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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Student accommodation must be included in rent control measures

    Source: Scottish Greens

    06 May 2025 Education

    It’s time to end rip-off rents.

    More in Education

    Student accommodation must be included in the Scottish Government’s rent control measures, says Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer.

    This comes after the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee voted to force the Scottish Government to include student tenancies in planned rent controls, a shock defeat for the government.

    Mr Greer said:

    “Far too many students pay sky high rents for halls and other purpose built accommodation. They deserve the same rights as other renters, and I am glad that MSPs have backed plans to crack down on the accommodation operators ripping off students.

    “Students deserve the same protections as other renters. Their halls are their home, but in many cases the costs are simply out of control and what they get for their money is extremely poor.

    “Private providers, the likes of UNITE and Student Roost, account for over three quarters of purpose-built student accommodation. Their high rates are leaving many students reliant on food banks.

    “Thanks to the Scottish Greens this bill will deliver much needed rent controls and more protections for renters. Our MSPs will continue working with other parties to ensure students get the full benefits of that work and their housing costs are brought back under control.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Update on counter-terrorism policing operations

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Oral statement to Parliament

    Update on counter-terrorism policing operations

    Statement by the Security Minister on recent counter-terrorism policing operations and arrests of 8 Iranian nationals.

    With permission Mr Speaker, I will make a statement on the series of national security related arrests that took place on Saturday 3 May. 

    Protecting our national security is the first duty of government, and it is a testament to our world-leading law enforcement and intelligence services that through their tireless commitment, so many plots against the UK have been thwarted. And I want to pay tribute to them again today for the work they have done not just this weekend but in recent weeks and months on these important operations.

    The 2 operations that took place across multiple locations this weekend were significant and complex. They were some of the largest counter state threats and counter-terrorism actions we have seen in recent times. 

    I am sure the whole House will want to join with me in thanking the police, security services, and other partner agencies across the country who showed their professionalism and expertise in carrying out these operations to keep our country safe.

    Honourable and Right Honourable Members will understand that these are complex investigations. 

    The police and security services need the time and space to be able to pursue those investigations and our first priority must be to protect the integrity of that work, so we do not cut across those investigations and operations at a crucial time.

    However, these are serious matters, and the House will rightly want to remain informed. I will therefore outline as much detail as I am able. I hope that Honourable and Right Honourable Members will understand that there is a strict limit to what I can say at this stage given investigations are now ongoing.

    Mr Speaker, I would first like to outline the facts around the events on Saturday 3 May. Throughout that day Counter Terrorism Police undertook a series of arrests relating to two separate investigations.

    In total eight men were arrested by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command. Five men were arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, as part of a proactive investigation in the areas of West London, Swindon, Rochdale, Stockport and Manchester.

    All 5 men are Iranian nationals. Whilst 4 of the individuals remain in police custody, the fifth individual has now been bailed with strict conditions.

    As part of the investigation, police officers carried out searches at a number of addresses in the Greater Manchester, London and Swindon areas. Investigations continue with searches and activity still underway at multiple addresses across the country.

    The investigation relates to a suspected plot to target specific premises. Police officers have been in contact with the affected site to make them aware and provide relevant security advice and support. However, the police have also been clear that for reasons of operational security and public safety, they are not – and I am not – able to provide further information on the target at this time and I would urge Members not to speculate on the site.

    In a separate police investigation, two men were arrested at two different addresses in north west London and one man was arrested at an address in west London. All 3 were arrested under the National Security Act 2023.

    These 3 men are also Iranian nationals and remain in police custody. I can confirm to the House that these are the first Iranian nationals arrested under the National Security Act.

    The operations to execute these eight arrests under both counter-terror and counter -state threat powers, in different parts of the country, in the space of 24 hours were intensive. They involved a range of different organisations – including different police forces, counter terror police, the National Crime Agency and our security and intelligence services. Those operations were coordinated through the world-leading Counter Terrorism Operations Centre, or CTOC, which brings together and coordinates the UK’s agencies, alongside the agencies of our Five Eyes partners, to detect and tackle national security threats. I welcome the work of the previous government to establish CTOC in 2021, which this government has continued to support and invest in since taking office.

    The significant point about both counter-terrorism and counter-state threats powers is that they allow the police to intervene early to prevent and disrupt threats, not just to respond after events have taken place. That is crucial for public safety, but it also makes the investigations more complex and that is why the police need the time and space to pursue them now. We will not be providing a running commentary on the work that they are doing.

    But what now follows is an incredibly complex set of investigations, involving hundreds more officers carrying out forensic searches, collecting vital evidence across different sites across the country and securing witness statements, backed up by the continued efforts of our security and intelligence agencies. This is careful, painstaking work.

    Mr Speaker, at this stage in the operations and investigations it would not be appropriate for me to speculate on or comment further on the details of these two cases and the motivations behind any of the threats that were posed.

    But the House will be aware that these operations come against a backdrop of complex, interconnected threats to the UK – where state threats and counter-terrorism, as well as serious and organised crime, are intertwined together. 

    For twenty years the greatest focus of our national security work was on terrorism – primarily from Islamist terrorism, with additional threats from Northern Ireland Related Terrorism and other areas – and those threats have not gone away. Fifteen terrorist attacks have taken place since 2017, and there have been 43 late-stage disruptions of terrorism plots. 

    But alongside that we have seen a serious, growing and complex challenge from state threats. Last year, Sir Ken McCallum, Director General of MI5, said MI5 state threats investigations had increased by 48 per cent in the previous 12 months. He added that since January 2022, the police and MI5 had responded to 20 Iran-backed plots presenting potentially lethal threats.

    In March, I told Parliament that the UK is facing a growing and evolving threat from malign activity carried out by a number of states. 

    My statement in March outlined the government’s response to the unacceptable threat we face from the Iranian state, and the steps we are taking to ensure that our intelligence and law enforcement agencies have the tools they need to disrupt and degrade Iran’s malign activity on UK soil. And we have delivered on the commitments made.

    I announced that the whole of the Iranian state – including the IRGC and MOIS – would be placed on the Enhanced Tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme. I laid the regulations to make this happen in the House on the 1 April and committed to bring the scheme into force on 1 July. I trust all Members will vote in favour when those regulations are debated shortly.

    Let me be clear. Anyone in the UK who works for the Iranian state must declare it or they will be committing a serious criminal offence.

    We will also go after the criminal networks and enablers that Iran uses to carry out its work. And the government sanctioned the Foxtrot Network last month, a network involved in violence against Jewish and Israeli targets in Europe on behalf of the Iranian regime.

    Training and guidance on state threats activity is now being offered by Counter Terrorism Policing to all 45 territorial polices across the UK.

    And the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism and State Threats Legislation, Jonathan Hall KC, was asked by the Home Secretary to review the parts of our counter-terrorism framework which could be applied to modern day state threats, such as those from Iran.

    The Home Secretary specifically asked the Reviewer to look at a state threats proscription tool so we are not held back in limitations in applying counter-terrorism legislation to state threats. Jonathan Hall has now completed his review and will publish it shortly. The government will not hesitate to take action in response to Mr Hall’s advice.

    As we continue to support the police and the security services in their investigations, I can also tell the House that the Home Secretary has instigated a series of security assessments which are being done or being refreshed in the light of the cases this weekend and the further information surrounding them. This will ensure that the government can respond robustly and comprehensively to any wider national security issues raised by these cases.

    Mr Speaker, working alongside our international allies in countering state threats is central to our success.

    The Foreign Office are engaging with our closest allies to outline the disruptive action that has taken place and will be considering potential future response options, as the investigation progresses.

    The Home Secretary remains in close contact with my Right Honourable Friend, the Foreign Secretary, who I know is committed to doing everything that is necessary to protect the country from these threats and to bring to bear all the diplomatic tools at our disposal.

    Mr Speaker, the Home Secretary and Ministers will provide an update on the national security position when we are able to do so – both following these operations and investigations and the wider security assessments that are underway.

    The government will not hesitate to act in a robust manner to respond to these plots at the appropriate time. But first, we must allow the investigations to continue.

    Our police, security and intelligence agencies are the best in the world and stand ready at all times to take action to keep our country safe – I am sure they will have the support of this whole House as they continue their vital work.

    I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Consultation response on Non-Jury Trials in Northern Ireland, May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Government response

    Consultation response on Non-Jury Trials in Northern Ireland, May 2025

    Government response to Consultation on Non-Jury Trials in Northern Ireland

    On 9 December 2024, the Northern Ireland Office launched a 12-week public consultation seeking views on whether the non-jury trial provisions within the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007 (the 2007 Act) should be extended for a further two years.

    The consultation closed on 3 March 2025. This response contains an analysis of the consultation responses received and the subsequent decision that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has made to extend the non-jury trial provisions within the 2007 Act.

    The response can be found here: Consultation response on Non-Jury Trials in Northern Ireland (PDF, 2.17 MB, 42 pages)

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Funding secured to explore new John Hume archive project

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Funding secured to explore new John Hume archive project

    6 May 2025

    The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council has warmly welcomed funding announced today for a scoping report to explore the further development of the John Hume archive, currently on loan to the Tower Museum from the Hume family.

    The team at the Museum received confirmation that the application to the Archives Revealed Scoping Grant programme was successful and work can now begin on the project, titled ‘Unlocking The John Hume Archive Collection’. The programme is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Pilgrim Trust, the Wolfson Foundation and The National Archives.

    The Tower Museum team have extensive experience working with archive and museum collections and have been carrying out the professional archive work to ensure the collection can become accessible to the public in the longer term and remain in the city for that process and beyond. A Scoping Report for this collection will help assess potential timelines to develop the collection and integrate the archive into wider engagement plans.

    John Hume’s significant political and personal archive dates between the 1960s-2000s, consisting of documents created and received throughout his time as a political representative during one of the most significant historic eras in Northern Ireland. The collection includes references to the Civil Rights campaign, the Troubles, international affairs and British and Irish relations. The documents include draft and final speeches, policy documents, publications, photographs, and ephemera collected at various events. The collection also captures John Hume’s roles and responsibilities throughout his career and is recognised as having immense value for a range of audiences.

    Welcoming the news, Mayor Lilian Seenoi Barr, said the collection would be of huge interest to visitors and a wonderful legacy for the people of the city. “I want to congratulate the Tower Museum Team on this announcement, which has the potential to develop a fascinating and internationally significant historic archive which will draw people to the city.

    “John Hume’s integral role in the Peace Process and his skill both as a local representative and a major driver of social change are documented in this archive and I know both the Hume family and the people of Derry and Strabane will be delighted to see work commence on exploring a comprehensive and fitting tribute to John Hume and his work.”

    Head of Culture with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter, explained more about the project: “The collection was deposited in 2024 in recognition of the archive experience and expertise of our team and the current successful display linked to John Hume’s Peace Prize Collection in the Guildhall. Conversations have been ongoing with the Hume Family and Ulster University other partners to develop plans to make the archive more widely accessible. We will now have the opportunity to look at the archive more closely and explore opportunities that will allow visitors, local and international, to learn more about the role John Hume played in the history of this very unique city.”

    Welcoming the news, the Hume family said: “We congratulate the Tower Museum team on this announcement and thank them for their hard work and dedication.  Our father was passionate about the study of history and specifically the history of Derry.  We are delighted that work is continuing on his archive, and very much hope that it can contribute to both understanding our past and help provide lessons for future generations.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/SUDAN – Drone attacks on Port Sudan: The conflict risks spreading to neighboring regions

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Tuesday, 6 May 2025 wars  

    Khartoum (Agenzia Fides) – The war in Sudan has escalated with the bombing of Port Sudan, the stronghold of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) under the command of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).Today, May 6, RSF drones under the command of Mohamed Hamdan “Hemeti” Dagalo attacked the important Sudanese port city for the third consecutive day. The attacks targeted the civilian area of the airport, a fuel depot, the main military base in the city center, and a hotel.The first attack took place on Sunday, May 4, when the military part of the airport was targeted.Although there were no casualties, the attack caused damage to several warehouses and facilities. The May 4 attack came just two days after a similar airstrike against facilities in the city of Kassala.Port Sudan has become increasingly strategically important since the Sudanese government, diplomatic missions, international organizations, and major companies relocated there after the RSF seized control of large parts of the capital, Khartoum. The attacks on Port Sudan have provoked strong reactions from the Sudanese government, which has indicated that the RSF is supported by key international allies such as Kenya, which recently hosted a summit sponsored by Dagalo to form an alternative government to the one led by General al-Burhan (see Fides, 19/2/2025).But the United Arab Emirates is particularly in the sights of al-Burhan, who is accused of supplying the RSF with the drones used in the recent attacks. Just yesterday, May 5, the International Court of Justice dismissed the Sudanese government’s lawsuit against the United Arab Emirates, accusing it of complicity in the genocide in Darfur (see Fides, 11/4/2025). The court ruled that it lacked jurisdiction over the case because the UAE had reservations regarding Article 9 of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.Sudanese government officials suspect that the bombs that hit Port Sudan did not come from rebel-held Sudanese territories, but from Bosaso in Somalia’s Puntland, where the Emirates have established a key logistical center from which they supply the RSF with weapons and ammunition. According to some sources, the Emirati base in Bosaso (protected by sophisticated Israeli-made radar) was hit on May 3 by drones launched by the Sudanese army. The latest attacks on Port Sudan are therefore in retaliation for the May 3 attack, in which a cargo plane chartered by the Emirates carrying Colombian mercenaries and weapons was allegedly hit at the moment of take-off to Nyala in Darfur (western Sudan), the RSF stronghold.The Sudanese conflict therefore threatens to spread to neighboring countries and actors outside Africa. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 6/5/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/MYANMAR – The new Bishop of Mindat and the 17th diocese: a gift of divine mercy

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    diocese of Mindat

    Yangon (Agenzia Fides) – The episcopal ordination of Msgr. Augustine Thang Zawm Hung and the erection of the new Diocese of Mindat in the Burmese state of Chin, in northwestern Myanmar, were considered a gift of divine mercy by the Catholic people of Myanmar. Amidst difficulties, conflicts, and the consequences of the violent earthquake that devastated the country a month ago, the baptized in Myanmar wanted to gather around the new bishop and gathered on April 27, Divine Mercy Sunday, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Yangon, where the establishment of the Diocese of Mindat and the episcopal ordination of Bishop Augustine Thang Zawm Hung took place. The faithful also gave an emotional farewell to the late Pope Francis, recalling that on January 25, 2025, the Pontiff had officially proclaimed the establishment of the Diocese of Mindat, which was based on part of the Diocese of Hakha and is now the 17th diocese in Myanmar.The faithful prayed and were moved by the figure of Pope Francis, who repeatedly mentioned the tragic situation in Myanmar in his appeals, “which showed that he carried Myanmar in his heart,” they said.Also thanks to that special closeness expressed by the Holy See, the Burmese faithful have shown great resilience in faith, in dramatic times: the creation of a new diocese testifies to the dynamism and growth of the Church in Myanmar, “it is a reason for joy for the universal Church and a reason for hope for the future” they said. The Bishop – they emphasize in the new diocese – is not alone in his mission: priests, nuns, catechists, volunteers and faithful all have a great spirit of collaboration. The faithful of Mindat have shown, in these times of serious crisis, that they want to build bridges of friendship, brotherhood and reconciliation. In one of the poorest regions of the country, in the Chin state, crossed by armed conflicts, the population of the new diocese of Mindat and its Bishop are ready to “give a testimony of Christian life, practicing the culture of dialogue and encounter, with closeness to the people, good works and the construction of fraternal and welcoming communities: in this way it is possible to hope and see God at work”, they note.The principal consecrator of the ordination ceremony was Archbishop Marcus Tin Win of Mandalay, as the Archbishop of Yangon, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, was in Rome for the Pope’s funeral and the Conclave. Archbishop Marco Tin Win said, “God wants us to recognize that his mercy is greater than our sins, so that we can invoke him with confidence, receive his mercy, and through us, it will be passed on to others. In this way, everyone will be able to share his joys.” The Archbishop spoke about the various difficulties facing the people of Chin State, Burma, due to the political situation and the suffering following the great earthquake. He said, “Amidst hardships and difficulties, we cannot limit ourselves to looking down, but are invited to raise our gaze to the Lord,” recalling Christ’s promise “to always be with us.” At the end of the celebration, Archbishop Andrea Ferrante, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Myanmar, recalled Pope Francis, who was close to the Burmese people in recent years with his prayers and constant appeals for dialogue and peace. He also encouraged the new Bishop of Mindat, who is called to the great responsibility of “bringing the peace of Christ to the flock entrusted to him.” A path that “is not easy, but not impossible, if it is stimulated and nourished by prayer and fraternal cooperation within and outside the Church.” “The new bishop,” he recalled, “has the task of making the community grow in faith, hope, and charity, and of ensuring communion with the Episcopal Conference and the universal Church, under the guidance of the Pope.” He added: “Amidst insecurity, the ongoing armed conflicts, the poverty of the population, the dramatic situation of families and young people, which generates fear, we must remember the words of Pope Francis: ‘War strikes in a special way the most vulnerable and leaves indelible marks on families… the paths of peace are paths of solidarity, because no one is saved alone. Peace is possible.” He concluded by encouraging everyone to work with the new bishop to carry out effective and fruitful missionary work, to “build bridges of friendship, fraternity, and reconciliation.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 6/5/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: VATICAN – Conclave: More and more Cardinals from the countries entrusted to the Dicastery for Evangelization gather in the Sistine Chapel

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Tuesday, 6 May 2025

    Foto d’archivio

    by Fabio BerettaVatican City (Agenzia Fides) – With the image of Christ and the Last Judgment painted by Michelangelo on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel, the Cardinals are gathering in Conclave to elect the successor of Peter. An election in which an increasing number of cardinals from the countries under the jurisdiction of the Dicastery for Evangelization – Section for the First Evangelization and the New Particular Churches – are participating.To date, a total of 1,123 ecclesiastical districts (i.e., Archdioceses, Dioceses, Territorial Abbeys, Apostolic Vicariates, Apostolic Prefectures, Missions sui iuris, Apostolic Administrations, and Military Ordinariates) are subject to the Dicastery for Evangelization. Most of them are in Africa (525) and Asia (481), followed by the Americas (71) and Oceania (46).The Conclave of June 1963When John XXIII died on June 3, 1963, 82 Cardinals were still alive, all of whom had the right to participate in the election of the Successor of Peter. The rule that today prohibits Cardinals over the age of 80 from participating in the Conclave was introduced by Paul VI in 1970. Thus, the College of Cardinals that elected Pope Paul VI included Cardinals over the age of 80.Nevertheless, only 80 of them entered the Sistine Chapel. Two Cardinals did not come to Rome: the Hungarian József Mindszenty (the communist regime forbade him from leaving the country) and Carlos María Javier de la Torre, Archbishop of Quito, Ecuador (absent due to health reasons). A total of 29 nations were represented.A total of seven cardinals from the territories then under the jurisdiction of the Congregation Propaganda Fide participated in the Conclave that year: Peter Tatsuo Doi (Japan, Archbishop of Tokyo, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan), Valerian Gracias (India, Archbishop of Bombay, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India), Laurean Rugambwa (Tanzania, Bishop of Bukoba), Thomas Tien Ken-sin (China, Archbishop of Beijing, Apostolic Administrator of Taipei), and Norman Thomas Gilroy (Australia, Archbishop of Sydney, Primate of Australia, Grand Prior for Australia-New South Wales of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem).The Conclaves of 1978Paul VI was the first Pope to expand the boundaries of the College of Cardinals by appointing numerous non-European cardinals. After the death of the Pope (on August 6, 1978), who decided to exclude Cardinals over eighty from voting with the Motu Proprio “Ingravescentem Aetatem” of 21 November 1970 and modified some norms of the Conclave with the Apostolic Constitution “Romano Pontifici Eligendo” of 1 October 1975, a total of 111 cardinals were eligible to vote.At the conclave in August 1978, however, only 108 people entered the Sistine Chapel: Valerian Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, John Joseph Wright, Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, and Bolesław Filipiak, Dean Emeritus of the Roman Rota, were all absent from the Conclave for health reasons.A total of 18 cardinals from the so-called mission territories took part in the election of John Paul I, including one cardinal who works in the Roman Curia and one French cardinal who heads an archdiocese in North Africa: Bernardin Gantin (Benin, President of the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum”), Lawrence Trevor Picachy (India, Archbishop of Calcutta, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India), Justinus Darmojuwono (Indonesia, Archbishop of Semarang), Joseph Marie Anthony Cordeiro (Pakistan, Archbishop of Karachi), Stephen Kim Sou-hwan (South Korea, Archbishop of Seoul, Apostolic Administrator of Pyongyang), Thomas Benjamin Cooray (Sri Lanka, Archbishop of Colombo, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Sri Lanka), Joseph Marie Trinh-nhu-Khuê (Vietnam, Archbishop of Ha Noi), Maurice Michael Otunga (Kenya, Archbishop of Nairobi, President of the Episcopal Conference of Kenya, Military Vicar for Kenya), Victor Razafimahatratra (Madagascar, Archbishop of Antananarivo, President of the Episcopal Conference of Madagascar), Dominic Ekandem (Nigeria, Bishop of Ikot Ekpene, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria), Hyacinthe Thiandoum (Senegal, Archbishop of Dakar, President of the Episcopal Conference of Senegal, Mauritania, Cape Verde and Guinea Bissau), Owen McCann (South Africa, Archbishop of Cape Town), Laurean Rugambwa (Tanzania, Archbishop of Dar-es-Salaam) Emmanuel Kiwanuka Nsubuga (Uganda, Archbishop of Kampala), Paul Zoungrana (Burkina Faso, Archbishop of Ouagadougou), Joseph-Albert Malula (Democratic Republic of Congo, Archbishop of Kinshasa), Pio Taofinu’u (Samoa, Bishop of Samoa and Tokelau), Reginald John Delargey (New Zealand, Archbishop of Wellington, President of the New Zealand Bishops’ Conference).In 1978, a second Conclave took place just over a month after the first, as John Paul I died after only 33 days of pontificate. During this brief period, there were no Consistories, and when the cardinals met again in the Sistine Chapel in October of that year, the cardinals were the same ones who had met a few weeks earlier. They all held the same offices. Forty-six nations were represented in both Conclaves.The 2005 ConclaveThe first Conclave of the third millennium began with the reform of the conclave, which John Paul II initiated in 1996 with the Apostolic Constitution “Universi Dominici Gregis.” That year, the cardinals were accommodated for the first time in the new guesthouse Casa Santa Marta (instead of in the halls of the Apostolic Palace), which had been built specifically for this purpose. In the conclave that led to the election of Benedict XVI, 117 Cardinals were eligible to vote. A total of 115 entered the Sistine Chapel: Adolfo Antonio Suárez Rivera (Archbishop Emeritus of Monterrey, Mexico) and Jaime Lachica Sin (Archbishop Emeritus of Manila, Philippines) were unable to travel to Rome for health reasons.At the time of John Paul II’s death, the eligible Cardinals came from 52 nations on all continents. In total, there were seventeen cardinals from countries entrusted to the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, some of whom headed dicasteries and bodies of the Holy See: Wilfrid Fox Napier (South Africa, Archbishop of Durban), Gabriel Zubeir Wako (Sudan, Archbishop of Khartoum), Telesphore Placidus Toppo (India, Archbishop of Ranchi), Armand Gaétan Razafindratandra (Madagascar, Archbishop of Antananarivo), Bernard Agré (Ivory Coast, Archbishop of Abidjan), Emmanuel Wamala (Uganda, Archbishop of Kampala), Christian Wiyghan Tumi (Cameroon, Archbishop of Douala), Frédéric Etsou-Nzabi-Bamungwabi (Democratic Republic of Congo, Archbishop of Kinshasa), Francis Arinze (Nigeria, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments), Peter Seiichi Shirayanagi (Japan, Archbishop Emeritus of Tokyo), Michael Michai Kitbunchu (Thailand, Archbishop of Bangkok, President of the Thai Bishops’ Conference), Stephen Fumio Hamao (Japan, President of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People), Anthony Olubunmi Okogie (Nigeria, Archbishop of Lagos), Ivan Dias (India, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples), Julius Riyadi Darmaatmadja (Indonesia, Archbishop of Jakarta, Military Bishop of Indonesia), Jean-Baptiste Pham Minh Mân (Vietnam, Archbishop of Ho Chi Minh), Peter Turkson (Ghana, Archbishop of Cape Coast).The 2013 ConclaveWhen Benedict XVI announced to the world his resignation from the Petrine Ministry during a Consistory in February 2013, 117 eligible cardinals were present, but only 115 entered the Sistine Chapel. Julius Riyadi Darmaatmadja (Archbishop Emeritus of Jakarta, Indonesia) and Keith Michael Patrick O’Brien (Archbishop Emeritus of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh, Scotland) were absent for health reasons.During the conclave that led to the election of Pope Francis, 17 Cardinals from the territories entrusted to the Missionary Dicastery arrived in Rome. As in previous Conclaves, several of these cardinals served in the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia: Peter Turkson (Ghana, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace), Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don (Sri Lanka, Archbishop of Colombo), Robert Sarah (Guinea, President of the Pontifical Council ‘Cor Unum’), George Alencherry (India, Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly), Oswald Gracias (India, Archbishop of Bombay), Polycarp Pengo (Tanzania, Archbishop of Dar-es-Salaam), John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan (Nigeria, Archbishop of Abuja), John Njue (Kenya, Archbishop of Nairobi), Wilfrid Fox Napier (South Africa, Archbishop of Durban), Gabriel Zubeir Wako (Sudan, Archbishop of Khartoum), Telesphore Placidus Toppo (India, Archbishop of Ranchi), Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya (Democratic Republic of Congo, Archbishop of Kinshasa), John Tong Hon (China, Bishop of Hong Kong), Théodore-Adrien Sarr (Senegal, Archbishop of Dakar), Anthony Olubunmi Okogie (Nigeria, Archbishop of Lagos), Ivan Dias (India, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples), Jean-Baptiste Pham Minh Mân (Vietnam, Archbishop of Hô Chí Minh).The 2025 ConclaveAt the time of Pope Francis’s death, there are 252 cardinals alive, of whom 135 arepotential electors for the Conclave that begins on May 7. Of these, 133 will enter the Sistine Chapel, as two of them, Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera, Archbishop Emeritus of Valencia, and Cardinal John Njue, Archbishop Emeritus of Nairobi, are absent for health reasons.It will be a Conclave with Cardinals from 66 nations. Among them are 34 from the territories under the jurisdiction of the Dicastery for Evangelization. Some of them come from other countries but exercise their ministry in these mission countries, just as some are active in the Roman Curia: Giorgio Marengo (Italy, Apostolic Prefect of Ulan Bator, Mongolia), Virgílio do Carmo da Silva (East Timor, Metropolitan Archbishop of Dili), Dieudonné Nzapalainga (Central African Republic, Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangui), Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla (South Sudan, Metropolitan Archbishop of Juba), Jean-Paul Vesco (France, Metropolitan Archbishop of Algiers), Soane Patita Paini Mafi (Tonga, Bishop of Tonga), Anthony Poola (India, Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad), Ignace Bessi Dogbo (Ivory Coast, Metropolitan Archbishop of Abidjan), Protase Rugambwa (Tanzania, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tabora), Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Kinshasa), Stephen Chow Sau-yan (China, Bishop of Hong Kong), Antoine Kambanda (Rwanda, Metropolitan Archbishop of Kigali), Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi (Japan, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tokyo), William Goh Seng Chye (Singapore, Archbishop of Singapore), John Ribat (Papua New Guinea, Metropolitan Archbishop of Port Moresby), Stephen Brislin (South Africa, Metropolitan Archbishop of Johannesburg), Désiré Tsarahazana (Madagascar, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toamasina), Filipe Neri Ferrão (India, Metropolitan Archbishop of Goa and Damão), Cristóbal López Romero (Spain, Archbishop of Rabat, Morocco), Lazarus You Heung-sik (South Korea, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy), Sebastian Francis (Malaysia, Bishop of Penang), Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo (Indonesia, Metropolitan Archbishop of Jakarta), Arlindo Gomes Furtado (Cape Verde, Bishop of Santiago de Cabo Verde), Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij (Thailand, Archbishop Emeritus of Bangkok), Thomas Aquino Manyo Maeda (Japan, Metropolitan Archbishop of Osaka-Takamatsu), Charles Maung Bo (Myanmar, Metropolitan Archbishop of Yangon), Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson (Ghana, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences), John Atcherley Dew (New Zealand, Archbishop Emeritus of Wellington), Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don (Sri Lanka, Metropolitan Archbishop of Colombo), Philippe Nakellentuba Ouédraogo (Burkina Faso, Archbishop Emeritus of Ouagadougou), Jean-Pierre Kutwa (Ivory Coast, Archbishop Emeritus of Abidjan), Joseph Coutts (Pakistan, Archbishop Emeritus of Karachi), Robert Sarah (Guinea, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments), Peter Ebere Okpaleke (Nigeria, Bishop of Ekwulobia). (Agenzia Fides, 6/5/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dingell Remarks on H.J.Res.88

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

    WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) spoke on the House Floor on H.J.Res.88. Dingell’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below.

    See a video of her remarks here.
     
    Thank you, M. Speaker. 
     
    I rise today in opposition to H.J.Res.88.
     
    As a staunch defender of Michigan’s auto industry — the backbone of the American economy — and someone who cares deeply about the environment, I do not take this vote lightly. I have spoken to all the stakeholders involved multiple times.
     
    I believe in preserving consumer choice, maintaining American leadership in innovation, defending the future of domestic manufacturing, and protecting the environment. These are not mutually exclusive.
     
    Michigan, and the United States, put the world on wheels, and now, we are leading the transition to the next generation of vehicles.
     
    We cannot afford to cede that leadership to our adversaries. I will remind my colleagues that it wasn’t that long ago when gasoline prices went up and American consumers wanted smaller cars, Japanese carmakers flooded our market with smaller vehicles, caught our domestic industry flat-footed, and U.S. manufacturers paid the price for a decade. 
     
    We must innovate, adapt, and build vehicles competitively here at home. The global marketplace wants EVs, hybrids, and internal combustion engines.
     
    To lead globally, we must accelerate the manufacturing of cleaner vehicles in a practical, affordable, and inclusive way. That means building out EV charging infrastructure, keeping hybrids and plug-in hybrids available, and ensuring affordability, which is becoming one of the biggest issues in this country. Especially when competing with at least one country where the government subsidizes manufacturing, uses forced labor, and manipulates currency.
     
    We cannot cede our leadership to China or any other country. This also means investing in advanced manufacturing, securing domestic battery supply chains, and protecting the Inflation Reduction Act’s historic EV investments.
     
    California’s Advanced Clean Cars 2 program would impose EV sales mandates across nearly 30 percent of the U.S. market. While that may work for California, it isn’t working in some other states.
     
    Let me be clear: this is not the time to ban gas-powered vehicles. CARB and Governors must be able to adjust these programs if market conditions change. Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently did just that, easing compliance enforcement. 
     
    I share concerns about consumer choice, but this Congressional Review Act resolution has serious legal flaws. The Government Accountability Office and the Senate Parliamentarian both ruled that these waivers are not subject to the CRA. Proceeding sets a dangerous precedent. 
     
    Misusing the CRA today could open the door to striking down a wide range of federal programs tomorrow, including Medicaid waivers, which worries me greatly. I don’t sleep at night on that one. 
     
    We are here today because some states have adopted stricter rules that could ban new gas-powered vehicles by this summer. I support the EV transition, but we are simply not there yet.

    For model year 2026, ACC 2 states would require 35 percent of new car sales to be a mix of electric or hybrid, yet the national average is still around 10 percent. That jumps to 68 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2035. For most states, this is not realistic today.
     
    We need all stakeholders at the table — labor, manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, environmental groups, and consumers — to work together for the American people, and figure it out so we stay competitive in a global marketplace, meet consumer demand, take care of the environment, sell affordable cars, and keep manufacturing in this country.
     
    This resolution would be unprecedented federal overreach. While I disagree with California’s timeline, I also disagree with misusing the CRA to address it.
     
    If we’re serious about American leadership, EVs must be in our portfolio. I remain committed to protecting American jobs, expanding consumer choice, and ensuring U.S. leadership in global automotive innovation.
     
    The American people sent us here to solve problems. Let’s stop wasting time on illegitimate messaging CRAs and work together to support innovation, build out the infrastructure, and ensure access to affordable, American-made vehicles — whether gas-powered, hybrid, or electric.
     
    Let’s work together for our country. With that, I will be voting ‘no’.
     
    Thank you, M. Speaker, and I yield back.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: CNL Team Recognized With CNIC 2024 Ecosystem Innovation Award for Production of Promising New Medical Isotope

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHALK RIVER, Ontario, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, is pleased to announce that it has been recognized by the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) alongside the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre and Advanced Cyclotron Systems Inc. for being the first in Canada to produce Actinium-225, a promising new medical isotope in the fight against cancer, using a cyclotron and Radium-226 targets. The team was honoured with this year’s CNIC Ecosystem Innovation Award at the annual awards ceremony held in Ottawa, Ontario on April 15th.

    The CNIC Awards are an annual celebration of the growth and success of Canadian isotope industry and the contributions and innovations of its members and leading Canadian individuals in government and industry. CNIC provides a platform for its community to nominate individuals and organizations who have demonstrated leadership and championed advocacy in the industry. Receiving the Ecosystem Innovation Award, which recognizes a major milestone or initiative in Canada’s isotope industry, recognizes CNL’s ongoing efforts to establish this first-of-a-kind production process in Canada, which brings a significant increase in the quantity of this material to market, and unlocks further research and clinical trials.

    “While Actinium-225 drugs have shown incredible potential to serve as a transformative cancer treatment, clinical trials and eventual drug approvals have been impeded by the tight supply scenario of Actinium-225,” commented Ram Mullur, CNL’s Vice-President of Isotopes. “More than seven years ago, CNL set out to address that challenge with the generator route of production of Actinium-225, and we are now moving ever-closer to industrial-scale production. This was enabled through the services and products provided by our collaborators, including the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre, and Advanced Cyclotron Systems. This achievement is also in support of Actineer, which is a joint venture founded in 2023 by ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE (ITM), a leading radiopharmaceutical biotech company, and CNL. On behalf of CNL, I want to thank the CNIC for recognizing CNL, our collaborators and partners, and the people who are working so hard to bring this vision to life.”

    “The Fedoruk Centre is proud to participate in this achievement with CNL. The work depended on access to the Saskatchewan Cyclotron Facility, which is owned by the University of Saskatchewan and operated by the Fedoruk Centre. Together, we have advanced the production of an exciting new medical isotope here in Canada,” commented John Root, Executive Director of the Fedoruk Centre. “We must thank the federal and provincial governments who funded the cyclotron and infrastructure to make this innovation possible.”

    “The first demonstration of Actinium-225 production by CNL using ACSI’s TR-24 Cyclotron and targetry system is an important milestone for both organisations. I believe that we will continue this successful collaboration in developing technology that will help in achieving worldwide reliable supply of Actinium-225,” stated Richard Eppich, President and CEO of ACSI.

    CNL is currently working as part of a network of organizations to establish a reliable, industrial-scale production process for Actinium-225. “CNL has come a long way in the last seven years, and this award recognizes all of the hard work we have put in to help achieve this unmet need in the radiopharmaceutical industry,” added Mullur. “But I am pleased to say that we are just getting started, and continue to refine, optimize and improve all aspects of the production process, from development through to the extraction and distribution of the final product. And with each step, our optimism continues to grow that this isotope has the potential to serve as a safe and effective treatment for a variety of cancers.”

    To learn more about CNL, including its work to produce Actinium-225, please visit www.cnl.ca.

    About CNL
    As Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology laboratory and working under the direction of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), CNL is a world leader in the development of innovative nuclear science and technology products and services. Guided by an ambitious corporate strategy known as Vision 2030, CNL fulfills three strategic priorities of national importance – restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technologies, and contributing to the health of Canadians.

    By leveraging the assets owned by AECL, CNL also serves as the nexus between government, the nuclear industry, the broader private sector and the academic community. CNL works in collaboration with these sectors to advance innovative Canadian products and services towards real-world use, including carbon-free energy, cancer treatments and other therapies, non-proliferation technologies and waste management solutions.

    To learn more about CNL, please visit www.cnl.ca.

    About the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre
    The Fedoruk Centre is a not-for-profit corporation with the University of Saskatchewan (USask) as its sole member and an independent board of directors appointed by the USask board of governors. The Fedoruk Centre board is responsible for providing high-level strategic direction and oversight of Fedoruk Centre operations.

    For more information about the Fedoruk Centre, visit: www.fedorukcentre.ca

    About Advanced Cyclotron Systems Inc.
    Advanced Cyclotron Systems, Inc. (ACSI) is a world leader in the design and manufacturing of cyclotron systems. With over 30 years of experience and more than 60 cyclotron systems installed, ACSI can provide a wide range of equipment and services worldwide. ACSI cyclotrons are used for the commercial production and distribution of PET and SPECT nuclides by internationally recognized companies and leading universities and research facilities. ACSI cyclotrons are designed, manufactured, and assembled in Richmond, Canada.

    ACSI offers a full spectrum of cyclotron systems ranging from PET cyclotrons to medium and high energy accelerators. All ACSI manufactured cyclotrons have variable energy and employ external ion source technology, offering the highest beam current output available on the market.

    The versatility, high beam current and exceptional quality of ACSI cyclotrons are the reasons why many of the world’s most prestigious universities and research centers, as well as some of the most successful commercial radioisotope producers have chosen ACSI cyclotrons to meet their radioisotope production needs.

    ACSI headquarters and manufacturing facility is located in Richmond, BC, Canada.

    For more information, please visit www.advancedcyclotron.com.

    CNL Contact:
    Philip Kompass
    Director, Corporate Communications
    1-866-886-2325
    media@cnl.ca

    Sylvia Fedoruk Centre Contact:
    Daniel Hallen
    USask Media Relations
    daniel.hallen@usask.ca  
    306-966-6922

    Advanced Cyclotron Systems Inc. Contact
    Alex Zyuzin
    Director of Research & Business Development
    azyuzin@advancedcyclotron.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/13192f18-235c-42e2-8bce-2e97b6df9c16

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kim, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect U.S. Economy from CCP Military Aggression

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    Washington, DC — Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) joined Reps. Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Ritchie Torres (NY-15) to introduce bipartisan legislation to shield American markets from the catastrophic economic fallout of a potential Chinese Communist Party (CCP) invasion of Taiwan.  

    The Fortifying U.S. Markets from Chinese Military Aggression Act would create an advisory committee under the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) to develop an actionable plan to safeguard the U.S. economy in the event of CCP military escalation. 

    “Taiwan is not just a steadfast partner to the United States – it is home to 90% of the world’s advanced semiconductors that power our lives. The impact of a CCP attack on Taiwan on the lives of all Americans cannot be overstated,” said Rep. Young Kim. “The United States must be proactive in protecting our economy in case of an attack or blockade against Taiwan, and I’m glad to partner with Reps. Nunn and Torres on a bipartisan bill that would do exactly that.”  

    “While the United States has long-standing military plans in place to respond to a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, there’s no economic game plan,” said Rep. Nunn. “90% of the world’s advanced semiconductors are manufactured in Taiwan. The economic impact of that capacity falling into the hands of the CCP would be devastating, not just for global markets, but for Main Street Iowa businesses. This bipartisan bill ensures we have a clear, coordinated plan to respond.” 

    “American investors should never be in the business of bankrolling the CCP’s military. Our bipartisan bill is a clear-eyed effort to ensure American financial markets are not exploited to strengthen an authoritarian regime that threatens our values and our allies,” said Rep. Torres. “Transparency and accountability are not just economic principles: they are national security imperatives. I’m proud to work with Congressman Nunn to push for a bipartisan solution to safeguard the integrity of our markets and defend American interests.” 

    “Representatives Zach Nunn, Ritchie Torres and Young Kim are demonstrating the kind of forward-thinking leadership our markets urgently need. In today’s globally interconnected financial system, the economic consequences of a geopolitical crisis — particularly one involving China and Taiwan — could be swift and severe,” said Ari Rubenstein, Global Trading Systems CEO. “This bipartisan bill takes a critical step toward strengthening market resilience, enhancing coordination among regulators, and ensuring we’re not caught flat-footed. Capital markets thrive on stability and preparedness, and I applaud Congressmen Nunn, Torres and Kim for proactively addressing a risk that is too significant to ignore.” 

    The bill responds to growing concerns from financial analysts and national security leaders who warn that the U.S. has no economic contingency plan to address the ripple effects of CCP aggression in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan produces nearly 90% of the world’s most advanced semiconductors, components critical to the global supply chain and U.S. national security. 

    If the CCP were to invade, economists estimate a short-term market drop of up to 34%. Bloomberg estimates a global GDP loss of $10 trillion, more than double the contraction caused by the 2008 financial crisis or the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    While military contingency plans exist, the U.S. currently lacks an economic response strategy to such an invasion. This bipartisan effort would build a framework for interagency and private sector coordination, ensuring Main Street and U.S. markets are better protected if geopolitical tensions escalate by: 

    • Establishing a 12-member FSOC Advisory Committee that would include market makers, asset managers, exchanges, and experts on China-related geopolitical risk. 
    • Tasking the committee with developing detailed reports and recommendations to identify market vulnerabilities and safeguard U.S. financial stability. 
    • Requiring FSOC to issue annual public reports on economic risks from a Taiwan conflict, including threats to U.S. banking and retaliatory actions from China. 
    • Providing recommendations to regulators to ensure U.S. capital markets are prepared for potential market volatility or trade disruptions. 

    Text of the bill can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ciscomani Hosts Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer in Tucson

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)

    Ciscomani, Chavez-DeRemer Visit Pima Community College and Attend Roundtable with the Arizona Builders Alliance 

    TUCSON, AZ — U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani yesterday hosted Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer in Tucson to tour successful job training programs at Pima Community College and discuss collaborative efforts to build a stronger workforce pipeline. 

    “I can’t say enough how important community colleges are in workforce development,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer said. “They are critical.” 

    At Ciscomani’s alma mater, the congressman and Secretary Chavez-DeRemer got a first-hand glimpse of state-of-the-art programs that train students in automotive technology, advanced manufacturing and construction trades.  

    Ciscomani, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer visit Pima Community College 

    “No matter where I go throughout the district, one of the top issues I hear is about workforce and the importance of workforce development,” Ciscomani told Pima Community College administrators and business leaders. “Community colleges are essential institutions that train and equip the workers of tomorrow with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive as productive members of the workforce. Institutions like this are vital, and I am proud to host Secretary Chavez-DeRemer at my alma mater.” 

    The discussion included Pima Community Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey Nasse, Joe Snell, President and CEO of the Chamber of Southern Arizona, Acting Provost and Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development and Innovation Ian Roark and local business leaders.  

    “We’re honored to welcome Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Congressman Juan Ciscomani to Pima Community College today,” said Pima Community College Chancellor Nasse. “Their visit underscores the critical importance of workforce development and validates the work PCC is doing every day with our industry partners. At Pima, it’s all about building real pathways to good jobs—and we do that by working hand-in-hand with employers and with key partners like the Chamber of Southern Arizona to grow a strong, regional workforce ecosystem.”   

    Ciscomani and the secretary then joined a roundtable discussion with members of the Arizona Builders Alliance to identify ways to address the workforce shortage for skilled construction workers and promote policies that reduce unnecessary red-tape and empower workers and businesses.  

    “You’re building Arizona. You’re building this country,” Ciscomani said. “The current shortage of skilled construction workers is driving costs higher and causing project delays. Secretary Chavez-DeRemer and I are focused on promoting and expanding education programs that bolster the workforce of skilled construction workers, support high-demand, well paying jobs, and support the vital construction industry.”  

    Ciscomani, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer attend roundtable hosted by the Arizona Builders Alliance 

    “I am incredibly grateful to my good friend, Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer for her leadership, commitment to empowering our workers, support for workforce development efforts, and for taking the time to meet with educators, business leaders, and employees in my district,” said Ciscomani. “Secretary Chavez-DeRemer is a fantastic partner, and I look forward to continuing working with her to deliver on our promise to America’s workforce.” 

    Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s visit to Arizona was the sixth stop on her “America at Work” nationwide listening tour. She is a former congresswoman and mayor who was sworn in as the nation’s 30th Labor Secretary on March 11, 2025. 

    “With strong growth in the construction industry thanks to President Trump, it’s critical the Labor Department continues our mission to upskill American workers by partnering with local leaders to fill these in-demand jobs,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “I enjoyed learning firsthand how educators and businesses in Tucson have developed pathways to successful, good-paying careers in construction and building trades. Thank you to my friend Congressman Ciscomani for showcasing these achievements and explaining the challenges facing Arizona’s 6th District. I look forward to collaborating on workforce solutions that continue growing our economy.” 

    Background:

    • Below is legislation Ciscomani has introduced to incentivize construction of affordable housing and develop and fund workforce development programs in community colleges:
      • In the 118th Congress, Ciscomani introduced the Grants for Resources in Occupational Workforce Training for Healthcare (GROWTH) Act (H.R. 6078) to provide additional funding to nursing programs at community colleges in order to address the national nursing workforce shortage.
      • In the 118th Congress, the Congressman introduced the Speeding Up Production of Essential Residences (SUPER) Demonstration Act (H.R. 9195) to utilize unused COVID-19 funds to create and fund a pilot program designed to reduce construction times by removing unnecessary regulatory requirements facing developers, which would in turn incentivize more private-sector investment.   
      • In February 2025, Ciscomani reintroduced the Creating Opportunities for New Skills Training at Rural and Underserved Colleges and Trade Schools (CONSTRUCTS) Act (H.R. 1055) to fund and develop residential construction education and certification program at community colleges, junior colleges, and trade schools.    

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: FCDO press release: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Argentina

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    FCDO press release: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Argentina

    Mr David Cairns has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Argentine Republic in succession to Mrs Kirsty Hayes who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Cairns will take up his appointment during September 2025.

    Curriculum vitae           

    Full name: David Seldon Cairns

    Date Role
    2019 to present Equinor, Vice President
    2015 to 2019 Stockholm, Her Majesty’s Ambassador and Director of Nordic Baltic Network
    2010 to 2014 FCO, Director, Estates, Security, Corporate Services
    2006 to 2010 Tokyo, Director of Trade and Investment
    2002 to 2006 Geneva, First Secretary WTO
    2000 to 2002 FCO, Private Secretary to Baronesses Scotland and Amos
    1999 to 1998 Tokyo, Second Secretary Commercial
    1993 to 1994 FCO, Security Policy Department
    1998 Pre-posting training (including Hebrew language training)
    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 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Sues to Block Trump Administration’s Dangerous Dismantling of Health and Human Services Department

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 19 other attorneys general in filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s unconstitutional dismantling of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Since taking office, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and the Trump administration have fired thousands of federal health workers, shuttered life-saving programs, and abandoned states to face mounting health crises without federal support. Last month, the administration escalated its attack on the department, launching a reckless, irrational, and dangerous restructuring that, in a single day, erased decades of public health progress and left HHS unable to execute many of its most vital functions. Attorney General James and the coalition argue that Secretary Kennedy and the Trump administration have robbed HHS of the resources necessary to effectively serve the American people and will be asking the court to halt the dismantling before even more lives are put at risk.

    “This administration is not streamlining the federal government; they are sabotaging it and all of us,” said Attorney General James. “When you fire the scientists who research infectious diseases, silence the doctors who care for pregnant patients, and shut down the programs that help firefighters and miners breathe or children thrive, you are not making America healthy – you are putting countless lives at risk.”

    On March 27, Secretary Kennedy revealed a dramatic restructuring of HHS as part of the president’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) initiative. The secretary announced that the department’s 28 agencies would be collapsed into 15, with many surviving offices shuffled or split apart. He also announced mass firings, slashing the department’s headcount from 85,000 to 65,000. On April 1, 10,000 employees were locked out of their work email, laptops, and offices without warning. Many only learned they had been terminated when they arrived at work to find their badges deactivated. In a matter of hours, critical HHS operations ground to a halt. Experiments were abandoned, trainings canceled, site visits postponed, and labs shuttered.

    Attorney General James and the coalition assert the impacts of this restructuring have been immediate and disastrous. Programs serving children and low-income families have been particularly devastated. With HHS regional offices shut down and grant funding frozen, Head Start centers are at risk of closing, depriving children of early education and foster families of critical support. Programs aiding children with disabilities, youth experiencing homelessness, and preschool development have been left in limbo. The administration also fired staff responsible for maintaining the federal poverty guidelines, which states rely on to determine eligibility for food assistance like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), housing support, Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The entire team running the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) was terminated, a reckless decision amid extreme weather and rising energy costs.

    Mental health and substance use services have been completely gutted as a result of the administration’s restructuring. The administration fired hundreds of employees working on mental health and addiction treatment, including half of the entire workforce at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and closed all ten SAMHSA regional offices. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline team was slashed, and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health was halted, blinding policymakers to trends amid an escalating overdose crisis. Even the nation’s tobacco prevention agency was dismantled, despite tobacco-related deaths remaining the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.

    The damage extends to reproductive health, disability services, and the fight against HIV and AIDS. Pregnant people and newborns have been put at risk after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) entire maternal health team was fired, collapsing the nation’s maternal mortality monitoring efforts. The federal fertility tracking program was shut down, stripping families of crucial information on access to IVF and family planning services. Sexual assault and domestic violence prevention efforts have been impacted, with much of the CDC Division of Violence Prevention reportedly fired or placed on leave. Sweeping layoffs at the Administration for Community Living (ACL) stand to devastate services for individuals with disabilities. The nation’s HIV/AIDS response has been undermined with expert scientists fired, prevention initiatives eliminated, and decades of hard-won progress undone in a matter of days.

    The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), which provides life-saving care to more than 137,000 9/11 first responders and survivors, faces the loss of the physicians needed to certify new cancer diagnoses. Workers across the country, from nurses to construction crews, risk losing reliable access to N95 masks following the closure of the nation’s only federal mask approval laboratory. Several CDC labs tracking infectious diseases – including measles – were shuttered, paralyzing federal disease surveillance. In the absence of federal leadership, New York’s state lab is now scrambling to fill the void, as it is one of the only remaining labs in the nation with the ability to test for many rare diseases and complex sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

    Attorney General James and the coalition argue that this chaos and devastation are not just collateral damage, but the administration’s intended result. They allege the Trump administration has violated hundreds of laws, bypassed congressional authority, and trampled the constitutional separation of powers, ignoring laws that Congress enacted to protect public health and taking reckless action without regard for the consequences. Secretary Kennedy even publicly acknowledged he rejected a case-by-case review of terminations, saying he feared it would cost “political momentum.” As Attorney General James and the coalition write in the lawsuit, “the terminations and reorganizations happened quickly, but the consequences are severe, complicated, drawn-out, and potentially irreversible.”

    “The disastrous cuts to the WTC Health Program are placing in peril the lives of every first responder and survivor that relies on this health care program to stay alive,” said Gary Smiley, 9/11 First Responder and WTC Liaison for FDNY EMS Local 2507. “Every day there is doubt in these responders’ and survivors’ lives as to what will come next in their health battle. The Trump administration, by slashing research grants and proposals for new and emerging conditions to the bone, leaves them hopeless and Forgotten. The psychological impacts on these members are reprehensible. This is exactly the opposite of what this nation promised to each and every one of them: To Never Forget.”

    “Last month, the federal government suddenly closed five regional Head Start offices, including the one that serves New York. Providers were left scrambling, unable to contact anyone, and worried for the families who rely on them. Recertification applications are unresolved, and uncertainty about payments and the future of Head Start have caused a sense of panic among child care providers,” said Susan Stamler, Executive Director of United Neighborhood Houses. “The shrinking of HHS is clearly having devastating impacts on our neighborhoods and families. Jeopardizing child care is no way to help working parents. We stand proudly with Attorney General James as she fights to protect our communities and ensure every child has the care they deserve.”

    “The dismantling of Medicaid and the erasure of maternal health infrastructure reveal a devastating truth—mothers and babies are not a priority in this nation,” said Chanel Porchia-Albert, Founder and CEO of Ancient Song Doula Services. “In one of the wealthiest, most industrialized countries, we rank among the worst for maternal outcomes. If we do not invest now in data, programs, and policies rooted in equity and upliftment, we will bear the generational cost of this neglect. Maternal health must be a bipartisan priority—because the future of our communities depends on it.”

    “In 2024 alone, Housing Works has provided primary care to nearly 10,000 patients—70% covered by Medicaid or Duals,” said Anthony Feliciano, VP of Community Mobilization at Housing Works. “The Trump administration’s reckless dismantling of HHS directly threatens our ability to serve these communities. From HIV services to substance use support, this attack on public health infrastructure abandons the most vulnerable people in our state. These devastating cuts jeopardize decades of progress toward ending the HIV epidemic—an effort that is not only about public health, but about justice and dignity for our communities. Ending the epidemic is how we serve our people, and we refuse to allow this administration to turn its back on them.”

    Attorney General James and the coalition are urging the court to immediately halt the Trump administration’s unlawful dismantling of HHS and to require the restoration of critical health programs to protect the health and well-being of people nationwide.

    Joining Attorney General James in this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Registration Open for the IAM Wood, Pulp and Paper Council Conference

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    Registration is now open for the 2025 IAM Wood, Pulp & Paper Council Conference from Sept. 15 to 19 at the Seneca Niagara Casino and Resort  in Niagara Falls, N.Y. The cut off date is Thursday, Aug. 14. 

    Click here for the registration form and the conference call letter. Please complete the form and return it to the IAM Woodworkers Department, c/o Bailey at 9000 Machinists Place, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, or email at bsimonds@iamaw.org.

    The conference registration fee will be $125 per delegate and $75 for each guest and can be paid upon arrival at the conference. This fee will help defray the cost of the Machinists Wood, Pulp & Paper Council Conference.

    Newly appointed MWPPC President Matt Murdaugh will chair this meeting and direct the busy agenda. Council business will include Wood, Pulp & Paper Council Officer elections for Vice President and Conductor Sentinel, a host of great speakers, and a strong focus on organizing. Some of the highlights at the Conference will be a Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines Fundraising Event. 

    If you have any questions about this conference, please contact Woodworkers Department Director Bob Walls at 301-967-4555.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Eight Welsh businesses celebrated in The King’s Awards for Enterprise

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Eight Welsh businesses celebrated in The King’s Awards for Enterprise

    Welsh recipients announced in third year of The King’s Awards for Enterprise – the UK’s most prestigious business awards.

    The King’s Award for Enterprise. Recipients from Wales.

    • Businesses from Bridgend to Wrexham recognised, with each playing a key role in the UK Government’s mission for economic growth.
    • Winners across three different categories: Innovation, International Trade and Sustainable Development.

    The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today [6 May], celebrating the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands.

    Eight Welsh businesses across a range of different sectors have been recognized by His Majesty The King as among the best in the country, highlighting the ambition, ingenuity, and success of our diverse business community. 

    The businesses awarded cover a variety of sectors including industrial lasers, medical equipment, and baking, and are based around the country, from Wrexham to Bridgend and Welshpool. 

    One Welsh company was awarded for their innovative practices, five for their achievements in international trade and one for their sustainable development.

    By supporting more people into work, developing new innovations and exporting the best Britain has to offer around the world, businesses like these play a key role in the UK Government’s mission to go further and faster for economic growth, and put more money in more working people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change.

    Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports said:

    There are some excellent Welsh businesses recognised in this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise: from Spectrum Technologies’ pioneering laser equipment to Bluestone Resort’s commitment to environmental responsibility. 

    I wish the winners every success as they continue to grow, innovate and prosper, and commend the invaluable contributions they have already made to communities at home in Wales and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.

    Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

    I congratulate all eight Welsh businesses who have won awards. From baking to medical devices to sustainable holidays, their work shows the best of business right across Wales, producing and exporting high quality products and services.

    By working with talented Welsh enterprises to create well-paid local jobs and economic growth, the UK Government is delivering on its Plan for Change.

    This year’s recipients include Spectrum Technologies, a global leader in the supply of industrial laser wire-processing equipment for the aerospace industry. Based in Bridgend, they have been recognised in the International Trade category.   

    Dr Peter Dickinson, Chairman and Chief Technology Officer at Spectrum Technologies, said:  

    Spectrum is very excited and proud to be a winner of the King’s Award for Enterprise. The Company faced huge challenges with Covid but our team of employees have really pulled together and helped turn a difficult situation around, more than doubling sales over the last few years.

    The King’s Award is a tribute to their combined efforts, as well as a reflection on the company’s global market-leading position supplying specialised laser wire processing equipment to the aerospace industry.” 

    Bluestone Resort is situated in the heart of the Pembrokeshire countryside. The park has been designed to reconnect families with nature in a responsible fashion, and as such they have received an award in the Sustainable Development category. 

    William McNamara OBE, CEO and Founder of Bluestone, said: 

    Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development is a hugely exciting and rewarding milestone for everyone at Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire.  

    Our ethos is centered on the three pillars of sustainable development: actively protecting natural ecosystems, growing the local economy and supporting local communities. This has become our operational blueprint. The King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development gives us many reasons to celebrate, recognising the importance of our work as we continue to protect our planet for future generations.” 

    The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed two years ago to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 59th year, has awarded over 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965.

    His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants – the King’s representatives in each county – will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year. One representative from each winning business will also be invited to a special royal reception event.

    Eligible businesses are free to apply for one or more categories. The recipients pass a robust assessment process, judged by experts from industry, academia, the voluntary sector, a representative from the Welsh Government and senior officials in Whitehall. On that basis, each year, The King’s Awards for Enterprise recipients are recommended by the Prime Minister.

    Richard Harris, Head of Trade at the Welsh Government and a judge on this year’s panel commented: 

    It’s an absolute privilege to represent Wales as a judge on the Kings Awards and reviewing and appraising the applications which seem to grow in quality year on year never fails to impress. 

    The Kings Award is the gold standard, it means something, for me it’s the benchmark award for quality that can literally open doors and start conversations across the world, enabling companies to access opportunities that ordinarily might not be available and win business.

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government pledges greater growth for the coach sector ahead of National Coach Week

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Government pledges greater growth for the coach sector ahead of National Coach Week

    Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, visits Star Coaches in Batley and celebrates a sector that provides 42,000 jobs in the UK.

    Pictured from left to right: Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Local Transport) and Imran Dabhad, Managing Director, Star Coaches of Batley

    • Transport Minister visits West Yorkshire to pledge renewed support for the coach sector, which provides 42,000 jobs in the UK
    • meeting industry leaders, he will reinforce the UK’s commitment to working with the sector to grow local economies and make services greener
    • comes ahead of National Coach Week, celebrating an industry that contributes over £6 billion to the national tourism economy, securing jobs and delivering growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    The government has reaffirmed its support for the coach sector today (6 May 2025), as Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood visited Star Coaches in Batley ahead of National Coach Week.  

    In partnership with the Road Haulage Association, National Coach Week (12 to 18 May 2025) celebrates the essential role of coaches in everyday life, from transporting over half a million students to school each day, to providing vital backup when trains or planes are disrupted.

    The minister met with staff and Road Haulage Association leaders to discuss the industry’s contribution to local communities, and how the government can work with operators to improve accessibility, make services greener and drive economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.

    Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, said: 

    It was a pleasure to visit Star Coaches in Batley today, ahead of National Coach Week. 

    From getting over half a million students to school each day, to supporting 42,000 jobs for drivers and other staff, the coach sector plays a vital role in our economy, and keeps communities connected. 

    That’s why we’re working hand-in-hand with the industry to unlock its full potential – which will ultimately boost local economies, and open up access to greater job opportunities across the country to drive growth as part of our Plan for Change.

    During the visit, the minister discussed how Star Coaches supports the region – from transporting children on school trips, to helping older residents stay connected with their communities. The Batley based operator was founded in 1982 and operates a fleet of 16 to 70-seater coaches to serve local passengers across West Yorkshire.

    Tomorrow, the minister will meet with industry leaders to share insights from the visit and discuss how the government can strengthen the sector for the future. 

    As part of efforts to tackle driver shortages and expand opportunities for young people, the government is currently reviewing consultation feedback on licence rules for 18-to-20-year-olds.  

    The government is also working with the sector to continually improve accessibility, which includes running an innovation competition with Innovate UK to develop transferrable audio-visual equipment for coaches, which will award projects up to £170,000. 

    Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, said:

    National Coach Week is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the vital role the coach industry plays in our society.

    Coaches provide essential transport links, connect communities, and support our tourism sector. They are also a key part of the solution to reducing congestion and improving air quality.

    We urge everyone to join us in celebrating this important industry and recognise the hard work and dedication of the people who make it all possible.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Unleash your talent: take part in the stage production competition

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The State University of Management invites students to take part in the III All-Russian competition of stage productions “Without a statute of limitations: in the mirror of historical truth”.

    The competition is organized by the Russian Historical Society, the History of the Fatherland Foundation, and the National Center for Historical Memory under the President of the Russian Federation.

    Theatrical and creative groups of higher education institutions of the Russian Federation, with the exception of universities professionally connected with the sphere of culture and art, may apply.

    The competition is held in two thematic areas:

    “National Heritage”: the theme is relevant for groups preparing creative numbers (stage productions) with elements of folklore, everyday life, music, choreography, etc. In this direction, the emphasis is on the preservation and promotion of the ethnocultural and historical heritage of the peoples of Russia. Participants can use various stage genres, forms, techniques, methods to present the traditions, customs, language, and culture of the peoples of our country. “The Feat of the Victorious People”: within the framework of this theme, dramatic and literary-musical stage productions can be presented, the plots of which are associated with the military and labor feat of the Russian people in various periods of history. The fundamental aspect of the thematic direction is the patriotic and heroic traditions of the people of Russia.

    Applications for participation are accepted on the official website until 18:00 on July 7, 2025.

    Based on the results of the competitive selection, creative teams that advance to the competition finals are determined.

    The finalists will present their stage productions at the festival, which will be held in Moscow in the fall of 2025.

    The competition is held with the aim of preserving the historical truth about the crimes of the Nazis and their accomplices committed against peaceful Soviet citizens in the occupied territories during the Great Patriotic War.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 05/06/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pingree Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Trade and Deepen US-Iceland Economic Partnership

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Congressman Greg Murphy (R-N.C.) reintroduced the Iceland Commercial and Economic Leadership for Arctic and National Development (ICELAND) Act. This bipartisan legislation would add Iceland to the list of nations eligible for investment and trade in the U.S—provided that U.S. nationals are treated similarly by the government of Iceland.

    The bill would also make Icelanders eligible for E-1 and E-2 nonimmigrant work visas, which are reserved for nationals of countries with which the U.S. has a treaty of commerce, a qualifying international agreement, or has granted eligibility by statute. Iceland is currently one of the few European countries excluded from these visas.

    “Iceland has long been an important trade partner of the United States—and especially for Maine, where our longstanding shipping and seafood trade with Iceland has fostered deep economic and cultural ties,” said Pingree. “My bipartisan ICELAND Act would strengthen that partnership for generations to come, creating greater economic opportunities for both countries at a time when the global economic order is rapidly shifting. By extending E-1 and E-2 visa eligibility to Icelanders, we’re not only honoring our shared commitments; we’re also investing in the kind of bilateral cooperation that fuels innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term growth in America and in the Arctic region. The ICELAND Act would bring our two countries into closer strategic alignment at a time when such partnerships are more critical than ever.” 

    “As co-chair of the Iceland Caucus, I know the importance of having a strong relationship between the United States and Iceland,” said Murphy. “Iceland serves as an important ally in our common pursuit of democracy and economic security, and this legislation would be a critical step in strengthening the ties between our two nations. The ICELAND Act would increase trade and expand economic opportunities, while also injecting capital into both of our economies.”

    Background:

    In 1944, the United States was the first country to recognize the independent Republic of Iceland. As NATO members, Iceland and the United States share strategic interests in the Arctic region, as well as many political and cultural values, including mutual respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The U.S. and Iceland have a longstanding history of trade. As an export powerhouse in seafood ($247 million), optical and medical instruments ($75 million), beverages ($31 million), special other ($29 million), and machinery ($16 million), Iceland contributes to the commercial and trading interests of the U.S. economy. The U.S.

    E-1 and E-2 visas allow foreign nationals to enter the U.S. for a period of up to two years (with an option to renew on a rolling basis) to engage in substantial trade and investment activities. Nationals of 84 countries are eligible for E-1 and/or E-2 visa status. Iceland is one of only four European countries (Russia, Hungary, and Belarus) and of a small handful of NATO and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development member states that do not currently hold this status. Traditionally, E-1 and E-2 visas were extended to foreign citizens under “treaties of navigation”, however in recent years legislation is typically required to add nations to the list of eligible countries. In 2018, the KIWI Act was signed into law, granting citizens of New Zealand access to E visas. In 2022, the AMIGOS Act was signed into law, granting E visa eligibility to citizens of Portugal.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal Demands Answers Regarding the Revocation of Student Visas

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) joined 142 Members of Congress in demanding answers regarding the termination of students’ legal status. Despite the Trump Administration’s recent claim that it would reverse course, only Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has made any policy change.  While students are no longer immediately deportable, they will be unable to return to the United States once they go home after the semester ends, as the State Department is not restoring students’ visa status.

    “This is not about national security. It is about using immigration enforcement as a weapon to stifle political dissent, restrict due process, and enforce an exclusionary and nativist vision of America that runs counter to everything our institutions of higher learning stand for,” wrote the lawmakers. “Across the country, students are being picked up – in some cases by masked immigration agents in unmarked cars – and being held in detention facilities with no warning and limited information as to why they are being deported.”

    According to recent reporting, more than 1,800 students and recent graduates across 280 colleges and universities have had their visas revoked. Since Trump took office, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also confirmed that at least 4,736 have had their legal status terminated in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). However, DHS does not have the authority to terminate this legal status except under very specific circumstances, none of which have been met in the vast majority of these cases.

    “Our campuses have been spaces where students and scholars from around the world come together to challenge assumptions, push the boundaries of knowledge, and foster the innovation that has made our country a global leader,” continued the lawmakers. “But today, the Trump administration’s heavy-handed and politically motivated immigration enforcement is turning university campuses into places of fear, rather than learning, and these actions deter students from coming to study at U.S. institutions.”

    Reporting has also shown that the State Department has been using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to identify students to target through their social media accounts. This aspect is especially troubling as social media accounts may not feature students’ names, and AI facial recognition is often prone to mistakes, at significantly higher rates when identifying people of color.

    The full text of the letter can be read here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global CEO pay increased by 50 percent since 2019, 56 times more than worker wages

    Source: Oxfam –

    • Average CEO pay surged by 50 percent in real terms since 2019, while average worker wages increased by just 0.9 percent.
    • Every hour, billionaires pocket more wealth than the average worker earns in an entire year.  
    • The average gender pay gap in 11,366 corporations worldwide narrowed slightly from 27 percent to 22 percent between 2022 and 2023 ―yet their average female employee still effectively works for free on Fridays, while their average male employee is paid through the week.
    • Oxfam and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) are calling for higher taxes on the super-rich to invest in people and planet.

    Average global CEO pay hit $4.3 million in 2024, reveals new analysis from Oxfam ahead of International Workers’ Day (1 May). This is a 50 percent real-term increase from $2.9 million in 2019 (adjusted for inflation) —a rise that far outpaces the real wage growth of the average worker, who saw a 0.9 percent increase over the same five-year period in the countries where CEO pay data is available.

    The figures are median averages, based on full executive pay packages, including bonuses and stock options, from nearly 2,000 corporations across 35 countries where CEOs were paid more than $1 million in 2024. The data, analyzed by Oxfam, was sourced from the S&P Capital IQ database, which uses publicly reported company financials.

    • Ireland and Germany have some of the highest-paid CEOs, earning an average of $6.7 million and $4.7 million a year in 2024 respectively.
    • Average CEO pay in South Africa was $1.6 million in 2024, while in India, it reached $2 million.

    “Year after year, we see the same grotesque spectacle: CEO pay explodes while workers’ wages barely budge. This isn’t a glitch in the system —it’s the system working exactly as designed, funnelling wealth ever upwards while millions of working people struggle to afford rent, food, and healthcare,” said Oxfam International Executive Director Amitabh Behar.

    Boosts to global CEO pay come as warnings grow that wages are failing to keep pace with the cost of living. While the International Labor Organization (ILO) global reports real wages grew by 2.7 percent in 2024, many workers have seen their wages stagnate. In France, South Africa and Spain for example, real wage growth was just 0.6 percent last year. While wage inequality had decreased globally, it remains very high, particularly in low-income countries, where the share of income of the richest 10 percent is 3.4 times higher than the poorest 40 percent.

    Billionaires —who often fully, or in part, own large corporations— pocketed on average $206 billion in new wealth over the last year. This is equivalent to $23,500 an hour, more than the global average income in 2023 ($21,000).
    Beyond runaway CEO pay, the global working class is now facing a new threat: sweeping US tariffs. These policies pose significant risks for workers worldwide, including job losses and rising costs for basic goods that would stoke extreme inequality everywhere. 

    “For so many workers worldwide, President Trump’s reckless use of tariffs means a push from one cruel order to another: from the frying pan of destructive neoliberal trade policy to the fire of weaponized tariffs. These policies will not only hurt working families in the US, but especially harm workers trying to escape poverty in some of the world’s poorest countries,” said Behar.   

    Increasingly, corporations are being required by law to report their gender pay gaps ―the average difference in earnings between women and men. Oxfam’s analysis of the S&P Capital IQ database found that among 11,366 corporations across 82 countries that reported gender pay gap data, the average gap narrowed slightly from 27 percent to 22 percent between 2022 and 2023. Yet, on average, women in these corporations still effectively work without pay on Fridays, while their male counterparts are paid for the full week.

    Corporations in Japan and South Korea reported some of the highest average gender pay gaps in 2023 (around 40 percent). The average gap in Latin America was 36 percent in 2023, up from 34 percent the previous year. Corporations in Canada, Denmark, Ireland, and the UK reported average pay gaps of 16 percent.

    Oxfam’s analysis also found that out of 45,501 corporations across 168 countries where the CEO is paid more than $10 million and their gender is reported, fewer than 7 percent have a female CEO.

    “The outrageous pay inequality between CEOs and workers confirms that we lack democracy where it is needed most: at work. Around the world, workers are being denied the basics of life while corporations pocket record profits, dodge taxes and lobby to evade responsibility,” said Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

    “Workers are demanding a New Social Contract that works for them —not the billionaires undermining democracy. Fair taxation, strong public services, living wages and a just transition are not radical demands —they are the foundation of a just society. It’s time to end the billionaire coup against democracy and put people and planet first.”

    Oxfam and the ITUC are calling on governments to sustain and accelerate momentum on taxing the super-rich, both nationally and globally. This includes introducing top marginal rates of tax of at least 75 percent on all personal income for the highest earners to discourage sky-high executive pay. Governments must also ensure minimum wages keep up with inflation, and that everyone has the right to unionize, strike and bargain collectively.
     

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel’s New INGO Registration Measures Are a Grave Threat to Humanitarian Operations and International Law – 55 Organisations Say

    Source: Oxfam –

    Oxfam, together with 54 organisations operating in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) call for urgent action from the international community against new Israeli registration rules for international NGOs. Based on vague, broad, politicised, and open-ended criteria, these rules appear designed to assert control over independent humanitarian, development and peacebuilding operations, silence advocacy grounded in international humanitarian and human rights law, and further entrench Israeli control and de facto annexation of the occupied Palestinian territory.

    For over a year and a half, humanitarian organisations have continued operating despite unprecedented constraints. In 2024, they reached millions of people across the oPt with essential services – from food and water to mobile clinics, legal aid, and education. The new registration rules now threaten to shut this work down. These measures go beyond routine policy. They mark a serious escalation in restrictions on humanitarian and civic space and risk setting a dangerous precedent.

    Under the new provisions, INGOs already registered in Israel may face de-registration, while new applicants risk rejection based on arbitrary, politicised allegations, such as “delegitimising Israel” or expressing support for accountability for Israeli violations of international law. Other disqualifiers include public support for a boycott of Israel within the past seven years (by staff, a partner, board member, or founder) or failure to meet exhaustive reporting requirements. By framing humanitarian and human rights advocacy as a threat to the state, Israeli authorities can shut out organisations merely for speaking out about conditions they witness on the ground, forcing INGOs to choose between delivering aid and promoting respect for the protections owed to affected people.

    INGOs are further required to submit complete staff lists and other sensitive information about staff and their families to Israel when applying for registration. In a context where humanitarian and healthcare workers are routinely subject to harassment, detention, and direct attacks, this raises serious protection concerns.

    These new rules are part of a broader, long-term crackdown on humanitarian and civic space, marked by heightened surveillance and attacks, and a series of actions that restrict humanitarian access, compromise staff safety, and undermine core principles of humanitarian action. They are not isolated but part of a wider pattern that includes:

    • Blocking or delaying aid through arbitrary bureaucratic restrictions, logistical obstacles, and complete sieges, denying essential lifesaving supplies to Palestinians.
    • Killing more than 400 humanitarian workers in Gaza, injuring and detaining countless others, and repeatedly attacking marked and notified humanitarian premises, facilities or convoys.
    • Passing legislation aimed at curtailing the operations of UNRWA, the largest provider of essential services for Palestinians.
    • Advancing legislation to impose a tax of up to 80 per cent on foreign government funding to Israeli NGOs, while barring them from seeking recourse through the Israeli court system – including organisations that serve as partners for INGOs to deliver assistance and uphold protections in communities facing displacement, demolitions, or settler violence.
    • Suspending work visas for international staff and revoking permits for Palestinians residing in the West Bank to access Jerusalem, severely disrupting operations.• And now, making INGO registration conditional on political and ideological alignment, undermining the neutrality, impartiality and independence of humanitarian actors.

    Under international humanitarian law, occupying powers are obligated to facilitate impartial humanitarian assistance and ensure the welfare of the protected population. Any attempt to condition humanitarian access on political alignment or penalise organisations for fulfilling their mandate risks breaching this framework. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to allow unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza in three legally binding provisional measures orders in 2024. Yet, these new rules expand and institutionalise existing barriers to aid.

    We call on States, donors, and the international community to:

    • Use all possible means to protect humanitarian operations from measures that compromise neutrality, independence, and access – including staff list requirements, political vetting, and vague revocation clauses.
    • Take concrete political and diplomatic action beyond statements of concern to ensure unhindered humanitarian access and prevent the erosion of principled aid delivery.
    • Support INGOs and Palestinian and Israeli civil society organisations through legal assistance, diplomatic support, and flexible funding to help mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks. Donors must defend principled humanitarian and human rights work.

    The undersigned 55 organisations stress that engagement with the registration process to preserve critical humanitarian operations should not be misinterpreted as endorsement of these measures.

    These 55 organisations remain committed to the delivery of humanitarian aid, along with development and peacebuilding services and activities that are independent, impartial, and based on need, in full accordance with international law and the humanitarian principles derived from it. INGOs stand ready to engage with Israeli authorities in good faith on administrative processes but cannot accept measures that penalise principled humanitarian work or expose staff to retaliation. These measures not only undermine assistance in the oPt but also set a dangerous precedent for humanitarian operations globally.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-India Free Trade Deal: A Deal For Growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UK-India Free Trade Deal: A Deal For Growth

    The UK has secured the best deal India has ever agreed, providing businesses with security and confidence to trade with the fastest-growing economy in the G20.

    Secretary of State Jonathan Reynolds with Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal

    Delivering Economic Growth 

    The core mission of this Government is to deliver economic growth that raises living standards and puts money in people’s pockets, and that is exactly what this deal will do. We estimate that it will increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, add £4.8billion a year to our economy and boost wages by £2.2 billion every year in the long run. footnote 1 This is the best deal India has ever agreed to. It delivers on our manifesto commitment to create trade relationships that unlock new opportunities for businesses across all our nations and regions. 

    Case study – Standard Chartered 

    Standard Chartered is a leading UK-based international banking group with a presence in 53 of the world’s most dynamic markets. It is the largest and oldest foreign bank in India, acting as a ‘super connector’ of cross-border trade and investment by driving commerce and prosperity through its unique diversity for more than 165 years.   

    Saif Malik, CEO, UK and Head of Coverage, UK, Standard Chartered, said:

    The UK-India Free Trade Agreement is a significant achievement. It will create new opportunities for UK and Indian businesses, enable greater access to one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets, and drive growth and innovation across the UK-India corridor.

    We welcome this strong commitment to partnership and prosperity.

    Case study – UPS

    UPS is one of the world’s largest companies, with 2024 revenue of $91.1 billion, and provides a broad range of integrated logistics solutions for customers in more than 200 countries and territories, including connecting the United Kingdom and India. 

    Markus Kessler, Managing Director, UPS UK, Ireland and Nordics, said:

    We welcome the announcement of this important agreement between two countries that are both vital markets in our global network.

    We look forward to continuing to help businesses of all sizes across the UK reach new customers in one of the world’s most populous and dynamic countries.

    Future-Proofing Our Economy 

    This deal gives UK businesses first-mover advantage with a new economic superpower. Currently the biggest country in the world by population, India is projected to move from its fifth-largest global economy to third in the next three years, thanks to the highest growth rate in the G20. footnote 2 By the end of the decade, it will be home to an estimated 60 million middle-class consumers, whose numbers are projected to grow to a quarter of a billion by 2050. footnote 3 And by 2035, their demand for imports is on course to top £1.4 trillion. footnote 4 The enormous scope of this market, where British goods and services are already sought after, represents an equally huge opportunity for UK businesses in the decades to come. 

    Case study – John Smedley Ltd

    Established in 1784 in Lea Mills, Derbyshire, John Smedley Ltd is a UK-based manufacturer and retailer of luxury knitwear. 

    Bill Leach, Global Sales Director, John Smedley Ltd, said:

    India is one of the fastest growing luxury markets in the world, and we are very excited about the UK- India Free Trade Agreement coming to fruition.

    John Smedley knitwear is already sold in over 50 countries around the world, and now that the FTA has been finalised, we shall very much look forward to ensuring that an ever-increasing number of discerning luxury consumers in India will enjoy greater access to The World’s Finest Knitwear.

    We are thankful to DBT for their significant efforts in bringing this FTA to successful conclusion.

    Cutting costs for UK-India trade 

    From day one, this deal will support businesses across the United Kingdom by making it cheaper, easier, and quicker to trade with India. The deal will slash costs on UK exports, including whiskies and gin, cosmetics, medical devices, advanced machinery and lamb. Based on current trade alone, India’s tariff cuts amount to £400m in the first year, going up around £900m after 10 years. footnote 5 And that’s before factoring in the savings from speedier and easier trade from improved customs and digital commitments. This immediate relief represents a major advantage our businesses will enjoy over their international competitors, helping them to invest, expand, and support more high-quality jobs. 

    Case study – Smith+Nephew

    Smith+Nephew designs and manufactures technology that takes the limits off living. Smith+Nephew’s products include: Advanced Wound Management; orthopaedics and a robot assisted surgery system; and joint preservation and soft tissue orthopaedics.

    Deepak Nath, Chief Executive Officer, Smith+Nephew, said:

    Given the size of the Indian economy and its healthcare system, India is an important location for Smith+Nephew. The Free Trade Agreement offers the potential to build trading links in the healthcare sector.

    We hope that the Free Trade Agreement will enable Smith+Nephew’s innovative medical technologies to support more healthcare professionals to return their patients to health and mobility.

    Delivering opportunities for High-Growth Sectors 

    This deal supports the UK’s world-leading high-growth sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy, including:  

    • Slashing tariffs for UK’s large and varied advanced manufacturing sectors, including for automotives, electrical machinery and high-end optical products.  

    • Giving the clean energy industry brand new and unprecedented access to India’s vast procurement market, as India makes the switch to renewable energy, alongside their growing energy demand. 

    • Unlocking new opportunities for medical devices firms within the life sciences sector, with reduced tariffs and rules of origin that factor in the UK’s complex supply chains and ensure that businesses can reap the benefits.  

    • Enshrining copyright protections for the creative sector, enabling our exporters to feel confident exporting to India with a commitment that works will continue to be protected for at least 60 years. India will also commit to engaging on aspects of Copyright and Related Rights. This deal addresses the interests of UK creators, rights holders, and consumers, including around Public Performance Rights and Artist Resale Rights, which acknowledge the importance of payment rights. India will also conduct an internal review of their copyright protection terms.   

    • Guaranteeing access for the UK’s world-class financial and professional business services sectors to India’s growing market. This is on top of securing India’s foreign investment cap for the insurance sector, ensuring UK financial services companies are treated equally to domestic suppliers, and encouraging the recognition of professional qualifications. 

    • Securing India’s best ever commitments on digital trade for our Digital and technology sectors, such as promoting digital systems and paperless trade, helping UK businesses of all sizes take the opportunities on offer in this huge and rapidly expanding market.  

    Case study – Premier League

    The Premier League is the world’s most-watched football competition, reaching 1.6 billion viewers in 189 countries around the world. The global success of the Premier League makes it one of the UK’s most significant soft power assets, amplifying British cultural values and generating economic growth and inward investment. 

    Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said:

    India continues to be incredibly important to the Premier League and its clubs. It is a vibrant country that presents exciting opportunities and significant potential. The Premier League’s recent announcement of an office opening in Mumbai demonstrates our commitment to build on longstanding work to engage local fans, develop grassroots and elite football and further promote the game in India.  

    The continued growth of the Premier League and UK businesses in India will have a positive impact on our domestic economy and we welcome the news of this new trade deal secured by Government, which will support UK businesses operating in India.

    Case study – EY

    EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fuelled by sector insights, a globally connected, multidisciplinary network and a diverse ecosystem of partners, EY teams provide services in more than 150 countries and territories. 

    Rohan Malik, EMEIA and UKI Government & Public Sector Managing Partner, EY, said:  

    This agreement is poised to accelerate an economic partnership that is already thriving, with the value of total trade between the UK and India having more than doubled from £16.6bn to £40bn over the last decade.

    British businesses stand to benefit substantially from enhanced access to one of the world’s largest export markets and a skills pool that can fuel strategically important UK sectors, including professional services and emerging industries based around data and AI.

    Case study – Concrete Canvas Ltd

    Concrete Canvas Ltd is a Wales-based low-carbon concrete manufacturer. 

    William Crawford, Director of Concrete Canvas Ltd, said: 

    India is a dynamic and vibrant economy and an increasingly important market for Concrete Canvas products. A UK-India FTA will help to accelerate our plans for growth by reducing trade barriers and making us more competitive.

    This is welcome news for both UK and Indian businesses!

    Case study – Biopanda

    Biopanda is a Belfast-based medtech manufacturer which exports in vitro test kits for clinical laboratories, veterinary practice, and food safety laboratories.

    Philip McKee, Sales Manager at Biopanda, said:  

    Biopanda have been supplying a range of diagnostic products to the Indian market throughout the past ten years.

    We value the business we have done already throughout India and with the introduction of the UK-India FTA this should benefit in increased trade with the removal of export barriers.

    This will hopefully increase the market access, allowing our distributors throughout India to provide a larger range of our highly accurate clinical diagnostic products at a lower price to the consumer.

    Unlocking Opportunities Nationwide 

    Through our Plan for Change, this government will raise living standards in every part of the United Kingdom. This deal supports that goal, unlocking new opportunities in every region and nation.  

    This deal also opens a huge new market for iconic UK brands, securing India’s best ever tariff offer and providing access to India’s growing middle-class consumer base, which will give iconic UK brands the opportunity to expand their reach and influence. This access includes cutting tariffs on whiskies from 150% to 75% at entry into force, following to 40% after 10 years, as well as on other agri-food products such as soft drinks dropping from 33% to 0% after seven years, and lamb dropping from 33% to 0% at entry into force. Separately high-end cars will benefit from a drop from over 100% to 10% under a quota. We have also secured India’s best ever agreement on Rules of Origin, which enables UK businesses to take advantage of these new lower tariffs.

    This deal will also support consumers as they benefit from the best of India and greater variety as our trading relationship grows, including clothing, footwear, and iconic food and drink. New commitments will also help protect consumers from spam texts from India, which could include requiring opt-out or prior consent.

    Case study – Chivas Brothers Ltd

    Chivas Brothers Ltd is part of the Pernod Ricard group of companies and exports over £2bn of Scotch whisky and gin every year, including brands like Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, The Glenlivet and Beefeater. India is amongst Chivas Brothers’ largest export markets and the biggest consumer of whisky worldwide by volume. The UK-India trade agreement will help solidify and potentially expand on Pernod Ricard’s existing investments, which includes a €200m distillery construction in the Indian state of Maharashtra and £100m in bottling facilities in Dumbarton, Scotland. 

    Jean-Etienne Gourgues, Chivas Brothers Chairman and CEO, said:

    The announcement of a free trade agreement in principle between the UK and India is a welcome boost for Chivas Brothers during an uncertain global economic environment.

    India is the world’s biggest whisky market by volume and greater access will be a game changer for the export of our Scotch whisky brands, such as Chivas Regal and Ballantine’s. The deal will support long term investment and jobs in our distilleries and bottling plants in Scotland, as well as help deliver growth in both Scotland and India over the next decade. Slàinte to the UK Ministers and officials who steered the deal though long negotiations.

    Case study – Diageo

    Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with a collection of brands across spirits and beer categories sold in more than 180 countries around the world. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.  

    Diageo is a leading player in India’s beverage alcohol sector and is among the top 10 fast-moving consumer goods companies in India by market capitalisation. Diageo has 50 manufacturing facilities across India, employs over 3,300 people directly in market with a further 100,000 jobs supported throughout its value chain. India is one of Diageo’s largest markets globally and accounts for almost half of its total global spirits volume.

    Diageo Chief Executive Debra Crew said:

    The UK-India Free Trade Agreement is a huge achievement by Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer and Ministers Goyal and Reynolds, and all of us at Diageo toast their success. It will be transformational for Scotch and Scotland, while powering jobs and investment in both India and the UK.

    The deal will also increase quality and choice for discerning consumers across India, the world’s largest and most exciting whisky market.

    Enhancing Security through our partnership

    The UK and India already enjoy a deep and broad partnership built on our shared principles as two democracies, our commitment to the rules-based international order, strong ties in areas including culture, education, food, and sport, and of course through our living bridge – with some 1.9 million people with Indian heritage calling the UK their home. footnote 6

    This agreement encourages collaboration between our two complementary economies. It creates a framework to promote closer ties on innovation – including on new technologies in areas like agriculture, health, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. And our agreement on business mobility will help experts on both sides deliver their services, enabling us to capitalise on the economic transformation that technology will bring over the course of this century. 

    Through this deal, we are showing the world that we stand for free, fair, and open trade. In an increasingly unstable and volatile world, this provides businesses with the confidence that they need to grow and expand. And as India’s approach to global trade changes, so can this deal. We have agreed in numerous areas that, if India offer a better deal to a different country, we can come back to the table to renegotiate for the UK. 

    Case study – Coltraco Ultrasonics

    Coltraco Ultrasonics are high-exporting advanced manufacturers of ultrasonic instrumentation and systems, exporting 90% manufactured output to 120 countries. Coltraco have twice won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade and have exported to India for 30 years. Since 2019, Coltraco have won the contract for nearly 200 ships of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard and support in-service use and maintenance of their ultrasonic watertight integrity instrumentation on board. 

    Professor Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBE, Chairman Coltraco Ultrasonics Limited & Director-General The Durham Institute of Research, Development & Invention, said:

    Coltraco Ultrasonics is strongly supportive of the India FTA Trade Agreement and proud to have modestly contributed to and advising the British negotiating team on various chapters.

    The UK private sector can now, because of the India FTA, the Windsor Framework CPTPP, and a variety of other UK FTAs, look out to the world, balancing our exporting and investment opportunities between the USA, the EU and Asia Pacific.

    It is a tremendous success and we thank British and Indian Civil Servants for their public service in the UK-India FTA.

    Unlocking Access to India’s Untapped Procurement Market 

    For the first time, UK businesses will have guaranteed and unprecedented access to India’s vast procurement market, covering goods, services and construction. UK businesses will be granted brand new access to approximately 40,000 tenders with a value of at least £38 billion a year. footnote 8 This will unlock significant opportunities spanning a range of sectors, including transport, healthcare and life sciences and green energy. Alongside this UK firms will, for the first time, have access to India’s procurement portal, connecting them to the information they need to make the best out of these opportunities – which will grow as India builds the infrastructure necessary for an economic superpower with the world’s largest population. 

    UK companies will also get exclusive treatment under the ‘Make in India’ policy, which currently provides preferential treatment for federal government procurement to businesses who manufacture or produce in India. However, this unprecedented treatment will mean that if at least 20% of a company’s product or service is from the UK, they will be treated as a ‘Class Two local supplier’– granting them the same status that is currently only ever given to Indian businesses.  

    Protecting Our Values 

    Throughout the negotiations, we have championed our values – securing India’s first ever chapters on anti-corruption, consumer protections, labour rights, the environment, gender equality, and development. We have protected the NHS, defended the UK’s interests, ensured the points-based immigration system is not affected, upheld our high food standards, and maintained our animal welfare commitments throughout. This deal demonstrates our commitment to both workers and businesses, staying true to our values while driving economic growth.

    1. DBT CGE modelling. See Technical Annex

    2. World Economic Outlook Database, October 2024

    3. Projections are calculated using the methodology described in DBT’s Global Trade Outlook, February 2023

    4. Ibid.

    5. The methodology for estimating the value of duties can be found in Annex 5 of the technical annexes accompanying the UK-India FTA Scoping assessment

    6. 2021 England and Wales Census; 2021 NI Census; 2011 Scottish Census

    7. DBT inward investment results 2023 to 2024 (HTML version) – GOV.UK; ; Grant Thornton, Britain meets India 2024; Grant Thornton, India meets Britain tracker: 2023.

    8. This analysis utilises Top 200 Entity data from India’s e-procurement dashboard, for the financial years 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23, which is not exhaustively used by all federal government agencies for all procurements. Therefore, several entities included within India’s market access schedule cannot be included within the analysis. This analysis does not take into account restrictions on access as a result of Make in India, the chapter thresholds and tenders for goods or services not covered by the government procurement chapter.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK concludes trade deal with India

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK concludes trade deal with India

    Multi-billion-pound boost to UK economy with landmark India trade deal to make working people better off

    • Huge economic win for UK as trade deal with India agreed which will deliver for working people and British businesses 

    • Deal will slash Indian tariffs on key products such as whisky, cosmetics and medical devices, locking in reductions on 90% of tariff lines for UK exports to unleash opportunities for businesses across regions and nations of UK 

    • Delivers on Plan for Change as £4.8 billion added to UK economy and £2.2 billion in wages every year in the long run under deal 

    The UK and India have today agreed a landmark trade deal which delivers on this government’s core mission of growing the economy, raising living standards, and putting money in people’s pockets. 

    Indian tariffs will be slashed, locking in reductions on 90% of tariff lines, with 85% of these becoming fully tariff-free within a decade. 

    Whisky and gin tariffs will be halved from 150% to 75% before reducing to 40% by year ten of the deal, while automotive tariffs will go from over 100% to 10% under a quota. 

    Other goods with reduced tariffs, which can open markets and make trade cheaper for businesses and Indian consumers, include cosmetics, aerospace, lamb, medical devices, salmon, electrical machinery, soft drinks, chocolate and biscuits.  

    British shoppers could see cheaper prices and more choice on products including clothes, footwear, and food products including frozen prawns as UK liberalises tariffs. 

    The deal is expected to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, UK GDP by £4.8 billion and wages by £2.2 billion each year in the long run. 

    UK businesses gain a competitive edge over international competitors when entering India’s enormous market as it gets even bigger, forecasted to become the 3rd largest global economy within three years. 

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held final talks in London last week after relaunching negotiations only two months ago. Negotiators across both sides have worked around the clock since February to get this deal done, which is the biggest and most economically significant bilateral trade deal the UK has done since leaving the EU, and the best deal India has ever agreed. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 

    We are now in a new era for trade and the economy. That means going further and faster to strengthen the UK’s economy, putting more money in working people’s pockets.  

    Through this government’s stable and pragmatic leadership, the UK has become an attractive place to do business. Today we have agreed a landmark deal with India – one of the fastest growing economies in the world, which will grow the economy and deliver for British people and business.  

    Strengthening our alliances and reducing trade barriers with economies around the world is part of our Plan for Change to deliver a stronger and more secure economy here at home.   

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 

    This government’s number one mission is growing the economy as part of our Plan for Change so we can put more money in people’s pockets.  

    By striking a new trade deal with the fastest-growing economy in the world, we are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year and unlocking growth in every corner of the country, from advanced manufacturing in the North East to whisky distilleries in Scotland. 

    In times of global uncertainty, a pragmatic approach to global trade that provides businesses and consumers with stability is more important than ever.

    At least 1.9 million people with Indian heritage call the UK their home and striking this deal will strengthen the vital partnership between our two democracies. 

    The benefits for UK businesses and consumers under this deal are massive, with wins across an array of sectors.  

    Notes to editors 

    Benefits for businesses of all sizes 

    Barriers to trading will be dropped, with India agreeing to reduce tariffs on a whole host of products including whisky, medical devices, advanced machinery, and lamb, making UK exports more competitive. Based on 2022 trade alone, this amounts to India cutting tariffs worth over £400 million when the deal comes into force, which will more than double to around £900 million after 10 years.  

    Exporting to this huge market will be easier than ever before thanks to India agreeing to release goods as quickly as possible after arrival at customs, work with the UK on one streamlined portal for trade and publish customs procedures and laws online in English. In addition, new digital commitments will support electronic contracts and transactions. These changes could particularly support small and medium-sized businesses, making it easier for them to enter the Indian market. 

    Delivering for high-growth sectors 

    High-growth sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy are supported through this deal, including: 

    • Tariffs cut on the UK’s large and varied advanced manufacturing sectors from aerospace and automotive, electrical circuits and conductors, and high-end optical products. 

    • The clean energy industry will have brand new, unprecedented access to India’s vast procurement market as the country makes the switch to renewable energy and continues to see growing energy demand. 

    • Reduced tariffs on medical devices that take the UK’s complex supply chains into consideration will unleash new opportunities for the UK life sciences sector. 

    • Enhanced copyright protections for the creative sector will give exporters confidence thanks to a commitment that their work will continue to be protected for at least 60 years. 

    • World-class UK services sectors – who export just over £500 billion worldwide will now benefit from market certainty when trading into the growing Indian market. 

    More choice and protections for consumers 

    As bilateral trade grows under this deal, the UK will benefit from the best India has to offer with British shoppers enjoying access to a greater variety of clothes and shoes.  New commitments will also help protect consumers from spam texts from India, which could include requiring opt-out or prior consent. 

    Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, welcomed the “transformational” deal: 

    The UK-India free trade agreement is a once in a generation deal and a landmark moment for Scotch Whisky exports to the world’s largest whisky market. It shows that the UK government is making significant progress towards achieving its growth mission, and the Scotch Whisky industry looks forward to working with the UK and Indian governments in the months ahead to implement the deal, which would be a big boost to two major global economies during turbulent times. 

    The reduction of the current 150% tariff on Scotch Whisky will be transformational for the industry, and has the potential to increase Scotch Whisky exports to India by £1bn over the next 5 years, creating 1,200 jobs across the UK. It will also give discerning consumers in India far greater choice of brands, as more SME Scotch Whisky producers have the opportunity to enter the market.” 

    Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said:  

    India continues to be incredibly important to the Premier League and its clubs. It is a vibrant country that presents exciting opportunities and significant potential. The Premier League’s recent announcement of an office opening in Mumbai demonstrates our commitment to build on longstanding work to engage local fans, develop grassroots and elite football and further promote the game in India. 

    The continued growth of the Premier League and UK businesses in India will have a positive impact on our domestic economy and we welcome the news of this new trade deal secured by Government, which will support UK businesses operating in India.” 

    Bill Winters CBE, Group CEO of Standard Chartered and Co-Chair of the UK-India Financial Partnership, said:

    The UK-India Free Trade Agreement is a significant achievement. It will create new opportunities for UK and Indian businesses, enable greater access to one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets, and drive growth and innovation across the UK-India corridor. We welcome this strong commitment to partnership and prosperity.   

    Markus Kessler, Managing Director, UPS UK, Ireland and Nordics said: 

    We welcome the announcement of this important agreement between two countries that are both vital markets in our global network. We look forward to continuing to help businesses of all sizes across the UK reach new customers in one of the world’s most populous and dynamic countries.

    Richard Heald, OBE, UK-India Business Council Chair said: 

    The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) welcomes the agreement of the new Free Trade Agreement between the United Kingdom and India. This marks a significant milestone in the deepening of economic and strategic ties between our two nations.  

    It matters when the fifth and sixth largest economies in the world reach a trade agreement. Such an agreement is illustrative of the positive momentum in the UK-India relationship, the commitment and ambition of both Governments, and the opportunities for greater trade, investment and collaboration between our countries.

    Notes to editors 

    • We have championed our values – securing India’s first ever chapters on anti-corruption, consumer protections, labour rights, gender, and development. We have protected the NHS, ensured the points-based immigration system is not affected, upheld our high food standards, and maintained our animal welfare commitments throughout. 

    Data sources for this release include: 

    • FTA economic impacts: DBT Technical Note: The preliminary economic impacts of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement 

    • India forecast to become the 3rd largest global economy within three years: IMF World Economic Outlook April 2025

    • India is the fastest growing economy in the world: IMF World Economic Outlook April 2025

    • India and the UK are the fifth and sixth largest economies: IMF World Economic Outlook April 2025 

    • 1.9 million people with Indian heritage live in the UK: ONS 2021 Census

    • UK services exports are worth over £500 billion: ONS UK trade February 2025

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Building the best future for Scotland

    Source: Scottish Government

    Programme for Government 2025-26.

    The NHS will deliver 100,000 additional GP appointments and Scotland will have a ‘best in UK’ cost-of-living guarantee, including the permanent abolition of peak rail fares, First Minister John Swinney announced as he set out a Programme for Government against a backdrop of global economic challenges. 

    Speaking one year since he was elected First Minister and one year before the end of this Parliament, Mr Swinney committed to a package of cost-of-living initiatives for households and businesses and a new Six Point Export Plan to unlock target markets. He set out plans to strengthen the NHS with the delivery of extra GP appointments for key health risks such as high blood pressure, and 150,000 more NHS appointments and procedures, including a 50% increase in surgical procedures such as hip and knee replacements.  

    Key announcements include:   

    • 100,000 enhanced service GP appointments by March 2026 for key risk factors including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, obesity and smoking as well as more than 150,000 extra appointments and procedures, including surgeries and diagnostic tests, and target cancer pathways to tackle backlogs against the 62-day referral to treatment standard 
    • The cost-of-living guarantee which includes ongoing free prescriptions, eye exams, bus travel for 2.3 million people, free tuition for students and more than £6,000 in early learning and childcare support for each eligible child 
    • ScotRail peak rail fares abolished and the general alcohol ban on ScotRail trains removed and replaced with time and location restrictions 
    • Winter fuel payments for pensioners restored 
    • A new Six Point Export Plan, with a focus on actions to unlock target markets, and showcase Scotland to global buyers 
    • A national regeneration fund that will support at least 26 projects to renew and restore communities, with a focus on delivering more local jobs 
    • More rights and stronger protections for tenants, helping deliver more than 8,000 affordable homes, including for social and mid-market rent, and removing barriers on stalled building sites with the potential to deliver up to 20,000 new homes 

    The First Minister said:  

     “This Programme for Government is focused on providing the best cost-of-living support across the UK, as well as delivering a renewed and stronger NHS.   

     “When I became First Minister a year ago, I heard loud and clear people’s concerns about the NHS which is why I am taking serious action to ensure the NHS meets the needs of the public.  

    “This PfG also shows decisive action to protect Scotland’s economy and maximise our economic potential in the face of global challenges.   

     “It is being published earlier than usual, in part because it allows a clear year of delivery on the NHS and other public services, but also due to the scale of the looming economic challenge.    

     “It is a programme for a better Scotland, for a stronger NHS and a more resilient and wealthier Scotland. It is a Programme for Government that gets our nation on track for success.”  

     Background  

    Read the Programme for Government 2025-26

    Read the First Minister’s statement to the Scottish Parliament, 6 May 2025

    The First Minister also confirmed Scottish Government plans to introduce six Bills over the course of the 2025-26 parliamentary year – alongside 2 Bills due to be introduced before summer recess and 14 Bills already before the Scottish Parliament – including:  

    Bills for introduction:  

    • Budget (No. 5)   
    • Children and Young People (Care)   
    • Contract (Formation and Remedies)   
    • Digital Assets    
    • Heat in Buildings   
    • Non-surgical Cosmetic Procedures   

     Bills from Year 4 programme which will be introduced before summer recess:  

    • Building Safety Levy   
    • Crofting and Scottish Land Court   

    Scottish Government Bills currently proceeding through Parliament:   

    • Care Reform   
    • Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty)   
    • Community Wealth Building   
    • Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews   
    • Education   
    • Housing   
    • Land Reform   
    • Leases (Automatic Continuation etc.)   
    • Natural Environment   
    • Regulation of Legal Services   
    • Scottish Languages   
    • Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance)   
    • UEFA European Championship   
    • Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform 

    A’ togail an ama ri teachd as fheàrr do dh’Alba

    Am Prògram airson Riaghaltas 2025-26.

    Bheir an NHS seachad 100,000 coinneamh a bharrachd le dotairean-teaghlaich. Gheibh Alba cuideachd gealladh gur i an dùthaich san Rìoghachd Aonaichte far am faigh daoine an dòigh-bheatha as fheàrr a dh’aindeoin staing nan cosgaisean bith-beò – mar eisimpleir, le bhith a’ cur às do na faraidhean rèile as daoire aig Rèile na h-Alba. Mhìnich am Prìomh Mhinistear Iain Swinney seo is e a’ cur an cèill Prògram airson Riaghaltas mu choinneamh dhùbhlain eaconamach na cruinne.

    ’S e a’ bruidhinn aon bhliadhna bhon a chaidh a thaghadh mar Phrìomh Mhinistear is aon bhliadhna gun crìochnaich a’ Phàrlamaid seo, thug Mgr Swinney seachad gealladh gun cuireadh an Riaghaltas an sàs iomairtean a thaobh chosgaisean bith-beò às leth dhachaighean is ghnothachasan. Gheall e gun dèigheadh Plana ùr fhoillseachadh anns a bheil Sia Puingean a thaobh Às-mhalairt, gus fosgladh margaidhean air a bheil Alba ag amas. Mhìnich e cuideachd planaichean gus an NHS a neartachadh le bhith a’ toirt seachad barrachd choinneamhan le dotairean-teaghlaich airson prìomh chunnartan slàinte leithid brùthadh-fala àrd. A thuilleadh air an sin, thèid 150,000 coinneamh is obair-mheadaigeach a bharrachd a thoirt seachad fon NHS, agus nam measg bidh àrdachadh de 50% ann an obraichean-lannsa leithid a bhith a’ toirt chruaichnean is ghlùinean ùra do dhaoine.

    Mar phàirt de na prìomh rudan a thèid a chur an cèill tha:

    • 100,000 coinneamhan le dotairean-teaghlaich tron tèid seirbheis aig ìre nas àirde a thoirt seachad. Bidh seo air a choileanadh ron Mhàrt 2026 is dèiligidh iad ris na prìomh rudan a chomharras cunnartan slàinte, mar eisimpleir: brùthadh-fala àrd, coileastarail àrd, àrd-ìre de shiùcar-fala, reamhrachd agus smocadh. Thèid cuideachd 150,000 coinneamh is obair-mheadaigeach a bharrachd a thoirt seachad. Am measg iad seo bidh obraichean-lannsa is deuchainnean diagnosach, is slighean leigheis airson aillse gus an tèid dèiligeadh ri cùisean air an deach maill a chur. Bidh seo a’ coileanadh na bun-inbhe a chanas nach bi neach a’ feitheamh barrachd air 62 latha eadar iad a bhith a’ faighinn iomradh airson leigheas agus an leigheas fhèin.
    • Gealladh a thaobh chosgaisean bith-beò far an lean daoine orra a bhith a’ faighinn òrduighean-chungaidhean saor an-asgaidh, deuchainnean sùla, siubhal air bus do 2.3 millean neach, oideachadh saor an-asgaidh do dh’oileanaich agus còrr air £6000 as fhiach de thaic airson tràth-ionnsachadh is cùram-cloinne do gach leanabh aig a bheil cothrom air.
    • Gun tèid cur às do na faraidhean as àirde aig Rèile na h-Alba. Bidh cuideachd an casg a tha ann an-dràsta a thaobh a bhith ag òl deoch-làidir air a thoirt air falbh is bacaidhean sònraichte a rèir àm agus àite air an cur ann.
    • Gun tèid pàigheadh connaidh a’ Gheamhraidh do pheinnseanairean a thoirt air ais.
    • Plana ùr anns a bheil Sia Puingean a thaobh Às-mhalairt, a chuireas fòcas air gnìomhan gus fosgladh margaidhean air a bheil Alba ag amas, agus gus an dùthaich a thaisbeanadh do cheannaichean na cruinne.
    • Maoin ath-bheòthachaidh nàiseanta a chuireas taic ri co-dhiù 26 pròiseactan gus ath-nuadhachadh is ath-thogail a thoirt air coimhearsnachdan, is far am bi fòcas air barrachd obraichean ionadail ùra a thoirt seachad.
    • Barrachd chòraichean is ceumannan dìona nas treasa do luchd-gabhail, a chuidicheas ann a bhith a’ toirt seachad còrr air 8,000 dachaigh aig prìs reusanta, is cuid dhiubh sin air an cur a-mach air màl sòisealta no meadhan na margaidh. Thèid cuideachd cur às do chnapan-starra a tha a’ fàgail gu bheil cuid a làraichean togail nan tàmh – rud aig a bheil an comas a bhith a’ toirt seachad suas ri 20,000 dachaigh ùr.

    Thuirt am Prìomh Mhinistear:

    “Tha am Prògram airson Riaghaltas seo a’ cur fòcas air a bhith a’ toirt seachad na taice as fheàrr anns an Rìoghachd Aonaichte a thaobh chosgaisean bith-beò, a thuilleadh air a bhith a’ toirt seachad NHS a tha nas làidire agus air ùrachadh.

    “Nuair a chaidh mo thaghadh mar Phrìomh Mhinistear o chionn bliadhna, chaidh na draghan a tha aig daoine mun NHS a dhèanamh soilleir dhomh is ’s ann air sgàth sin a tha mi a’ cur an sàs ghnìomhan cudromach a nì cinnteach gu bheil an NHS a’ coileanadh feumalachdan a’ phobaill.

    “Anns a’ Phrògram seo chithear cuideachd gu bheil sinn a’ leantainn ghnìomhan le cinnt gus eaconamaidh na h-Alba a dhìon is làn-chomas na h-eaconamaidh againn a thoirt gu buil an aghaidh dhùbhlain aig ìre na cruinne.

     “Tha am Prògram air fhoillseachadh nas tràithe na ’s àbhaist, gu ìre seach gu bheil seo a’ toirt bliadhna shlàn far an urrainn do gheallaidhean a bhith air an coileanadh a thaobh an NHS is seirbheisean poblach eile, ach cuideachd air sgàth meud an dùbhlain eaconamaich a tha romhainn.

    “’S e prògram a tha ann airson Alba nas fheàrr, NHS nas làidire agus Alba a tha nas seasmhaiche agus nas beartaiche. ’S e seo Prògram airson Riaghaltas tron tèid an dùthaich againn a thilleadh don rathad as soirbheachaile.”

     Cùl-fhiosrachadh

    Dhearbh am Prìomh Mhinistear cuideachd na planaichean aig Riaghaltas na h-Alba gus sia Bilean a thoirt a-steach don phàrlamaid thairis air bliadhna na pàrlamaid 2025-26. Tha iad seo a thuilleadh air dà Bhile a tha san amharc tighinn do Phàrlamaid na h-Alba ro fhosadh an t-samhraidh agus 14 Bile a tha mu thràth mu choinneamh na Pàrlamaid. Nam measg, tha:

    Bilean rin toirt a-steach: 

    • Buidseat (Àir. 5)  
    • Clann agus Daoine Òga (Cùram)  
    • Cùmhnant (Cruthachadh agus Leasachadh)  
    • Maoinean Didseatach
    • Teas ann an Togalaichean
    • Obraichean-maise air nach fheum Obair-lannsa

    Bilean bho phrògram Bliadhna 4 a thèid a chur don phàrlamaid ro fhosadh an t-samhraidh: 

    • Bile na Cìse airson Sàbhailteachd Thogalaichean
    • Bile na Croitearachd agus Cùirt Fearainn na h-Alba

    Bilean le Riaghaltas na h-Alba a tha sa Phàrlamaid:  

    • Bile airson Ath-leasachadh Cùraim  
    • Bile na Cloinne (A bhith a’ tighinn a-mach à Foghlam Creidimh agus Atharrachadh air Dleastanas Co-fhreagarrachd an UNCRC)
    • Bile airson Togail Beartas Choimhearsnachdan
    • Bile airson Ùrachadh Ceartas Eucorach is Sgrùdaidhean air Giùlan Mì-ghnàthach san Dachaigh
    • Bile an Fhoghlaim  
    • Bile an Taigheadais
    • Bile airson Ath-leasachadh Fearainn
    • Bile na Gabhalach (Fèin-leantainn msaa.)
    • Bile na h-Àrainneachd Nàdarra
    • Bile airson Riaghladh Sheirbheisean Lagha
    • Bile nan Cànan Albannach
    • Bile airson Foghlam agus Trèanadh Iar-sgoile (Maoineachadh agus Riaghladh)
    • Bile airson Co-fharpais Eòrpach UEFA
    • Bile airson Ath-leasachadh a thaobh Luchd-fulaing, Luchd-fianais agus Ceartas

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Lufthansa shareholders approve all agenda items at the Annual General Meeting

    Source: Lufthansa Group

    About 1,500 shareholders followed today’s 72th Annual General Meeting of Deutsche Lufthansa AG online. A total of 42,16 percent of the share capital was represented. Nine items were on the agenda for the Annual General Meeting. The shareholders of the company approved all items by a large majority.

    The shareholders thereby approved the actions of the members of the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board for the 2024 financial year by a large majority.

    The items on the agenda of the Annual General Meeting included the appropriation of balance sheet profits, which provides for the distribution of a dividend of EUR 0.30 per share, and the election of members of the Supervisory Board. Erich Clementi, Dr. Astrid Stange, and Angela Titzrath were re-elected to the Supervisory Board. Dr. Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of Canadian airline the WestJet Airlines, was newly elected to the Supervisory Board.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First ever MPA byelaw prosecution secures guilty plea and £40,000 financial order

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    First ever MPA byelaw prosecution secures guilty plea and £40,000 financial order

    The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has secured the first successful prosecution for a contravention of an MMO marine protected area (MPA) byelaw.

    On 2 May 2025, at Newcastle Magistrates Court, Christoph Gouy, Master of the French-registered fishing vessel Pierre D’Ambre, pleaded guilty to using bottom towed fishing gear in a prohibited area of the Offshore Brighton Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) in April 2024 and other related offences.  

    The case resulted in the master and owner receiving over £40,000 in fines, victim surcharge and costs for illegal bottom towed fishing activity within the Offshore Brighton Marine Conservation Zone and other linked offences. 

    The Marine Protected Areas Bottom Towed Fishing Gear Byelaw 2023 came into force on 22 March 2024. A 50-day notification period preceded the byelaw’s implementation and was widely communicated. The day before the offences took place the vessel was also notified about the upcoming restrictions. 

    The Offshore Brighton MCZ, located approximately 45km south of Selsey Bill, West Sussex, protects 862km² of biodiverse seabed habitats including coarse sands, gravels, and exposed bedrock. These habitats support a variety of marine life essential for a healthy and functioning marine ecosystem, including burrowing worms and sea anemones. 

    The MMO introduced the byelaw following a detailed impact assessment, evidence gathering and public consultation on proposed measures for 13 marine protected areas (MPAs). The ban on bottom towed fishing gear in specified areas within these MPAs is in place to ensure the conservation and recovery of these vulnerable habitats and species. 

    Peter Clark, Director of Operations at MMO, said:  

    This landmark case demonstrates MMO’s commitment to protecting our precious marine environment. Effective enforcement of byelaws like this one is essential to ensure our MPAs deliver real ecosystem benefits. Healthy seas are the foundation of a thriving, sustainable fishing industry. This successful prosecution shows that we will act decisively to uphold the rules and safeguard the long-term future of our marine environment.

    This case marks a significant step towards MMOs upholding the commitment to sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation. 

    Find out more: www.gov.uk/marine-protected-areas

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairwoman McClain’s Statement on President Trump’s FY 2026 Budget Request

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    Chairwoman McClain’s Statement on President Trump’s FY 2026 Budget Request

    Washington, May 2, 2025

    WASHINGTON—House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) released the following statement after President Trump unveiled his FY 2026 budget request:

    “House Republicans are excited to receive the President’s funding request that roots out wasteful spending, delivers historic savings, and protects essential programs. We, along with 77 million Americans, are ready to turn the corner on four years of bad Biden budgets,” Chairwoman McClain said. “President Trump’s budget request delivers on our opportunity to reduce deficits and right-size the government. It prioritizes our nation’s security rather than Green New Scam initiatives. We will make this request a reality through our one, big beautiful bill.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State Launches Colorado Property Tax Map as a Central Source to Understand Taxing Jurisdictions and Property Tax Rates

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Jared Polis, the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and the Governor’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) launched a new pilot Colorado Property Tax Map to offer Coloradans a centralized, accessible and reliable source to estimate property taxes and view statewide taxing jurisdictions and boundaries. This first-of-its-kind map aggregates data provided to the state by local governments and displays historical taxing, parcel and levy information in a way that has never been done, adding context and clarity to an often confusing subject. This map is launching just shy of a year since the landmark property tax deal last legislative session that helps save Coloradans money on their property taxes. 

    “In Colorado, we have made it one of our top priorities to decrease property taxes for all Coloradans. I am excited to launch the Colorado Property Tax Map tool to take the stress out of taxes by offering a user-friendly map to remove the guesswork for Coloradans,” said Governor Polis. 

    This map is a great resource for last year’s property tax information. It gives property owners and other interested parties a good picture of value, taxing jurisdictions that collect taxes against their property and what mill levies were in the last year. 

    “DOLA’s vision is to work collaboratively across agencies to be innovative in our approach to strengthen local communities,” said Maria De Cambra, DOLA’s Executive Director. “This map is a perfect example of this vision coming to fruition to add a new level of transparency to a subject that is often confusing to many Coloradans.” 

    “The Colorado Property Tax map puts the tremendous power of Geographic Information Systems directly in the hands of Coloradans,” added state Chief Information Officer David Edinger. “We are thankful for the joint partnership between the Governor’s Office, DOLA and our GIS Coordination & Development Program within OIT to solve real-world problems through innovative geospatial cloud technology.” 

    The Colorado Property Tax Map can be viewed from any device and does not require an account. Visit https://dpt.colorado.gov/property-tax-map for more information and to access the map. A Property Tax Map Help Guide is available at https://gis.colorado.gov/proptaxmap/?page=Help. 

    ### 

    About the Governor’s Office of Information Technology 

    The Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) is a dynamic organization responsible for the operation and delivery of information and communications technology services across Executive Branch agencies in the State of Colorado. OIT’s purpose is to ensure an accessible, trustworthy and resilient technology experience for Colorado by supporting state agencies whose missions are critical to serving Coloradans. OIT oversees technology initiatives at the state level and recommends strategies to maximize efficiencies and offer cost-effective services. The Office’s enterprise approach also enables the agile delivery of new applications to state agencies that improve the overall customer experience and access to government services while increasing accountability and transparency. 

    About the Department of Local Affairs 

    The Colorado Department of Local Affairs’ (DOLA) vision is to strengthen Colorado communities, and DOLA serves as the primary interface between the State and local governments. The Department provides financial support to local communities along with professional and technical services (including training and technical assistance) to community leaders in the areas of governance, housing, and property tax administration. While all state governments provide such services through various departmental structures, Colorado’s approach is unique in that these local community services are gathered into a singular department, which has a central focus on increasing resiliency and enhancing livability and being a proactive leader in housing.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Haivision Redefines ISR Video Processing and Transcoding with the New Kraken X1 Rugged

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Haivision, a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions, today introduced the Kraken X1 Rugged, a game-changing addition to its battle-hardened ISR video processing arsenal. Built for maximum operational impact at the tactical edge, Kraken X1 Rugged processes full-motion video (FMV), delivering low latency encoding, transcoding, and AI-enhanced video and metadata to support the toughest mission demands in the most extreme environments.

    Precision-engineered to meet any video processing challenge in forward-deployed ISR missions, the Kraken X1 Rugged packs cutting-edge AI capabilities and low-latency video performance into a rugged, compact, and fanless appliance. Engineered to meet MIL-STD ruggedization requirements in a small form factor device, Kraken X1 Rugged provides superior video processing for ISR missions in the most demanding environments – including UAVs, manned aircraft, vehicles, towers, ships, and more.

    Kraken X1 Rugged derives its high-density power from the NVIDIA Jetson Orin platform with next-gen GPU acceleration. Along with the ability to encode/transcode up to four 1080p HD streams, Kraken X1 Rugged can enhance situational awareness with real-time AI processing at the edge, capable of running third-party AI models directly on sensor-equipped platforms that are deployed in the field, instead of transporting the sensor feeds for processing to cloud data centers far from the action. By processing at the tactical edge, Kraken X1 Rugged can provide higher-quality intelligence delivered more reliably, more quickly, and more securely.

    “The Kraken X1 Rugged represents a significant evolution of our ISR platform, bringing ruggedized, real-time video processing to the most demanding environments,” said John Leipper, Defense Product Manager, Haivision. “It delivers the trusted Kraken capabilities our users rely on, in a compact, durable form factor optimized for high-performance AI-ready processing at the edge – right next to sensors.”

    Haivision’s Kraken solutions are trusted by ISR and mission-critical operations to turn constrained, unreliable networks into actionable intelligence pipelines for full motion video. Key capabilities of Kraken X1 Rugged include:

    • Real-time video for ISR: Process real-time FMV with surgical precision to supercharge critical decisions. Handle up to four 1080p60 streams or one 4Kp60 stream with HEVC/H.265 or H.264 compression.
    • Bandwidth optimization with KLV metadata: High-quality transcoding for downstream compatibility and transport even when network bandwidth is limited, along with synchronous/asynchronous KLV metadata, filtered as needed, to enhance geospatial context and unlock actionable intelligence.
    • Enrich intelligence with AI at the edge: Run third-party AI algorithms on NVIDIA accelerated GPUs to reliably extract high-quality intelligence at the tactical edge and deliver as full motion video and KLV metadata for downstream dissemination.
    • Ruggedized performance in a small form factor: MIL-STD environmental and power compliance for tough conditions, form factor suitable for deployment in environments with size and weight constraints, and support for 28V DC in a fanless appliance, deliver reliable results wherever ISR operations demand.
    • Seamlessly connect ISR networks: Route encoded or transcoded video streams to multiple destinations and convert between transport protocols like MPEG-TS, SRT, RTMP, RTSP, and RTP.
    • Battle-tested compatibility: Runs the same industry-leading Kraken software trusted by defense, public safety, and intelligence organizations worldwide.

    The Kraken family of real-time ISR video encoding and transcoding solutions are central to Haivision’s cutting-edge product portfolio, driving mission-critical operations with precision and power. Haivision’s video wall systems for command centers, video distribution solutions, and ISR video technology help aerospace, enterprise, government, military, and public safety organizations make informed decisions faster.

    The Kraken X1 Rugged will be showcased at SOF Week 2025 from May 6-8 in Tampa, Florida, and will be available in fall 2025. Learn more about the Kraken X1 Rugged here.

    About Haivision
    Haivision is a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions. Our connected cloud and intelligent edge technologies enable organizations globally to engage audiences, enhance collaboration, and support decision-making. We provide high-quality, low-latency, secure, and reliable live video at a global scale. Haivision open-sourced its award-winning SRT low-latency video streaming protocol and founded the SRT Alliance to support its adoption. Awarded four Emmys® for Technology and Engineering from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Haivision continues to fuel the future of IP video transformation. Founded in 2004, Haivision is headquartered in Montreal and Chicago with offices, sales, and support located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. To learn more, visit www.haivision.com.

    Jennifer Gazin
    514.334.5445 ext 8309
    jgazin@haivision.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Read More (Statement by U.S. Rep. Greg Steube on the House Intel Report on the 2017 Congressional Baseball Shooting)

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

    May 06, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today released the following statement on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence report on the 2017 congressional baseball shooting:“As we approach the eight-year anniversary of the congressional baseball shooting, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has brought to light the FBI’s corruption and mismanagement of their investigation of the attack. This report spells out in detail a concerted campaign by the FBI to dismiss, downplay, and distort James T. Hodgkinson’s act of domestic terrorism on Republican lawmakers. At a time when trust in our institutions is at an all-time low, this report provides the public with the full account of what happened on June 14, 2017, at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park. While the Deep State tried to twist the realities of a tragedy to fit their own agenda, the House Intel Committee let the facts and evidence guide their investigation. As the report makes clear, Hodgkinson was a ‘radical, left-wing political extremist, seeking to affect the conduct of government by assassinating Republican congressmen.’I call on FBI Director Kash Patel to swiftly implement the committee’s recommendations in the report to hold accountable those officials who peddled falsehoods to the American people. Never again should the Bureau sacrifice its pursuit of justice on the altar of ulterior political agendas. And never should the American people be forced to question the motivations and honesty of those entrusted with the power of the law.”
    Read the report here.

    MIL OSI USA News –