The government has today published its response to the Competition and Market’s Authority’s (CMA) housebuilding study.

    This includes bringing forward a new consumer code for housebuilders and a New Homes Ombudsman service which will empower homeowners to rightly challenge developers for any quality issues they face in their home. 

    In response to the CMA’s recommendations, Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook said:  

    “The Government has committed to delivering 1.5 million homes in this Parliament, including the biggest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation.

    “The CMA was right to highlight areas for improvement in the housebuilding market. That is why we will empower homeowners to challenge developers over poor quality new homes and bad service, and we will consider the best way to address the injustice of ‘fleecehold’ private estates to bring unfair costs to an end.

    “Alongside this, our updated National Planning Policy Framework and the reinstatement of mandatory housing targets for councils will ensure communities have the homes and necessary infrastructure to thrive.”

    Sarah Cardell, CEO of the CMA said:

    “We welcome the government’s response to our recommendations on housebuilding, which we put forward to get people better protections and open the door to delivering more good quality homes.

    “Housing is an essential area for consumers and driving economic growth, so we will assist government as they take forward our solutions, alongside progressing our wider housing work.”

    Background information:

    • Earlier this year the CMA made 11 recommendations highlighting ongoing issues in the housebuilding market which the government is working at pace to address. 

    • We have accepted the recommendations to bring forward a new consumer code for housebuilders and a New Homes Ombudsman service which will empower homeowners to rightly challenge developers for any quality issues they face in their home.  

    • Other recommendations accepted in principle include greater protections for households living under private management arrangements. This would see homeowners receiving more information about what they are paying for as well as allowing them to challenge unfair costs at a tribunal.
    • We will implement measures to improve transparency as part of the Leasehold and Freehold Act 2024 and will also consult on further options to make sure estate managers can be properly challenged for the money they spend.
    • This government is also committing to provide robust guidance for residents’ management companies, so they have the support to effectively manage amenities on their housing estates, such as drainages and open spaces. This can include appointing a managing agent to oversee services.
    • Several of the other recommendations will require further work and consultation to ensure the best policy solutions can be identified and enacted. This includes consulting on the best way to address the injustice of ‘fleecehold’ private estates.

    • The CMA also proposed 11 additional options that include wider planning reforms. Many of these options are already being considered as part of the revised National Planning Policy Framework which will see mandatory housing targets for councils and low quality ‘grey belt’ released.

    • This is on top of our Planning and Infrastructure Bill to modernise the planning system which will turbocharge housebuilding and accelerate the delivery of major infrastructure projects.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice-President’s address at Concluding Ceremony of International Festival on Indian Dance, New Delhi (Excepts)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 22 OCT 2024 2:07PM by PIB Delhi

    Coming here on this occasion, I get a feeling of sublimity. It is the essence of human life; it is a heavenly feeling. I am grateful to the Honourable Culture Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for having made available such an opportunity to me to know about what has been transacted during the last six days. One assurance I can hold out, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is a game changer.

    He gets into his job with passion, mission and he is good at execution. I have seen the positive impact of his ministry when I was in Meghalaya last week. He has not been in the saddle for long but this gives as an indication of the shape of things to come and from every perspective. Bharat home to one-sixth to humanity, this aspect is more important than anything else.

    We have a global identity nurtured over centuries and the most inalienable facet, emotive facet, rich facet is our cultural identity.

    The presence of a very distinguished parliamentarian, an actor of reckoning, but her identity globally is only by her great commitment to dance. I am referring to Hon’ble Member of Parliament Hema Malini Ji.

    Her presence is electrifying because while she has been in various roles, in films and otherwise, her heart, soul and mind have always been in sync when it comes to dance. And dance, I can say, is her everlasting and first love.

    Dr. Padma Subramaniam, people look for civilian awards and to be honoured with the second-highest civilian award of this nation and that too in this great field, your presence means a lot to us.

    Dr. Sandhya Purecha, she is deep into it, you must have heard her. She is committed to it. This is the second time I am attending her function and I am sure things will always be on an incremental trajectory.

    My greetings and salutations to those celebrities, dignitaries who are of the dais. They represent our cultural wealth. They are premium ambassadors of this nation within and outside.

    Friends, nothing can be more delightful than to celebrate human expressions through art forms and the six days of deliberations. Mind-scratching, I am told by the Hon’ble Minister, have been extremely fruitful.

    All awardees, civilian or otherwise, converged at one place to analyze and address issues so that our culture is nurtured, it is blossomed, and it makes our identity globally more important. I have no doubt the deliberations will go a long way in shaping further course of action. And it is also an occasion to look to those who are committed to dance music, but are in suffering of some kind. We need to handhold them. We need to create a new interest in them.

    I know sometimes it is so vital to provide fiscal assistance because they are so deep into their art and culture, dance and music, they forget about it. I’m sure this will be looked into.

    I am sure the Honourable Minister would generate a mechanism that all stakeholders for dance and music or culture as a whole come on the same page. They work in tandem and togetherness to generate an ecosystem where our artists in these domains feel comfortable financially and otherwise. And we manage to see an explosion of real talent that lies in villages Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

    I am told that over 200 artists and scholars from 16 plus nations have performed various Indian dance forms and shared insights. The Utkarsh performance featuring 300 tribal performers was acclaimed by the President of India. I commend the organisers for this event. I must make by way of transgression, a brief reference, to an extremely talented chief minister, Mr. Sangma of Meghalaya. When I was there, at Raj Bhavan, all the tribes of Meghalaya performed, all of them. They performed one after the other. They performed in unison. They performed in harmony. And this reflected that house over maybe the divisiveness, the unity brought about by culture, by dance and music is impregnable. It is lasting. It is soothing. It is a seamless connection of the heart and soul of the people.

    Dance and Music are natural connecting modes. They bring about a friendship beyond language or other barriers.

    Bharat means a gold mine of fine arts. The world recognises it, we feel it. This festival testifies to dance’s universal appeal, featuring global artists with unique perspectives. It underscores that Indian art educates, uplifts and inspires offering a model of inclusivity in a divided world.

    The greatest challenge the planet faces today is lack of inclusivity. Lack of inclusivity in thought, in politics, in economic development. India has emerged as a global beacon of inclusive growth. A growth that is benefiting by good governance, Affirmative policies, the most vulnerable, the marginalized, the weakest, and that has given the nation a mood of hope and possibility, something that was lacking a few years back. In a world grappling with conflicts and transgressions, discord, there is ray of light. When the tunnel is of transgressions, conflagrations, we find light of dance and music that unites people across cultural barriers.

    Culture, dance, and music are universal languages of mankind. They are understood all over.

    as you mean without having to take recourse to the language or dialect that is specific to individuals.

    Performing arts have the power to unite, power to heal, power to inspire, power to motivate. Dance artists are cultural and peace ambassadors. They promote dialogue. They promote discussion. They lay great ground for soothing diplomatic maneuvers.

    Distinguish audience, our civilization has always valued various forms of expression. I am taking it in a wider connotation, our civilisation depth is always to lend your ears to the other point of view, never be dismissive about it. There will be occasions when you will find on introspection that the other point of view is the correct point of view.

    Dance is considered divine as described in Bharat Muni’s Natya Shastra and when you feel divinity, when you experience sublimity, when you rise about heart and mind, or in conversation with your soul, then you realise the existence of pure life. It gives a different meaning altogether, generating peace and harmony all around.

    When we look into our historical perspectives, ancient Indian centres like Patliputra, Puri, and Ujjain fostered dance forms. India shared its message of peace and unity through Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, through scriptures and art forms globally.

    Let me reflect, our culture was a feast during our G20 presidency. 200 hundred locations in this great country when we had G20 presence. every state of the Union, every Union territory and therein you found something very great. The state government, the Union territory administration and the central government were on the same page as never before and that was a grandiose success.

    Indian dances have been performed worldwide for millennia, including Chinese and Greek courts. The Ramayana spread to Southeast Asia is visible at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. On my first maiden visit outside this country, as Vice President, I went to Cambodia to attend an ASEAN meeting. When I went to Angkor Wat, unbelievable! You look at what has been carved out in stone. As if everything was speaking. Amazing and believable! One has to see to believe. I saw it myself. This can turn out to be a great facet of cultural diplomacy and art does not define dominance. Art defines integration. Culture, music, art, they unite. They never dominate. 

    Bharat is a living civilization with geniuses like Tansen, Tagore, Purandar Drasa and Swami Haridas. But there was a time in our history, 400, 500 years back, where music was discarded by the then rulers. Our most precious treasure was antithetical to their values.

    We suffered that kind of repression. But our belief throughout has been that in every part of this great land, those who nurtured, blossomed furthered because of dance music were held in high esteem. And I’m so happy and delighted that in the last 10 years, the recognition extended to eminent, deserving personalities from this domain is very commendable and soothing.

    This will help come over challenges of day to day life. They will help us to nurture our indomitable spirit.

    Post-Independence, our founding fathers mandated the preservation of cultural heritage in the Constitution. It is reflected in the directive principles of state policy.

    India is rising. The rise is exponential. The economic upsurge is stunning. The world organizations are echoing in us. We are moving towards a destination which people of my generation never dreamt of. What we have today was not thought of even a decade ago. In that situation, it is our bounden duty. It is ordainment of our civilization that our art and heritage are made to shine as symbols of identity and influence. There must be our cutting edge when we deal with people to people contact. UNESCO recognizes eight Indian dance forms as intangible cultural heritage, including Kalbeliya, Garba and Chow. I don’t subscribe to this. We have many more. They are calibrating from their perspective. We must go much beyond that.

    Yoga’s global recognition, marked by International Yoga Day, reflects India’s role in promoting wellbeing. A thought occurred to the Prime Minister. The thought was put on the global platform. In the shortest time, the largest number of nations converged, and what we see now, yoga is doting every part of the globe that gets sunshine.

    Indian wisdom is coming to the rescue of billions.

    Our cultural revival integrates ancient wisdom with contemporary practices cementing India’s image as a cultural powerhouse.

    I congratulate the Ministry of Culture, ICCR and Sangeet Natya Academy for their efforts. However, And this is a time to be extremely proactive, time not to be complacent. We need to discover, nurture and find that it does not go into extinction. Lesser known dance forms, they need to create retention.

    Go to any part of the state and you will find every district having its own identity.

    Like one district, one product, you will find one district, one cultural event relating to culture, dance, music. I am amazed sometimes when I see the instruments, how hard they have worked to preserve those instruments, how skillfully they play, how they mesmerize you, how they release your stress and tension for a time. When you attend to them you find you are in a different world altogether. We have to focus on that. Let us give them a new lease of life.

    We have to also be in overdrive in a group to ensure that our youth get involved with Indian dance, music and the kind. This will also cut into the menacing habits our youth get into. Drugs to name one. A person who is involved in these finer arts either as a performer or as onlooker is surcharged with positivity, welfare of humanity, and I am sure this too will be attended.

    As I said, which is more important, your ministry does not stand alone. You have to get all the stakeholders be it the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Civil Aviation any ministry must have the role of Gajendra Singh Shekhawat because we need to spread our culture, disseminate the knowledge of it and wider the knowledge, wider the dissemination greater will be the impact.

    Additionally, I urged the honorable minister and I requested particular manuscript experts and dance scholars to work together in rediscovering lost dance manuscripts. I was happy to note what the honorable minister conveyed to me. The giants, the Padmavadis, the great exponents over the last six days have brainstormed to address the challenges and to find out. what can be done.

    I would particularly emphasise that we are in the grip of another industrial revolution and that revolution is technology.

    Technology, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, machine learning, blockchain and the kind. They help refine our artistic talent. and the effort should be made in a structured scientific manner, employment for generating opportunities in the field of culture, art, dance, music.

    These endeavours, particularly promoting rural folk dance forms and rediscovering ancient heritage will serve a large interest of the nation. While institutional efforts are invaluable, collective action is crucial for cultural revival involving individual efforts, community engagement and international collaboration.

    I am sometimes amazed when people hold great functions, they think of a different mode of music, different mode of dance. Ignoring the wealth we have with us, once it catches up, they will know what gain they have got. Let us recognize this as the beginning of a commitment to nurture our artistic heritage.

    Let us pledge to ensure it blossoms to new heights, the heights that are due to it. Art and culture are vital to our existence, shaping our identity and relationships. Dance is both a window to our past and a pathway to our future. Together let’s celebrate the enduring relevance of Indian dance and arts, ensuring they continue to enrich our lives and the world.

    I will conclude by making one observation, India’s rise is phenomenal, Infrastructure development is unbelievable. From the time I faced a situation as a minister and a member of parliament in 1990, where foreign exchange reserve was one billion US dollars, now it has crossed 700 billion.

    I saw Jammu and Kashmir as a minister in 1990, we didn’t see even two dozen people on the road, two crore people went there last year as tourists. In this big change we must have proportionate development of our culture.

    Thank you so much.

    ****

    JK/RC/SM

    (Release ID: 2067002) Visitor Counter : 55

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOHUA enhancing efficiency in addressing pending matters under Special Campaign 4.0

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 22 OCT 2024 3:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is actively participating in the Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters (SCDPM) 4.0. by enhancing efficiency in addressing pending matters and promoting the upkeep and beautification of urban spaces. This initiative, organized in collaboration with its attached and subordinate offices, as well as Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), is now in Implementation Phase i.e. from October 2 to October 31, 2024.

    The SCDPM aims to systematically address and dispose of pending references across various categories, including Member of Parliament (MP) references, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) references, VIP and Cabinet references, State Government references, and CPGRAM matters, ensuring timely resolution.

    This effort aligns with the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister for a ‘Swachh Bharat’. MoHUA plays a crucial role in this cleanliness drive, given its responsibilities in construction, maintenance, and the upkeep of government offices and residential complexes, where the results of cleanliness and the reduction of pending issues are most visible.

    This year, the campaign is focusing on field and outstation offices that are responsible for service delivery or have public interfaces. The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) is providing full support and assistance for this special drive. By prioritizing the disposal of pending matters and beautifying our surroundings, MoHUA aims to foster a healthier and more attractive environment for everyone.

    The Ministry is involving all stakeholders to participate actively in this campaign, reinforcing our commitment to transparency, efficiency, and cleanliness in public service. So far, 8120 out of 21088 files have been reviewed, 3488 out of 3697 files have been weeded out, cleanliness drives have been conducted on 227 sites, Rs 2263879 revenue has been generated till date and 13437 sq feet space has been freed.

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    JN/SK

     

     

    (Release ID: 2067028) Visitor Counter : 36

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Salazar Joins Honduran Leaders in Denouncing Socialist President Xiomara Castro de Zelaya

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar’s (FL-27)

    MIAMI, FL – Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) joined Rep. Carlos A. Giménez (R-FL) and several leaders of the Honduran opposition in a press conference to denounce Honduran President Xiomara Castro de Zelaya’s corrupt administration.

    Since 2021, the Castro administration in Honduras has trampled on the liberties of ordinary Hondurans while affiliating herself with the tyrannical regimes of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. With over 1 million Hondurans living in the United States, the Castro government represents a serious threat to the U.S.–Honduras relationship, especially after it announced its intention to cancel our shared extradition treaty.

    “Unfortunately, there is currently a President in Honduras who may have came to power through democratic means, but who has trampled on that same democratic system,” said Chairwoman Salazar. “My message to President Castro de Zelaya: Don’t listen to your husband Mel. Don’t heed the socialist tendencies that he has always maintained. Protect Honduras’ democracy because we in the United States are committed to preserving a solid democracy in Honduras.”

    Chairwoman Salazar has been at the forefront of calling out the Castro administration for permitting corruption within her ranks, cozying up to dictators, and embracing China. She first called attention to the Castro administration’s recognition of China over Taiwan in a hearing in October 2023 detailing growing Chinese influence over political and economic institutions in Latin America.

    Later that month, Salazar exposed Xiomara Castro for not only leading Honduras into dangerous alliances with the dictatorships in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua and threatening to expropriate private property, but also for colluding with local officials in the Choluteca region to extort desperate migrants passing through the country by forcing them to pay illegal tolls. Worse yet, the Chairwoman revealed that this extortion scheme was personally enriching President Castro and her partners in the government.

    The socialist Castro administration is also guilty of pushing harmful antisemiticnarratives about the Jewish State of Israel and its war against Hamas terrorism after the October 7th terrorist attack. Furthermore, she allowed 100 Cuban doctors who are victims of forced labor and human trafficking to work in the country against the will of the Honduran people. Showing her true colors as an ally of the worst dictators in the region, she awarded the highest honor Honduras can bestow, the Order of Francisco Morazán, to the dictator Nicolás Maduro. She also established Chávez-like colectivos to enforce her ideology, following in Maduro’s example.

    The inauguration of Xiomara Castro was attended by Vice President Kamala Harris with much fanfare.

    Congresswoman Salazar proudly represents the city of Miami in Congress, home to more than 22,000 constituents of Honduran heritage.

    To watch the full press conference, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How the #MeToo movement has shaped how women write crime fiction

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alison Taft, Course Director of Creative Writing, Leeds Beckett University

    It’s seven years since #MeToo became a viral phenomenon. The social media campaign against sexual harassment and assault encouraged survivors to share their stories. But has anything changed in the way crime fiction is written as a result?

    There are now novels that specifically reference the #MeToo movement, such as Complicit by Winnie M Li, The List by Yomi Adegoke and This Is Pleasure by Mary Gaitskill. Between them, they deal with the consequences of sex crimes for a set of main characters that include: a female film producer wondering if she could have done more to prevent the actions of the male predator (Complicit), a falsely accused man (The List) and the female friend of a man seemingly unaware his behaviour could be experienced as offensive (This is Pleasure).

    These novels, all written by women, invite readers to consider differing perspectives in the aftermath of what appeared as a tsunami of offences. But by shifting the focus away from the perpetrators of the crimes they do little to challenge what some women activists identify as a rape culture.

    In 2018, in response to the #MeToo movement, screenwriter Bridget Lawless launched the Staunch Prize. It was to be “awarded to the author of a novel in the thriller genre in which no woman is beaten, stalked, sexually exploited, raped or murdered”. She argued that the majority of crime thrillers focus on the least common forms of violence against women (the stalker, the serial killer, the unknown assailant) giving readers a false idea of what a rapist looks like and so making it more difficult to convict real offenders. “Well over 90% of rapes and murders of women are by men known to them,” she explained, “often a former or current partner”.

    However, the Staunch Prize met with criticism. Novelist Sophie Hannah argued that rather than pretend these crimes don’t exist, writers should challenge the prejudices that exist within the way they are written about. Val McDermid meanwhile (widely credited as one of few female crime writers who attracts male readers) said she’d stop writing stories about violence against women when men stop committing the crimes.

    It is important to tell these stories, and to do so in ways that challenge the fetishisation of sex crimes. However, creating realistic yet empowering stories can be something of a challenge.

    #MeToo and crime tropes

    When Sarah Bailey published her novel Into The Night (2019), which features a female character who experiences sexual harassment, she claims her US editors argued “that because of #MeToo and #TimesUp, readers would desire a more empowering narrative, a ‘happy ending’ so to speak, where justice was served and the bad guy got his comeuppance”. Bailey wasn’t convinced. She argued that manufacturing happy endings for fictional women might not offer much support to real women on the receiving end of these crimes.

    Gail Simone, creator of the website Women in Refrigerators, has been working to highlight some of the more damaging tropes found within crime fiction. She brought attention to the concept of “fridging” – a plot device where violence against women is used to motivate the (usually male) protagonist into action. In these stories, women appear with no other purpose than to be a victim.

    These tropes, Simone argues, “both reflect and perpetuate the idea that women don’t have any agency over their own lives in the real world”.

    The Change by Kirsten Miller (2022) challenges this lack of agency. The novel features three peri-menopausal characters intent on exposing a Jeffrey Epstein-inspired network of abusers.

    The feminist thriller is unflinching in laying the blame squarely where it belongs. It does also, perhaps to avoid the accusation of bias, include a female antagonist who may, or may not, be based upon Ghislaine Maxwell (currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being found guilty of child sex trafficking and other offences connected to Epstein). The Change serves as a call to action to women, particularly older women, to play their part in bringing perpetrators to justice.

    The ongoing mass rape trial of Dominique Pelicot in France has perhaps provided the world with a shock dose of reality. Pelicot admitted repeatedly drugging his wife, Gisèle and inviting strangers to rape her. The court has heard statements, such as “there is rape, and then there’s rape” (a lawyer for six of the accused); “she did not deserve this” (Pelicot); and “women do not belong to men, I hope that future generations will learn that” (one of the accused).

    It’s clear that writers are working to explore the issues the #MeToo movement raised. But statements like this show that, despite these efforts, the social narrative around sex-crime remains depressingly unchanged.


    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

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

    – ref. How the #MeToo movement has shaped how women write crime fiction – https://theconversation.com/how-the-metoo-movement-has-shaped-how-women-write-crime-fiction-239905

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: US election 2024: getting out the youth vote will be crucial in a knife-edge contest

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By James Sloam, Professor of Politics, Royal Holloway University of London

    The US presidential election is on a knife edge. The polls are predicting 50/50 races in several states, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina and Nevada.

    The results in these states are likely to be crucial in deciding whether it is the Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris, or her Republican rival, Donald Trump, who will be sitting in the White House come January 2025. The youth vote will play a key role in determining victory in such a tight race.

    Younger voters in the US have leaned heavily towards the Democratic party in recent presidential elections. But this is a relatively new phenomenon. In 2000, young Americans aged 18 to 30 voted for George Bush and Al Gore at an almost identical rate to the general population, favouring Democrat Gore by 48% to 47%.

    The swell in youth support for the Democrats only began with Barack Obama in 2008, when he defeated John McCain by two to one in this demographic (66% to 32%). This was followed by a slightly smaller – albeit still substantial – margin of victory for Obama over Mitt Romney (60% to 37%) in 2012. The current US president, Joe Biden, enjoyed a similar advantage over Trump among young voters in 2020 (61% to 36%).

    Youth support for the Democrats has proved to be particularly strong among young women, and Latino and black voters who are opposed to the illiberalism of Trump’s Republican party. Polls suggest that Biden secured an estimated 67%, 69% and 89% of the vote respectively from these groups four years ago.

    Young women also drove a surge in youth participation in the 2022 midterms in reaction to a Supreme Court ruling that now allows states to deny women the right to abortion. This contributed to results that were much better than expected for the Democrats in Congress.

    Younger voters in the US have leaned heavily towards Democratic party candidates in recent presidential elections.
    James Sloam, CC BY-NC-ND

    Youth turnout in the US is low by international standards. But in the 2020 presidential election – a highly polarised race between Biden and Trump – a record half of young Americans turned out to vote. This compared to around two-thirds of the registered electorate, which was itself the highest rate of turnout for over a century.

    On the surface, Harris’s presidential bid might have been expected to boost youth support and participation further. She is a woman of mixed heritage with socially progressive views, who is generally seen as likeable and is the antithesis of Trump.

    And younger voters do, indeed, prefer Harris to Trump, but by an unconvincing margin, compared with support for previous Democratic candidates. In a recent opinion poll conducted by YouGov and the Economist, 55% of young people stated that they would vote for Harris compared to 39% for Trump.

    This speaks of a broader disillusionment with electoral politics among young Americans. There is some disaffection over the Biden administration’s lack of action over issues such as climate change, gun control and the war in Gaza.

    But, most importantly in this election, there is a sense that neither party has attended to the economic hardships that have left young Americans feeling that they are unlikely to be better off than their parents’ generation.

    After being buffeted by high inflation, today’s young people (gen Z) are spending over 30% more on housing, almost 50% more on health insurance, and twice as much on car insurance than millennials.

    The 2016 presidential race showed that young people in the US are much more supportive of Bernie Sanders’ more radical version of the Democratic party than has been offered by Clinton, Biden and Harris – the more centrists candidates who have made it through to become the Democratic candidate in the past three elections. In the 2016 primaries, more young Americans voted for Sanders than for Clinton and Trump put together.

    Increasing youth turnout

    The lack of enthusiasm for establishment Democratic party candidates means that efforts to bring out the youth vote are of central importance. This is particularly true in the key states Harris needs to win to become president.

    In the 2020 election, voter registration drives among young people played a key role in Democratic wins in incredibly tight state races. In Georgia, for example, it is widely accepted that the large increase in youth turnout flipped the state for Biden in a race that came down to just 12,000 votes.

    Last month, I spent time in Philadelphia, a city at the heart of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is the most important swing state in the US, with 19 of the country’s 538 electoral college votes. When I was there, I spoke to young people and a leader of PA Youth Vote, a bipartisan initiative set up to improve youth voter registration and turnout in the state.

    PA Youth Vote had a clear understanding that, to increase youth turnout, they need to focus on making young people aware of how politics and voting matters for their everyday lives, and how they can have an impact on the issues they care about in their local areas by engaging with local officials and the democratic process.

    The aim of the initiative is to meet “the youth where they are, going to their schools, their neighbourhoods and their spaces” to give young people a positive reason to go out and vote.

    The Harris campaign – and US politics in general – can learn a lot from these grassroots movements. Their efforts to make politics matter for young Americans have the potential to increase youth participation.

    The success of these bipartisan efforts to bring out the youth vote will undoubtedly be critical to the presidential race, given the preference of young people for Harris over Trump. But it is critical for American democracy that politicians engage with young people on the issues they care about, such as education, crime, policing and poverty, all the time – and not just when asking for votes.

    On returning to the airport on the way back from Pennsylvania, I was speaking to the young African-American man who was driving my taxi. He believed that Trump was a racist, but also that neither party would do anything for him and his community. In his view, there was no point in voting, even in a key marginal state.

    This highlights the lack of proper discussion in the presidential race about how persistent economic inequalities are undermining American democracy in a very material sense for individual young people.

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

    – ref. US election 2024: getting out the youth vote will be crucial in a knife-edge contest – https://theconversation.com/us-election-2024-getting-out-the-youth-vote-will-be-crucial-in-a-knife-edge-contest-240500

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Strengthening Alberta’s economic partnerships abroad

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The minister will engage in trade missions to Argentina and the UAE from Oct. 21 to Nov. 9. During these missions, Minister Jones will meet with companies, potential investors and government officials in several high-value, in-demand sectors to discuss investment and trade opportunities for Alberta.

    Government-led trade missions enhance Alberta’s trade market access and help Alberta businesses diversify into new international markets.

    “Our government is committed to establishing strong relationships that connect Alberta businesses with key international partners. With Canada’s most investment-friendly environment, competitive tax system, highly educated workforce and robust research and development pipeline, Alberta is a competitive partner on the global stage. I am looking forward to showcasing Alberta’s world-class products, energy, agriculture and innovation to our partners in Argentina and the UAE. These missions will enhance collaboration, driving us toward a more prosperous future together.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

    Minister Jones will participate in the Argentina Oil and Gas Patagonia Expo and speak at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC). During a trade mission in 2023, Minister Jones made many connections at ADIPEC. This year’s participation will further strengthen those relationships while showcasing Alberta’s innovative energy solutions and helping Alberta-based companies establish new business partnerships.

    Minister Jones will be joined by three government employees. Mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.

    Alberta’s government is committed to working with its national and international partners to advance shared interests that can lead to new opportunities for people and businesses in Alberta and around the world.

    Quick facts

    • In 2023, Alberta exported about $126 million worth of goods to Argentina.
      • Top exports included filtering/purifying machinery and apparatuses for gases ($71.2 million), air or other gas compressors ($5.1 million) and aircraft ($3.7 million). 
    • In 2023, Alberta exported almost $242 million to the UAE.
      • Top exports included food and agriculture ($130.6 million), machinery ($82.9 million) and metal, stone or glass ($13.1 million).
    • Trade missions to priority markets are one way Alberta’s government is helping small- and medium-sized businesses get their products to international markets, making Alberta’s economy more resilient.

    Itinerary for Minister Jones*

    Oct. 21-22
    • Travel to Neuquén, Argentina

    Oct. 23-25
    • Meetings and briefings in Neuquén

    Oct. 26
    • Travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Oct. 27-29
    • Meetings and briefings in Buenos Aires

    Oct. 29-31
    • Travel to Abu Dhabi, UAE

    Nov. 1-6
    • Meetings and briefings in Abu Dhabi

    Nov. 5
    • Participate in ADIPEC ministerial panel

    Nov. 6
    • Travel to Dubai
    • Meetings and briefings in Dubai

    Nov. 7-8
    • Meetings and briefings in Dubai

    Nov. 9
    • Return to Alberta

    *Subject to change.

    Related information

    • Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference
    • Argentina Oil and Gas Patagonia Expo

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel/Lebanon: Branches of Hezbollah-affiliated financial institution not military targets

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The Israeli military’s targeting of branches of Qard al-Hassan, a non-profit financial association affiliated with Hezbollah, with over 30 branches across Lebanon, likely violates international humanitarian law and must be investigated as a war crime, Amnesty International said today.

    Under the laws of war, branches of financial institutions are civilian objects unless they are being used for military purposes. Therefore, these attacks likely constitute a direct attack on civilian objects.

    At 8:55pm on 20 October 2024, the Israeli military’s Arabic spokesperson announced on X (formerly Twitter) that its forces would begin “attacking infrastructure belonging to the Hezbollah’s Qard al-Hassan” instructing residents to get away from those branches immediately. The first strike was reported 35 minutes later at around 9:30 pm. Lebanese state media reported a total of 11 strikes on Qard al-Hassan buildings in the southern suburbs of Beirut, as well as several other branches in other parts of the country, including the south and the Bekaa.

    Qard al-Hassan, operating under a license granted by the Lebanese government, is currently Lebanon’s biggest microcredit provider.  It is used by many Lebanese civilians, predominantly Shiites, to access small, interest-free loans.  Many Lebanese people from various sects have increasingly relied on Qard al-Hassan for loans to pay for education, health care and small businesses, particularly since the collapse of Lebanon’s banking sector in 2019. It has been under US sanctions since 2007.

    Israeli forces have targeted an institution that serves as an economic lifeline for countless Lebanese civilians

    Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns

    “Israeli forces have targeted an institution that serves as an economic lifeline for countless Lebanese civilians. This, along with an evacuation warning issued less than 40 minutes before the start of the strikes, shows Israel’s disregard for international humanitarian law. Even if as the Israeli military alleges, the institution does provide financing to Hezbollah, it is not likely to meet the definition of a military objective, particularly for branches serving civilian customers,” said Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns.

    “Under international humanitarian law, attacks against civilians and civilian objects are prohibited. An international investigation into the attacks on Qard al-Hassan must be urgently initiated. In the meantime, the Israeli military must take all necessary steps to safeguard civilian lives and strictly adhere to international humanitarian law. Israeli forces must maintain a clear distinction between military objectives and civilian objects at all times. Israel must abandon a definition of military objectives that is so broad as to include branches of a financial institution.”

    According to customary international humanitarian law, an object must meet two criteria to be classified as a military objective. First, it must effectively contribute to military action, based on its location, nature, purpose or use. Second, destroying the object must provide a definite military advantage in the circumstances ruling at the time.

    International humanitarian law prohibits direct attacks against “civilian objects,” such as homes and apartments, businesses and shops, unless these buildings are being used for military purposes. Having an association with Hezbollah is not sufficient to classify a civilian building or the civilians inside it as military objectives.

    Many of Qard al-Hassan’s branches and offices are located in residential buildings and in the middle of densely populated residential areas. Hundreds of residents had to flee their homes after the Israeli military issued several evacuation warnings.

    A senior Israeli intelligence official was quoted in the media stating that in addition to hindering the ability of Hezbollah to function and rebuild following the war, “the main objective is to affect trust between Hezbollah and a lot of the Shiite community that uses this association as a banking system”. Undermining the trust between Hezbollah and the Shiite community is not a lawful justification for militarily targeting an institution.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Federal Court Decision to Grant Biological Opinion Relief is Welcome News

    Source: National Ocean Industries Association – NOIA

    Headline: Federal Court Decision to Grant Biological Opinion Relief is Welcome News

    For Immediate Release: Monday, October 21, 2024NOIA .org
    Federal Court Decision to Grant Biological Opinion Relief is Welcome News
    Washington, D.C. – National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito issued the following statement after a federal court granted the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) more time to complete a new Biological Opinion (BiOp) for the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Under a previous ruling, the BiOp would have been vacated effective December 20, 2024, threatening to halt new and existing oil and natural gas production and activity in the region. Today’s decision grants NMFS until May 21, 2025 to complete a new BiOp.
    “We are pleased with the court’s decision to grant the requested relief, allowing the federal government additional time to issue a new Gulf of Mexico Biological Opinion. This ruling is crucial for maintaining our energy security, affordability, and national security, all of which depend on the uninterrupted supply of oil and gas from the Gulf of Mexico.
    “It has become readily apparent to elected officials on both sides of the aisle that an impairment of production from the Gulf of Mexico could lead to a cascading effect throughout the American economy, delivering an unwelcome blow to consumers still reeling from inflationary impacts.
    “The Gulf of Mexico is a powerhouse in the global energy landscape. If it were a country, it would rank among the top twelve oil producers worldwide. This region supports nearly 435,000 jobs, produces approximately two million barrels of oil daily, and funds essential conservation and coastal resilience programs. Its role as a vital and well-established energy hub is indispensable to the U.S. economy and national security.
    “Potential permitting and operational delays or logjams pose significant risks, injecting unnecessary uncertainty into this critical sector. We must continue to support and protect the Gulf of Mexico’s energy production to ensure stability and growth for our nation and reduce dependence on volatile global markets and adversarial nations such as Russia or Iran.”
    ##
    About NOIA The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) represents and advances a dynamic and growing offshore energy industry, providing solutions that support communities and protect our workers, the public and our environment.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Top 25 global banks navigate market shifts with 4% gain in MCap in Q3 2024, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Top 25 global banks navigate market shifts with 4% gain in MCap in Q3 2024, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    The aggregate market capitalization (MCap) of the top 25 global banks went up by 4% to $4.27 trillion quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) during the third quarter (Q3) ended 30 September 2024. This growth was fueled by interest rate cuts from several central banks, including the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, alongside stronger-than-expected US economic performance, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Bank Central Asia (BCA) stocks recorded over 15% growth, while Charles Schwab saw a decline of nearly 12% in market value. JPMorgan Chase retained its position as the most valuable bank for the tenth consecutive quarter, reflecting resilient performance amidst evolving economic landscapes.

    Murthy Grandhi, Company Profiles Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The third quarter of 2024 concluded with healthy returns across most major asset classes, despite periods of market turbulence. Early August saw stocks come under pressure, driven by weaker US economic data, an interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan, and thin summer trading volumes. However, the Federal Reserve’s much-anticipated rate cuts in September, combined with a softer stance from Japanese policymakers and fresh stimulus measures in China, helped ease investor concerns and fuel a strong stock market rally by the end of the quarter.”

    As inflation eased and economic activity remained subdued, several other Western central banks followed suit in cutting rates. The European Central Bank implemented its second-rate reduction in September, lowering interest rates to 3.5%. Similarly, the Bank of England commenced its own easing cycle, introducing a 25-basis point cut during its August meeting.”

    In Q3 2024, RBC’s stock value surged 17.2%, driven by a 17% increase in earnings from its personal and commercial banking segment, which reached CAD2.49 billion ($1.80 billion), including a CAD198 million boost from its CAD13.5 billion acquisition of HSBC’s domestic operations. RBC’s overall profit rose 16% to CAD4.5 billion, surpassing expectations. Similarly, BCA’s market value climbed 15.1%, ending the quarter with a market cap of $83.3 billion, fueled by strong quarterly results and optimism about future performance.

    JPMorgan Chase reinforced its global leadership with a 22% rise in net revenue to $50.2 billion, largely driven by a 41% increase in net interest income and gains from Visa shares.

    Meanwhile, Charles Schwab’s market cap fell to $118.6 billion due to reduced interest revenue and regulatory scrutiny, partly linked to its cash sweep program financing the 2020 TD Ameritrade acquisition.

    Overall, for the nine months ended Sept 2024, Wells Fargo lost $13 billion in market value due to persistent regulatory challenges stemming from past scandals and inconsistent earnings performance. The bank is working to lift a $1.95 trillion asset cap imposed by the Federal Reserve. Recent assessments revealed insufficient safeguards against money laundering has limited its ability to expand in deposit intake and trading.

    Grandhi concludes: “As the Fed begins its easing cycle, Q4 2024 market focus will shift to the US elections, with the outcome likely to have an impact on the country’s fiscal policy, debt, and trade, especially tariffs. Potential policy changes could stoke inflation, while escalating geopolitical risks may hit consumer confidence and trigger market selloffs, driving investors toward safer assets amidst global uncertainty.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Housing Summit to address housing challenge in Highland

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council has called a Housing Challenge Summit, designed to bring together all parties from National and Local government and private sector interests, both large and small, from across the fields of energy, housing development and commerce, to focus on the Housing Challenge in Highland.

    Highland Council declared a Housing Challenge following an event in November 2023 and agreed a number of strategic objectives in June 2024, with the aim of finding solutions to a Highland Housing Challenge. 

    The summit will be held today, 22 October, in Aviemore and delivered in partnership with Prosper, with sponsorship from SSEN, Burness Paull and The Scottish National Investment  Bank (SNIB).

    Housing Minister, Paul McLennan will attend and address delegates in a Keynote speech. 

    He said: 

    “I am pleased to be attending Highland Council’s Housing Challenge Summit and speaking with a range of stakeholders about how we work together to deliver the homes that people need. We know that tackling the housing emergency requires a joint approach between the Scottish Government, UK Government and local authorities and this summit will provide a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to come together to find ways to deliver more homes for communities across the Highlands. 

     “Good quality housing is essential to attract and retain people in our communities. We remain focused on delivering 110,000 affordable homes across Scotland by 2032, with at least 70% for social rent and at least 10% in our rural and island communities supported by our Rural and Island Housing Action Plan. Since 2021, we have invested over £180 million grant funding that has supported the delivery of nearly 2,000 affordable homes across the Highland Council area.” 

    Convener of The Highland Council, Bill Lobban who will chair the summit, said: “I am delighted to welcome the Housing Minister Paul McLennan, and over 100 delegates from a range of public and private sectors, whose input, together with Scottish Government and political representatives, will be invaluable to addressing the housing challenge in the Highlands. 

    “Affordable housing is an issue that is raised everywhere we speak to communities across the Highlands. For this reason, it is a high priority in the Council’s Programme and Members have declared a Highland Housing Challenge. 

    “There are also many wider socio-economic benefits in providing more housing, including boosting the construction industry, regeneration of town centres and reversing depopulation of communities. The economic benefits continue over the longer term, through savings on housing benefit, and wider benefits including reduced homelessness, increased employment, and improved health benefits.”  

    “Bringing the envisaged housing solutions to the Highlands is a key component of the economic growth required for the area in the next twenty years, helping us to seize important energy development opportunities, create benefits and sustain both our urban and rural communities.” 

    Chair of the Council’s Housing and Property Committee, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair summarised the challenges saying: “It is anticipated that 24,000 new houses will be required in Highland in the next ten years. This is around double that which would normally be built.  

    “The future demand for housing is based on an updated ten-year Housing Needs Demand Assessment, which incorporates economic modelling including potential increases in jobs connected to the development of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Free Port. 

    Leader of The Highland Council, Raymond Bremner said: “Highland Council and its partners are on course to meet the challenge of building 24,000 houses, but over 20 years. To accelerate this will require additional investment of around £2.8 billion. The challenge will require public and private sector co-investment and significant increases in the supply of land for housing and development capacity. 

    “Some solutions to future housing supply can be addressed through benefits flowing from the Social Value Charter from Renewables and from future retained business rates relating to the Green Free Port, as well as legacy housing from energy and infrastructure projects. 

    “The next steps will be to seek collaborative action in the co-design and delivery of a strategic plan which addresses the housing needs in the short, medium and long-term future.”  

    Chief Executive of Prosper, Sara Thiam added: “Housing continues to be a barrier to growth for many industries but it also underpins the quality of life of our people and impacts on our health, education and equality of opportunity so finding ways to overcome the various challenges will continue to be at the top of the to do list for government, industry and wider society.” 

    The summit will explore the Council’s agreed objectives including levering finance from different means; finding varied mechanisms to build new housing; flexibility regarding the ownership of housing; and finding new ways to maximise the supply of land.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: All Together Inspired launches online learning hub to help ‘change the world’

    Source: City of Liverpool

    A band new online learning hub – All Together Inspired – has been launched to support Cheshire and Merseyside’s public, private and third sectors to learn more about the social determinants of health and reduce health inequalities.

    The social (or wider) determinants of health refer to the social, cultural, political, economic, commercial and environmental factors that shape the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. Some key social determinants of health are education and employment opportunities, housing, social networks, where we live and the extent it facilitates exercise, a good diet and social connection.

    The website includes a wealth of information to help professionals learn more about these vital subject areas, as well as specific training, tools and resources to support their day-to-day work. All Together Inspired also highlights and promotes examples of work happening within the subregion of Cheshire and Merseyside and encourages those who feel inspired to share their story.

    All Together Inspired is part of All Together Fairer, Cheshire and Merseyside’s mission to reduce health inequalities and encourage the entire system to work as one to build a fairer, healthier subregion. This work is informed by a landmark report, produced by leading health inequalities expert Professor Sir Michael Marmot and his team at the UCL Institute of Health Equity, and published in 2022. The Programme is overseen by the Cheshire and Merseyside Population Health Partnership.

    Professor Ian Ashworth, Director of Population Health for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside and Chair of the Cheshire and Merseyside Population Health Partnership, said:

    “I am delighted to see All Together Inspired launch this online learning hub. The website will not only will serve as a one-stop shop for all things related to the social determinants of health, it will also inspire and galvanize our ‘Marmot army’ of dedicated and talented public sector workers, our fantastic voluntary sector, and provide businesses and the private sector with tools and resources that they can also use to make a real difference.

    “I am continually inspired when I hear about the work that happens as part of our All Together Fairer Programme and I look forward to seeing examples of this work appear on All Together Inspired.”

    Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director of the UCL Institute of Health Equity, said:

    “The health problems that we see in a subregion like Cheshire and Merseyside are not simply related to the problems in the NHS, but they’re related to how we arrange our affairs in society – the social determinants of health. Social injustice is killing on a grand scale, and we wanted to launch a social movement to create greater health equity and narrower health inequalities. We would like you to become part of the All Together Inspired movement and use the resources in this website. We can and we will make a difference to improve and achieve greater health equity.”

    To access All Together Inspired, visit: https://alltogetherinspired.org.uk.

    To health spread the word about All Together Inspired with a dedicated toolkit of communications resources, visit: https://alltogetherinspired.org.uk/find-a-resource/.

    To find out more about the Champs Public Health Collaborative, visit: https://champspublichealth.com.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Response to the lead commissioner’s report

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Published: Tuesday, 22nd October 2024

    The city council leader has responded to the report from the lead commissioner Max Caller.

    Leader of Birmingham City Council Cllr John Cotton said:

    “We welcome the publication of this report from the lead commissioner and acknowledge that while progress is being made, there is much more to do in our ongoing efforts to ensure we become a financially sustainable, well-run council that delivers good services.

    “We continue to engage constructively with the new Government, and like councils across the country, are awaiting both this month’s budget settlement and a local government finance settlement later in the year which will set out a one-year emergency package of support for local councils.

    “The Government is also committed to a multi-year settlement following next year’s spending review which will give councils much needed clarity and allow us to plan for the future.

    “Nevertheless, we face another very difficult budget, and it remains clear that the pace of change must further increase, as further savings are identified, and we transform services. Our new Managing Director Joanne Roney is focussed on that challenge and there will be no let up as we work together to get the council back on track.”

    NOTES

    • We have appointed a permanent Managing Director in Joanne Roney CBE, who is already providing pace, grip, and authority in driving the necessary changes, working with the senior officer team and Commissioners.
    • The Improvement and Recovery Plan was agreed in April 2024 and has set the overarching direction and actions to address the issues identified in the intervention. The first part of the plan has been implemented and further stages are now underway, including the development of a refreshed Corporate Plan which will outline what the council will seek to achieve over the next three years.
    • A whole council operating model is being developed so that the council can deliver good services, even whilst operating under the financial pressures that are a reality for local government.
    • Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together has seen us set a new direction for the council to involve citizens and partners in a much greater way.
    • The council’s corporate services have been reviewed, with a commitment to a new workforce strategy that will help deliver the staffing we need to deliver quality services for our residents. This includes a refreshed HR function to enable the effective recruitment and management of staff and improve our culture and achieve best value.
    • Financial management improvements continue, with the move to make a permanent appointment to lead the finance directorate. Work continues at pace to identify the savings and cuts that are needed to deliver a balanced budget.
    • A much-needed reimplementation programme is now underway for Oracle.
    • Progress is being made against the equal pay liability, including a revised a job evaluation scheme and settlement of the outstanding litigation with a target of April 2025 for completion.
    • A plan is underway to improve the procurement operating model with a focus on strategic contract management in order to achieve best value.
    • Within the housing directorate, progress has been made in response to the Regulator of Social Housing’s letter, reconfiguring the HRA budget to focus on improving the quality of the existing housing stock.
    • Within children’s services, the council has completed the review of spend control on children’s social care, and progress is being made on greater join up of services for families to make our services more effective.
    • A transformation programme is now in place to improve the waste service – which is the most public facing area of the council which has not been performing at the level our residents expect. By transforming staffing and management arrangements, and procuring a new fleet, we will see improvements in this service in the months ahead.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bury director jailed after failing to produce accounts for company which owed more than £200,000 in tax

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Director jailed for offences under the Insolvency and Companies Act

    • Vezubuhle Ndlovu was the director of VN Electrics Limited when it went into liquidation owing more than £200,000 in unpaid tax 

    • Ndlovu failed to deliver accounting records to the liquidator as he was required to do so under law 

    • This failure meant his company’s accounts could not be investigated, resulting in criminal investigations into the 41-year-old by the Insolvency Service 

    A Bury director who failed to produce accounting records and refused to co-operate with the Insolvency Service after his company went into liquidation owing more than £200,000 in unpaid tax has been jailed. 

    Vezubuhle Ndlovu was sentenced to 10 months in prison when he appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday 15 October. 

    The 41-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to offences under the Insolvency Act and Companies Act for his VN Electrics Limited business. 

    Ndlovu, of Spinney Crescent, Bury, failed to provide up-to-date records to the Insolvency Service when VN Electrics was liquidated in 2019, meaning the Official Receiver could not accurately assess the company’s position and liabilities. 

    David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    Vezubuhle Ndlovu’s offending was persistent and he has shown no insight into his criminal actions.  

    If a company fails to keep proper records it exposes creditors and trading partners to unacceptable levels of risk. A company that does not keep records is more likely to fail and the Official Receiver or insolvency practitioner will be unable to identify and take steps to recover the company’s assets. 

    Ndlovu failed in his statutory duties to deliver up-to-date accounting records and at no point engaged with the Official Receiver or our investigators when asked to do so. 

    VN Electrics was established in May 2017, with Ndlovu the sole director. The company’s business was described on Companies House as ‘non-specialised wholesale trade’. 

    The company was liquidated in December 2019 after a petition from HM Revenue and Customs, which was owed £221,600 by VN Electrics. 

    The Insolvency Service wrote to Ndlovu on three separate occasions after VN Electrics was wound-up, reminding him of his statutory duty to preserve the company’s books and records and to deliver them to the Official Receiver. 

    Ndlovu failed to respond and did not turn up to an interview at the Official Receiver’s Office. 

    Civil proceedings which resulted in a seven-year director disqualification for Ndlovu began in September 2020 and concluded in April 2022. At no point did Ndlovu engage with the investigation. 

    Just one month after Ndlovu’s director ban, criminal investigators from the Insolvency Service invited him in for interview. Again, Ndlovu failed to respond or attend the interview. 

    Ndlovu’s failure to deliver books and records meant the Official Receiver was unable to establish if sales and purchases of just more than £1 million were the true level of VN Electrics’ income and expenditure between August 2017 and February 2019. 

    The Official Receiver was also unable to determine if VN Electrics owned any assets at any time between incorporation and liquidation, and if so, what happened to them. 

    Further information 

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Popular Apple Fair extended to two days

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Popular Apple Fair extended to two days

    22 October 2024

    The popular Apple Fair returns with gusto to Castlederg this year as two days of entertainment and fun are planned to celebrate the Halloween season.

    Running over Friday 25th and Saturday 26th October all the activity will be focused around the town’s newly refurbished Diamond area.

    This year the event is being organised by the Castlederg Community Events Committee. Rois Kelly from the group explained, “We are really delighted to bring the Apple Fair back to the town, and to be able to extend it to run over two days. We have lots of entertainment, family fun, bespoke stalls and of course apples to make sure there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

    Ahead of the official start of the Apple Fair the entertainment gets underway with ‘Man in Black’ – a special performance in Derg Parish Church on Thursday evening at 7.30pm. It will feature the story and songs of Johnny Cash, as told by David Kelly.

    The fun runs throughout the day from 11am-4pm on Friday. The Fair will be opened with a special performance of ‘A Million Dreams’ by pupils from four of the local primary schools – St Patrick’s PS, Edwards PS, St Caireall’s and Killen PS.

    Friday will continue with the arrival of Roland Dukes, one of the traditional apple sellers making the trip from Portadown to the Tyrone town for the occasion with a selection of tasty apples available from his vintage truck.

    A variety of other arts, crafts, and food stalls will be selling their wares throughout the two days. There will also be a number of local DJs playing and karaoke available. On Friday, The Derg Arms is running a pumpkin carving competition, while Bradley’s Pharmacy has organised a special fancy dress competition where people are asked to get their picture taken in front of the Apple Fair/Halloween Window display. Bring an Apple Fair prop and dress up, then come along, fill in an entry form in store and develop your photo free. You’ll also be in with a chance of winning a £50 Bradley’s voucher.

    Bringing Friday to a close is the Churchtown Community Association’s Halloween Hoolie in the Ard Mór Centre from 6-9pm.

    Saturday sees the arrival of a host of fun and activities for local families to enjoy. Running from 12-5pm there will be amusements, face-painting, live music, inflatable mascots, performances from Much Ado Stage School, and dance acts.

    Encouraging people to come out and support this year’s Apple Fair, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Lilian Seenoi Barr said, “The Castlederg Apple Fair is a long-running tradition in the town with apple sellers travelling from Co Armagh in the lead-up to Halloween for the past 100 years. It’s brilliant that the event has been expanded to two days this year. Well done to everyone who worked so hard to make this happen, and I would encourage everyone in the town to support the event and make sure they get along and enjoy it this weekend.”

    The Apple Fair is free, however tokens need to be purchased for the amusements and facepainting.

    For more information about any of the events taking place in the Strabane District this Halloween, go to http://www.strabanehalloween.com.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: OPSS issues children’s Halloween costume warning

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Public asked to be vigilant following tests.

    The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has asked the public to be vigilant following tests carried out on Halloween fancy dress costumes for children.

    Tests on 128 costumes aimed at under seven years olds found more than 80 per cent failed basic safety tests, including those for flammability and strangulation from cords.

    Costumes were purchased from a range of online marketplaces and tested against the Safety of Toys Regulations 2011. All those which failed have since been removed from sale by the platforms.

    OPSS is now urging the public to always buy costumes from trusted sources and take care when near fires, particularly open flames.

    Head and neck drawstrings or cords can also strangle or entrap children so always check for long cords or other strangulation hazards.

    Said OPSS Chief Executive Graham Russell:

    Fancy dress can be an enjoyable part of Halloween, but our tests show many costumes for sale, particularly those online, pose serious risks to young children. Please take extra care before you buy.

    Tests conducted June 2024

    Standards tested against Number of items tested Pass Fail Inconclusive
    BS EN 71-2: 202) – Flammability of toys 128 99 28 1
    BS EN 14682:2014 – Safety of children’s clothing. Cords and drawstrings on children’s clothing 73 14 59 0
    Labelling 128 30 98 0

    Products are required to have the following labelling requirements:

    • Reg 18 CE (or UKCA mark)
    • Reg 19 Type, batch or serial or model number
    • Reg 19 Manufacturer name, trade name or trademark
    • Reg 19 Single manufacturer address
    • Reg 20 Suitable instructions safety information
    • Reg 27 Importer’s name, trade name or trademark
    • Reg 27 Importer’s UK/EU address

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Lebanon: Israeli attacks on financial institutions are possible war crimes

    Source: Amnesty International –

    There have been multiple attacks on branches of Qard al-Hassan, a non-profit financial association affiliated with Hezbollah 

    Under laws of war, financial institutions are civilian objects unless being used for military purposes

    ‘Israeli forces have targeted an institution that serves as an economic lifeline for countless Lebanese civilians’ – Erika Guevara Rosas

    The Israeli military’s targeting of branches of Qard al-Hassan, a non-profit financial association affiliated with Hezbollah with over 30 branches across Lebanon, is likely to be a violation of international humanitarian law and must be investigated as a possible war crime, Amnesty International said today. 

    Under the laws of war, branches of financial institutions are civilian objects unless they are being used for military purposes. These attacks are likely to constitute a direct attack on civilian objects. 

    On 20 October, the Israeli military’s Arabic spokesperson announced on X that its forces would begin “attacking infrastructure belonging to the Hezbollah’s Qard al-Hassan”, instructing residents to immediately move away from areas in the vicinity of these buildings. The first attack was reported only 35 minutes later at around 9:30 pm. 

    Lebanese state media has reported a total of 11 attacks on Qard al-Hassan buildings in the southern suburbs of Beirut, as well as several other branches in other parts of the country, including in the south and in the Bekaa Valley.

    Qard al-Hassan, operating under a licence granted by the Lebanese government, is currently Lebanon’s biggest microcredit provider and is used by many Lebanese civilians, predominantly Shiites, to access small, interest-free loans. Many Lebanese people from various religious communities have increasingly relied on Qard al-Hassan for loans to pay for education, healthcare and small businesses, particularly since the collapse of Lebanon’s banking sector in 2019. It has been under US sanctions since 2007. 

    Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns, said:

    “Israeli forces have targeted an institution that serves as an economic lifeline for countless Lebanese civilians. 

    “This, along with an evacuation warning issued less than 40 minutes before the start of the strikes, shows Israel’s disregard for international humanitarian law.

    “Even if as the Israeli military alleges the institution does provide financing to Hezbollah it is not likely to meet the definition of a military objective, particularly for branches serving civilian customers.

    “Under international humanitarian law, attacks against civilians and civilian objects are prohibited. An international investigation into the attacks on Qard al-Hassan must be urgently initiated. 

    “Israel must abandon a definition of military objectives that is so broad as to include branches of a financial institution.”

    Civilian objects protected under international humanitarian law

    International humanitarian law prohibits direct attacks against “civilian objects” such as homes, businesses and shops unless these buildings are being used for military purposes. Having an association with Hezbollah is not sufficient to classify a civilian building or the civilians inside it as military objectives. Many of Qard al-Hassan’s branches and offices are located in residential buildings in the middle of densely-populated residential areas. Hundreds of residents had to flee their homes after the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings. A senior Israeli intelligence official was quoted in the media stating that in addition to hindering the ability of Hezbollah to function and rebuild following the war, “the main objective is to affect trust between Hezbollah and a lot of the Shiite community that uses this association as a banking system”. Undermining trust between Hezbollah and the Shiite community is not a lawful justification for militarily targeting an institution.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI: Abaxx Announces C$2.795 million Strategic Financing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

    TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abaxx Technologies Inc. (CBOE CA:ABXX) (“Abaxx” or the “Company”), a financial software and market infrastructure company, majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte Ltd., the owner of Abaxx Commodity Exchange and Clearinghouse (individually, “Abaxx Exchange” and “Abaxx Clearing”), and producer of the SmarterMarkets™ Podcast, is pleased to announce that it anticipates entering into a binding agreement with a strategic investor, pursuant to which the investor has agreed to purchase 215,000 common shares (the “Shares”) of the Company at a price of CAD$13.00 per common share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$2,795,000 on a private placement basis (the “Financing”).

    The proceeds of the Financing are expected to be used for general corporate and working capital requirements, including to fund ongoing operations and/or working capital and minimum regulatory requirements for Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing. No finder’s fees or commissions were paid in connection with the Financing. The parties must enter into a binding subscription agreement to complete the Financing which is expected to close as soon as reasonably practicable and is subject to final acceptance of Cboe Canada.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities issuable under the Financing have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold to or for the account or benefit of persons in the “United States” or “U.S. persons” (as such terms are defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

    About Abaxx Technologies
    Abaxx is building Smarter Markets — markets empowered by better financial technology and market infrastructure to address our biggest challenges, including the energy transition. In addition to developing and deploying financial technologies that make communication, trade, and transactions easier and more secure, Abaxx is a majority-owner of Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing, subsidiaries recognized by the Monetary Authority of Singapore as “recognized market operator” and “approved clearinghouse”, respectively.

    Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing are a Singapore-based commodity futures exchange and clearinghouse, introducing centrally cleared, physically deliverable commodities futures and derivatives to provide better price discovery and risk management tools for the commodities critical to our transition to a lower-carbon economy.

    For more information please visit abaxx.tech, abaxx.exchange and smartermarkets.media.

    For more information about this press release, please contact:

    Steve Fray, CFO
    Tel: 647-490-1590

    Media and investor inquiries:

    Abaxx Technologies Inc.
    Investor Relations Team
    Tel: +1 647 490 1590
    E-mail: ir@abaxx.tech

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release includes certain “forward-looking statements” which do not consist of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Abaxx’s future plans, objectives, or goals, including words to the effect that Abaxx expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “seeking”, “should”, “intend”, “predict”, “potential”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, “continue”, “plan” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Since forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to Abaxx, Abaxx does not provide any assurance that actual results will meet respective management expectations. Risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

    Forward-looking information related to Abaxx in this press release includes but is not limited to, Abaxx’s objectives, goals or future plans, the anticipated closing and timing of closing of the Financing, regulatory approvals in connection with the Financing and intended use of proceeds from the Financing. Such factors impacting forward-looking information include, among others: the ability to enter into a binding subscription agreement and completion of the Financing on the terms as announced or at all; risks relating to the global economic climate; dilution; Abaxx’s limited operating history; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; the competitive nature of the industry; currency exchange risks; the need for Abaxx to manage its planned growth and expansion; the effects of product development and need for continued technology change; protection of proprietary rights; the effect of government regulation and compliance on Abaxx and the industry; the ability to list Abaxx’s securities on stock exchanges in a timely fashion or at all; network security risks; the ability of Abaxx to maintain properly working systems; reliance on key personnel; global economic and financial market deterioration impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital; and volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance. In addition, particular factors which could impact future results of the business of Abaxx include but are not limited to: operations in foreign jurisdictions, protection of intellectual property rights, contractual risk, third-party risk; clearinghouse risk, malicious actor risks, third-party software license risk, system failure risk, risk of technological change; dependence of technical infrastructure; and changes in the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labor and international travel and supply chains. Abaxx has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of Abaxx’s normal course of business.

    Abaxx cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. In addition, although Abaxx has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. When relying on forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Abaxx has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Abaxx as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Abaxx undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and information. Cboe Canada does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Keiretsu Forum’s Last Call for the 2024 Investor Capital Expo

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The 12th Annual Investor Capital Expo, hosted by Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic, South-East, and Texas, will take place on October 31, 2024, at Convene City View in Philadelphia. This signature event connects accredited investors, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs for a day of networking, insights, and presentations from promising early-stage companies. Registration is still open, and this is the final opportunity to secure your spot.

    Event Highlights:

    Exclusive Presentations from Emerging Companies:

    Attendees will have the opportunity to see 10-12 presentations from early-stage companies that are making significant strides in their industries and actively seeking funding. Each presenting company has undergone the comprehensive Keiretsu Due Diligence process, ensuring they are well-prepared and investment-ready.

    Expert Panel on Early-Stage Investing:

    The Expo will feature a distinguished panel of legal and investment experts who will address essential issues impacting early-stage investors in 2024. Discussions will include regulatory changes, strategic investment approaches, and tax considerations that can affect portfolio decisions. Attendees will gain practical insights to navigate the evolving investment landscape and make informed decisions.

    Stephen M. Goodman Most Valued Company Award:

    A highlight of the event will be the presentation of the prestigious Stephen M. Goodman Most Valued Company Award, sponsored by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius. This award honors the legacy of Steve Goodman, a trailblazer who supported innovation and growth in emerging businesses across the Mid-Atlantic region. Accredited investors attending the Expo, both in-person and online, will vote to select this year’s winner from a select group of Series A-B Round companies.

    Vote Integrity Sponsored by Votegrity:

    Again this year, Votegrity will manage the tabulation of votes from our investors, ensuring a secure and accurate selection process for the Stephen M. Goodman Most Valued Company Award.

    Networking Opportunities:

    The Expo will bring together over 200 accredited investors, providing a unique chance to connect directly with entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, including technology, life sciences, and finance. Investors can expand their networks, share insights, and discover new opportunities in a collaborative environment.

    Don’t Miss Out – Register Today:

    With limited time remaining, interested participants are encouraged to register now to take advantage of this opportunity to engage with industry leaders and explore vetted investment opportunities.

    Register Here

    About Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic, South-East and Texas

    Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic, South-East, and Texas are part of a global network of angel investors dedicated to fostering collaboration, innovation, and funding opportunities for early-stage companies. Since its inception, the Investor Capital Expo has become a premier event for bringing together investors and entrepreneurs, facilitating essential connections, and supporting the growth of the startup ecosystem.

    Media Contact:

    Cindi Sutera
    CindiS@AMSCommunications.net
    610-613-2773

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin: Sports complex to be built in Rostokino district

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Plans have been approved for the construction of two social and public-business infrastructure facilities, which will create over 1,100 jobs. This was reported in on your telegram channel Sergei Sobyanin reported.

    “Plans for the construction of two facilities in the north-east and west of Moscow have been approved: a sports complex on Selskokhozyaistvennaya Street in the Rostokino district and a multifunctional business center on Vereiskaya Street in the Mozhaisky district. They will be built at the expense of investors program to stimulate the creation of employment opportunitiesAs a result, the city will receive over 1.1 thousand new jobs,” the Mayor of Moscow wrote.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin

    The program to stimulate the creation of multi-apartment buildings was approved by the Moscow Government in 2019 (Resolution No. 1874-PP of December 31, 2019) to attract housing developers to actively build industrial, business, social, cultural and other important facilities for the city. Investors who simultaneously create jobs while constructing multi-apartment buildings receive a benefit on payments to change the type of permitted use of land for housing construction.

    The implementation of the program stimulates balanced integrated development of new districts, reduces the shortage of jobs in neighborhoods with established planning, and also reduces excessive pendulum migration.

    Over the four years of its implementation, the program to stimulate the creation of employment opportunities has covered almost all districts of the city. The Moscow government has concluded more than 130 agreements with investors, which provide for the construction of over six million square meters of commercial real estate – these are industrial enterprises, logistics complexes, office and retail facilities, as well as educational, cultural and sports institutions. In total, more than two trillion rubles will be attracted to the development of the city and the creation of employment opportunities. As a result, over 290 thousand jobs will appear in almost all sectors of the capital’s economy.

    Developers can apply for special status at Moscow investment portal.

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/major/themes/11932050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Task Group on New Medical School holds first meeting today (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, and the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, cochaired the first meeting of the Task Group on New Medical School today (October 22) to discuss strategic directions and major parameters for the establishment of a third medical school in Hong Kong.

         At the meeting, members of the Task Group discussed the considerations for establishing a third medical school in Hong Kong, and concluded that the third medical school should adopt an innovative strategic positioning in pursuit of complementary development with the two existing medical schools. The Task Group recommended that the curriculum design of the new medical school should be accorded top priority in consideration, requiring the medical curriculum to meet the requirements as stipulated by the Medical Council of Hong Kong. Proper arrangements should also be made for medical students to undergo an adequate amount of clinical training, thus ensuring that the medical students are well equipped with both professional knowledge and clinical skills to safeguard the interest of patients. The new medical school should also set out a forward-looking long-term development plan for its campus and teaching facilities, as well as an interim arrangement for a campus and a teaching hospital if admission of students is essential before the long-term facilities are available, alongside strategies to ensure financial soundness.

         Professor Lo said, “The establishment of a third medical school is a significant project in the development of medical education in Hong Kong. Not only will it attract global talent and help nurture more outstanding doctors for further reinforcement of the city’s healthcare system in the sustainable provision of healthcare services with enhanced quality and quantity, but also serves to promote high-quality development in medical education and research, dovetailing with the city’s development as an international hub for medical training, research and innovation.”

         Dr Choi said, “The establishment of a new medical school will further elevate Hong Kong’s position as an international education hub. Taking this unique opportunity, the scope of local medical teaching and research will be expanded through an innovative curriculum design and diversified student recruitment arrangements, complementing our goals of nurturing future talent and promoting the development of the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ brand.”

         The first target of the Task Group is to extend an invitation of proposals within this year to local universities interested in setting up the new medical school. The Task Group will liaise with respective universities and assess the proposals, addressing issues on funding arrangements, course accreditation, sources of teaching staff and students, a teaching hospital and research etc. The Task Group will subsequently submit to the Chief Executive in Council recommendations on the establishment of the new medical school and related arrangements. Land will also be reserved in the Northern Metropolis Ngau Tam Mei for the construction of the new medical school campus and the associated integrated medical teaching and research hospital.

         The Chief Executive announced in the Policy Address last Wednesday (October 16) that the Government supports the plan, by local universities, to establish a third medical school. The Task Group on New Medical School was then established the next day (October 17) to take up the responsibilities of devising the direction and parameters for establishing the new medical school, exploring ways to nurture more local medical talent and enhance Hong Kong’s healthcare system, as well as promoting various measures for Hong Kong to become an international medical training, research and innovation hub. The Task Group comprises seasoned local, Mainland and overseas academics for medical teaching and university management, professionals, the Chairman of the Medical Council of Hong Kong, the President of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, as well as representatives from relevant government bureaux and departments.         

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The city has provided over 10 hectares of land for the implementation of large-scale investment projects in the South-East Administrative District

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Since the beginning of the year, the city has transferred seven land plots in the southeast of the capital to investors and developers as part of the implementation of large-scale investment projects (MaIP). This was reported by Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “The city has allocated to investors for lease without bidding almost 10.7 hectares of land in the territory of the South-Eastern Administrative District for the construction of industrial, educational, commercial and other facilities as part of the implementation of large-scale investment projects. The contracts have been concluded for five years, during which the construction of real estate with a total area of almost 170 thousand square meters should be completed,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    A large-scale investment project is a special status. It can be obtained, for example, by production complexes, innovation centers, social institutions, transport, sports, business and other facilities. For their construction, land plots are leased without bidding.

    “Large-scale investment projects are one of the most popular measures to support industrial construction. Since 2022, in accordance with the order of Sergei Sobyanin, the city provides land plots at a preferential rental rate of one ruble per year. Thus, in May 2024, an investor was allocated more than 0.9 hectares for the construction of an industrial technology park with an area of over 13 thousand square meters in the Lyublino district,” said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry

    Maxim Liksutov.

    The implementation of the MaIP allows for the creation of jobs for city residents and contributes to the development of the capital’s infrastructure.

    As the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of City Property added Maxim Gaman, almost 0.5 hectares of land has been allocated near the Tekstilshchiki metro station for the construction of a shopping and entertainment center (SEC). Its area will be up to 7.9 thousand square meters. It can accommodate offices, shops, a cinema, cafes, restaurants and other facilities. The new SEC will become another attractive place for residents of the area.

    Earlier Sergei Sobyanin told, that for the implementation of MAIP, about 220 hectares of land have been provided to investors since the beginning of the year. This is almost twice as much as for the same period in 2023.

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145590073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Technical center, laboratories and stadium: a large school was built in the Vnukovo area

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The construction of a comprehensive school has been completed in the Vnukovo district. The investor erected the building as part of a residential complex at 8a Letchika Gritsevtsa Street. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “In the Vnukovo district of TiNAO, construction of a school with an area of 19.5 thousand square meters has been completed. It is designed for a thousand students. The three-story building includes elementary and secondary school blocks, as well as a sports block. In the future, the school will be transferred to the city education system,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    The building has all the conditions for comfortable learning for young Muscovites. It is equipped with laboratory and research complexes, rooms for musical and artistic creativity, a medical block, psychologist’s and speech therapist’s offices, as well as a dining hall.

    “The building provides for zoning of the educational space with the placement of the elementary school block separately from the premises of the secondary school. The main entrance is located in such a way that the flows of junior and senior classes do not intersect. The interest of students in their studies will be supported by a multi-light multifunctional space on the second floor with a stage, an artistic, technical center, as well as sports halls and a media library,” added the Minister of the Government of Moscow, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy of the City of Moscow

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    The school courtyard has been equipped with areas for ceremonial events and active games, a stadium, recreation areas and outdoor activities.

    The permit for the commissioning of the school was issued by the Moscow State Construction Supervision Authority. As the chairman of the agency noted Anton Slobodchikov, the school was built on a land plot of almost 2.2 hectares. The building has universal and specialized classrooms. The entire construction cycle was supervised by the committee’s inspectors. Since the start of the work, nine inspections have been conducted, and based on the results of the final inspection, a conclusion was drawn up on the compliance of the facility with the design documentation, after which the school was put into operation.

    All schools and kindergartens being built in TiNAO fully comply with the quality and equipment standards applicable to educational institutions in the capital. According to the head of the Department for the Development of New Territories of the City of Moscow Vladimir Zhidkin, designers are faced with the task of creating premises that are not only convenient for the educational process, but also adapted for scientific and creative activities, and the comprehensive development of students. The emphasis is on modern technical equipment, functionality, spaciousness, and safety. Since the beginning of 2024, more than 20 educational facilities have already been built and opened in TiNAO.

    Earlier Sergei Sobyanin reported, that since the beginning of 2024, 63 social facilities have been built in Moscow.

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145589073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Developers can apply for residency in Russia’s first video game and animation cluster

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Until November 30, Moscow animation studios and video game development companies will be able to apply for residency in Russia’s first video game and animation cluster. Agreements will be concluded after the second stage of selection in the first half of 2025. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the Moscow Department of Culture Alexey Fursin.

    “We are announcing the start of the first stage of accepting applications for residency in the first video game and animation cluster in Russia. The participant status will provide an opportunity to place a company office on the territory of the cluster and, using the provided equipment, create new video game and animation products of any complexity. Working in such conditions will help individual specialists and companies develop their projects and the Russian gaming industry,” noted Alexey Fursin.

    Earlier, more than 40 companies expressed their desire to become residents of the cluster. This status will make it possible to place an office of no more than 500 square meters on its territory, as well as use modern infrastructure and advanced equipment that allows creating video game and animation products of any complexity.

    You can submit an application on the website Creative Industries Agencies (CIA)At the beginning of 2025, the expert council will hold a second round of selection and determine the companies that will receive residency.

    Candidates must have the status of an individual entrepreneur or a legal entity registered in Moscow. In addition, they must have at least one completed video game or animation product in their professional portfolio, as well as another project in the development stage.

    The country’s first video game and animation cluster will be located in the Stratos business center on Nikola Tesla Street. The operator is the Agency for Creative Industries. The cluster will cover about 40,000 square meters. In addition to office space, coworking, and exhibition halls, Stratos will house technological infrastructure for creating video games and animation.

    With the help of a motion capture studio, it will be possible to create realistic characters: record the movements of actors or animals and transform them into high-quality digital images or animation.

    The recording studio will record background sounds, music and soundtracks for video games and animated films, as well as voice their characters.

    A cinema hall with high-resolution screens is provided for viewing and adjusting finished materials. They will provide the precise color rendering necessary for working on videos. A technically equipped lecture hall with a modular system is provided for holding lectures, training sessions and other events.

    The conference hall and exhibition area will host business and creative events, exhibitions and presentations. Companies will be able to demonstrate their developments to visitors. There are several meeting rooms in the cluster for business meetings.

    The residents of the cluster will be beginning and experienced Russian development companies and animation studios. The platform will cover all areas of the industry – from training to support for Moscow specialists in export activities. Residents will have access to professional high-tech equipment, as well as participate in international exhibitions, accelerators, lectures and master classes.

    The cluster is expected to become a center of attraction for talented developers from all over the country and open up new opportunities for the development of the creative industry. The support measures provided by the city will help to consolidate Moscow’s position among the leaders in the field of video game and animation creation.

    Since 2023, the Moscow Agency for Creative Industries has been actively supporting the video game industry. This year, the Moscow Agency for Creative Industries launched the Video Game Factory accelerator, whose participants refine their ideas and then present them to investors. The most successful of them are distributed on the largest gaming platforms in Russia and the world. The first stream has already ended with the creation of 20 unique projects, and there are two more streams ahead.

    Over 25 projects and cooperation with 70 countries: results of 2023 in the creative industries

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145603073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Response to the commissioners’ report

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Published: Tuesday, 22nd October 2024

    The city council leader has responded to the report from the commissioners.

    Leader of Birmingham City Council Cllr John Cotton said:

    “We welcome the publication of this report from the commissioners and acknowledge that while progress is being made, there is much more to do in our ongoing efforts to ensure we become a financially sustainable, well-run council that delivers good services.

    “We continue to engage constructively with the new Government, and like councils across the country, are awaiting both this month’s budget settlement and a local government finance settlement later in the year which will set out a one-year emergency package of support for local councils.

    “The Government is also committed to a multi-year settlement following next year’s spending review which will give councils much needed clarity and allow us to plan for the future.

    “Nevertheless, we face another very difficult budget, and it remains clear that the pace of change must further increase, as further savings are identified, and we transform services. Our new Managing Director Joanne Roney is focussed on that challenge and there will be no let up as we work together to get the council back on track.”

    NOTES

    • We have appointed a permanent Managing Director in Joanne Roney CBE, who is already providing pace, grip, and authority in driving the necessary changes, working with the senior officer team and Commissioners.
    • The Improvement and Recovery Plan was agreed in April 2024 and has set the overarching direction and actions to address the issues identified in the intervention. The first part of the plan has been implemented and further stages are now underway, including the development of a refreshed Corporate Plan which will outline what the council will seek to achieve over the next three years.
    • A whole council operating model is being developed so that the council can deliver good services, even whilst operating under the financial pressures that are a reality for local government.
    • Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together has seen us set a new direction for the council to involve citizens and partners in a much greater way.
    • The council’s corporate services have been reviewed, with a commitment to a new workforce strategy that will help deliver the staffing we need to deliver quality services for our residents. This includes a refreshed HR function to enable the effective recruitment and management of staff and improve our culture and achieve best value.
    • Financial management improvements continue, with the move to make a permanent appointment to lead the finance directorate. Work continues at pace to identify the savings and cuts that are needed to deliver a balanced budget.
    • A much-needed reimplementation programme is now underway for Oracle.
    • Progress is being made against the equal pay liability, including a revised a job evaluation scheme and settlement of the outstanding litigation with a target of April 2025 for completion.
    • A plan is underway to improve the procurement operating model with a focus on strategic contract management in order to achieve best value.
    • Within the housing directorate, progress has been made in response to the Regulator of Social Housing’s letter, reconfiguring the HRA budget to focus on improving the quality of the existing housing stock.
    • Within children’s services, the council has completed the review of spend control on children’s social care, and progress is being made on greater join up of services for families to make our services more effective.
    • A transformation programme is now in place to improve the waste service – which is the most public facing area of the council which has not been performing at the level our residents expect. By transforming staffing and management arrangements, and procuring a new fleet, we will see improvements in this service in the months ahead.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –