NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cheshire East Council: Best Value Notice (May 2025)

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    Cheshire East Council: Best Value Notice (May 2025)

    Best Value Notice issued to Cheshire East Council on 8 May 2025.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Cheshire East Council: Best Value Notice (May 2025)

    PDF, 177 KB, 3 pages

    Details

    On 8 May 2025, the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE MP, announced in written ministerial statement the issuing of a non-statutory best value notice to Cheshire East Council.

    This best value notice is a formal notification that the department has concerns regarding the authority and requests that the authority engages with the department to provide assurance of improvement.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Advanced tech boosts fight against animal and plant disease

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Advanced tech boosts fight against animal and plant disease

    £10 million in new Government funding for surveillance programme will further strengthen the country’s biosecurity to protect animals, plants, people and trade.

    The fight against pests and diseases, which can cost the UK economy billions of pounds, has been stepped up today (Thursday 8 May) with £10m of new funding announced for surveillance projects.

    The Genomics for Animal and Plant Disease Consortium (GAP-DC) project led by the Animal and Plant Health Agency will undertake surveillance across animal, plant and aquatic environments, using advanced genome sequencing technologies – a method that reads the complete genetic code of a living organism, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, or animals – to detect, identify and track pathogens with precision.

    For example, when avian influenza is found in UK poultry, genome sequencing can help confirm the virus type, trace its spread, and detect any mutations, supporting disease control measures.

    The UK faces significant and growing economic threats from pests and diseases affecting agriculture, livestock, and the environment. Invasive species alone cost the UK economy an estimated £4 billion annually, while plant pathogens and pests contribute to substantial crop losses.

    Ash dieback is predicated to cost £15 billion to the UK over coming decades and livestock disease such as avian influenza can have devastating financial and societal consequences, and has been estimated to cost the poultry meat sector more than £100m over a two-year period.

    APHA Interim Chief Executive Dr Jenny Stewart said:

    “Disease presents a significant risk to our farmers, global trade and human health.

    “This vital funding and collaboration with world leading experts will help APHA identify and tackle disease risk more effectively.

    “This research will lead to significantly advanced surveillance capabilities to protect UK borders from new and existing threats.”

    Research to be undertaken in collaboration with seven expert partners will include a focus on increasing the speed of pathogen detection at our borders, addressing new and re-emerging disease outbreaks, developing new strategies to control and mitigate endemic disease, and an improved approach to working with stakeholders and the community. It will also investigate disease spillover from wild animals and plants – when a virus moves from one species to other, such as the transmission of the COVID-19 virus from bats to humans.

    The £10 million of new funding provided by Defra and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will strengthen pathogen detection across the UK over the next two years and help protect the UK economy, as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    The announcement comes during National Plant Health Week (5-12 May 2025), an annual designated week of action to raise public awareness and engagement on how to keep our plants healthy, led by Defra in partnership with 32 organisations, including the Royal Horticultural Society, the Woodland Trust and the Horticultural Trades Association.

    Additional information:

    • APHA is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the Welsh Government, and the Scottish Government, which employs around 3,600 staff, based at various sites across the UK.
    • The GAP-DC project will help APHA to get a better understanding of new sequencing technologies and platforms available in genomic surveillance so that we can test more effectively.
    • The project is supported by £7 million of funding from Defra and £3m from UKRI.
    • A full list of partners involved in the project is below:

    -Animal and Plant Health Agency (lead)

    • Defra

    • UKRI

    • Forest Research

    • Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas)

    • The Pirbright Institute

    • Fera Science

    • Royal Veterinary College

    • Forest Research Head of Pathology Dr Lisa Ward said:

    “Forest Research is internationally renowned for the provision of science, research, evidence, data and services for the support of sustainable forestry.

    “The genomic methods being developed under the GAP DC project are essential to future proof Forest Research’s work on monitoring the health of our trees by enhancing early pathogen detection, allowing rapid response and more effective disease control.”

    • Royal Veterinary College Vice Principal for Research and Innovation Professor Oliver Pybus said:

    “The Royal Veterinary College is pleased to contribute its expertise in infectious disease genomics and animal health to GAP-DC.

    “The consortium will further strengthen the UK’s position as a world-leader in genomic surveillance for animal and plant pathogens”

    • Cefas Animal and Human Health Science Lead Professor David Bass said:

    “Cefas, an Executive Agency of Defra, has diverse expertise in marine and freshwater science, working for healthy and productive oceans, seas, and rivers, and safe and sustainable seafood.

    “Genomic methods for pathogen surveillance and understanding the health of aquatic organisms are central to this mission, so we greatly value our participation in GAP-DC, and contributing to the UK’s excellence and innovation in pathogen genomics.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Newham Council: Best Value Notice (May 2025)

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    Newham Council: Best Value Notice (May 2025)

    Best Value Notice issued to Newham Council on 8 May 2025.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Newham Council: Best Value Notice (May 2025)

    PDF, 179 KB, 3 pages

    Details

    On 8 May 2025, the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE MP, announced in written ministerial statement the issuing of a non-statutory best value notice to Newham Council.

    This best value notice is a formal notification that the department has concerns regarding the authority and requests that the authority engages with the department to provide assurance of improvement.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nottingham City Council: Ministerial response to the Commissioners’ second report

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    Nottingham City Council: Ministerial response to the Commissioners’ second report

    Ministerial response from Baroness Taylor of Stevenage to the Commissioners.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Nottingham City Council: Ministerial response to the Commissioners’ second report

    PDF, 174 KB, 1 page

    Details

    Response from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, to the Commissioners at Nottingham City Council regarding their second report.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Warrington Borough Council: Letter to the Chief Executive (8 May 2025)

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    Warrington Borough Council: Letter to the Chief Executive (8 May 2025)

    Letter to the Chief Executive of Warrington Borough Council setting out the proposed statutory support package and seeking representations.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Warrington Borough Council: Letter to the Chief Executive (8 May 2025)

    PDF, 251 KB, 9 pages

    Details

    A copy of the letter to Warrington Chief Executive, Professor Steven Broomhead, from James Blythe, Deputy Director, Local Government Stewardship and Interventions, in response to the Inspectors’ Best Value Inspection report (January 2025).

    The letter sets out the findings of the report, the proposed statutory support package under sections 15(5) and 15(6) of the Local Government Act 1999, including the appointment of a Political Envoy and Best Value Experts, and invites representations on the proposal. All representations received on or before 22 May 2025 will be considered before ministers make their final decision.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spelthorne Borough Council: Representation (8 May 2025)

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    Spelthorne Borough Council: Representation (8 May 2025)

    Representation with accompanying appendix from Spelthorne Borough Council in response to the intervention proposal announced by the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution on 17 March 2025.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Spelthorne Borough Council: Representation

    PDF, 128 KB, 2 pages

    Spelthorne Borough Council: Representation – Appendix A

    PDF, 89.6 KB, 9 pages

    Details

    Written representation and appendix to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government from Spelthorne Borough Council, setting out the Council’s view on the Secretary of State’s intervention proposal of 17 March 2025, provided in line with section 15(9) of the Local Government Act 1999.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spelthorne Borough Council: Explanatory Memorandum (8 May 2025)

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    Spelthorne Borough Council: Explanatory Memorandum (8 May 2025)

    Explanatory Memorandum to the Directions made under section (5) and (6) of the Local Government Act 1999 in respect of Spelthorne Borough Council on 8 May 2025.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Spelthorne Borough Council: Explanatory Memorandum (8 May 2025)

    PDF, 178 KB, 12 pages

    Details

    The Explanatory Memorandum to the Directions made under sections 15(5) and (6) of the Local Government Act 1999 in respect of Spelthorne Borough Council. It summarises the circumstances in which the Secretary of State has made the Directions, the reasons for this exercise of powers and the implications of the Directions for the Authority.

    This Memorandum was issued on 8 May 2025 to reflect the Directions to the Council following the announcement of the statutory intervention.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spelthorne Borough Council: Directions made under the Local Government Act 1999 (8 May 2025)

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    Spelthorne Borough Council: Directions made under the Local Government Act 1999 (8 May 2025)

    The Directions (8 May 2025) made under section 15(5) and (6) of the Local Government Act 1999 in respect to the intervention at Spelthorne Borough Council.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Spelthorne Borough Council: Directions made under the Local Government Act 1999 (8 May 2025)

    PDF, 205 KB, 7 pages

    Details

    A document setting out the Directions made under Section 15(5) and (6) of the Local Government Act 1999 in respect of Spelthorne Borough Council.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spelthorne Borough Council: Commissioner appointment letters

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    Spelthorne Borough Council: Commissioner appointment letters

    Copies of the letters confirming commissioners’ appointments at Spelthorne Borough Council.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Spelthorne Borough Council: Lead Commissioner appointment letter (Lesley Seary)

    PDF, 274 KB, 3 pages

    Spelthorne Borough Council: Commissioner appointment letter (Peter Robinson)

    PDF, 274 KB, 3 pages

    Spelthorne Borough Council: Commissioner appointment letter (Deborah McLaughlin)

    PDF, 268 KB, 3 pages

    Spelthorne Borough Council: Commissioner appointment letter (Mervyn Greer)

    PDF, 274 KB, 3 pages

    Details

    Copies of letters from James Blythe, Deputy Director, Local Government Stewardship and Intervention at Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to:

    • Lesley Seary confirming her appointment as Lead Commissioner at Spelthorne Borough Council
    • Peter Robinson confirming his appointment as Commissioner at Spelthorne Borough Council
    • Deborah McLaughlin confirming her appointment as Commissioner at Spelthorne Borough Council
    • Mervyn Greer confirming his appointment as Commissioner at Spelthorne Borough Council

    The letters confirm the Commissioners’ roles and responsibilities, established by the Directions issued under section 15(5) and (6) of the Local Government Act 1999.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spelthorne Borough Council Letter: Letter to Chief Executive (8 May 2025)

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    Spelthorne Borough Council Letter: Letter to Chief Executive (8 May 2025)

    Letter to the Chief Executive outlining the Secretary of State’s intervention package at Spelthorne Borough Council.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Spelthorne Borough Council Letter: Letter to Chief Executive (8 May 2025)

    PDF, 188 KB, 3 pages

    Details

    A copy of the Letter from James Blythe, Deputy Director, Local Government Stewardship and Intervention, to Daniel Mouawad, Chief Executive of Spelthorne Borough Council, detailing the decision by the Secretary of State to intervene and appoint Commissioners to the Council under section 15(5) and (6) of the Local Government Act 1999.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Seafarer cadets funding secured for extra 12 months by Maritime and Coastguard Agency

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Seafarer cadets funding secured for extra 12 months by Maritime and Coastguard Agency

    Seafarer cadets can continue to benefit from financial support for their training up until spring 2026 thanks to a 12-month funding extension unlocked through the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

    Cadets training in a classroom. Image courtesy of Fleetwood Nautical Campus.

    A multi-million-pound budget, awarded to the Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) fund, gives support to cadets as well as additional help for junior officers.  

    Under SMarT, sponsoring companies can continue to claim up to half of the total training costs for eligible trainees.

    A six-month extension to the original September 2024 deadline guaranteed increased funding until the end of March 2025.

    Now, inspired by the initiative’s ongoing success, funding has been secured for a further 12-month period and will be available until 31 March 2026.

    The funds provide further financial support to those who want to progress in the maritime industry by, for example, supporting self-funded UK junior officers to complete a Management Level Certificate of Competency.

    The aim is to increase UK seafarers, drive recruitment by encouraging men and women to consider a career in maritime, and to create opportunities for new companies to access the scheme.   

    Ajit Jacob, MCA Chief Examiner and Head of Seafarer Technical Delivery, said:

    SMarT funding provides strong support both for the careers of seafarer cadets and vital skills for the maritime industry, so this extension is very welcome.

    We hope this extra support continues to attract men and women who might not have considered a maritime career. Unlocking access to comprehensive, thorough training benefits everyone, and I hope even more people take advantage.

    For more information visit MIN 678 Amendment 2

    Press office

    Email public.relations@mcga.gov.uk

    Press enquiries (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) 0203 817 2222

    Outside these hours or on bank holidays and weekends, for media enquiries ONLY, please send an email outlining your query and putting #Urgent in the subject title.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Young Professionals from Central Asia Complete Training Course on Strategic Planning

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Young Professionals from Central Asia Complete Training Course on Strategic Planning

    Participants engaged in discussion during the training session, Istanbul, May 2025. (OSCE) Photo details

    An intensive training course on strategic planning for young advisers from Central Asian countries was held in Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye, from 5 to 9 May 2025. The event was organized by the OSCE Programme Offices in Bishkek and Dushanbe, with support from the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, and the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. Mr. Santeri Leinonen, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Youth and Security, welcomed the participants via video message.
    The course aimed to enhance practical skills and deepen understanding of the role of strategic advisers in today’s dynamic environment. Participants — young professionals from government institutions, academia, and other relevant organizations — explored key aspects of strategic analysis, communication, and stakeholder engagement.
    The training covered the following thematic areas:

    The role of political and strategic advisers in public administration;

    Strategy development and implementation in rapidly evolving political contexts;

    Engaging internal and external stakeholders, including inclusive approaches to various social groups;

    Developing communication strategies, including public speaking, working with the media, and tools for public diplomacy.

    The course was based on practical learning and active participation. Attendees improved their skills in drafting analytical materials, speeches, and briefings on key policy and development issues.
    Delivered in an interactive format, the training served as a platform for knowledge exchange and strengthened regional co-operation in the field of planning and advisory work.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Generations of football fandom given a new voice in library exhibition

    Source: City of Leeds

    Some of the world’s oldest football fanzines, which kicked off a wave of people-powered publications on terraces across the globe, are going on display in a new exhibition in Leeds.

    A copy of Foul, widely regarded as the original magazine created by football supporters, is among the scores of titles which feature in Voice of the Fans, which opens at Leeds Central Library on Friday (May 9) in partnership the British Library.

    On loan from the British Library’s collection, Foul was originally produced by students at Cambridge University in October, 1972, with 34 issues subsequently published between 1972 and 1976.

    Researchers scouring through archives, libraries and loans from members of the public have also discovered a copy of The Shamrock, made by fans of Celtic in Scotland, which researchers believe is the oldest fanzine they have traced.

    On loan from the National Library of Scotland, it was produced by the Edinburgh-based Shamrock Supporters Club in the early 1960s, and was sold on match days by volunteers along the approaches to Celtic Park.

    These early examples are among a huge range of grassroots, self-published zines on display tracing the evolution of fan-led media right through to modern, multimedia content.

    Other aspects of fan culture including badges, banners, scarfs and even recordings of terrace chants from the British Library Sound Archive also form part of the exhibition.

    And fresh off a parade earlier this week, which saw thousands of Leeds United fans gather to celebrate the club’s triumphant return to the Premier League, the exhibition also features some of their most important and enduring zines.

    Editions of The Square Ball, featuring Elland Road idols including Gordon Strachan and Lucas Radebe, and Marching Altogether, founded by Leeds United fans to campaign against racism in football, are among the exhibits on display.

    And with Bradford City also securing promotion to League One last weekend fans will be able to see copies of The City Gent– the longest running print football zine in the country.

    Antony Ramm, librarian at Leeds Central Library, said: “The longevity and sheer variety of some of these remarkable publications really demonstrates how much fan culture has been at the heart and soul of football, playing such a huge role in making the game so beloved the world over.

    “The ways fans express themselves may have changed through the years, but what’s remained the same is that passion and desire which has driven supporters to find a way to make their voices heard.

    “As well as being a fun way of fans communicating, self-published zines have also played an important role in holding clubs to account and driving change in the game too.

    “We saw this week just how much football means to the fans, and we’re excited to be celebrating their creations and working with the British Library to bring so many different examples of supporters’ voices together.”

    The exhibition will also feature more influential publications from the British Library’s collection including The End and other Yorkshire zines such as Y-Front, Just Another Wednesday and Smile Awhile.

    Laurence Byrne, lead curator, Latin American and Caribbean collections at the British Library, said: “It’s been a pleasure to be involved with Voice of the Fans, an exhibition the British Library has co-produced with Leeds Libraries. This special exhibition features a number of loans from the Library’s collection of zines, created by football fans from the 1970s onwards, including Foul, widely regarded as the first football fanzine.

    “As historical documents fanzines are invaluable, reflecting contemporary politics and changing social values while representing the incredible creativity and ingenuity of fans. I hope that researchers and the public will continue to be inspired by them.”

    Kenn Taylor, lead culture producer north at the British Library, said: “We are thrilled to be co-producing Voice of the Fans with Leeds Libraries. We’ve long had a presence in Leeds through working with local partners to deliver inspiring exhibitions and also more widely in West Yorkshire, with over 70 per cent of our collection being cared for in Boston Spa, near Wetherby.

    “This collaboration with Leeds Libraries is part of the British Library’s wider commitment to the region, working closely with the local community in Leeds and opening up our collection for everyone.”

    Voice of the Fans is open from May 9 until August 10 at Leeds Central Library and is free to visit.

    Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, said: “This week has been a huge moment for football in Leeds and a time when we’ve seen in spectacular style just how much love for the game there is in the city.

    “We’re thrilled to be showcasing how much football has meant to fans through the years and to be celebrating the unique place the beautiful game has in the hearts of supporters.”

    More information about Voice of the Fans can be found at: Voice of the Fans exhibition | Leeds Library

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Call for Leeds to come out and play for global day of family fun

    Source: City of Leeds

    Residents across Leeds are being invited to stop the traffic on June 11 and host a play street in their neighbourhoods to help mark International Day of Play.

    Applications are open until May 16 for communities to register to close their roads and host family fun on their doorsteps for the global awareness day to celebrate the power of play.

    Hosting a play street is completely free and offers the chance for neighbours to come together in an open and safe space to allow all children and families to ‘play out’.

    Leeds City Council has an award-winning play streets scheme which first began over a decade ago and last year alone saw 78 play streets across the city, totalling over 300 hours of play.

    The scheme is co-ordinated by the Child Friendly Leeds team – which works towards the ambition of making Leeds the best UK city for children and young people to grow up in – in partnership with the highways department.

    Leeds has been ahead of the curve when it comes to play – with the council becoming the first in England to complete a ‘play sufficiency assessment’ in 2023, creating an action plan optimising play opportunities for children and young people.

    A list of priorities developed with children and young people led to the Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes’ – with ‘Wish Two’ to ensure that children ‘have safe spaces to play, hang out and have fun’.

    International Day of Play began last year when the United Nations declared the awareness day would take place annually on June 11, to showcase how central play is to every child’s development.

    To mark this year’s event, Leeds City Council is hoping many streets across the city will join in the celebration and is urging people to register now before the May 16 deadline.

    To apply, simply gather support from neighbours to ensure there are enough adults to supervise on the day, then email play.streets@leeds.gov.uk with the street name to check eligibility.

    Successful applicants will receive advice from the authority about which part of the street is safe to close and will be supplied with a road closure notice and ‘road closed’ stickers to display on wheelie bins.

    Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said: “As the Play Champion for Leeds, I’m really looking forward to seeing as many streets as possible come alive with play for this global awareness day.

    “Play is vitally important to a child’s wellbeing and Leeds has been proudly leading the way on this for a number of years, helping to inspire playfulness in our neighbourhoods and ensure our city’s children get the best start in life.

    “Let’s celebrate the power of play and take the opportunity for all – young and old – to get outside and have fun right on our doorsteps.”

    For more information, view the play streets toolkit on the Child Friendly Leeds website.

    Any schools which would also like to support event can find suggestions on how to get involved on the Leeds for Learning website, including access to free Child Friendly Leeds resources to support a playful curriculum for the day.

    Other ways to celebrate International Day of Play in Leeds could include visiting a local park or green space or one of the mini playboxes in the city’s libraries and community hubs.

    ENDS

    For media enquiries please contact:

    Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

    Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

    Tel: 0113 378 6007

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ahead of the NATO Summit, Allies meet to discuss logistics for collective defence

    Source: NATO

    In order to ensure NATO’s collective defence, it is necessary to have not only military plans, forces, and capabilities but also food, fuel, and other essentials in order to project and sustain combat power. Logistics includes the supply, movement and maintenance of equipment, personnel and services. It is crucial for any military undertaking, from early planning to execution and drawdown.

    Effective logistics for large-scale collective defence operations demand a whole-of-government effort. Much of what Allied armed forces require is sourced through commercial civilian providers. So as part of NATO’s work in this area, extensive planning, preparation, and cooperation among Allies involves both military and civilian elements. 

    NATO’s new generation of defence plans are driving logistics preparations for collective defence. As a result of the biggest reinforcement of the Alliance’s collective defence in a generation, considerations on logistics have changed –as Allies need to work collectively to increase NATO’s logistics support in areas such as maintenance, supplies, stockpiling, and medical support.

    Allies are increasing national investment in their military logistics capabilities through the NATO Defence Planning Process, and through the delivery of host nation support. Host nation support underpins NATO’s reinforcement and sustainment network, ensuring the necessary supporting structures and assets so that Allied forces can effectively and rapidly enter, transit, and operate across Alliance territory. NATO maintains and continues to evolve the operational standards and doctrine that form the basis for ‘interoperability’ among Allies and with partners.

    In May 2024, Allies approved the Logistics Action Plan, which organises and directs efforts needed to deliver the necessary changes in logistics. Cooperation among Allies is vital to effectively support and sustain military operations at the scope and scale of collective defence. 

    On Wednesday, (07 May 2025) ahead of this year’s NATO Summit in The Hague, the Logistics Committee, NATO’s senior advisory body on logistics, met to discuss the progress made on logistics and enablement over the last year and to determine priorities. During the meeting, co-chaired by DCMC and Acting ASG DPP, National Logistics Directors addressed a range of issues, including rail transport capacity as a key means of moving and receiving reinforcements, assessing the Alliance’s fuel supply needs for collective defence, and considering logistics-related lessons learnt from Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024 and Steadfast Dart 2025. The NATO Secretary General also addressed the committee, and recognised their leadership of and commitment to work that is central to further strengthening the Alliance.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Roong Mallikamas: From open finance to an inclusive digital society

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Introduction: ASEAN’s Fintech Potential

    President of Money20/20 (Tracey Davies)
    Distinguished guests

    I’m honored to be here today at Money20/20 to discuss a topic that’s crucial to the future of finance in ASEAN: “From Open Finance to an Inclusive Digital Society.”

    Our region, a vibrant mosaic of economies, presents an unparalleled opportunity for fintech innovation. With a combined population exceeding 650 million and a rapidly growing digital consumer base, the potential is immense.

    ASEAN’s digital economy is projected to reach over $360 billion by 2025.1 Yet, a significant portion of our population remains unbanked or underbanked. For instance, studies indicate that over 60% of adults in some ASEAN nations lack access to formal financial services.2  This substantial underbanked segment represents a critical opportunity for fintech to provide relevant and accessible solutions.

    The reasons for this underbanking are multifaceted, often stemming from limited data availability for credit assessment, a lack of transparency in financial product offerings, and poor interoperability between existing systems. These factors collectively contribute to a high cost of customer acquisition for traditional banks, hindering their ability to effectively serve these populations. Fintech, with its agility and data-driven approaches, is uniquely positioned to overcome these barriers, fostering greater financial inclusion and driving economic growth by empowering our communities with seamless access to tailored financial tools and services.

    Thailand’s Context and the BOT’s 3 Opens

    Ladies and Gentlemen.

    Policy objectives for driving inclusive digital finance often involve balancing the trilemma of stability/safety, efficiency, and inclusion. And to clarify what we mean by inclusion, it goes beyond simply having a bank account. It’s about ensuring that everyone – individuals, small businesses, and marginalized communities – can access and utilize appropriate financial services like payments, savings, credit, and insurance in a convenient and affordable way. This is the vision we strive for in ASEAN, and each country prioritizes these elements of the trilemma with its own context and evolving needs.

    Initially when developing PromptPay which is our national real-time payment system, Thailand focused on driving inclusion and maintaining stability,. Now, we emphasize competition and efficiency, recognizing that smaller, agile players – fintechs and new entrants – are often better positioned to innovate and address the diverse, unmet needs of specific customer segments due to their nimbler structures and specialized focus. This competition, while maintaining system safety, can lead to more tailored and accessible financial solutions that larger, established institutions may find challenging to deliver efficiently across all demographics. Thailand’s journey provides some lessons learned on how policy objectives have shifted and henceforth led us to pursue the ‘3 Opens’ as our strategic priorities-Open Competition, Open Infrastructure, and Open Data.

    • Open Infrastructure: Promotes interoperability and seamless connectivity, enabling efficient financial transactions.
    • Open Data: Facilitates data sharing and collaboration, driving the development of personalized financial solutions.
    • Open Competition: Encourages new players, fostering innovation and enhancing consumer choice.

    Let’s delve deeper into each of these “3 Opens”.

    Analyzing the 3 Opens: Rationale and Way Forward

    [1 From PromptPay to Open Infrastructure]

    In 2015, we aimed to promote inclusion through digital payments, leading to the development of PromptPay with the following regulatory constructs at that time with banks only: welfare and tax refunds, low fee, standardization, safety/stability.

    Economically, a payment infrastructure is a natural monopoly, which is amplified by economies of scale, network effects, and data accumulation. Therefore, key infrastructure needs to be regulated, especially for fair access, pricing, etc. to ensure cost efficiency of the payment flows through the infrastructure. The initial restriction on non-banks participating in the infrastructure was a lesson learned. Although this strategy led to high adoption rates and a stable system, it inadvertently stifled innovation among existing players, who faced less competitive pressure to evolve their offerings. This is a key factor driving our current emphasis on opening up the infrastructure.

    Currently, we aim to place more emphasis on efficiency, enabling Open Infrastructure by allowing non-banks to play a role in providing services that enhance access to digital finance for underserved groups. Therefore, the BOT will enhance the oversight of Systemically Important Retail Payment Systems (SIRPS), aligning with central bank practices abroad, such as the European Central Bank. Key regulatory criteria include membership and access rules, and fee structure. Thailand’s broad payment strategy is that”payment should be broader than payment”. BOT hence focuses on Open payment infrastructure and Open payment data for better access to finance.

    [2 Leveraging data and technology with Open Data]

    Having witnessed the transformative impact of PromptPay’s widespread adoption in retail fast payments, We are now strategically focusing on the next critical layer of digital infrastructure. Our priority is to put in place data sharing infrastructure, recognizing its pivotal role in driving further innovation and efficiency within the financial ecosystem.

    Open Data is not just about technology. it’s a catalyst for financial inclusion. Currently, customer data is scattered across various service providers and agencies. If there is a mechanism allowing customers to easily request their service providers and agencies to share their data to other service providers and agencies, it will enable customers to better utilize their data to receive improved financial services.

    BOT pursues Project ‘Your Data’ to empower customers to have their own financial information and non-financial data portable to another service provider based on customer consent. Our priority use cases are access to credit and personal financial management as they still pose significant gaps in our financial system. Therefore, the data that serve such use cases include payment history, account balance, investment holdings, and government data such as tax filing information and utilities usage. By enabling secure and seamless data sharing, we’re empowering individuals and SMEs, particularly those traditionally underserved, to access tailored financial services and participate fully in the digital economy.

    [3 Open Infrastructure and Open Data as foundation for Open Competition]

    With the imminent launch of Project Your Data, we are establishing a robust supply of data within the financial ecosystem. Simultaneously, the Bank of Thailand is actively fostering demand by enabling financial service providers to innovate and compete on offering enhanced loan products and personal financial management solutions. The introduction of the new virtual banking license will empower digital-native players with tech-focused solutions to fully capitalize on this data sharing infrastructure. Furthermore, the soon-to-be-established National Credit Guarantee Agency will integrate this very data sharing mechanism to enhance its operations and support broader access to credit, especially for underserved SMEs.

    With robust infrastructure and data sharing as the bedrock, all players – banks, fintechs, and virtual banks – can operate at their full capacity in an Open Competition, driving innovation and enhancing financial services for underserved communities. Fintechs, leveraging technology with greater agility and often a higher risk appetite than traditional institutions, can better cater to specific customer needs within these segments. For example, they can utilize alternative data for credit scoring individuals with limited traditional credit history, create tailored digital platforms for efficient invoice financing and supply chain management solutions, or offer integrated accounting and payment systems that streamline operations and improve cash flow for small businesses.

    As we encourage new players to drive competition and expand financial inclusion, including these fintechs with their enhanced technological capabilities and willingness to navigate higher risk for underserved segments, we acknowledge the inherent risks associated with novel technologies. Beyond foundational technologies like digital assets and tokenization, fintechs are pioneering areas such as blockchain-based trade finance platforms that can reduce costs and increase transparency for SME cross-border transactions, and data analytics tools that provide SMEs with valuable insights for better financial planning and access to tailored financial products. Our regulatory approach must therefore truly consider both the transformative potential and the evolving risks these innovations present, ensuring a balance between fostering access and maintaining stability.

    [4 Regulatory approach to embrace the new technology by collaboration]

    Building on this foundation of open infrastructure and data, which empowers a diverse ecosystem of players, including agile fintechs uniquely positioned to serve underserved segments, our journey is one of continuous learning and adaptation. We recognize that the financial technology landscape is rapidly evolving, and no single entity holds all the answers. Therefore, our approach moving forward is deeply rooted in collaboration. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with the industry, including our fintech community, to refine our policies and navigate the complexities of this dynamic environment. Furthermore, we actively seek to learn from the experiences and best practices of both regulators and innovative fintech companies across the ASEAN region and beyond, fostering a collective understanding that will shape a resilient and inclusive financial future for all.

    [Collaborative Learning and Adaptive Guardrails]

    Drawing upon our internal explorations with cutting-edge technologies like CBDC, we are now extending this spirit of learning and adaptation to the wider financial industry. Recognizing that innovation, especially from new players, can yield unpredictable outcomes, our approach centers on establishing clear ‘guardrails’ – collaboratively defining the boundaries to prevent systemic risks while allowing for experimentation. This ensures a resilient financial system that can safely accommodate novel solutions.

    [Enticing Innovation through an Evolving Regulatory Sandbox]

    A key element of our collaborative strategy is our Enhanced Regulatory Sandbox. This controlled environment is specifically designed to attract fintechs and innovators to Thailand, offering a safe space to test ideas where risks are still being understood. Our initial focus includes Programmable Payments, demonstrated by the ‘Tourist Wallet’ application enabling USD stablecoin conversion to THB stablecoin for limited tourist spending, and ‘Programmable Escrow Payments’ designed to enhance trust and transparency in online commerce by automating fund release upon condition fulfillment. These real-world examples showcase the tangible opportunities within our sandbox.

    [A Streamlined Sandbox for Agile Collaboration]

    We understand that a cumbersome sandbox can stifle innovation. Therefore, we are actively transforming our Enhanced Regulatory Sandbox to be more agile and accessible, with expanded scope, reduced compliance burdens, and significantly faster processing times – aiming for a 6-to-12-month timeframe for projects like Programmable Payments. By opening our sandbox to both regulated and unregulated entities, we aim to foster a vibrant collaborative space where knowledge sharing and rapid iteration can occur. The valuable lessons learned within this sandbox will directly inform our evolving regulations, ensuring they remain relevant and supportive of a dynamic digital finance ecosystem in Thailand.

    Conclusion: Building a Future-Ready and Inclusive ASEAN Fintech Ecosystem

    In closing, the journey we’ve outlined today underscores the Bank of Thailand’s unwavering commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive digital financial landscape within ASEAN. We firmly believe that by strategically embracing the ‘3 Opens’ – Open Competition, Open Infrastructure, and Open Data – we can unlock the immense potential of digital finance to address the unique needs of our diverse populations, particularly the underserved.

    Our experience, from the foundational success of PromptPay to the ongoing development of Project Your Data and our cautious exploration of new technologies within our enhanced Regulatory Sandbox, represents our attempt to learn and adapt. We understand that real progress requires not only innovation but also a continuous focus on resiliency, security, and responsible growth.

    The path ahead necessitates continued collaboration – between regulators, financial institutions, fintech pioneers, and the very communities we aim to serve. By working together, sharing insights, and learning from each other’s experiences, we can collectively build a future-ready ASEAN fintech ecosystem that is not only innovative and efficient but also truly inclusive, empowering individuals and businesses across our vibrant region to thrive in the digital age.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Eli M Remolona: Welcome remarks – Presidential and National Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorism Financing, Counter Proliferation Financing Coordinating Committee (NACC) Recognition Ceremony

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Intro​duction

    Colleagues from the government, partners in the private sector, esteemed guests, good afternoon. Magandang hapon po.

    I am pleased to welcome you to this recognition ceremony where we honor the champions behind our exit from the FATF grey list. Our sincere thanks to the Office of the President for hosting this occasion in the revered halls of Malacañang.

    Over a decade of challenge

    We were placed on the grey list in 2021. But the real story stretches back 10 years before that. Starting in 2010, global banks were already doing something called de-risking-where they started cutting off their relationships with our banks.

    This means, this exit ends not just three years on the grey list, but more than a decade of doing business with a handicap. We spent more than a decade wandering in the wilderness.

    A study of grey-listed countries shows that grey listing results in deep declines in foreign direct investments, capital inflows, inward payments, and external loans. This reduced our access to global markets, which limited our growth potential.

    Grey listing imposed enhanced monitoring while we address gaps on anti-money laundering, counterterrorism and proliferation financing frameworks.

    That is real pressure because failure will mean something much worse. It could mean going to the blacklist. We had three years to work on it, but we came together, we made our way out of the wilderness.

    Getting off the grey list was not easy. It was critical that the President (Ferdinand R.) Marcos (Jr.) made it a priority and Executive Secretary (Lucas) Bersamin steered our efforts.

    Through concerted reforms, government agencies fortified our financial system and reaffirmed our commitment to combating financial crimes.

    Closing

    Today, we honor our public and private sector champions who made this happen. Many of you work quietly behind the scenes but today, we give you the recognition and gratitude you deserve.

    Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. Mabuhay tayong lahat!

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Lesetja Kganyago: The role of ethical leadership amid threats to academic freedom

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Good morning graduates and members of the university community.

    It is my distinct honour to be recognised by Walter Sisulu University (WSU), an institution that bears the name of such an influential figure in South Africa’s history.

    Incidentally, just over four years ago, I was conferred an honorary doctorate by a university named after Walter Sisulu’s lifelong friend, Nelson Mandela. I consider it a profound privilege for my name to be attached, albeit indirectly, to these two great men through the universities that stand as monuments to their legacies.

    Today I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the importance of safeguarding institutions such as WSU, tied as they are to our country’s past and – more critically – its future.

    During apartheid, South Africa’s universities became key sites of political activity. In an effort to curtail any political mobilisation, the government clamped down on progressive academics and student organisations.

    In the 1980s, for example, five lecturers at the University of Transkei, the institution that would later become WSU, were deported. Hundreds of students were arrested and more were banned from campus.1

    But this campaign against academic freedom went beyond the hard power tactics displayed in the 1980s. The government also exacted its influence by meddling in appointments and creating obstacles to certain areas of research.2

    What happened at our universities during apartheid was not a one-off, and history has repeated itself in a number of different contexts since.

    Most recently, universities in the United States (US) have also come under undue pressure. And US universities are not the only ones under strain, with research suggesting that academic freedom has declined in several other democracies in recent years.

    In spite of our own recent history, today some South African universities face intense pressure to bend on their principles in relation to their academic boycotts of certain countries.3

    Having led the South African Reserve Bank for just over a decade now, I have come to understand that institutions often comes under attack when they shed light on some or other dereliction of duty elsewhere.

    Whether it be a government’s failure to uphold the rights of its citizens or its stated democratic ideals, or a financial institution’s neglect to safeguard people’s money, the attacker’s response is often the same: a strike at the target’s independence.

    As we know, independence is sacred, especially for those institutions that hold a mirror up to power, as universities so often do.

    To paraphrase Albert Einstein, academic freedom means having the right to seek the truth and to uncover that truth. Naturally this right comes with the duty not to withhold a part of what is believed to be true.4

    It is no secret that South Africa’s universities have had their fair share of challenges over the years. Many of these have been the growing pains of a young democracy – and, while our universities have been bruised, they have not been broken.

    However, there are likely more perils in store for our maturing democracy, one of which reared its head during the country’s last election. I am of course referring to the rise of anti-constitutionalism and populism, which have targeted parts of South Africa’s accountability ecosystem.

    In the wake of this looming threat, and the other crises that have torn at the fabric of society, ethical leadership and strong governance are crucial to ensuring our universities can continue to deliver quality higher education.

    Every leader, lecturer and graduate of this university will forever have Walter Sisulu’s name on their CVs. This comes with an immense responsibility.

    Former President Nelson Mandela once described his comrade’s life as one of “absolute selflessness”.5

    Indeed, Sisulu was known for embodying servant leadership, prioritising collective good over personal gain. He also fostered collaboration among his peers, helping build an organisation that would withstand some of history’s greatest tests.

    As I stand before you today, now a member of this university community, I urge you all to model a type of leadership that will defend against threats to academic freedom and uphold accountability, thus safeguarding our country’s future.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Fiji media’s Stan Simpson blasts ‘hypocrites’ in social media clash over press freedom

    Pacific Media Watch

    Barely hours after being guest speaker at the University of the South Pacific‘s annual World Press Freedom Day event this week, Fiji media industry stalwart Stanley Simpson was forced to fend off local trolls whom he described as “hypocrites”.

    “Attacked by both the Fiji Labour Party and ex-FijiFirst MPs in just one day,” chuckled Simpson in a quirky response on social media.

    “Plus, it seems, by their very few supporters using myriads of fake accounts.

    “Hypocrites!”

    Simpson, secretary of the Fiji Media Association (FMA), media innovator, a founder and driving force of Mai TV, and a gold medallist back in his university student journalist days, was not taking any nonsense from his cyberspace critics, including Rajendra, the son of Labour Party leader and former prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry.

    The critics were challenging recent comments about media freedom in his speech at USP on Monday and on social media when he took a swipe at “pop-up propagandists”.

    “I stand by my statements. And I love the attention now put on media freedom by those who went missing or turned a blind eye when it was under threat [under Voreqe Bainimarama’s regime post-2006 coup]. Time for them to own up and come clean.”

    Briefly, this is the salvo that Simpson fired back after Rajendra Chaudhry’s comment “This Stanley Simpson fella . . . Did he organise any marches [against the Bainimarama takeover], did he organise any international attention, did he rally the people against the Bainimarama regime?” and other snipes from the trolls.

    1. FLP [Fiji Labour Party]
    At a period 2006-2007 when journalists were being bashed and beaten and media suppressed — the Fiji Labour Party and Chaudhry went silent as they lay in bed with the military regime.

    Rajendra Chaudhry’s criticism. Image: APR screenshot

    “They try to gloss over it by saying the 1997 constitution was still intact. It was intact but useless because you ignored the gross human rights abuses against the media and political opponents.

    “Where was FLP when Imraz, Laisa, Pita and Virisila were beaten? Where were they when Netani Rika, Kenneth Zinck, Momo, Makeli Radua were attacked and abused, when our Fiji Living Office was trashed and burnt down, and Pita and Dionisia put in jail cells like common criminals?

    “It was when Chaudhry took on Fiji Water and it backfired and left the regime that they started to speak out. When Aiyaz [Sayed-Khaiyum, former Attorney-General] replaced him as No. 2. By then too late.

    “Yes FLP — some of us who survived that period are still around and we still remember so you can’t rewrite what happened in 2006-2007 and change the narrative. You failed!”

    “2. Alvick Maharaj [opposition MP for the FijiFirst Party]
    “The funny thing about this statement is that I already knew last night this statement was coming out and who was writing it etc. I even shared with fellow editors and colleagues that the attacks were coming — and how useless and a waste of time it would be as it was being done by people who were silent and made hundreds of thousands of dollars while media were being suppressed [under the draconian Fiji Media Industry Development Act 2010 (MIDA) and other news crackdowns].

    Troll-style swipes. Image: APR screenshot

    “Ex-Fiji First MPs protecting their former PR colleagues for their platform which has been used to attack their political opponents. We can see through it all because we were not born yesterday and have experience in this industry. We can see what you are doing from a mile away. Its a joke.

    “And your attacks on the [recent State Department] editors’ US trip is pathetic. Plus [about] the visit to Fiji Water.

    “However, the positive I take from this — is that you now both say you believe in media freedom.

    “Ok now practice it. Not only when it suits your agenda and because you are now in Opposition.

    “You failed in the past when you governed — but we in the media will continue to endeavor to treat you fairly.

    “Sometimes that also means calling you out.”

    USP guest speech
     As guest speaker at USP, Simpson had this to say among making other points during his media freedom speech:

    The USP World Press Freedom Day seminar on Monday. Image: USP/APR

    “Journalists today work under the mega spotlight of social media and get attacked, ridiculed and pressured daily — but need to stay true to their journalism principles despite the challenges and pressures they are under.

    “Today, we stand at a crossroads. To students here at USP — future journalists, leaders, and citizens — remember the previous chapter [under FijiFirst]. Understand the price paid for media freedom. Protect it fiercely. Speak out when it’s threatened, even if it’s unpopular or uncomfortable.

    “To our nation’s leaders and influencers: defend a free media, even when it challenges you. A healthy democracy requires tolerance of criticism and commitment to transparency.”

    • Fiji rose four places to 40th (out of 180 nations) in the RSF 2025 World Press Freedom Index to make the country the Oceania media freedom leader outside of Australia (29) and New Zealand (16).

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKSPF funding unlocks skills, confidence and opportunity for Oxford people

    Source: City of Oxford

    Thursday, 8 May 2025

    Oxford residents have gained new skills, qualifications, and life-changing opportunities thanks to projects funded through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

    From helping people into jobs and training to supporting new businesses and improving the city’s public spaces, the funding has boosted opportunity, community pride and economic growth across the city. 

    In December 2022, Oxford City Council secured £1 million in UKSPF funding as part of the government’s Levelling Up agenda. Since then, it has focused the funding on local priorities identified in the Oxford Economic Strategy and City Centre Action Plan, including tackling inequality, supporting the economy’s shift to net zero, and enhancing the experience of the city centre. 

    Results 

    Delivered in collaboration with local partners, UKSPF funding has already made a measurable difference across Oxford by helping local people build skills and confidence, supporting businesses to grow, and enhancing public spaces. Highlights include: 

    • over 100 residents gained qualifications, 
    • 84 people directly helped into employment, 
    • 58 people funded onto courses 

    UKSPF-funded projects have also provided a boost to local businesses and high streets: 

    • 648m2 of public realm created or improved
    • 158m of new or improved cycleways or footpaths 
    • 14 businesses received direct support  

    2025/26 funding 

    The Council has successfully secured an additional £327,146 to fund a year-long programme of activity for 2025/26. The programme will be split into city centre, capital and economic development activity.  

    One of the requirements of the fund means all projects must be delivered within 12 months. Given this timeframe, the Council has predominantly extended projects already underway to maximise results.  Some of the projects identified include:  

    • support the visitor economy by collecting and utilising better data about footfall and spending in the city centre
    • explore ways the city can maximise the benefits of its successful visitor industry
    • develop better wayfinding through the introduction of an app
    • support people to progress towards and into employment through Enterprise Oxfordshire’s No Limits Programme 
    • restarting a Social Economy Business Support Programme to support start-ups and the wider social economy
    • developing a city-wide skills framework to improve opportunities for local people into certain trades, including green skills. 

    Comment 

    “Whether it’s new qualifications, support for businesses, or an improved city centre, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has brought real change to Oxford and the people who live here.  

    “By supporting local projects, we’ve given people the tools, confidence and support to thrive and every project has helped to make the local economy fairer.” 

    Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and Inclusive Economy at Oxford City Council 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sentence increase for child groomer following intervention by Solicitor General

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Sentence increase for child groomer following intervention by Solicitor General

    A man who groomed and sexually abused a child has had his sentence increased after the Solicitor General intervened.

    Yusuf Kayat, 54, from Leeds has had his sentence increased by four years after the Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP referred his case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

    The court heard that the offences took place more than 30 years ago between 1989 and 1992. Kayat, who was known to the victim as ‘Kosh’, met the victim when he was 19 years old, and she was 10 years old.

    Kayat started the offending by grooming the victim, driving her around in his car and buying her gifts, including alcohol, cigarettes, and cannabis.

    After gaining her trust, he had sexual intercourse with the victim in various locations including in his car.

    Kayat also forced the victim to perform sexual acts on his friends. Sometimes there would be multiple men, and Kayat would reward the victim with food from takeaways.

    In a Victim’s Impact Statement, the victim said that since the offending she has experienced constant fear, anxiety, flack backs and panic attacks. The impact on the victim’s life has been profound and devastating.

    The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

    Yusuf Kayat’s crimes were abhorrent. His grooming of the victim was highly calculated, who was only 10 years old when the abuse first began, before carrying out multiple sexual offences over several years.

    I welcome the court’s decision to increase Kayat’s sentence. Today my thoughts are with Kayat’s victim & her family.

    On 5 February 2025, Yusuf Kayat was sentenced to 20 years and a further one year on licence, after he was found guilty on 17 charges at Leeds Crown Court.

    On 7 May 2025, Kayat’s sentence was quashed and substituted with a 24-year sentence and a further one year on licence after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘First stores’ in Beijing sub-center to receive financial support

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

    The Beijing Tongzhou District Municipal Commerce Bureau recently released a guideline to support the first-store economy in the capital’s sub-center.

    The “first-store economy” refers to an economic model in which a region leverages its unique resource advantages to attract domestic and international brands to open their first stores in the area. This creates an optimal synergy between brand value and regional resources, thereby generating a positive impact on the region’s economic development.

    According to the guideline, brands that open their first stores in the Beijing sub-center and receive municipal-level first-store policy support may be eligible for up to 1.5 million yuan (US$210,000) in funding from Tongzhou district.

    Domestic and international brands that open flagship stores or first stores in Asia, Chinese mainland, or Beijing can receive a one-time support fund of 500,000 yuan from Tongzhou district, as long as they are recognized by the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau and showcasing stable performance and strong growth potential.

    Commercial operation and management enterprises can also receive a one-time support fund of 100,000 yuan for each new brand first store they introduce that is recognized by the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau, with total support capped at 500,000 yuan per enterprise.

    Beijing’s sub-center also supports the upgrading and renovation of traditional shopping malls and commercial districts. Business entities that operate such shopping areas can received up to 1 million yuan in funding from the local government. 

    As of now, the Beijing sub-center is home to 11 large-scale commercial facilities, with 14 more projects under construction.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai attends reception commemorating 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai attends reception commemorating 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day
    On the morning of May 8, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, attended a reception commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). In remarks, President Lai stated that our commemoration of the Victory in Europe underscores three crucial points: The pursuit of true peace is dependent on determination and efforts to protect freedom and democracy, and must be achieved through strength and unity; only freedom and democracy can truly bring about national development, and only with respect for human dignity can a nation itself earn respect; and remembering the lessons learned from the history of the war, those who cherish peace must remain vigilant toward acts of aggression.
    The president emphasized that as Taiwan and Europe are now facing the threat of a new authoritarian bloc, lovers of freedom around the world, both individuals and nations, must work together to make sure that aggressors have no opportunity to advance on their ambitions. He said he is confident that so long as we combine our efforts, our strength can earn us true and lasting peace; so long as we join together in solidarity, our freedom can illuminate the vast, boundless world; so long as we stand firm in our convictions, we absolutely can protect our way of life, the homelands that support us, and every lover of freedom and democracy.
    A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: 
    We are solemnly gathered here today, along with representatives from nations around the world, to mark VE Day – the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. This is the first time that Taiwan is commemorating the war in Europe, signifying our growing connections with the international community.
    Peace is priceless, and war has no winners. WWII was undoubtedly the deadliest war in human history, and the pain that it caused has echoed even to the present day.
    On this day 80 years ago, Nazi representatives surrendered to the Allies, symbolizing the end of WWII in Europe. The Allies then shifted their focus to the Pacific theater, where the war ended three months later.
    Victory in Europe was the beginning of the end of this long road, and it was a point at which humanity could start to envision a world beyond the war.
    Victory in Europe counted on different countries all combining their efforts. And today, this event has brought together representatives from a total of 17 countries in addition to the European Union, a testament to the value of cooperation.
    Our commemoration of VE Day underscores three crucial points:
    First, the foundation for victory in WWII was built from determination and actions throughout human society to unite and resist aggression, defend hearth and home, and pursue true peace.
    History has taught us that no matter the driving reason or ideology, military aggression against another country is an unjust crime that is bound to fail. Those who unite as partners to defend their homelands, freedom, and democracy ultimately emerge victorious.
    In less than one month from now, we will also be marking the 81st anniversary of the Normandy landings, when airborne divisions descended and beachheads were established by Allied troops fighting courageously across different landing sites.
    Through the cooperation and efforts of the Allies, as well as the sacrifices of freedom fighters in occupied territories, Europe was liberated from authoritarian enslavement. From this, we learned that the pursuit of true peace is dependent on determination and efforts to protect freedom and democracy, and must be achieved through strength and unity.
    Second, the countries that were formerly Axis powers are now all 100 percent democratic, enjoying true peace and prosperity and respected the world over.
    This proves that only freedom and democracy can truly bring about national development, and only with respect for human dignity can a nation itself earn respect. Authoritarianism and aggression lead only to slaughter, tragedy, and greater inequality.
    When we look back at post-war history, we see that civilizations with democratic elections, free markets, and respect for human rights are those that humanity should pursue. We also see the value of freedom and democracy, and the reason why tens of millions of Allied soldiers crossed oceans or set foot on unfamiliar lands to fight gruesome battles.
    Now, I would like to share the words of former United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during the war. In his order of the day for D-Day, he wrote: “Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.” These words tell us why we must commemorate the war in Europe; they also remind us again that freedom and democracy, being so precious, can only be resolutely defended through strength and constant vigilance. 
    Third, those who cherish peace cannot sit idly by and allow aggression. The outbreak of the war in Europe certainly had much to do with an authoritarian regime seeking to satisfy its expansionary ambitions, but its wider spread throughout Europe had much more to do with a lack of vigilance toward acts of aggression.
    At many points in history, people have thought to give the aggressor a small concession to earn peace. But as we all know from the painful lessons of WWII, indulging aggressors with a taste of expansion only whets their appetite; it makes them more confident and hungrier for more. They will continue their conquest until democratic countries have fallen and the light of freedom has been extinguished; until the last person unwilling to bend is eliminated. Only then will the aggressors stop. 
    WWII broke out because ambitions for conquest were ignored; it was won by bringing together in solidarity every last bit of will to resist and defend hearth and home. 
    The war in Europe ended 80 years ago. The meaning of that history is now as clear as day. After those 80 years, Taiwan now shares the same values as many of the democratic countries that fought in the war, and we face similar challenges.
    Taiwan and Europe are now facing the threat of a new authoritarian bloc. We are seeing our decades-old undersea cables, crucial for communications and cybersecurity, being sabotaged. We are seeing external interference in our elections, crucial for healthy democratic development, through the spread of misinformation and disinformation, sowing intentional division in society. We are seeing our fair, free, and open international rules-based markets being tested by all manner of gray-zone activities, intrusions, dumping, and pressures.
    Whenever we commemorate the peace at the end of the war in Europe, we must not forget the lessons learned from its history.
    Lovers of freedom around the world, both individuals and nations, must work together now in tight solidarity, before risks turn into crises and before crises are taken advantage of by those with ambitions for outward expansion, to make sure that aggressors have no opportunity to advance on their ambitions. Only then can we continue on for generations with our current way of life; only then can we retain our human dignity and values.
    This is our opportunity; there is no better time than now. I am confident that so long as we combine our efforts, our strength can earn us true and lasting peace. I am confident that so long as we join together in solidarity, our freedom can illuminate the vast, boundless world. And I am confident that so long as we stand firm in our convictions, we absolutely can protect our way of life, the homelands that support us, and every lover of freedom and democracy.
    And so, let us keep striving together, From VE Day to Every Day. Thank you.
    Also in attendance at the event were Head of the European Economic and Trade Office Lutz Güllner, British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones, and other diplomatic representatives in Taiwan.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Helping government tackle policy challenges with expert insight

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Helping government tackle policy challenges with expert insight

    Our new overview sets out the Open Innovation Team’s approach and offer

    The Open Innovation Team (OIT) has published an updated introduction to its services “The Open Innovation Team: Who we are, what we do, and how we can help” showcasing how we support colleagues across government to generate analysis and ideas for policy.

    The deck highlights our track record of delivering over 150 projects since our creation in 2016, engaging more than 2,500 experts and saving government more than £5 million in 2023–24 alone.

    Operating like an in-house consultancy, the OIT is a government team that works on a cost-recovery basis to deliver bespoke support across all stages of policy development – from early scoping through to implementation planning. The deck sets out our core services – expert engagement, research synthesis and policy development – as well as our wider offer including training, events and our new Evaluation Services Unit.

    We have five university partners – Brunel, Essex, Lancaster, Surrey and York – but we work with academics and industry experts worldwide.

    If you have a complex policy challenge, get in touch to find out how we can support you. We’re also happy to present at team meetings or events – contact us to find out more. 

    View Introducing the Open Innovation Team 2025 (PDF, 621 KB, 9 pages)

    Get in touch

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to the news that Ørsted are to discontinue the Hornsea 4 offshore wind project in its current form

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on Ørsted discontinuing the Hornsea 4 offshore wind project. 

    Prof Jun Liang, Professor of Power Electronics and Power Networks, Cardiff University, said:

    What does this mean for the UK’s net zero by 2030 aim?

    “This development undoubtedly impacts the UK’s Net Zero ambitions, as renewable energy—particularly offshore wind power from the North Sea—is a key driver in achieving this goal.  While the discontinuation of a single offshore wind farm due to an isolated issue may not be catastrophic, the underlying reasons behind this decision raise significant concerns.  If these challenges reflect broader systemic issues, they could have far-reaching implications for other similar projects, potentially hindering progress toward the 2030 target.

     

    Is there anything the government can do to encourage projects like this?

    “Although the UK government seems to be not doing anything wrong directly towards this wind farm development, the government must take proactive measures to address supply chain challenges and prevent further project cancellations.  While we recognise the broader economic pressures facing the UK—including global trade uncertainties—sustained focus on economic growth is essential to strengthen investment capacity and build a resilient supply chain.  The challenges facing offshore wind projects, such as Hornsea 4, are not isolated incidents but rather symptoms of the current economic climate.  Without decisive intervention, similar setbacks could jeopardize the UK’s renewable energy ambitions.

     

    Is this a blow to the UK’s renewable energy efforts – what else do we have; was this a significant part of it or is there still plenty more?

    “Based on available information, the discontinuation of this offshore wind project does not appear to stem from inherent issues in renewable energy development—such as turbine technology, transmission infrastructure, or grid capacity.  Instead, broader economic and supply chain challenges seem to be the primary drivers.

    “While offshore wind is a cornerstone of the UK’s renewable energy strategy, other sources—such as onshore wind and solar PV—remain critical.  However, these sectors may face similar supply chain constraints, as the root cause lies in macroeconomic pressures rather than sector-specific limitations.  The key question is whether the UK can mitigate these systemic risks to sustain progress across all renewable energy avenues.”

     

    Prof John Loughhead, Industrial Professor of Clean Energy, University of Birmingham, said:

    “This is certainly a significant setback to the Government’s ambitions for a rapid increase in offshore wind capacity.  Hornsea 4 represented about 10% of the planned increase to meet its aggressive 2030 low carbon electricity targets, and as it has been in development since 2018 it’s very unlikely an alternative could be identified and delivered within that timescale.  Achieving the 2030 targets has become even more challenging.  It appears a combination of supply chain inflation and delivery challenges meant the project became economically unattractive given the CfD price agreed with Government only last September, which also suggests future offshore wind will need a higher guaranteed price than foreseen.”

     

     

     

    https://orsted.com/en/company-announcement-list/2025/05/orsted-to-discontinue-the-hornsea-4-offshore-wind–143901911

     

     

    Declared interests

    Prof John Loughhead: “No interests to declare.”

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ireland

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ireland

    Ms Kara Owen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ireland.

    Ms Kara Owen CMG CVO has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ireland in succession to Mr Paul Johnston.  Ms Owen will take up her appointment during September 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Kara Justine Owen

    Year Role
    July 2024 to present Projects/ pre-posting preparation with FCDO  
    2019 to 2024 Singapore, British High Commissioner  
    2016 to 2019 FCO, Director, Americas  
    2012 to 2016 Paris, Deputy Head of Mission  
    2011 to 2012 FCO, Head of Strategy and Network Department, Consular  
    2009 to 2011 FCO, Director for Diversity and Equality  
    2005 to 2009 Hanoi, Deputy Head of Mission  
    2003 to 2005 FCO, Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary  
    2001 to 2003 FCO, Assistant Private Secretary to Junior Ministers  
    2000 to 2001 FCO, EU Policy Officer  
    1996 to 2000 Hong Kong, Vice Consul and later Vice Consul political  
    1995 to 1996 FCO, Cantonese language training  
    1993 to 1995 FCO, Joint Assistance Unit (Know How Fund)  
    1993 Joined FCO  

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Delivering our Plan for Change for workers

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Delivering our Plan for Change for workers

    The Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting spoke at the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) Annual Conference in Blackpool.

    It’s great to be here in Blackpool.

    Paddy (Lillis), you stood in the tradition of the greatest leaders of our movement, who believed it was not enough to walk through the streets demanding change, but that we had to walk through the corridors of power to deliver it.

    I also want to say thank you to Dave (McCrossen) for his leadership as Deputy General Secretary.

    Paddy, Dave, what you and your team have achieved in Usdaw is truly remarkable.

    Given the challenges facing retail and food distribution and the high turnover rates in the sector, maintaining your membership is a tough enough challenge, but with your leadership, Usdaw has grown. 

    With the switch to online shopping and the decline of our high streets, accelerated by the pandemic, others would have thrown in the towel. 

    Instead, your Retail Recovery Plan is helping the sector to come back stronger.

    Usdaw is an example to the trade union and labour movement:

    • to focus on the issues that matter most in the workplace
    • to keep our heads screwed on and our feet on the ground
    • to always champion the interests of working people

    Paddy, Dave, on behalf of everyone here and on behalf of the Prime Minister and the government, thank you for everything you’ve done for Usdaw and for our country.

    I’m also delighted to welcome Joanne as Usdaw’s new General Secretary. Joanne, you made history as Usdaw’s youngest regional secretary and now you’ve made history as the first woman to become general secretary – and the youngest, too!

    It’s clear the whole conference is excited to see what you do in the role. Congratulations and good luck! 

    I owe so much to Usdaw.

    [Redacted political content.]

    And having had my life saved by the NHS when I had kidney cancer at the age of 38, I can think of no better way of repaying the debt I owe to the NHS than by saving our National Health Service. 

    We should be in no doubt about the threat to our NHS.

    When we came into government, we took over an NHS going through the worst crisis in history:

    • waiting lists at historic highs
    • patient satisfaction at record lows
    • people struggling to see a GP
    • dental deserts in huge swathes of the country
    • ambulances not turning up on time
    • A&E departments full to bursting
    • doctors on picket lines, instead of the front line
    • that founding promise, that the NHS would always be there for us when we needed it, broken

    The NHS was broken.

    [Redacted political content.]

    Broken, but not beaten. Because every day there are amazing people delivering outstanding and compassionate care, despite all those challenges.

    Not beaten, because as Nye Bevan is often quoted as saying: “The NHS will last as long as there’s folk with faith left to fight for it.”

    Well, every day since I became Health Secretary, I’ve gone into work fighting for our NHS.

    To restore that basic founding principle that the NHS should always be there for us when we need it.

    With our Plan for Change, we’ve hit the ground running.

    As our first step, we promised 2 million more appointments in our first year.

    Promise made, promise kept:

    • we delivered our promise 7 months early and we’ve smashed our target – delivering not 2, but 3 million extra appointments since July and rising
    • we’ve got waiting lists down 6 months on the trot, including during peak winter pressures
    • we ended the strikes within 3 weeks and delivered an above-inflation pay rise for NHS staff
    • we’ve invested an extra £26 billion in health and care
    • we’ve recruited 1,500 more GPs – and agreed a GP contract for the first time since the pandemic
    • we’ve delivered the biggest investment to hospices in a generation
    • the biggest expansion of Carer’s Allowance since the 1970s
    • a massive boost for older and disabled people through the Disabled Facilities Grant
    • the biggest real-terms increase to the Public Health Grant in nearly a decade
    • we’ve given pharmacies the biggest funding uplift in a generation
    • and last week we froze prescription charges for the first time in years

    A lot done, but there is more to do:

    • our bill on smoking and vapes will protect children and the most vulnerable and make this generation of kids the first smoke-free generation
    • our Mental Health Bill will stop the disgraceful incarceration of learning disabled adults
    • the ban on junk food advertising targeted at children will be a first step in addressing the growing problem of childhood obesity
    • we are working with health unions, councils and employers to deliver the first ever fair pay agreement for social care staff
    • and Louise Casey is leading a Commission on Social Care which will finally get a grip on a system that is broken for too many families

    [Redacted political content.]

    We will always defend our NHS as a publicly funded, public service, free at the point of use, so that when you fall ill you never have to worry about the bill. 

    Our job is twofold.

    First, to get the NHS back on its feet and treating patients on time again.

    And second, to reform the service for the long-term, so it is fit for the future.

    This summer we will publish our 10 Year Plan for Health:

    • shifting the focus of healthcare out of hospital and into the community, with more investment in primary and community care  
    • bringing our analogue health service into the digital age, arming staff with modern equipment and cutting-edge technology
    • turning our sickness service into a preventative health service, to help people live well for longer and tackle the biggest killers

    This cannot be done by one man sat behind a desk in Whitehall. We will only succeed if this is a team effort, from the Prime Minister to the 1.5 million people who work in the health service. And the millions of us who use it taking the decisions needed to live healthier, more active lives.

    Mental health

    I know Usdaw have long campaigned on the impact poor mental health and stress can have at work. And your ‘It’s good to talk’ campaign is helping to overcome stigma and offering practical support to members who may be struggling.

    Failing to take mental health seriously doesn’t just have an enormous impact on people. Absences take their toll on businesses, our NHS and our economy as a whole. 

    In the NHS, we’re expanding talking therapies. Last year, we provided almost 70,000 people with the support they need at work, up more than 60% on the year before. 

    We know a timely intervention on mental health can save anguish and distress further down the line, and to deliver this we need to expand the mental health workforce so everyone can access the right people, with the right support, at the right time. 

    That’s why our manifesto promised an extra 8,500 mental health staff: tackling mental ill-health and the causes of mental ill-health. 

    New deal for working people

    Central to good health and good mental health are good jobs.

    So while I’m focused on fixing the foundations of our NHS, the whole government is working hard to deliver our manifesto promise to deliver the new deal for working people.

    [Redacted political content.]

    Last month, our landmark Plan to Make Work Pay passed the House of Commons. It will mean: 

    • jobs that are more secure and family friendly 
    • a real living wage people can live on 
    • going further and faster to close the gender pay gap 
    • sick pay for the lowest earners 
    • day one rights from unfair dismissal 
    • ending fire and rehire  
    • and banning exploitative zero-hour contracts once and for all 

    Conference, this will be the biggest upgrade of workers’ rights in a generation.  

    Campaigned for by Usdaw, delivered by this government. 

    Of course change – real change – takes time. As I said to Laura Kuenssberg on the BBC over the weekend, I’m pretty sure when I talk about falling waiting lists, there are people shouting at the telly: “What are you talking about? I’m still waiting!”

    Both things are true. Waiting lists are falling and are over 200,000 lower today than they were when we came into office. But if you’re one of 7 million cases still on the list, you’re not feeling it yet.

    Similarly, the decisions I took within weeks of taking office that allowed us to employ 1,500 GPs are making a difference, but there will still be people going bananas trying to get through at 8am tomorrow morning after the bank holiday.

    If the Chancellor were standing here today, she’d also report that interest rates have fallen 3 times and wages are finally rising above inflation. But that doesn’t wash away the cost of living crisis.

    People are really struggling at the moment.

    Not living, just surviving.

    It’s not good for our health and it’s not good for our country.

    We were elected with a simple promise: change.

    It won’t be enough for people to see it in the statistics – you need to feel it in your lives.

    Is my family better off?

    Is the NHS there for me when I need it?

    Do my kids attend good schools?

    Are my streets safe?

    Am I getting a fair wage for a hard day at work?

    [Redacted political content.]

    Those are the questions we as politicians need to help you as union reps answer. 

    I want all of you to know that, in government, all of us feel that pressure to deliver the change people voted for. We don’t want to let you or our country down. 

    [Redacted political content.]

    At the weekend, I asked people to give us the time we need to deliver as we grapple with an enormous breadth and depth of challenges.

    [Redacted political content.]

    But day by day, week by week, step by step, we will rebuild our economy, rebuild our public services and rebuild trust in politics.

    There’ll be bumps in the road and we won’t get everything right.

    [Redacted political content.]

    This government has already:

    • increased the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage, giving over 3 million workers a pay rise
    • delivered breakfast clubs at 750 primary schools, so that they start the day with hungry minds instead of hungry bellies
    • scrapped the wasteful Rwanda scheme and launched our Border Security Command
    • overhauled apprenticeships through a new Growth and Skills Levy
    • and switched on Great British Energy

    We’re:

    • bringing the UK’s railways back into public ownership
    • banning no-fault evictions and introducing new protections for renters
    • delivering the New Deal for Working People
    • and cutting NHS waiting lists

    Lots done, so much more to do. 

    [Redacted political content.]

    Change has begun and the best is still to come.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK 🔴 LIVE | Watch Members of the Houses of Parliament process to Westminster Abbey for #VE80

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Members of the House of Commons and House of Lords attended a service at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 8 April 2025.

    Both Houses left their respective chambers and met in Central Lobby, where they jointly processed with their maces to the Abbey.

    This display of bicameral unity was a symbolic recreation of the events of VE Day in 1945. We will be covering the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII throughout the year. Be sure to check our information hub on our website for more information and resources: https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/remembering-parliaments-world-war-two-contributions/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVfQt_LWah4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Carla denyer MP announces she will not be re-standing as Co-Leader in up-coming internal elections

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Green Party Co-Leader, Carla Denyer MP, has today announced that she is not standing in the up-coming internal Green Party leadership elections. Announcing her decision Carla said:

    “It’s been an enormous privilege to lead the Green Party alongside my excellent co-leader Adrian, wonderfully supported by our deputy leaders – first Amelia and then Zack. We’ve achieved so much, taking the party from one MP to four, from 450 councillors to over 850, and winning nearly two million votes at the last General Election. But this is just the start for me and the party.

    “For me, my guiding light has always been ‘How can I make the biggest positive impact?’. And I’ve decided that for the next few years, the best way I can serve the party and the country is to pour all of my skills, passion and energy into being the best MP I can be, in Parliament and in Bristol Central. 

    “We’re at a critical juncture in British politics. People are feeling deeply let down and are looking for real alternatives. And with the hard-right on the rise in the UK and across the world, it’s never been more important for Greens to offer a genuinely hopeful vision for our future – and crucially to put forward real solutions to make people’s lives better. 

    “That’s what I’ll be focussing on over the next four years as an MP: fighting for rent controls so that everyone can afford a decent roof over their heads, to futureproof British industry to secure good green jobs for this generation and the next, and to replace the racism and xenophobia at the heart of our migration system with common sense and compassion. These are all issues that my constituents in Bristol Central feel passionate about. This city which I am so proud to live in and represent will continue to be at the heart of everything I do as an MP. 

    “Thank you to our membership for trusting me and Adrian to lead this party through challenges and successes. It has been a pleasure to work alongside him and with fellow members, staff and elected representatives at all levels of the party, especially my wonderful fellow Green MPs. For the next four months I will continue to serve alongside my brilliant leadership colleagues, Adrian and Zack. Then I will hand over the baton to the new leadership team in the Autumn when the results of the internal election are announced. 

    “In this new five-party political system it’s all to play for. The future of the Green Party is bright, and I’m so excited to play my part in this next chapter as a committed and passionate Green MP.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Online Roulette Casinos: 7Bit Casino, Rated Top Online Roulette Casino For Real Money

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JERSEY CITY, N.J., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Play Roulette At 7Bit Casino, Rated As One Of The Best Online Roulette Casinos In 2025. Our Expert Team Has Reviewed And Chosen 7Bit For Its Real Money Roulette Games, Top Bonuses, And Unique Features. See Why 7Bit Is Considered The Best Online Casino For Roulette.

    If you’ve been spinning the wheel at dozens of online casinos, you know most platforms promise a lot and deliver little, especially when it comes to roulette. After testing over 50 sites, 7Bit Casino stands out with a solid combo of real money roulette games and fast payments, as the best online roulette casino of 2025.

    EXPERIENCE REAL MONEY ROULETTE AT 7Bit CASINO TODAY!

    Whether you’re into online roulette real money or want a smooth live dealer experience, 7Bit nails the essentials to become the best online roulette casino. In this review, we’ll break down the online roulette casino platform’s roulette game selection, software, bonus offers, and how it stacks up against other online roulette casinos. If you’re wondering whether 7Bit is good for roulette, read on.

    Is 7Bit Casino the Best Online Roulette Casino?

    Wondering if 7Bit Casino is worth your time for roulette? We’ve tested the games, checked the bonuses, and looked under the hood to see how it performs. Here’s a quick breakdown of what roulette players can expect from the 7Bit online roulette casino.

    Game Variety

    7Bit, the best online live roulette casino, offers a strong selection of 180+ roulette games, covering both classic formats and modern variations. You’ll find European, American, and French roulette, plus options like Virtual Roulette and immersive live dealer tables.

    Software Providers

    These online roulette games come from trusted names like Evolution, BGaming, BetSoft, Platipus, Lucky Streak, etc. That means sharp graphics, fair play, and stable performance 24/7 and across every type of device.

    Bonuses for Roulette Players

    While 7Bit’s welcome bonus is generous, keep in mind that online roulette casino contributes less toward wagering requirements. Still, frequent cashback offers and reload bonuses help players get more spins for their money. Crypto users get extra flexibility with BTC, LTC, ETH, and more.

    User Experience & Payment Options

    7Bit’s layout is clean and easy to navigate, especially on mobile. The online roulette games have crisp graphics and immersive sound effects. Additionally, deposits and withdrawals with crypto are fast and reliable, making it perfect for roulette players who want to keep things smooth and private.

    Popular Online Roulette Game Types At 7Bit

    7Bit, the best online casino roulette, has a solid collection of online roulette gamers on its platform. There are over 180+ roulette games with high RTP, stunning graphics, and immersive sound effects. Here’s a list of the best online casino roulette games in 7Bit Casino:

    American Roulette

    Providers: BGaming, Belatra

    American Roulette features a wheel with 38 pockets, including both 0 and 00. This gives the house a slightly higher edge. However, players can bet on a wide range of options like red/black, odd/even, or specific numbers, to increase their winning chances.

    European Roulette

    Providers: BGaming, Belatra

    European Roulette is the most popular version of roulette at online casinos. The wheel has 37 pockets with a single zero, offering better odds than American Roulette. Players can place inside and outside bets, with smooth gameplay available across most real money roulette sites.

    French Roulette

    Provider: BGaming

    7Bit French Roulette at 7Bit Casino from BGaming stands out with “La Partage” and “En Prison” rules, reducing the house edge. The layout is similar to European Roulette, but with French-language labels. It’s a top choice for strategic players seeking low-risk bets.

    Virtual Classic Roulette

    Provider: Smartsoft Gaming

    Virtual Classic Roulette sticks to a traditional European setup with smooth animations and realistic wheel sounds. The roulette gameplay is RNG-driven, ensuring completely fair and random outcomes, perfect for beginners or casual players at real money roulette sites.

    Virtual Burning Roulette

    Provider: Smartsoft Gaming

    Virtual Burning Roulette adds fiery visuals and modern animations to classic roulette gameplay. It runs on RNG, so the gameplay is spontaneous and fair. Aimed at players who enjoy immersive design in online roulette for real money without going live.

    JOIN 7Bit CASINO NOW AND PLAY THE BEST ONLINE ROULETTE GAMES!

    7Bit Bonuses For Online Roulette Real Money Players

    7Bit is not only the best online casino for roulette. It is also renowned for the generous bonuses and promotions with clear terms. Here’s a breakdown of the various bonuses offered at 7Bit:

    Welcome Bonus Overview Of Best Online Live Roulette Casino

    7Bit Casino offers a multi-tiered welcome bonus package for new players, including up to 5.25 BTC plus free spins. While the bonus is generous, roulette contributes very little (typically 5% or less) toward the

    wagering requirements, which means it’s not the easiest to clear if you play roulette exclusively. Still, it’s a nice head start if you enjoy mixing in slots or other games.

    • Welcome Pack of 325% up to 5.25 BTC + 250 Free Spins.
      • 1st Deposit Offer: 100% up to 1.5 BTC + 100 FS.
      • 2nd Deposit Offer: 75% up to 1.25 BTC + 100 FS.
      • 3rd Deposit Offer: 50% up to 1.5 BTC.
      • 4th Deposit Offer: 100% up to 1 BTC + 50 FS.

    Reload Bonuses

    One of 7Bit’s standout features is its regular crypto reload offers. Players who deposit with cryptocurrencies or other fiat money can unlock reload bonuses every Monday and Wednesday. While not roulette-specific, these promotions can give extra funds to use across the site.

    Cashback and Weekend Promotions

    7Bit, the best online casino for roulette, also runs weekend cashback deals, offering up to 20% back based on your losses. Although cashback applies broadly, it’s one of the few promotions where roulette players actually benefit.

    VIP and Loyalty Perks

    Frequent players can join 7Bit’s VIP program, which unlocks personalized rewards, faster withdrawals, and exclusive offers. The more you play, the more loyalty points you earn. This is also applicable to a wide range of online roulette games. These points can be exchanged for bonuses, making it a long-term win for roulette fans.

    UNLOCK BIG WINS WITH ROULETTE AT 7Bit CASINO – JOIN THE BEST!

    7Bit- The Best Online Roulette Casino Payment Methods: Fast Deposits & Secure Withdrawals

    While 7Bit Casino is known for its crypto support, it also caters well to players who prefer traditional fiat banking methods. You can deposit and withdraw using Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, MiFinity, and Paysafecard, depending on your location.

    Fiat deposits are instant, with a minimum starting at $10 or crypto equivalent. Withdrawals to e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller are usually processed within 1–2 hours, while card payouts may take 1–3 business days after approval. Meanwhile, crypto deposits and withdrawals are processed instantly.

    For security, all fiat withdrawals require KYC verification, including ID and address checks. Once verified, players can enjoy smooth payouts with minimal delays. The weekly withdrawal limit is $5,000, and monthly limits cap at $15,000, with higher limits for crypto players.

    Overall, 7Bit Casino is one of the best roulette casinos with a straightforward and efficient banking system. Thanks to the wide range of crypto support, you can play your favorite roulette titles anonymously, without any ID checks.

    Live Dealer vs. Online Roulette at 7Bit: A Quick Comparison

    If you’re wondering whether to go with live dealer or online roulette at 7Bit Casino, here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide:

    Feature Live Dealer Roulette Online (Virtual) Roulette
    Game Type Real-time roulette streamed with a professional dealer. RNG-based, software-driven game.
    Speed Slower due to real-time spins and betting windows. Fast-paced with instant spin results.
    Realism Resembles a land-based casino roulette game. Video game-like crisp graphics and cutting-edge sound effects.
    Interaction Live chat is available with dealers and sometimes players. No social interaction.
    Availability Depends on the schedule and table limits. Available 24/7 with no waiting.
    Mobile Experience May experience lag depending on internet connection speed. Lightweight and faster on mobile devices.
    Bonus Contribution Often low or excluded from wagering requirements. Usually contributes more towards wagering.
    Best For Players who enjoy atmosphere and human presence. Players who like to play on the go.


    How To Register & Start Playing Roulette At 7Bit

    Whether you’re trying out roulette for the first time or need a quick refresher, here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you play online roulette with confidence.

    1. Choose the Best Online Roulette Casino

    Pick a licensed online roulette casino with a solid reputation. Look for platforms that offer fair RNG or live dealer roulette, secure payments, and clear bonus terms. 7Bit Casino offers 180+ roulette variations in both online and live formats. Click here to visit the official website of 7Bit Casino.

    2. Create an Account

    Click the sign-up button and fill in your basic details such as email, password, and preferred currency. 7Bit Casino offers a stunning welcome bonus for new players, which can be used on online casino games, including roulette.

    3. Make a Deposit

    Once registered, head to the cashier and choose your payment method (credit card, e-wallet, or crypto like Bitcoin). Deposit the minimum amount required to start playing.

    4. Choose a Roulette Game

    Claim the welcome bonus with your first deposit and choose from different types of online roulette games, including European, American, or French Roulette. You can also choose from a wide range of live dealer roulette games on 7Bit Casino.

    5. Understand the Betting Layout

    Roulette bets fall into two main categories:

    • Inside bets: Straight-up numbers, splits, or corners (higher risk, higher reward).
    • Outside bets: Red/black, odd/even, 1–18/19–36 (lower risk).

    6. Place Your Bet

    Click on the chip amount, then select where to place it on the table. You can mix inside and outside bets.

    7. Spin the Wheel

    In online roulette, hit the “spin” button to start the wheel spinning. In live dealer games, once you click the button, the dealer spins it for you.

    8. Wait for the Result

    The ball lands on a number, and winnings (if any) are paid out automatically. You can repeat your bet or start a new one.

    Types Of Bets In Online Roulette Casino

    Here’s a list of bets you can place in online roulette real money:

    Inside Bets (Higher Risk, Higher Payout)

    • Straight-Up: Bet on a single number.
    • Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers.
    • Street: Bet on three numbers in a row.
    • Corner (Square): Bet on four numbers in a block.
    • Six-Line (Double Street): Bet on six numbers across two rows.

    Outside Bets (Lower Risk, Lower Payout)

    • Red or Black: Bet on the color of the winning number.
    • Odd or Even: Bet on the number being odd or even.
    • High or Low: Bet on 1–18 (low) or 19–36 (high).
    • Dozens: Bet on one of three sets (1–12, 13–24, 25–36).
    • Columns: Bet on an entire vertical column of numbers.

    SPIN THE WHEEL AT 7Bit CASINO – YOUR TOP ONLINE ROULETTE DESTINATION!

    Is 7Bit Casino Safe and Fair for Roulette Games?

    7Bit Casino is one of the top online roulette casino sites that is safe and fair, and here’s why.

    Licensing and Reputation

    7Bit is the best online roulette casino operating under a valid license from the Government of Curaçao, one of the most reputable authorities for crypto casinos. This ensures 7Bit’s compliance with key security and fairness standards. Since launching in 2014, 7Bit has built a solid reputation in the online gambling space, especially among roulette players.

    Game Fairness

    Roulette games at 7Bit are powered by reputable providers like Evolution, BGaming, and Lucky Streak. Online roulette titles use certified RNGs (random number generators). 7Bit is one of the best online live roulette casinos, where live games are streamed in real time to prevent manipulation. This guarantees fair and random outcomes on every spin.

    Clear Bonus Terms

    7Bit Casino outlines all bonus terms up front. While roulette contributes less toward wagering requirements compared to slots, the rules are clearly displayed before you opt in. This level of transparency helps players make informed choices.

    Secure and Transparent Payments

    7Bit supports both fiat methods (Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller) and cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc.). Payments are secure, and crypto withdrawals are often processed within minutes, allowing roulette players to easily fund and withdraw their winnings. Identity verification (KYC) is required for larger transactions, adding an extra layer of security.

    Final Verdict On The Best Online Roulette Casino – 7Bit

    If you’re looking for a trusted online roulette casino with a solid mix of games, lavish bonuses, and fast payouts, 7Bit Casino is a strong choice. It offers a wide selection of real money roulette games, including live dealer and online formats, powered by reliable software providers.

    The online roulette casino platform is licensed, secure, and known for fast crypto withdrawals and multiple fiat banking options, making it accessible to all types of players. Whether you’re a casual player or a roulette enthusiast, 7Bit combines fairness, game variety, and ease of use in one clean package.

    In short, if you’re serious about playing roulette online and want a site that delivers both quality and speed, 7Bit Casino is well worth a spin.

    START WINNING WITH 7Bit’S REAL MONEY ROULETTE – PLAY NOW!

    FAQ:

    Is 7Bit Casino the best online roulette casino?

    Yes, 7Bit Casino is considered one of the best online roulette casinos in 2025. It offers a diverse range of roulette games, including live dealer and RNG-based options, fast payouts, and attractive bonuses, making it a top choice for roulette enthusiasts.

    What makes 7Bit Casino the best online casino for roulette?

    7Bit Casino stands out for its wide selection of over 180 roulette games, reliable software providers like Evolution and BGaming, and generous bonuses. These features, combined with fast crypto withdrawals, make it one of the best online casinos for roulette players.

    Is 7Bit Casino good for online roulette real money?

    Yes, 7Bit Casino offers various online roulette for real money options, including European, American, and French roulette, as well as immersive live dealer tables. The platform also supports multiple payment methods, making it easy for players to deposit and withdraw funds quickly.

    Can I find the best online live roulette casino at 7Bit?

    Absolutely! 7Bit is home to some of the best online live roulette casinos, with professional dealers and real-time streaming, offering an authentic and immersive roulette experience. The live dealer section is powered by top providers like Evolution Gaming, ensuring smooth gameplay.

    What types of roulette systems can I use at 7Bit Casino?

    7Bit Casino offers a wide variety of roulette games, allowing players to experiment with different roulette systems. Whether you prefer classic strategies or more advanced betting systems, the site offers the flexibility to test them out on both real money and live dealer roulette games.

    How do the bonuses work for roulette players at 7Bit Casino?

    7Bit Casino offers great bonuses for roulette players, though keep in mind that roulette contributes less toward wagering requirements than other games. Despite this, the casino’s welcome bonus, regular reload bonuses, and cashback promotions still provide excellent value to online roulette players.

    What are the best online roulette sites for 2025?

    Based on our expert review, 7Bit Casino is among the best online roulette sites for 2025 due to its variety of roulette games, fair play, secure payments, and smooth user experience. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to play both live roulette and online roulette real money games.

    What should I look for in the best online casino for roulette?

    When choosing the best online casino for roulette, consider factors like game variety, software quality, available bonuses, secure payment methods, and customer support. 7Bit Casino excels in all these areas, making it a top contender for those seeking an exceptional roulette experience.

    Email: support@7bitcasino.com

    Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure

    Disclaimer: 7Bit Casino promotes responsible gambling. Verify local laws before playing, as it may not be licensed for New Jersey. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose.

    Gambling online comes with financial risks. Make sure you meet the legal age requirement (19+) in your region and follow local laws. Always engage in responsible gambling and check 7Bit’s official site for the latest terms, as promotions and payment methods may be updated.

    General Disclaimer

    This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only, not legal or financial advice. Content is based on research and user reviews as of writing. No warranties are made, and users must verify information before acting.

    Casino and Gambling Disclaimer

    Online gambling carries risks and isn’t for everyone. Confirm you’re of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. Gambling laws vary, and compliance is your responsibility. We don’t promote gambling; participation is at your risk. 7Bit Casino is a third-party platform, and we’re not liable for losses or disputes.

    Affiliate Disclosure

    This article may include affiliate links, earning us a commission at no cost to you for qualifying actions. These support our content. Our reviews are unbiased, and we recommend only valuable products.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8204d670-de00-4906-acc4-5118dcde3ed5

    The MIL Network –