NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2024-25 ACT Budget: Investing in health, housing and cost of living relief

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Budget includes further cuts to stamp duty to help more Canberrans buy a home.

    Health, housing and cost of living are at the forefront of the 2024-25 ACT Budget.

    This year’s Budget delivers more public health services – from new health centres in the suburbs to more elective surgeries across Canberra’s public hospitals.

    There is cost of living support for those who need it most, and further cuts to stamp duty to help more Canberrans buy a home.

    The Budget also provides more funding for city services and local infrastructure projects across the city.

    Health

    The Budget is investing in a stronger health care system that is more efficient, with lower rates of avoidable hospital admissions, reduced health inequalities, and improved health outcomes.

    This includes funding for work to complement the construction of the new North Canberra Hospital, as well as the second phase of the Canberra Hospital Master Plan.

    Funding in the 2024-25 Budget includes:

    Housing

    Through this year’s Budget, the ACT Government aims to increase housing access, choice and affordability.

    This includes expanding the Home Buyer Concession Scheme from 1 July, so more people are eligible for a full stamp duty concession on the first $1 million of property value.

    The Government has also temporarily expanded the stamp duty concession for off-the-plan unit-titled apartments and townhouses to include properties valued up to $1 million in 2024–25. This is an increase from the previous value of $800,000.

    Other initiatives funded in the Budget include:

    • expanding the Affordable Housing Project Fund to $80 million to grow the number of affordable rental properties
    • $108 million in extra funding for new public housing, and to improve existing public housing
    • a taskforce to improve repairs and maintenance of public housing and oversee a pilot for insourcing maintenance of two large multi-unit properties.

    Cost of living

    Following support for all households in the Commonwealth Budget, the ACT Government is offering targeted assistance for those in the community who need it most.

    This includes increasing the Electricity, Water and Gas Rebate (formerly, the Utilities Concession) for 2024-25 by $50. The increase will provide eligible households with a total rebate of $800 on their electricity bills.

    The Budget also includes a $250 one-off payment for ACT apprentices and trainees to help complete their training. The payment will support about 5700 local apprentices and trainees.

    The Future of Education Equity Fund has been boosted to ensure more families can access support in the 2024 school year. The Fund provides low-income families and independent students with a one-off payment to help with education costs such as music lessons or sporting equipment.

    Other cost of living initiatives include:

    • rebates of up to 50 per cent for pensioners on their general rates (capped at $750) and a $98 rebate for the Police, Fire and Emergency Services Levy
    • full motor vehicle registration concessions for all eligible recipients
    • extending the Rental Relief Fund to assist those experiencing rental stress or financial hardship
    • increasing the value of vouchers available through the Utilities Hardship Fund.

    Infrastructure

    This year’s Budget invests in recreation spaces for the community and ensures Canberra is a more attractive tour option for live music and entertainment.

    The 2024-25 Budget includes:

    • further support for upgrades to the Phillip District Enclosed Oval
    • commencement of construction of Stage 1 of the Stromlo Forest Park District Playing Fields
    • early design works for a new or expanded Canberra Stadium, a new Convention and Entertainment Centre, a reopened Telstra Tower, a new Manuka Oval Eastern Grandstand Project, EPIC and Canberra City Pool
    • continuation of design works for the expansion of the Belconnen Basketball Stadium and redevelopment of the Canberra Theatre Centre
    • upgrades to community arts, cultural and heritage facilities.

    Education

    The Government is committed to ensuring that children and young people have access to a quality education close to their homes.

    The 2024–25 ACT Budget funds a new suite of system-wide literacy and numeracy initiatives – called Strong Foundations.

    This approach will ensure all students at ACT public schools have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.

    The 2024-25 ACT Budget also includes funding to support:

    For more on the 2024-25 ACT Budget, visit the Treasury website.

    What’s in it for your region?

    Click on the map below to find out what’s been funded in the 2024-25 ACT Budget for your region.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man charged with assault in relation to alleged incidents in Granton and South Hobart

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Man charged with assault in relation to alleged incidents in Granton and South Hobart

    Tuesday, 8 April 2025 – 11:10 am.

    A 31-year-old man has been charged with assault in relation to isolated incidents at two locations on Sunday night.
    Police will allege the man assaulted a woman who is known to him, at residences in Granton and South Hobart.
    The victim was transported to hospital for medical treatment and has since been discharged.  
    The man was detained to appear before the Hobart Magistrates Court today. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Here’s who topped the rankings in this year’s scorecard for sustainable chocolate – and which confectionery giant refused to participate

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Perkiss, Associate professor in accounting, University of Wollongong

    Jiri Hera/Shutterstock

    With the Easter weekend now around the corner, the sixth edition of the Global Chocolate Scorecard has just been released.

    This is an annual initiative produced by Be Slavery Free, in collaboration with two Australian universities and a wide range of consultants and sustainability interest groups.

    It ranks companies across the entire chocolate sector – from major multinational producers through to retailers – on a wide range of sustainability policies and practices.

    This year, there have been some improvements across the board.

    Transparency has increased, with 82% of companies now fully disclosing child labour data, up from 45% in 2023. The data reported also shows the discovery of child labour is down in the sector.

    On other measures, the sector is less commendable. Deforestation is still high, with more than a third of cocoa bought by companies coming from deforested or unknown sources.

    Companies reported that 84% of cocoa farmers in their supply chain are not earning a living income – or their income is unknown. And there hasn’t been enough progress on the use of pesticides to address the chronic exposure of communities to harmful chemicals.

    Chocolate’s annual scorecard

    The Global Chocolate Scorecard evaluates and ranks chocolate traders, manufacturers, brands and retailers.

    The Global Chocolate Scorecard is released every year around Easter time.
    New Africa/Shutterstock

    This year, 60 companies from around the world were invited to participate. Collectively, these companies purchase more than 90% of the world’s cocoa.

    Companies are categorised as either large, small (less than 1,000 tons of cocoa) or retailers. They’re evaluated based on a range of policies and practices.

    These include:

    • traceability and transparency levels across supply chains
    • whether they pay farmers a living income
    • efforts to prevent the use of child labour
    • action on climate and deforestation
    • how they support agroforestry
    • efforts to eliminate the use of harmful pesticides.

    Top of the class

    Awards were given out this year to the best and the worst performers – a “Good Egg” award in each category, a gender award, and a “Bad Egg” award overall.

    This year, Tony’s Chocolonely won the Good Egg award in the large company category. It scored the highest against the six markers, representing the most sustainable chocolate company according to the scorecard.

    The Gender award went to Mars Wrigley – which produces Mars, Snickers, Twix and Malteasers – recognising the company for work supporting gender equality.

    The Good Egg award for smaller companies went to US chocolate manufacturer Beyond Good. Beyond Good buys beans directly from farmers in Madagascar and Uganda, ensuring traceability and fair trade practices.

    Unlike indirect sourcing in the cocoa commodity supply chain, Beyond Good’s direct trade model means the company buys cocoa direct from the farmers. Bypassing intermediaries enables better transparency and supply chain relationships.

    Companies reported 84% of cocoa farmers either weren’t earning a living income, or their income was unknown.
    Narong Khueankaew/Shutterstock

    The ‘bad egg’ award

    This year, multinational chocolate manufacturer Mondelēz, producers of Cadbury, Toblerone, Green & Black’s, Oreo and Daim, was given the “Bad Egg” award.

    The award recognises the company’s decision not to participate in this year’s chocolate scorecard process, indicating of a lack of transparency and public accountability.

    Mondelēz did participate in the last (fifth) edition, ranking 25th out of 38 large companies. The company has not provided a reason for not participating this year. However, it is an outlier, as all other large chocolate companies participated.

    Another notable absence from this year’s scorecard was major Australian retailer Coles, which has participated in the past.

    Transparency allows consumers to find out what steps companies are taking to improve sustainability in their supply chains.
    New Africa/Shutterstock

    The understanding that businesses have a responsibility to be accountable to their consumers is not new. It encompasses aspects of corporate social responsibility – compliance, ethical and sustainable practices, and transparency.

    To be transparent, companies need to be open and honest about how their products are made, how their prices are set and what policies they follow.

    A sector in turmoil

    The global chocolate sector is facing some serious challenges. About 75% of the world’s cocoa is produced in West Africa.

    Cocoa prices surged to record highs in 2024. Many major chocolate companies increased their prices as a result.

    Despite the price of chocolate rising, these increases are often not passed on, leaving many cocoa farmers in extreme poverty. This is in addition to struggling with the impacts of climate change.

    New uncertainty for producers are only set to worsen in the wake of the Trump administration’s dismantling of USAID and International Labour Affairs Bureau programs. Such cuts ending projects for health, humans rights and monitoring risk reversing the much celebrated progress on reducing child labour in chocolate supply chains.

    Stephanie Perkiss is part of the Chocolate Scorecard’s Data Integrity & Ethics and Research team.

    – ref. Here’s who topped the rankings in this year’s scorecard for sustainable chocolate – and which confectionery giant refused to participate – https://theconversation.com/heres-who-topped-the-rankings-in-this-years-scorecard-for-sustainable-chocolate-and-which-confectionery-giant-refused-to-participate-253933

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Four-month Kaikōura pāua season starts 1 May

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Kaikōura pāua fishery will open to recreational pāua-gathering for a four-month season from 1 May, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

    “I’m very pleased to be able to open this treasured fishery for a longer season this year, which is possible due to the continuing recovery of the pāua stock.

    “This recovery is thanks to careful management, and the ongoing commitment by Kaikōura locals to their fishery.”

    The season will run until 31 August and, subject to ongoing discussion with the Kaikōura Marine Guardians, iwi, and the community, these dates will also apply for future seasons, giving people certainty about when the fishery will be open. 

    “The Kaikōura pāua population was heavily impacted by the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, which caused significant damage to pāua habitat along the coastline,” Mr Jones says.

    “We have made major strides in the recovery of the pāua stock, and I’m committed to ensuring this continues, which is why I decided to increase the minimum legal size for recreationally caught pāua. 

    “The new size limit means people can take pāua only if they are 130mm or bigger. This will help improve the population by providing more time for pāua to spawn. This also aligns with a higher size limit implemented by commercial fishers.”

    The daily bag limit is three pāua per species from Marfells Beach to Conway River with a minimum size of 130mm for blackfoot pāua and 80mm for yellowfoot pāua. When gathering over multiple days, there is a maximum accumulation of two daily limits.

    Some areas remain closed including the Hikurangi marine reserve, Waiopuka (Wakatu Quay) rāhui, three mātaitai, and a taiāpure. The Oaro-Haumuri Taiāpure will be open for the season but has lower daily limits and a bigger minimum size.

    Fishery Officers will be checking catch to make sure all fishers are following the rules. More information can be found on MPI’s website.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Farmer banned from owning farm animals for 2 years, placed on 6 months community detention over lack of food and welfare for sheep

    Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

    A Woodville farmer has been banned from owning or being in charge of farm animals and placed on 6 months community detention over a lack of food and welfare that led to 55 sheep being euthanised and others suffering.

    Noel Thomas Cunningham (64) was sentenced (7 April 2025) in the Palmerston North District on 3 charges he pleaded guilty to under the Animal Welfare Act, following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries.

    “When animal welfare inspectors visited the farm, they found infrastructure including fencing and water reticulation, particularly on the 40-hectare sheep block, showed maintenance and management had been lacking for some time. Most of the sheep fences were not stock proof and pasture was tired and indicative of poor grazing management.  An open fronted shed containing multiple sheep carcasses, along with shallow graves in an adjacent paddock indicated a history of poor care and management of the sheep,” says MPI manager animal welfare and NAIT compliance central, Gray Harrison.

    “Many of the existing sheep were underweight and displaying signs of lice infestation, and some had to be euthanised to prevent further stress and suffering.

    “This level of neglect is unacceptable. When we find evidence of it, we will take action.”

    An MPI animal welfare inspector and 2 veterinarians inspected a total of 322 animals. They found 25 recently dead sheep and a number of dead newborn lambs. 55 sheep had to be euthanised because they were so thin and affected by parasites. 90 ewes that were also very thin were not euthanised because it would have compromised the health of their lambs, and the welfare needs of 179 other sheep were not being met.

    “Mr Cunningham was an experienced farmer, yet we found no evidence of sheep management or routine husbandry being carried out. Some of the sheep that died were found near water courses, stuck in mud and at various stages of decomposition. Most farmers do the right thing for their animals. Mr Cunningham failed the basics – providing quality feed and good access to water, along with timely care,” says Gray Harrison.

    Animal welfare is everyone’s responsibility and MPI strongly encourages any member of the public who is aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone 0800 00 83 33.

    For further information and general enquiries, email info@mpi.govt.nz

    For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why are some cats more allergenic than others? It’s not their coat length

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jazmine Skinner, Lecturer in Animal Science, University of Southern Queensland

    evrymmnt/Shutterstock

    Allergies can be debilitating for those who have them – even more so when the cause of the allergic reaction is a beloved pet.

    Second only to dust mites, the humble domestic house cat is one of the major causes of indoor allergens for people.

    But what is the actual source of the allergic response? And are certain breeds less allergenic than others? There are many myths and misconceptions related to cat allergens, so let’s debunk a few.

    Cats produce several allergens, but Fel d 1 is the biggest culprit.
    My Agency/Shutterstock

    It’s not the hair!

    Contrary to common misconception, cat hair is not the cause of allergies in people.

    Rather, the allergy is down to a pesky protein commonly referred to as Fel d 1. This protein is produced in a cat’s saliva and skin glands. While cats produce at least eight allergens, it is Fel d 1 which studies have shown to be the leading cat allergen.

    Fel d 1 is a microscopic protein that readily sticks to clothing and other surfaces. It can also remain airborne for long periods of time, making it easy to inhale.

    Studies have shown it can even be found in homes without cats, brought in from outside on clothes and other objects – not great news for people with a severe allergy.

    The Fel d 1 allergen is transferred to the cat’s hair and skin when they groom themselves. It then spreads into their environment when they shed hair and dander, which is mostly comprised of dead skin cells.

    Although the cat’s hair can carry the allergens, the hair itself is not at fault here. Even hairless Sphynx cats secrete the protein. This is also why longer haired, fluffier cats don’t necessarily make you more allergic.

    Sphynx cats might not have much hair, but they still produce the allergen.
    Erin Agius/Unsplash

    It’s not the breed, either

    In fact, research has shown that neither the length of the cat’s hair, nor the colour of its coat, appear to have any significant bearing on how much allergen the cat produces.

    Regardless of a cat’s breed, sex and individual variation in the production of Fel d 1 are the main reason why some cats seem to cause a greater allergic response than others.

    It has long been known that on average, unneutered male cats produce more Fel d 1 than females or neutered males. Some studies have also found that older cats tend to produce lower levels of Fel d 1 than younger cats.

    While there are breeds referred to as “hypoallergenic”, it is important to remember this does not mean “allergen-free”. According to a review published in 2024, “to date, there is no scientific evidence for a hypoallergenic cat breed”.

    However, putting our strict hypoallergenic definition aside, a few small studies have reported reduced levels of Fel d 1 production in some of these breeds. It is important to remember though that even in individual cats, production of Fel d 1 can vary widely throughout the year.

    Further studies in these breeds, using larger sample sizes, is needed to confirm these findings.

    Overall, the fact that sensitive people report an increased allergic response to some cats rather than others is likely due to variation in how much Fel d 1 the individual cat produces.

    Just because a cat is fluffy, doesn’t mean it’s going to set your allergies off more.
    Ricardo L/Unsplash

    Can we make cats less allergenic?

    In the last few years, several studies have investigated the possibility of vaccinating cats against the Fel d 1 protein.

    While this would be great news for allergy sufferers, the issue is that researchers are currently unsure what role the protein plays in cats. Current evidence suggests it may play a role in the dispersal of pheromones, and potentially in protecting the cat’s skin; further research is needed.

    There is also some initial evidence to suggest that therapeutic diets in which an antibody is added from chicken eggs (IgY antibodies) can reduce the production of Fel d 1 that a cat produces. However, larger studies are needed before we might start seeing “anti-allergy” cat food on the shelves.

    There is some evidence to suggest that exposure to cats at a young age may reduce the likelihood of a person developing an allergy.

    If you’re an adult allergic to cats but still would like to have one, there is good evidence to suggest regular cleaning can substantially decrease the amount of cat allergens in your home.

    Even though the jury is out on the scientific evidence for “hypoallergenic” cat breeds, some cats really are less allergenic than others.

    Despite the challenges for those that are allergic, you are not doomed to have to avoid cats for the rest of your life. With the right management and care, cat ownership is entirely possible – and absolutely worth it.

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

    – ref. Why are some cats more allergenic than others? It’s not their coat length – https://theconversation.com/why-are-some-cats-more-allergenic-than-others-its-not-their-coat-length-251133

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: This Easter, check out which chocolate brands are most ethical

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Perkiss, Associate professor in accounting, University of Wollongong

    Jiri Hera/Shutterstock

    With the Easter weekend now around the corner, the sixth edition of the Global Chocolate Scorecard has just been released.

    This is an annual initiative produced by Be Slavery Free, in collaboration with two Australian universities and a wide range of consultants and sustainability interest groups.

    It ranks companies across the entire chocolate sector – from major multinational producers through to retailers – on a wide range of sustainability policies and practices.

    This year, there have been some improvements across the board.

    Transparency has increased, with 82% of companies now fully disclosing child labour data, up from 45% in 2023. The data reported also shows the discovery of child labour is down in the sector.

    On other measures, the sector is less commendable. Deforestation is still high, with more than a third of cocoa bought by companies coming from deforested or unknown sources.

    Companies reported that 84% of cocoa farmers in their supply chain are not earning a living income – or their income is unknown. And there hasn’t been enough progress on the use of pesticides to address the chronic exposure of communities to harmful chemicals.

    Chocolate’s annual scorecard

    The Global Chocolate Scorecard evaluates and ranks chocolate traders, manufacturers, brands and retailers.

    The Global Chocolate Scorecard is released every year around Easter time.
    New Africa/Shutterstock

    This year, 60 companies from around the world were invited to participate. Collectively, these companies purchase more than 90% of the world’s cocoa.

    Companies are categorised as either large, small (less than 1,000 tons of cocoa) or retailers. They’re evaluated based on a range of policies and practices.

    These include:

    • traceability and transparency levels across supply chains
    • whether they pay farmers a living income
    • efforts to prevent the use of child labour
    • action on climate and deforestation
    • how they support agroforestry
    • efforts to eliminate the use of harmful pesticides.

    Top of the class

    Awards were given out this year to the best and the worst performers – a “Good Egg” award in each category, a gender award, and a “Bad Egg” award overall.

    This year, Tony’s Chocolonely won the Good Egg award in the large company category. It scored the highest against the six markers, representing the most sustainable chocolate company according to the scorecard.

    The Gender award went to Mars Wrigley – which produces Mars, Snickers, Twix and Malteasers – recognising the company for work supporting gender equality.

    The Good Egg award for smaller companies went to US chocolate manufacturer Beyond Good. Beyond Good buys beans directly from farmers in Madagascar and Uganda, ensuring traceability and fair trade practices.

    Unlike indirect sourcing in the cocoa commodity supply chain, Beyond Good’s direct trade model means the company buys cocoa direct from the farmers. Bypassing intermediaries enables better transparency and supply chain relationships.

    Companies reported 84% of cocoa farmers either weren’t earning a living income, or their income was unknown.
    Narong Khueankaew/Shutterstock

    The ‘bad egg’ award

    This year, multinational chocolate manufacturer Mondelēz, producers of Cadbury, Toblerone, Green & Black’s, Oreo and Daim, was given the “Bad Egg” award.

    The award recognises the company’s decision not to participate in this year’s chocolate scorecard process, indicating of a lack of transparency and public accountability.

    Mondelēz did participate in the last (fifth) edition, ranking 25th out of 38 large companies. The company has not provided a reason for not participating this year. However, it is an outlier, as all other large chocolate companies participated.

    Another notable absence from this year’s scorecard was major Australian retailer Coles, which has participated in the past.

    Transparency allows consumers to find out what steps companies are taking to improve sustainability in their supply chains.
    New Africa/Shutterstock

    The understanding that businesses have a responsibility to be accountable to their consumers is not new. It encompasses aspects of corporate social responsibility – compliance, ethical and sustainable practices, and transparency.

    To be transparent, companies need to be open and honest about how their products are made, how their prices are set and what policies they follow.

    A sector in turmoil

    The global chocolate sector is facing some serious challenges. About 75% of the world’s cocoa is produced in West Africa.

    Cocoa prices surged to record highs in 2024. Many major chocolate companies increased their prices as a result.

    Despite the price of chocolate rising, these increases are often not passed on, leaving many cocoa farmers in extreme poverty. This is in addition to struggling with the impacts of climate change.

    New uncertainty for producers are only set to worsen in the wake of the Trump administration’s dismantling of USAID and International Labour Affairs Bureau programs. Such cuts ending projects for health, humans rights and monitoring risk reversing the much celebrated progress on reducing child labour in chocolate supply chains.

    Stephanie Perkiss is part of the Chocolate Scorecard’s Data Integrity & Ethics and Research team.

    – ref. This Easter, check out which chocolate brands are most ethical – https://theconversation.com/this-easter-check-out-which-chocolate-brands-are-most-ethical-253933

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Coons slams President Trump’s sweeping tariffs during Fox News Sunday interview

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined Fox News Sunday with Shannon Bream this weekend to push back against President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs imposed last week. 
    Following Trump’s announcement of tariffs last week, the U.S. has begun collecting a 10% “baseline” tariff on nearly all imports and will soon begin collecting “reciprocal” tariffs as high as 50% on approximately 60 countries, including many of our closest allies and largest trading partners. Financial markets have seen the largest declines since the start of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
    In his interview, Senator Coons highlighted the pain that these tariffs will cause for all American families, regardless of whether or not they’re invested in the stock market. The price of everyday goods will quickly jump for everything from fruits and vegetables to consumer electronics to clothing, hitting working-class families hardest. Even American manufacturers will see their costs soar, as they often rely on inputs created overseas.
    A video and partial transcript of Senator Coons’ interview are available below.
    WATCH HERE
    Senator Coons: President Trump announced tariffs this week on almost every country on Earth, including many with which we have a trade surplus. What my colleague, Senator Mullin, just said about how President Trump is rebalancing trade and he’s going after those that have a trade surplus with us, doesn’t account for the fact that he’s slapping tariffs on every country, including our closest partners and allies. That’s going to raise prices for middle Americans. They’re going to pay more for fruits and vegetables, gas, cars, furniture, clothing. It’s going to make America less affordable, not more affordable, which was a key campaign promise of President Trump’s.
    …
    Shannon Bream: Some autoworkers, some farmers, some ranchers––what do you say to them? They think that this is going to actually help them, that they’ve been at a very unfair disadvantage.
    Senator Coons: I would say to them that targeted tariffs that are clearly focused on a few countries where we have bad trade practices, and deep trade imbalances, can be smart economic policy and can help protect American farmers and ranchers and American manufacturers. That’s not what Donald Trump is doing. He’s slapping massive tariffs on almost every country in the world, and it’s hard to explain or justify some of the tariffs he’s imposing. 
    In the coming weeks and months, when millions of Americans see their 401Ks dissolve, the stock market lost 10% just in the last two days of last week, and when hundreds of millions of Americans pay more for everything that they need for daily living––the groceries that they buy, and the food that they put on the table, and the cost of housing, I think they’re going to be upset and I think we’re going to see long term, broad economic damage, not for a few targeted industries or companies but across the entire American landscape.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Qingming holiday spending mirrors China’s robust economic vitality

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Actors in traditional costumes perform for tourists at Zuidongfeng art village in Tancheng County, east China’s Shandong Province, April 6, 2025. China recorded 126 million domestic trips during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday that ended Sunday, a 6.3 percent increase from the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In Liba Village, about 1.5 hours’ drive from downtown Chengdu in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, dozens of steaming hot pot tables dotted the fields, where tourists dined amid a golden sea of yellow blossoms, soaking in the vibrant colors and fragrant spring air.

    “Eating hot pot in such a picturesque setting instantly lifted my mood and left me completely relaxed. Savoring spring with a hot pot feast surrounded by flowers was truly unforgettable,” posted a blogger with the username Doufugui on “RedNote” or Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform.

    The blogger is one of millions of Chinese who took advantage of the recent Qingming Festival holiday to revel in the joys of spring. With warmer weather and flowers in full bloom, the holiday sparked a wave of enthusiasm for domestic travel across the country.

    During the three-day holiday, China recorded 126 million domestic trips, a 6.3 percent increase from the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday. Tourism revenue also rose, reaching 57.55 billion yuan (about 8 billion U.S. dollars), marking a 6.7 percent year-on-year increase.

    Data from online travel platforms showed that searches related to flower viewing during the holiday surged by 2.2 times compared to the same period last year, while searches for camping on the e-commerce platform Meituan skyrocketed by 132 percent.

    Chinese train travel, meanwhile, shattered records as more people opted for outdoor getaways. On April 4 alone, China’s railway operator handled 20.09 million passenger trips, the highest single-day figure so far this year.

    The holiday also saw a rise in outbound travel, with many Chinese extending their time off by combining the break with annual leave or weekends.

    According to Tongcheng Travel, hotel bookings on the platform surged during the holiday period, with Japan seeing a 120 percent year-on-year increase in reservations. European destinations like Spain and Britain experienced an even greater spike, with bookings rising by over 300 percent.

    Experts have noted that this year’s Qingming holiday underscores the immense potential in China’s service consumption sector, a key driver of the country’s economic growth.

    “The Qingming holiday has traditionally not been a peak travel season, but the tourism market was notably more vibrant this year,” said Xiao Peng, a researcher at Qunar’s Big Data Research Institute.

    Xiao noted that silver-haired travelers were among those taking trips this holiday, adding a new dimension to the tourism boom.

    For those staying closer to home, the desire for springtime enjoyment was equally evident, with a growing willingness to spend on leisure and recreation.

    “All tables for the festival were booked a week in advance,” said the manager of a hotpot restaurant in Changzhou, located in east China’s Jiangsu Province. In the Ronghui old commercial area of Jinan, eastern Shandong Province, even the outdoor dining areas of cafés and bars were bustling as people enjoyed leisurely experiences.

    The surge in consumer activity, both in tourism and retail, is partly attributable to China’s focus on boosting domestic consumption. The government has placed significant emphasis on consumption as a primary engine for the country’s economy.

    China will “place a stronger economic policy focus on improving living standards and boosting consumer spending,” according to the 2025 government work report. In mid-March, the country released a special action plan outlining key strategies to support consumption.

    During the Qingming holiday, various regions implemented measures such as distributing consumption vouchers and launching promotional activities to further stimulate spending, reinforcing the government’s commitment to boosting domestic demand.

    “China’s consumer market remains resilient, vast in potential, and full of vitality,” said Li Gang, an official with the Ministry of Commerce. “With sustained efforts to expand consumption policies, the domestic market will maintain stable growth.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: American Library Association, AFSCME Challenge Trump Administration Gutting of Institute of Museum and Library Services

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    Cuts to Independent Agency Threatens Libraries Nationwide

    Washington, D.C. – The American Library Association (ALA), the largest library association in the world, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the largest union representing museum and library workers, are challenging the Trump administration’s gutting of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) – a non-partisan and independent agency dedicated to supporting and funding museums and libraries and museums and the crucial community services they provide in every state across the country. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of ALA and AFSCME by Democracy Forward and co-counsel Gair Gallo Eberhard LLP, asks the court to block the dismantling of the IMLS as directed by a Trump executive order.

    “Libraries play an important role in our democracy, from preserving history to providing access to government information, advancing literacy and civic engagement, and offering access to a variety of perspectives,” said American Library Association President Cindy Hohl. “These values are worth defending. We will not allow extremists to threaten our democracy by eliminating programs at IMLS and harming the children and communities who rely on libraries and the services and opportunities they provide.”

    “Libraries and museums contain our collective history and knowledge, while also providing safe spaces for learning, cultural expression and access to critical public resources,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “They represent the heart of our communities, and the cultural workers who keep these institutions running enrich thousands of lives every day. Library workers do everything from helping people apply for jobs to administering lifesaving care all while facing increasing violence on the job. Their work deserves support, not cuts. On behalf of the 42,000 AFSCME cultural workers, we’re suing to stop the wrongful closure of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and protect this critical resource for our communities.”

    IMLS was first created and funded by Congress in 1996 and charged with supporting America’s libraries and museums. The agency has had bipartisan support throughout its history, having been reauthorized under the Clinton, George W. Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations. IMLS is bound by laws requiring that the agency conduct certain activities to support libraries and report on important issues to Congress. The complaint argues that cutting programs at IMLS will violate the law by eliminating programs Congress has provided funding for and directed IMLS to undertake.

    “Libraries are vital for people and communities across our nation. Attacking libraries and those who ensure the continuity of their services is yet another move by the Trump administration that does nothing to make Americans’ lives better or easier,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “Reducing the IMLS workforce would undermine the agency’s ability to faithfully execute its legal obligations, and harm the operations of libraries. Democracy Forward is honored to continue our work with librarians to protect these important educational institutions in our country.”

    Shortly after the executive order was announced, the ALA sent a letter to the new IMLS acting director, warning not to cut any programs at the agency protected by law. 

    This case continues Democracy Forward’s record of working with communities, parents, and libraries to defend the freedom to read. That work has previously included efforts in Arkansas, where Democracy Forward represented a coalition of librarians, booksellers, and readers who successfully prevented portions of an Arkansas law that threatens to criminalize librarians and booksellers from taking effect is asking a court to permanently stop the law from being enforced; Florida, where Democracy Forward represented the Florida Education Association, Florida Freedom to Read Project, and Families for Strong Public Schools to challenge the DeSantis administration’s actions that shutter classroom libraries and undermine public education in Florida; and in Alabama, where Democracy Forward is representing a group of Alabama families and librarians with a broad array of political and religious backgrounds in a suit to stop policies approved by the library board that threaten to keep constitutionally protected books like To Kill a Mockingbird off of public library shelves.

    Read the full complaint here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Chart That Saved Trump’s Life

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    I’ve been tracking the crisis at our southern border for well over a decade. We are still in the first 100 days of President Trump’s presidency and just look at the tail end of this updated chart. Turns out we didn’t need a new law. All we needed was a new president. We needed President Trump!
    April 2 was the one-year anniversary of the day I gave President Trump my border chart on Trump Force One. That was the same chart President Trump was showing the crowd in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13 when he turned his head to look at the chart and narrowly escaped an assassin’s bullet that grazed his ear. 
    I’m glad the chart came in handy. God works in mysterious ways.

    I don’t think Trump voters expected Republicans to continue spending at Biden’s spending levels. If we want to defeat the deep state, we have to stop funding it!
    I put together this video to remind my fellow Republicans that many of us agree. We don’t have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem. $7.3 trillion in spending cannot be justified. It’s time to focus on reducing spending and return to a reasonable pre-pandemic level. In 2019, we spent $4.4 trillion. That’s a 63% increase!
    Now’s the time to insist on returning to a reasonable pre-pandemic level of spending and a process to achieve it.
    READ: Sen. Johnson Op-Ed: Is this Any Way to Run a Budget? 
    Time for Big Pharma to Come Clean

    It is time for Big Pharma to come clean on what and when they knew about mRNA injection adverse events.
    As Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), I sent letters to Moderna, Pfizer, BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson seeking records and communications about the development and safety of the COVID-19 vaccines. 
    These companies received billions of taxpayer dollars to manufacture and deliver COVID-19 vaccines. These federally-funded vaccines have since been associated with reports of myocarditis, pericarditis, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
    READ: The Federalist: “Sen. Ron Johnson Probes ‘Development’ And ‘Safety’ Of Big Pharma’s Covid Shots”

    On Triggered with Donald Trump Jr., we talked about Wisconsin’s Supreme Court and why Congress needs to scrutinize spending line-by-line just like a business.  

    On The Charlie Kirk Show, I talked about the budget process, spending cuts, and the “one big beautiful bill.” 
    On The Sean Spicer Show, I outlined why we urgently need to return to pre-pandemic spending levels. 

    On March 26, I met with UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin and other UW affiliated research leaders. 

    On April 1, I met with students from Saint Paul Lutheran School in Bonduel on the Capitol steps during their tour of Washington, D.C.

    March 28 was peak bloom for the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. There are about 3,800 cherry trees in Washington. In 1912, 3,000 cherry trees were gifted to us by the People of Japan. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Washington Delegation Honors WSU President Dr. Kirk Schulz

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

    Headline: Washington Delegation Honors WSU President Dr. Kirk Schulz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Members of the Washington Congressional Delegation congratulated Washington State University President Dr. Kirk Schulz on his outstanding tenure and retirement with a written statement in the Congressional Record. 

    The Congressional Record statement reads as follows:  

    Honoring the Legacy of Washington State University President Kirk Schulz 

    April 7, 2025

    Mr. Newhouse of Washington. Mister Speaker, I rise today, alongside my colleagues from Washington state, Representatives Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Michael Baumgartner, Emily Randall, Pramila Jayapal, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith, and Marilyn Strickland, to recognize and commend the distinguished tenure of Dr. Kirk Schulz as President of Washington State University (WSU). Since 2016, President Schulz has guided WSU through a period of immense growth, advancing research, student success, and statewide partnerships. As he prepares for retirement, we honor his leadership and dedication to higher education in Washington State.

    Under President Schulz’s tenure, WSU has strengthened its reputation as a world-class research institution, addressing critical challenges in agriculture, medicine, and clean energy. His efforts have ensured that students across our state have access to high-quality education, and his work with Washington’s congressional delegation has helped secure funding for key university initiatives.

    Each of Washington’s ten congressional districts has benefited from President Schulz’s leadership, reinforcing WSU’s role as an institution that serves all Washingtonians. I would like to highlight a few key impacts across the state:

    1st District: WSU has built strong partnerships with the region’s tech industry, working with companies in King and Snohomish counties to prepare students for careers in artificial intelligence, software development, and semiconductor manufacturing. These efforts ensure Washington remains at the forefront of technological advancement.

    2nd District: WSU’s agricultural extension programs in Northwest Washington have played a vital role in supporting farmers and sustaining fisheries in the region. WSU’s Everett campus provides entrepreneurs critical business management skills and trains engineers for the world-class aerospace and high-tech industries in Northwest Washington.

    3rd District: WSU Vancouver has expanded opportunities in STEM education, creating new pathways for students to enter high-demand fields like engineering and healthcare. By connecting with local industries and healthcare providers, WSU is strengthening Southwest Washington’s workforce and economic outlook.

    4th District: Home to some of the nation’s premier vineyards, Central Washington has benefited from WSU’s viticulture and enology programs. Through cutting-edge research and collaboration with winemakers, WSU has helped the region maintain its reputation as a world-class wine producer.

    5th District: WSU’s Pullman campus is a cornerstone of agricultural research, and the completion of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) building has only strengthened that legacy. The facility provides farmers and food producers with critical innovations in crop science and food security, supporting one of Washington’s most essential industries.

    6th District: WSU researchers have been at the forefront of sustainable forestry and climate resilience efforts. Their work supports the health of Washington’s forests, which are vital for the economy, outdoor recreation, and the environment, ensuring these natural resources are protected for future generations.

    7th District: WSU’s collaborations with Seattle-area institutions have led to major advancements in medical research, including breakthroughs in cancer treatment and biomedical engineering. These efforts not only push the boundaries of science but also create opportunities for students to engage in life-changing research.

    8th District: With a focus on clean energy, WSU has led the way in developing innovative hydroelectric, wind, and solar power solutions. These advancements have benefited communities across the Cascades, helping Washington transition to a more sustainable energy future.

    9th District: The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine has provided new opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to enter the medical profession. By expanding access to healthcare education, WSU is addressing physician shortages and improving healthcare access across Washington.

    10th District: Military families near Joint Base Lewis-McChord have benefited from WSU’s extension programs, which provide educational support and workforce development opportunities. These initiatives ensure that service members and their families have access to the resources they need to succeed.

    Mister Speaker, as President Schulz concludes his tenure, we recognize his transformative impact on Washington State University and our communities. His leadership has strengthened WSU’s role as a center of innovation, education, and economic opportunity.

    I thank President Schulz for his years of service, and I look forward to seeing how WSU continues to grow and thrive in the years to come. 

    Members of the delegation personally congratulated Dr. Schulz on his retirement: 

    Rep. Susan DelBene (WA-01) said, “As Dr. Schulz prepares for retirement after his impactful tenure at Washington State University, I want to recognize his contributions to the students, the faculty, and the entire community. Under Dr. Schulz, WSU has become a leader in research and innovation, forging partnerships with tech companies in Washington’s 1st Congressional District to equip students with the skills needed for careers in artificial intelligence and software development. His legacy as president will continue to inspire and benefit students for years to come.” 

    Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) said, “During President Schulz’s tenure at Washington State University, tens of thousands of Cougars got a quality education and entered the workforce ready to succeed. Thank you President Schulz for your hard work, years of service and contributions to agriculture in Northwest Washington.” 

    Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) said, “Under my friend President Schulz’s tenure, WSU has strengthened its reputation as a world-class research institution, addressing critical challenges in agriculture, medicine, and clean energy. His efforts have ensured that students have access to high-quality education, and his work with Washington’s congressional delegation has helped secure funding for key university initiatives.” 

    Rep. Emily Randall (WA-06) said, “President Schulz’s leadership can be felt across our entire community, as he has been a champion not just for education but for ensuring students have the resources they need to live and build their best lives. President Schulz and I worked closely together when I served as chair of the Higher Education and Workforce Committee in the Washington State Senate where I got to see first hand the care, intention, and passion he brought to this role — a legacy that will be hard to match.” 

    Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) said, “Thanks to President Schulz’s leadership, WSU’s students, faculty, and staff have played a significant role in groundbreaking innovations in the Seattle area and throughout our region, including supporting major advancements in medical research, cancer treatment, and biomedical engineering. There is no doubt that his partnership and leadership have positively impacted and inspired thousands of students across our district and our state. I wish him all the best as he enters retirement and this next chapter!” 

    Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09) said, “I appreciate the years of service of Washington State University President Kirk Schulz. Under his guidance, WSU has not only excelled as a world-class research institution but also expanded opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds and enabled student success. I wish him the best in his next chapter and look forward to seeing how his legacy continues to inspire WSU in the coming years.”

    Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) said, “Land grant universities are special, and I thank President Schulz for his commitment to student success and expanding opportunities for all students. Because of Schulz’s leadership, WSU has made a positive impact in my district, and communities across the entire state.” 

    ###  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Case, Neguse Introduce Resolution To Designate April as National Native Plant Month

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-Hawai’i-01), along with U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D-Colorado-02), today introduced a resolution to designate April as National Native Plant Month to promote the importance of biodiversity, climate and water conservation throughout our country. The Senate passed its version of the resolution co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono.

    “Native plants are not just a vital part of our natural landscape; they are integral to the environmental health of our nation,” said Case. “From supporting biodiversity to enhancing local ecosystems, native plants play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and resilience in our environment.”

    Colorado is home to over 3,000 native plant species, all of which play a crucial role in environmental conservation. As biodiversity declines, we must continue to advocate for and take action that protects our environment while highlighting the importance of native plant species. That’s why I’m proud to join Rep. Case in leading the effort to designate April as National Native Plant Month,” said Neguse, House Assistant Minority Leader.

    Case continued: “In my home state of Hawai‘i, our kuleana (responsibility) is to care for over 1,400 native plant species, nearly 90% of which are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. These plants are not only critical to the islands’ biodiversity but also serve as living treasures that reflect the resilience and adaptation of life in an isolated, often harsh environment.”

    “Native plants are those best suited to our local climates and support native insects and wildlife,” said Jennifer Neale, Director of Research & Conservation, Denver Botanic Gardens. “We connect people with plants, native plants in particular, through our horticultural displays, educational programming and scientific studies. We should all celebrate our native plants and the unique beauty they bring to our local landscapes.”

    “The Hawai‘i Nature Center’s core mission is to connect children and families to nature via environmental education and outdoor exploration,” said Todd Cullison, the Executive Director of the Hawai‘i Nature Center. 

    “A main focus is teaching our keiki about their island home and how to mālama ‘āina (care for the land).  A significant tenet of this is the ecological and cultural importance of native and endemic plants, how they provide ecosystem services like soil formation and nutrient cycling, promote clean water and provide habitat for native wildlife . 

    “This resolution by Representative Neguse of Colorado and Representative Case of Hawai‘i further solidifies the importance of native plants and provides a pathway for future celebration and education that Hawai‘i Nature Center and other entities can embrace into the future.”

    “At the National Tropical Botanical Garden, we are committed to the perpetuation of Hawaiʻi’s irreplaceable native plants and native biodiversity everywhere,” said Tami Rollins, Interim CEO, National Tropical Botanical Garden.

    “Hawaiian native plants are at the very foundation of our island ecosystems, the livelihoods of our communities, and the essence of Hawaiian culture. Dedicating a month to native plants across the country is a great way to foster appreciation and inspire action for these increasingly imperiled species that are critical to life on our island home – from the ʻāina of Hawaiʻi to the entire planet.”

    Case continued: “Beyond their ecological value, native plants in Hawai‘i hold profound cultural and historical significance for Native Hawaiian communities. For centuries, Hawaiians have relied on these plants for a variety of essential purposes, including as staple foods like sweet potato (‘uala), taro (kalo), and breadfruit (‘ulu), which were central to their diet and agricultural system. These plants also provided medicinal benefits, with species like ‘a‘ali‘i (hopbush) and ni‘oi (chili pepper) integral to the holistic health practices of Native Hawaiians  By designating this month, we can shine a spotlight on the importance of native plants in maintaining the ecological balance of our communities and encourage the public to take steps to protect and conserve these species.”

    Attachment(s):

    ·        Text of measure here

    ·        Case remarks here

    ·        Picture of ‘Ōhi‘a lehua with ʻIʻiwi bird – Hawai‘i courtesy Keith Burnett

    ·        Picture of acacia koa – Hawai‘i courtesy National Tropical Botanical Garden

    ·        Picture of native plants – Plains Garden at Denver Botanic Gardens courtesy Scott Dressel-Martin

    ·        Picture of endangered Penstemon Penlandii  – Colorado courtesy Scott Dressel-Martin

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Bice & Senator Lankford Host Oklahoma Commemorative Survivor Tree Dedication Ceremony

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Bice and Senator Lankford hosted a Commemorative Survivor Tree Dedication Ceremony on the United States Capitol Grounds. As part of this ceremony, a sapling from the Survivor Tree was planted on the Northwest corner of the Capitol Grounds facing the National Mall. This honor tree was in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing and pays tribute to the 168 lives lost, the survivors, rescuers, and all those impacted by the April 19, 1995, domestic terror attack in Oklahoma City. The event was attended by Members of the Oklahoma delegation, representatives from the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, and individuals who were directly impacted by the bombing.  

    “The Alfred P. Murrah Building Bombing changed Oklahoma and our nation forever. In the aftermath of this tragic event the state and city came together creating the Oklahoma Standard,” said Congresswoman Stephanie Bice. “Planting a sapling of the Survivor Tree, which is a symbol of hope and resilience for our community, on the Capitol Grounds is an immense honor. The location of this tree will serve as a place for every American to reflect and remember the impact of April 19th, 1995. I look forward to watching the tree grow and having a piece of OKC in Washington.” 

    “We still feel the pain and loss of April 19, 1995. Each year, we remember the 168 lives lost, those who survived, those who were changed forever, and the heroes who ran toward the devastation,” said Senator Lankford. “The Survivor Tree endured the blast and became our symbol of hope. 30 years later, a ‘child’ of the Survivor Tree now stands each day at our nation’s Capitol. The living memorial honors the legacy of those we lost and reminds the country of the strength, resilience, and compassion that define the Oklahoma Standard.”

    “A tiny seed grown from the Memorial’s Survivor Tree stands as a testament that this seedling will spread its roots and grow at the United States Capitol marking both memory and time. Memory of those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. And time – 30 years later — of how this nation came together and stood united. As we approach this anniversary, may we remember the Day of Darkness and Years of Light,” stated Kari Watkins, President & CEO, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. 

    “We are so honored to plant this Survivor Tree at the United States Capitol as a symbol of people coming and working together to find common ground,” said Dr. Susan Chambers, Chairman Board of Trustees, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. “It stands here today to bring hope to our city and nation.” 

    “Nearly 30 years ago, 168 beautiful souls were taken from our community in a horrific tragedy. We will never forget those that we lost and the loved ones they left behind,” said Senator Mullin. “We will continue to strive towards the Oklahoma Standard in their honor.” 

    “On April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City was struck by an unconscionable act of domestic terrorism, shocking the world. 168 precious lives were senselessly taken and hundreds more were left injured and heartbroken. Today, we honor and remember those lives taken, grieve with the families who mourn, and stand strong with our fellow Oklahomans,” said Congressman Cole. 

    “The resilience of Oklahomans in the aftermath of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing has always inspired me. This commemorative tree on the grounds of our nation’s Capitol is symbolic of that strength and the hope that endures in Oklahoma,” said Congressman Kevin Hern.“Thirty years have passed since 168 lives were cut short, but those souls will never be forgotten. Neither will we forget the selflessness and courage of those who ran toward the smoke, risking their lives to rescue survivors. Our nation honors their legacy.”  

    “This is an important anniversary to remember, not just for the sheer tragedy of the day, but also for the overwhelming unity that Oklahomans displayed in the aftermath,” said Congressman Frank Lucas. “While we continue to hold that memory in our hearts, today we get a physical reminder in our nation’s capital. Thank you to Congresswoman Bice for making this possible.” 

    “As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, I am honored to stand with my colleagues in the Oklahoma delegation as we dedicate this tree to all those affected on that devastating day. This tree will long stand as a symbol of resilience and hope as we remember the 168 innocent people whose lives were taken too soon,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Promoting Scottish business and expertise

    Source: Scottish Government

    Strengthening ties across Asia.

    Business Minister Richard Lochhead has begun a visit to China and Japan aimed at deepening economic, social and cultural ties and emphasising that Scotland is open for business.

    He will meet government representatives, potential investors and leading companies in both countries. The Minister will also explore opportunities for further collaboration between Scottish and Chinese academic institutions.

    China and Japan are increasingly important export markets for Scottish goods, with whisky and seafood exports to China tripling since 2005 and whisky exports to Japan up 7% last year, making it the seventh largest global market in terms of value.

    In Japan Mr Lochhead will support eight Scottish gaming companies aiming to capture a portion of Japan’s $50 billion market, backed by the Scottish Government’s business accelerator programme, Techscaler, as they meet potential customers and investors in Tokyo.

    He is also launching the first of three days of Scottish activity at Expo 2025 Osaka. The event will showcase Scotland’s gaming sector as well as consumer-focused businesses including distilleries, skincare companies and seafood specialists.

    Mr Lochhead said:

    “Scotland is open for business and China and Japan are vitally important markets for Scottish companies.

    “Over the next two weeks I will champion Scotland’s world class products, universities and technical expertise. I will also be promoting the many investment opportunities that our drive for Net Zero is delivering.

    “In an increasingly volatile global economy, it is even more important that we help Scottish companies access new markets and deepen existing trading relationships.”  

    Background

    The Minister is visiting China from 8-12 April and Japan from 12-18 April.

    Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai takes place from 13 April to 13 October and is expected to attract about 28 million visitors and more than 150 participating countries.

    The Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise are supporting the three events at the Expo, beginning with a focus on gaming and consumer industries on 17 April at the UK Pavilion. A list of Scottish companies attending is available on Scottish Development International’s website.  Further events focusing on the health and offshore wind industries take place in June and September

    In China, Mr Lochhead will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Scottish Government Office which opened in 2005. It joined Scottish Enterprise’s international team, which established a presence in China in 2003.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Securing a successful future for the University of Dundee

    Source: Scottish Government

    Expert group convened to support institution.

    A team of experts from across academia, industry and local and national government will be convened to advise on the future success of the University of Dundee and its impact across the city region.

    Sir Alan Langlands, formerly Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the NHS in England, will chair the University of Dundee Strategic Advisory Taskforce. Sir Alan was also Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds.

    The group will meet for the first time this month to develop recommendations which will support the future of the University and its role in the wider city region. The Taskforce will focus on key issues linked to the recovery of the University, such as its teaching offering and its research strengths in key fields such as the life sciences.

    It will include representation from the University, Dundee City Council, business, trades unions, local further and higher education institutions and the Scottish Government.

    Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said:

    “We are establishing this Taskforce to ensure the University of Dundee has all the important advice and expertise needed to recover and build a strong, secure and sustainable future.

    “The impact of the University’s teaching and world-leading research is profound, and its success is interwoven with the success of the Dundee city region. Ministers are determined that the institution – with a vibrant community of staff and students at its heart – will thrive long into the future.

    “We will draw on the expertise of the Taskforce to identify credible solutions and do everything possible to protect the interests of current and future students and staff. We will take account of all potential sources of funding and support, and we will continue to carefully consider any further asks of Government.”

    Sir Alan Langlands said:

    “It is a privilege to chair the University of Dundee Strategic Advisory Taskforce, and to advise Ministers, the University, the Scottish Funding Council and the City on this important matter.

    “These are very challenging times for a great many universities. At its core Dundee is a great University in a great City, transforming people’s lives and life chances through education, research and innovation, and contributing so much to the economic, social and cultural life of the city and beyond.

    The Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring its long term future and impact, and protecting the interests of students and staff provides a strong foundation for the work of the Taskforce.”

    Professor Shane O’Neill, Interim Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee, said:

    “We welcome the announcement of the Strategic Advisory Taskforce and the appointment of Sir Alan Langlands as its Chair.

    “Sir Alan of course has a longstanding connection to the University of Dundee and a strong understanding of its importance to the city, Scotland and the wider higher education and research environment.

    “We are committed to engaging fully with the Taskforce to ensure the future success and sustainability of the University.”

    Background

    • The Scottish Government has provided additional support for the universities sector this year totalling £25 million, on top of the £1.1 billion in the 2025-26 budget for university teaching and research.
    • The Scottish Funding Council has already provided £22 million to University of Dundee as support for liquidity, which is giving them the space and time to work through a plan for financial stability.
    • In addition to the advisory Taskforce, the Deputy First Minister is chairing a cross-Ministerial group to consider what further action the Scottish Government may be able to take to support the University as it continues to develop its Financial Recovery Plan.
    • The final membership of the Taskforce is currently being confirmed by the chair and will be announced in due course.
    • The Taskforce will advise the University, the Scottish Funding Council, Ministers and the City region. The University remains the legally responsible decision maker.

    Sir Alan Langlands FRSE Hon FMedSci

    Now semi-retired, Alan’s career spanned five decades in the NHS and universities. This included leadership roles in teaching hospitals in Edinburgh and London and as the Chief Executive of the NHS in England, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds.

    He has served as the inaugural chair of UK Biobank, chair of the Health Foundation, and is now the Chair of Trustees for Yorkshire Cancer Research. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and an Honorary Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and five Medical Royal Colleges, with honorary doctorates awarded by a number of leading universities.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing introduces measures to boost pharmaceutical innovation

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Beijing has introduced the latest version of a comprehensive package comprising 32 new measures to support the development of the innovative pharmaceutical industry, local authorities announced on Monday.
    The plan, co-issued by Beijing Municipal Medical Insurance Bureau and another eight authorities, include measures to slash the clinical trial start-up time to under 20 weeks, launch a fully automated biobank for key diseases, develop AI models for pathology and drug development, and launch a 50-billion-yuan (about 6.95 billion U.S. dollars) health care industry fund.
    These measures will stimulate the overall vitality of innovative pharmaceutical enterprises further, boost research and development capabilities, and enhance health care services, the bureau said.
    The 2025 policy package builds on last year’s reforms, which drove 8.7 percent year-on-year growth in Beijing’s health care sector, leading its total value to exceed 1 trillion yuan for the first time. Previous developments include accelerated clinical trials, streamlined rare disease drug approvals and fast-track channels for urgently needed imported medicines.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tuna (eel) stranding at Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    Date:

    Thousands of tuna (eel) trying to migrate to the sea were stranded at Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere last week, so we worked with Te Taumutu Rūnanga to clear the path for future migrations.

    Rūnanga  became aware of a large tuna migration, estimated to be 20 tonne, on Thursday night (3 April), and most tuna successfully made it to sea.

    Many tuna became stranded, and while this is very sad, this is a natural event that occurs every year.

    One of the natural triggers for tuna migration is the presence of seawater. On Thursday night seawater was washing from the sea into the lake, which likely triggered the urge to migrate.

    Check out Ngāi Tahu’s video about the tuna stranding on their Facebook page.

    About the tuna heke (eel migration)

    Tuna heke is the phrase used to describe mature eels that migrate to the sea to spawn. These migrating fish stop feeding and undergo many physiological changes to prepare for their journey.

    During the migration to the spawning grounds, they rely on stores of body fat to sustain them. By the time they spawn they are normally thin and die shortly after.

    In absence of a lake opening, they will follow any pathway and unfortunately can find themselves stranded and perish.

    The NIWA website has more information on tuna heke.

    Working together to help the tuna

    Tuna are an important taonga species for Ngāi Tahu and Te Taumutu Rūnanga. They are essential to the continuation of mahinga kai for Ngāi Tahu and the wider community at Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere.

    At the request of Te Taumutu Rūnanga, we sent machinery to the site and started work on Sunday morning to lower the beach crest so that further waves of migrating tuna will have a shorter and less steep journey to the ocean.

    The earthworks to shorten the path for future migration are now complete and will last until shingle naturally washes into the area to fill it up again.

    In consultation with rūnanga representatives onsite, the decision was made to bury the deceased tuna. Tikanga (custom) and its application is determined by the hapū.

    Opening the lake

    Te Waihora is the largest lake in Waitaha/Canterbury and has no natural outlet to the sea. It was opened by generations of Ngāi Tahu before Pākehā arrival. The first written settler’s record of an artificial opening between the lake and sea was in 1852. It has been opened over 300 times since.

    The opening is governed by a National Water Conservation Order and a range of resource consents held jointly by Ngāi Tahu and us.

    However, many groups have an opportunity to share their views before a final decision is made.

    A full opening of the lake to the sea is very expensive and is a carefully considered process after consultation with a wide range of parties. The lake also naturally closes itself when shingle washes back into the cut and this can occur very quickly depending on sea conditions.

    Other work we’re doing in the area

    There is significant cultural and ecological long-term work being undertaken at Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere to restore and rejuvenate the mana, mauri and ecosystem health of Te Waihora and its catchment.

    The programme works in partnership with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, us, Selwyn District Council, Christchurch City Council and Department of Conservation (DOC) to improve water quality, mahinga kai and biodiversity values, such as through wetland and riparian restoration.

    Two significant projects in the programme are:

    1. The Whakaora Te Waikēkēwai project, led by Te Taumutu Rūnanga and co-managed with us, is restoring the mid-lower reaches of Te Waikēkēwai/Waikēkēwai Stream through riparian restoration, on-farm actions, and restoring a significant wetland for iwi.
    2. The Weed Strikeforce, which is delivered by DOC and co-funded by us, is restoring lakeshore wetlands at scale through targeted control of willows and woody weeds, fostering natural regeneration (Rejuvenating the mauri and ecosystem health of Te Waihora).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Treaty Principles Select Committee

    Source: ACT Party

    The Haps

    The world is about to relearn economics, as Governments erect trade barriers between citizens of their countries and those of other countries. New Zealand cannot change the rest of the world’s trade policies right now, we can only ensure our own house is as competitive as possible. Putting on our own tariffs would be a tax on New Zealanders, we should remain a beacon of free trade for the world. The Government’s latest quarterly plan, filled with ACT initiatives, will keep the reform pressure on.

    Treaty Principles Select Committee

    The Justice Committee has reported back to the House on the Treaty Principles Bill. Thanks to ACT’s member on the Committee, Todd Stephenson, ALL of the submissions will be included in the final record, even though they couldn’t be processed in time for the report back.

    The submissions have been roughly categorised as for or against. The Committee report says ninety per cent are against, and only eight per cent in favour. Free Press knows that’s misleading. The ACT Party and Hobson’s Pledge, two organisations heavily in favour of the bill, helped 55,000 submit between them. Those alone would be 17 per cent in favour but some organisations’ submissions were counted as one.

    The truth is Select Committee submissions almost never reflect reality anyway. People are far more likely to submit in opposition to a bill than for it. Submissions on David Seymour’s End of Life Choice Bill were ninety per cent opposed, but it passed a referendum by two million votes to one million. A similar story played out with abortion law reform.

    Like those examples, we know the public overwhelmingly support the principles proposed in the Bill. Scientific polling where everyone’s opinion has an equal chance of being included shows New Zealanders in favour of the principles by an average of two to one. When the third principle – that all people should be equal before the law – is read out, 62 per cent are in favour versus 18 per cent opposed.

    A majority of Green voters, even, agree with the third principle, so all may not be lost. It’s the arguments that really matter, and what comes out of the Treaty Principles Bill hearings is that there are no arguments against the Bill. This week Free Press covers off the opponents’ attempts.

    If anything, the submission process has shown why the Bill really is needed. Many submitters argued that the chiefs who signed the Treaty never ceded sovereignty. They believe that somehow descendants of the Chiefs shouldn’t have to follow Parliament’s laws (Te Pāti Māori has been acting this out).

    The idea that investment, jobs, and growth need clarity from the law, and that people want to be treated equally before it, seems an afterthought to these submitters. As an aside, the ahistorical claim that 100,000 Māori wouldn’t have ceded sovereignty to 2,000 settlers shows how poor the debate in New Zealand has become. If a people devastated by the Musket Wars, worried about the French, and concerned about the threat of Europeans already ashore had nothing to gain from the unrivalled superpower of the day, why did they sign any Treaty at all?

    Submitters also argued that Parliament cannot make this law, even if it has the right to make laws generally. The difference between Parliament, on the one hand, and the Courts, Waitangi Tribunal, and bureaucracy, on the other, is that Parliament is elected by the people. What the opponents are really saying is that the people should not have a say on their constitutional future, it should be decided by all the public institutions they can’t actually vote for. Telling people they cannot control the laws they live under usually ends in revolution, Free Press prefers democracy.

    Opponents claimed at various times that Māori do not, in fact, have special rights in New Zealand. Just as many claimed that Māori in fact deserve special rights. This was best summed up in the following paragraph from the Green Party section of the report.

    One often repeated statement was that Māori were given special privileges under the Resource Management Act. There was no substantive evidence provided for this, and the Auckland City Council in its oral submission rejected that this was the case. It is true that where there is an application for a resource consent for a use outside of the District Plan the interests of Māori, including local iwi and hapu, are relevant to decision making. However it is hard to understand how consultation with the mana whenua is in any way a special privilege.

    The Bill gives all people equal rights. If Māori had no special rights there would be no reason to oppose the Bill. The facts are that Māori do have special rights under current law, including in Resource Management law, and that is why the Bill is opposed. Opposition to the Bill is opposition to equal rights for all people.

    Other submitters said that the Bill prevents Governments trying to address people’s disadvantage. It does not. It prevents Governments discriminating by race, but there is no reason it cannot help disadvantaged people, regardless of race. There is no reason iwi cannot run charter schools, or their own healthcare, but any group should have the same opportunity. Seeing as not all Māori are disadvantaged and not all disadvantaged are Māori, racial profiling doesn’t do much good anyway.

    So what next? The Bill will be debated in Parliament. ACT’s partners will have one last chance to do the right thing. If they do not, that is a shame for them. However it will not change how ACT works for your values. The party will never give up promoting universal human rights, and the next step of the Treaty Principles journey will be clear before the next election.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed & Community Action Leaders Discuss Trump Administration Cuts Targeting Vulnerable RIers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WARWICK, RI – Following a roundtable discussion with the leadership of Rhode Island’s seven community action programs (CAPs), U.S. Senator Jack Reed today addressed the Trump Administration’s mass-layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other cuts that will impact Rhode Island and put at risk child care and preschool programs, home heating assistance, and other essential services.

    Rhode Island’s seven CAPs collectively serve more than 190,000 Rhode Islanders and help connect low-income individuals and families to health care, job training and skills building, energy assistance, affordable housing, and much more.

    Senator Reed joined Paul Salera, President & CEO of Westbay Community Action, at Westbay’s location in Warwick to detail how these cuts could decimate services and support for vulnerable Rhode Islanders and how uncertainty stemming from Trump Administration actions is impacting community organizations across the state.

    “As the Trump Administration plows ahead with erratic, misguided cuts and no analysis whatsoever on impacts to our communities, I met with leaders on the ground here in Rhode Island to get their feedback, hear their concerns, and discuss how we can work together to continue uplifting our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Senator Reed.  “The leaders I met with today know better than almost anyone how programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Head Start, the Administration for Community Living, and other critical supports strengthen our communities and help Rhode Islanders stay healthy, safe, and productive.  Eliminating the key staff who help Rhode Islanders and slashing funding just to give massive tax giveaways to a small group of billionaires will likely end up costing taxpayers much more in the long run and shifts increasing tax burdens onto our state and local communities.”

    Paul Salera, President & CEO of Westbay Community Action, said, “The Rhode Island Community Action Agencies are grateful to Senator Reed and his team for this opportunity to shed some light on all the Administration’s proposed cuts and what this will mean to the more than 190,000 Rhode Islanders we all serve.  It is a breath of fresh air knowing that Senator Reed is fighting for all of us to ensure that the much needed Safety Net programs stay intact for the most vulnerable in Rhode Island.”

    Last week, the Trump Administration moved forward with its plans to cut 20,000 federal employees at HHS. According to CBS News, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. estimated that about 1 in every 5 of the employees who were fired at HHS were mistakenly let go.

    Rhode Island’s seven community action programs are: Westbay Community Action; Community Action Partnership of Providence; Tri-County Community Action; Blackstone Valley Community Action; Community Care Alliance; East Bay Community Action; and Comprehensive Community Action.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Hampshire Congressional Delegation Calls on Secretary Kennedy to Restore $80 Million in Federal Funding to Address Substance Use and Mental Health Crises

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, alongside U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) are calling on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to immediately restore $80 million in federal funding that New Hampshire relies on to address public health crises, including the substance use and mental health epidemics.

    The delegation wrote, in part: “During his first term, President Trump declared the opioid crisis a national public health emergency, stating, ‘We can be the generation that ends the opioid epidemic.’ It seems that is no longer a goal of the current administration. Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) terminated approximately $80 million in public health funding for New Hampshire, including programs administered by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).”

    They continued: “For New Hampshire, this harmful decision to eliminate funding weakens our state’s ability to respond to infectious disease outbreaks, cuts support services for individuals suffering from mental health crises and substance use disorders and undermines efforts to adequately care for rural and underserved populations […] Staff across the state have already been terminated, and these terminations include our vital community health workers serving our most at-risk populations. Communities and organizations across New Hampshire, including community health centers, hospitals, mental health providers, schools and small businesses, are currently left without resources and holding the bag on already promised funding.”

    They concluded: “Clawing back these funds does nothing to improve our state’s public health system. Instead, you are needlessly putting our communities’ health at risk and jeopardizing our constituents’ livelihoods and their organizations. We urge you to reinstate this vital funding immediately.”

    The full text of the letter can be found here.

    Senator Shaheen and the New Hampshire delegation have led efforts to address the substance use and mental health crises. Just last year, the delegation celebrated $29,890,890 in State Opioid Response (SOR) grants heading to New Hampshire to help address the substance use disorder epidemic. In recent years, Shaheen and Hassan successfully pushed HHS to maintain SOR funding levels for New Hampshire and avoid significant cliffs in funding year-over-year. Shaheen and Hassan’s efforts have led to a more than tenfold increase in federal treatment and prevention funding for New Hampshire.

    Shaheen has been vocal in her disapproval of the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for HHS Secretary, including delivering remarks in opposition to his nomination on the Senate floor. Shaheen also recently called on Secretary Kennedy to reverse drastic funding cuts to the Affordable Care Act Navigator program, which helps Americans access quality, affordable health insurance coverage, including for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

    Senator Hassan has spoken out about the dangers that Secretary Kennedy poses to the health and safety of Americans. Senator Hassan pushed Kennedy during multiple confirmation hearings and delivered remarks on the Senate floor highlighting the ways in which Kennedy’s abandonment of his prior support for reproductive freedom, lack of knowledge about the basics of the health care programs that he would oversee, and history of promoting dangerous anti-vaccine conspiracy theories put the health and safety of Americans at risk.

    Congressman Pappas led 50 of his House colleagues in urging HHS Secretary Kennedy to reverse the cancellation of over $12 billion in federal grants for state health services from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Intel Vice Chair Warner Presses Trump Administration on TikTok Extension, Potential Divestiture Deal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Mark R. Warner (D-VA) wrote a letter to President Trump expressing concerns over the administration’s handling of the legally-required divestiture of the social media platform TikTok, including the decision by the administration to once again extend the deadline for TikTok’s parent company, China-based Bytedance, to continue to operate the service and collect Americans’ data.

    “The news reports around the extension suggest that the likely deal under consideration would not meet the clear statutory thresholds for eliminating ByteDance’s influence over TikTok’s U.S. operations,” Sen. Warner wrote. “Specifically, it would preserve a material, operational role for ByteDance by not only allowing it to retain a significant equity stake in the divested entity, but also an active role in technology development and maintenance, including over the algorithm governing content displayed to TikTok U.S. users. I also will note that the law passed by Congress only allowed for a single extension of no more than 90 days.  This second delay, announced April 4, 2025, is a clear violation of the law while also continuing to leave Americans vulnerable to malign influence operations conducted by an adversary country.”

    “A successful and comprehensive divestiture will require any successor to scrupulously prevent influence or access by ByteDance or other entities under the jurisdiction of the People’s Republic of China.  The deal being discussed undermines confidence that the divested app can be trusted to protect national security and ensure compliance with the law,” he continued.

    Sen. Warner also reiterated the role of Congress in regulating foreign and interstate commerce, emphasized that the bill that requires divestment passed with bipartisan support, and pressed the Trump administration to follow the law.

    He continued, “I strongly encourage you actually adhere to the law Congress passed and immediately convene an inter-agency team to evaluate any prospective divestiture based on genuine, risk-based criteria.  Any qualified divestiture must ensure a clean operational break from ByteDance and TikTok USA, including by preventing either company from continuing to develop, influence, or access personal data or source code (including the content recommendation algorithm) maintained by the divested company.”

    Sen. Warner long led the charge in Congress to combat foreign social media influence campaigns, and keep Americans’ sensitive personal data out of the hands of the Communist Party of China, and has been vocal about the national security threat that ByteDance poses. He has repeatedly said the only eligible buyers of the app are companies that are not beholden to a U.S. adversary.

    A copy of letter is available here and text is below.

    Dear President Trump:

    I write to express concerns with the extension that you announced on Friday April 4, 2025 to allow TikTok to continue its U.S. operations, as well as deep reservations with how you and other involved parties are carrying out the negotiations around the sale of TikTok. The news reports around the extension suggest that the likely deal under consideration would not meet the clear statutory thresholds for eliminating ByteDance’s influence over TikTok’s U.S. operations.  Specifically, it would preserve a material, operational role for ByteDance by not only allowing it to retain a significant equity stake in the divested entity, but also an active role in technology development and maintenance, including over the algorithm governing content displayed to TikTok U.S. users. I also will note that the law passed by Congress only allowed for a single extension of no more than 90 days. This second delay, announced April 4, 2025, is a clear violation of the law while also continuing to leave Americans vulnerable to malign influence operations conducted by an adversary country.

    In key respects, the reported deal or arrangement appears to closely resemble the proposed “Project Texas” partnership that ByteDance previously sought approval for through the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).  As I and colleagues made clear at the time – and as CFIUS concluded in withholding its approval – such an arrangement would not sufficiently address the data security, counter-intelligence, and covert influence threats posed by ByteDance’s continued role in the provision of social media services in the United States.  More importantly, the bipartisan law the Congress overwhelmingly passed explicitly proscribes such an arrangement – both by categorically prohibiting a qualified divesture from being operated directly or indirectly (including through a parent company, subsidiary, or affiliate) by ByteDance, TikTok or a subsidiary or successor of either company, as well as by requiring that any qualified divestiture preclude “the establishment or maintenance of any operational relationship between the United States operations of the relevant foreign adversary controlled application and any formerly affiliated entities that are controlled by a foreign adversary, including any cooperation with respect to the operation of a content recommendation algorithm or an agreement with respect to data sharing.” 

    A successful and comprehensive divestiture will require any successor to scrupulously prevent influence or access by ByteDance or other entities under the jurisdiction of the People’s Republic of China.  The deal being discussed undermines confidence that the divested app can be trusted to protect national security and ensure compliance with the law. For instance, industry outlets currently note that the company announced to manage the divested operations, Oracle, has facilitated ByteDance’s access to controlled advanced semiconductors, raising concerns about its willingness to proactively safeguard U.S. interests. Perhaps more concerningly, Oracle has recently suffered two significant data breaches – including a compromise to sensitive health records hosted by its Oracle Health division, as well as a separate breach involving Oracle Cloud.  Each of these incidents – that Oracle has continued to publicly deny despite sustained reports of confirmation and of private acknowledgement to clients – raise questions about whether Oracle can be trusted as the custodian of sensitive TikTok user data.

    In addition, it appears that the efforts to facilitate a qualified divestiture have not followed the substantive, risk-based inter-agency process contemplated in the law.  Rather, reports have consistently painted a picture of an ad hoc process, driven by White House personnel.  Perhaps most concerning, you have explicitly suggested that your compliance with the statutorily mandated divestiture could be tied to negotiations over tariffs with the People’s Republic of China.

    Congress retains the constitutional authority to regulate foreign and interstate commerce.  I strongly encourage you actually adhere to the law Congress passed and immediately convene an inter-agency team to evaluate any prospective divestiture based on genuine, risk-based criteria.  Any qualified divestiture must ensure a clean operational break from ByteDance and TikTok USA, including by preventing either company from continuing to develop, influence, or access personal data or source code (including the content recommendation algorithm) maintained by the divested company.

    Sincerely,

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Reed, Coons Lead National Security Members in Letter Expressing Concern over Recent Firings at NSA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee Jack Reed (D-RI), and Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Chris Coons (D-DE), led their committee colleagues in a letter to President Trump regarding the firing of the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and Commander of U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM), General Timothy Haugh, as well as the reassignment of the Deputy Director of the NSA, Wendy Noble.

    Joining Vice Chairman Warner and Ranking Members Reed and Coons in this letter are Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Chris Murphy (D-CT).

    “These actions severely compromise our ability to keep Americans safe. As you are well aware, our nation currently faces serious cyber threats from foreign adversaries, such as from China’s Salt Typhoon, with near-daily attacks against our critical infrastructure,” the senators wrote. “In addition, our nation’s military is engaged in ongoing operations against multiple threats, from the Houthis in Yemen to Russian aggression in Eastern Europe. Given the dangers facing the United States, it is inexplicable that the Administration would remove the senior leaders of NSA/CYBERCOM without cause or warning, and risk disrupting critical ongoing intelligence operations.”

    The senators also highlighted the impact this move would have on the dual-hat arrangement, in which a single officer leads both the NSA and CYBERCOM, and stressed that prematurely severing this agreement could put U.S. national security at risk.

    They continued, “Premature termination of the dual-hat arrangement would severely degrade the speed and effectiveness of NSA’s and CYBERCOM’s abilities to execute their missions and could have dire consequence for our national security. As Congress on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis has repeatedly made clear in the National Defense Authorization Acts for Fiscal Years 2017, 2018, and 2020, clear criteria must be met before any termination can be considered and both the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs must together certify that separation will not “pose risks to the military effectiveness of the United States Cyber Command that are unacceptable to the national security interests of the United States.”

    As members of the key committees tasked with conducting oversight over NSA, the senators requested written justification for why Director Timothy Haugh and Ms. Wendy Noble were removed from their posts, and asked for a Congressional briefing regarding any additional actions the administration plans to take with respect to NSA and CYBERCOM, including but not limited to the separation of the dual-hat.

    A copy of letter is available here and text is below.

    Dear President Trump,

    We write with alarm at the sudden and inexplicable firing of the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and Commander, U.S. Cyber Command, General Timothy Haugh, as well as the reassignment of the Deputy Director of the NSA, Wendy Noble. Not only have both dutifully served this nation for decades under both Democratic and Republican administrations, but their removals were conducted in the middle of the night with no consultation with Congress and, according to reports, at the behest of a private citizen who has a record of promoting conspiracy theories.

    These actions severely compromise our ability to keep Americans safe. As you are well aware, our nation currently faces serious cyber threats from foreign adversaries, such as from China’s Salt Typhoon, with near-daily attacks against our critical infrastructure. In addition, our nation’s military is engaged in ongoing operations against multiple threats, from the Houthis in Yemen to Russian aggression in Eastern Europe. Given the dangers facing the United States, it is inexplicable that the Administration would remove the senior leaders of NSA/CYBERCOM without cause or warning, and risk disrupting critical ongoing intelligence operations.

    Furthermore, we urge you to exercise careful consideration and consultation with Congress on any further actions that may impact NSA’s or CYBERCOM’s abilities to provide the critical intelligence and operational support to policymakers and warfighters. This includes, but is not limited to, any considerations to terminate the dual-hat arrangement. Premature termination of the dual-hat arrangement would severely degrade the speed and effectiveness of NSA’s and CYBERCOM’s abilities to execute their missions and could have dire consequence for our national security. As Congress on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis has repeatedly made clear in the National Defense Authorization Acts for Fiscal Years 2017, 2018, and 2020, clear criteria must be met before any termination can be considered and both the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs must together certify that separation will not “pose risks to the military effectiveness of the United States Cyber Command that are unacceptable to the national security interests of the United States.”

    As Members of the respective committees of oversight, we request that you formally provide in writing a justification for why Director Timothy Haugh and Ms. Wendy Noble were removed from their posts and provide a briefing to Congress on any additional actions you plan to take with respect to NSA and CYBERCOM, including but not limited to the separation of the dual-hat.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to first baby being born from a womb transplant in the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on the first baby being born from a womb transplant in the UK.

    Dr Nicola Williams, Wellcome Lecturer in Ethics of Human Reproduction, Lancaster University, said: 

    “Clinicians, lawyers and ethicists from the UK have long been involved in research surrounding this novel transplant, and it is encouraging to hear of the birth of a healthy baby following the UK’s first uterus transplant. While this is a key milestone in developing this treatment, there is still much work to do to ensure that all can benefit. Crucially, this includes establishing the long-term safety of the procedure for recipients, donors, and children born after uterus transplantation. Given the novelty of the procedure and its high costs (both physical and financial) for donors and recipients, careful consideration needs to be given to balancing the risks and benefits of this procedure, and teams worldwide must work together to ensure safety, efficacy and the adequate monitoring of long-term health outcomes for all involved.”

     

    Dr Laura O’Donovan, Lecturer in Law, University of Sheffield, said:

    “This has been a long time in the making, and I’m so pleased for the recipient, her family and the clinical team. As the UK sees more of these transplants it will become increasingly important to discuss NHS funding priorities and access policies to ensure that the treatment is available as a real option for those with uterine factor infertility. For example, should uterus transplants be publicly funded, and who should be able to access them? – these are difficult decisions that NHS commissioners will need to make in the context of scarce resources and the current IVF postcode lottery, which has already resulted in unequal access to fertility treatment.

    Prof Adam Balen, Professor of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said:

    “This is a fantastic achievement by the team lead by Professor Richard Smith who has been researching this very exacting surgical procedure for many years. This presents the opportunity for women to conceive a pregnancy without need for surrogacy, which until now has been the only option for women without a womb to have a baby.”

     

    Dr Ippokratis Sarris, Consultant in Reproductive Medicine, Director of King’s Fertility and Executive Committee Member of the British Fertility Society, said:

    “The birth of the first UK baby following a womb transplant is a remarkable milestone in reproductive medicine. It offers real hope to women with absolute uterine factor infertility, providing an alternative to surrogacy. While this complex procedure will only be suitable for a small number of women, it marks an extraordinary advance in science and care. Congratulations to the dedicated clinical and scientific team for their years of commitment, and to the courageous women who undertook this pioneering treatment.”

    Mr Stuart Lavery, Consultant in Reproductive Medicine/Honorary Associate Professor, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), said:

    “This amazing event represents both a personal miracle for the couple involved but also a vindication for the team of surgeons and scientists who have for so many years worked tirelessly to get to this place. Like so many milestones in UK Reproductive Medicine, it takes a combination of a courageous patient and a committed and supportive medical team to push the scientific boundaries in the hope of helping more couples have the families they desire.”

    Prof Alison Campbell, Chief Scientific Officer, Care Fertility:

    “It’s truly incredible how science is making more families possible and to see this progress in reproductive medicine. The success of uterine transplantation is a huge milestone for people who believed it was impossible to carry a child. This news gives hope and promises to further expand reproductive freedom.”

    Prof Melanie Davies, Professor of Reproductive Medicine and Consultant Gynaecologist, University College London Hospitals, said:

    “The first UK birth after womb transplantation is a fantastic achievement. It is wonderful for the couple concerned, especially Grace who never thought she could carry a child, congratulations!  And it must be immensely satisfying for the team of doctors and scientists to see this outcome – in particular, congratulations go to Prof Richard Smith, who has held this vision for 25 years and had to overcome many hurdles on the way, not least raising the funds for the programme. It required skills from many specialities: gynaecology, pelvic surgery, organ transplantation, IVF, and maternal medicine. It is an exemplar of teamwork and dedication.

    “This gives hope to other women who have been born without a womb and may also help some young women who have needed a hysterectomy. The only alternative for these women is surrogacy, which is not easy to access and not always acceptable. Womb transplantation remains a challenging process, involving major surgery for the recipient, who will go through IVF before the procedure, and afterwards needs immunosuppressive drugs to avoid tissue rejection. The transplanted womb will need to be removed once her family is complete. The ethical aspects are thoughtfully considered, including the risk to the living donor who also undergoes major pelvic surgery.

    “This is not a world first, there have been a small number of successful births in other countries, notably in Sweden. But for the very first patient having a womb transplant in the UK to give birth so soon afterwards demonstrates the care that has been taken in preparing for this well-deserved success”

     

    Sarah Norcross, Director of the Progress Educational Trust (PET), said:

    “We at PET could not be happier to learn of the birth of Amy Isabel. This is a testament to many years of hard work and perseverance on the part of Professor Richard Smith, Isabel Quiroga, and the rest of the team at Womb Transplant UK, plus remarkable determination on the part of Grace Davidson and Amy Purdie. It has been little more than a decade since the world’s first ever live birth following a womb transplant, and now the UK has its own womb transplant success story. This news will give hope to other women who wish to carry a pregnancy, but who have no uterus of their own.”

    Prof Andrew Shennan, Professor of Obstetrics, King’s College London, said:

    “Although infertility is common, many women can achieve a pregnancy through assisted medical techniques such as IVF. Very few women have the problem related to an absent or abnormal uterus (about 1 in 500) but for them a womb transplant could be a solution rather than opt for surrogacy (using another woman to carry the pregnancy or adopt. The procedure is very specialised and requires immunosuppressive drugs and caesarean section, but these cases show it can be successful, now also in the UK.”

    All our previous output on this subject can be seen at this weblink:

    https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-first-womb-transplant-performed-in-the-uk/

    Declared interests

    Dr Nicola Williams “I have previously co-authored papers and collaborated with members of the clinical team.”

    Dr Laura O’Donovan “I have previously collaborated with members of the clinical team.”

    Prof Adam Balen: “None to declare”

    Dr Ippokratis Sarris: “None to declare”

    Mr Stuart Lavery: “None to declare”

    Prof Alison Campbell “Alison Campbell is a minor shareholder in Care Fertility”

    Prof Melanie Davies “Nothing relevant to womb transplants, I am Professor of Reproductive Medicine with a special interest in fertility preservation”

    Sarah Norcross “PET is a charity which improves choices for people affected by infertility and genetic conditions.”

    Prof Andrew Shennan “No conflicts”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Freeing up access to finance for Kiwi households

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is delivering on its commitment to make it easier for Kiwis to access the finance they need, when they need it, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson.

    “Access to finance is a critical part of life. Kiwis need finance to buy a house or a car, or to start and grow a business,” says Mr Simpson.

    “Our Government campaigned on slashing red tape to make it easier and safer for Kiwis to access finance when they need. I am delighted that we are delivering on this promise by progressing three pieces of legislation which will simplify access to financial services.

    “Successive reforms heaped compliance requirements on banks, insurers, and lenders. The sector found itself in a bureaucratic straitjacket, regulated by multiple authorities and subjected to duplicative licence requirements. 

    “This illogical and overly cautious approach led to perverse outcomes for Kiwis who found it more difficult and costly to access basic financial services.

    “Many people will remember with frustration banks asking invasive questions about minor expenses like food delivery and subscriptions when they applied for a home loan during the peak of madness a few years ago.

    “The Government addressed this by removing overly prescriptive requirements from regulations. These reforms, along with those being progressed, are all about bringing back common sense. 

    “One of the key changes will mean lenders aren’t unfairly penalised for small, harmless mistakes. Lenders will still be required to identify and correct any mistakes. 

    “Another change, which will apply retrospectively for the period between 2015 and 2019, will enable the courts to apply greater discretion when a lender has failed to disclose certain information to consumers. This fixes a really bad law that meant if a lender forgot to include their address on a loan document – even if everything else was correct and the borrower wasn’t affected – they could be forced to cancel all interest and fees until the mistake is fixed. That’s like being fined for forgetting to write your return address on an envelope, even though the letter still gets delivered.

    “This punitive approach had a potentially chilling effect on competition, as small lenders are not able to absorb the risk and could face closure if faced with significant compensation imposed by the court. Meanwhile big lenders price in the risk and pass the cost on to consumers.

    “Other reforms include improvements to dispute resolution services so people can get help when something goes wrong and changes which mean that financial providers will only need to have one conduct licence instead of several. Directors and senior managers will also no longer be held personally liable for mistakes. Instead, the liability will fall on the businesses, which is fairer and more appropriate.”

    These reforms deliver on a National-ACT coalition agreement to rewrite the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 to protect vulnerable consumers

    without unnecessarily limiting access to credit.

    “These reforms will simplify the financial services sector so Kiwis can get on with their lives, get ahead, and grow the economy.”

    Notes to editors

    A fact sheet with further information is attached.

    The three Bills that have just been introduced to Parliament are:

    • Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill
    • Financial Markets Conduct Amendment Bill
    • Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Amendment Bill

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Environmental permit reforms to empower regulators to slash business red tape

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Environmental permit reforms to empower regulators to slash business red tape

    UK and Welsh Governments launch joint consultation to reform environmental permitting regulations, supporting UK Government’s Plan for Change

    Streamlined environmental permitting will drive economic growth and help tackle crime while continuing to safeguard the environment, under reforms unveiled by Environment Minister Emma Hardy today (Tuesday 8 April). 

    The UK and Welsh Governments have today launched an eight-week consultation on reforming environmental permitting for England and Wales to speed up the work of regulators and the industries they support, demonstrating rapid delivery of a commitment in the UK Government’s Regulatory Action Plan to consult on reforms to permitting legislation before Easter. 

    Reforming the process for exemptions could empower regulators – the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales – to use the proposed powers in the following ways, among others: 

    • Taking speedy action: simplifying processes such as for bringing suitable land back into beneficial use for new housing or infrastructure, strongly supporting regional growth.   
    • New permitting exemptions for certain flood risk activities: which could make it easier to install survey equipment for monitoring river flow and water quality.  
    • Potential greater flexibility around the use of scaffolding in or alongside rivers: supporting the UK Government’s key mission of growing the economy for communities across the country.   
    • Changes to exemptions abused by rogue waste operators: the proposals could enable regulators to clamp down on illegal activity that blights communities and causes environmental harm. 
    • Stringent safeguards: the proposals look to ensure effective controls apply where there is a high risk of environmental harm and to keep the regulatory system open and accountable. 

    The proposals cover a wide variety of activities undertaken by businesses or individuals operating within guardrails that protect the environment, such as managing flood risk, handling waste, and the discharging of water – ensuring that exempt activities relating to the latter do not pollute inland freshwaters, coastal waters, or relevant territorial waters. 

    Making environmental permitting more agile and responsive through the UK Government’s Plan for Change will empower regulators to slash red tape for businesses, putting an end to delays that can slow down the decisions needed to get spades in the ground.  

    The proposed changes would also allow a quicker and more flexible response to new technologies and emerging risks, benefitting businesses while protecting the environment.   

    The consultation has been recommended by economist and former charity leader Dan Corry in his landmark review into the regulators and regulation at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. 

    Environment Minister Emma Hardy said:

    This Government is committed to delivering streamlined, hassle-free regulation that protects the environment while also driving economic growth. 

    As part of the Plan for Change, we are rewiring Defra and its arms-length bodies to boost economic growth and unleash an era of building, while also supporting stringent environmental safeguards. 

    I encourage all interested parties to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of the environmental permitting regime.

    Jo Nettleton, Chief Regulator at the Environment Agency, said:

    The Environment Agency firmly believes protecting the environment and sustainable development go hand-in-hand and we support the Government’s aim to get the economy growing. 

    We welcome the proposed reforms to environmental permitting, which will empower us to carry out our role as a fair and proportionate regulator for people and the environment while supporting business and sustainable economic growth.

    Environmental permitting plays an important role in protecting the environment and human health from a wide range variety of risks, such as from flooding, water and air pollution, and contamination from waste. 

    While a review of the regulations in 2023 found them to be functioning effectively, it also identified potential improvements, such as making the framework more responsive to changes on the ground and the needs of operators. 

    Operators of exempt activities are not required to hold a permit, but there are still specified conditions with which operators must comply.  

    The current process for changing which activities are exempt and the conditions that apply is lengthy and subject to disruption, which has led to delays in bringing forward changes in the past.  

    The proposed reforms will speed up work to update the regulations, allowing the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales to make decisions proportionate to the level of environmental risk on which activities should be exempt from environmental permits.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government invests nearly £38 million to bring 319 new green buses to communities across England

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government invests nearly £38 million to bring 319 new green buses to communities across England

    Funding will make bus travel cleaner and more affordable for passengers, while helping the UK to meet its zero emissions goals.

    • funding will create jobs in engineering, construction and green manufacturing, boosting regional economies and delivering the government’s Plan for Change
    • nearly £38 million will deliver 319 new zero emission buses by spring 2027, supporting cleaner and greener public transport
    • comes as the Bus Services Bill progresses through Parliament, as government continues to drive growth in the industries of the future and put passengers back at the heart of services

    Passengers across England will enjoy greener, smoother and quieter bus journeys thanks to a £37.8 million government investment to propel forward green transport, with 319 new zero emission buses. 

    Every pound of government funding is set to be topped up by at least £3 of private investment.

    The funding has been allocated to 12 successful local authorities across England – following bids to expand their zero emission bus fleets – and will see 319 cleaner, more comfortable vehicles serving passengers by spring 2027. 

    It comes as the government made changes to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate yesterday, including increasing flexibility of the mandate up to 2030 and allowing hybrid vehicles to be sold until 2035, all with the aim of supporting UK electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers.

    Today (8 April 2025), the Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, will visit Hull to see how the funding will bring improved journeys for passengers and discuss how highly skilled engineering and construction jobs will be created locally as electric bus infrastructure is delivered.  

    Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, said:  

    I’m thrilled to announce this £38 million investment, which will deliver 319 new zero emission buses to communities across England by 2027. This funding will not only make bus travel cleaner, greener and more comfortable, but it will deliver on our Plan for Change, creating jobs, supporting local economies and accelerating our journey towards a zero emission future. 

    By backing local councils and UK manufacturers, we are putting the power in the hands of communities, while helping to deliver on our vision of a sustainable, green transport network.

    From Hull to Hove, there’s an electrifying future on the way for our buses.

    Among the biggest winners are Nottinghamshire County Council, which will benefit from £2.6 million to launch 42 new electric buses, Hull City Council, where £3.9 million has been allocated to provide 42 vehicles and the West of England Combined Authority, which will receive nearly £20 million for 160 buses.  

    This funding comes on top of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Area 2 (ZEBRA 2) programme, which has funded a further 995 zero emission buses.  

    Funding will see vital bus routes given a new lease of life, for example in Bristol, where funding will be used to expand zero emission bus services across 22 different routes through the city, connecting passengers with vital services including hospitals and universities. 

    Matt Cranwell, Stagecoach East Midlands Managing Director, said: 

    Stagecoach prides itself on the importance of putting sustainability at the core of our business strategy. We’re delighted to be working with local authorities and the government to invest in a further 78 new electric buses to play our part in improving air quality in those regions where we operate.

    This new government funding, supported by significant investment by bus operators, will play a key role in Stagecoach’s transition to green bus fleets, helping us to meet our goal of having a zero emission UK bus fleet nationally, by 2035.

    The government is encouraged that UK-based manufacturers are well placed to benefit from these new bus orders. 60% of buses funded by previous ZEBRA investments are being procured from domestic firms, supporting highly skilled jobs and growing regional economies to improve living standards, as per the government’s Plan for Change.  

    Regional leaders and leading manufacturers are also being given a voice on zero emission plans – through the UK bus manufacturing expert panel – which seeks to put local people at the heart of bus building.

    The first event was hosted by the Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, in Sheffield last month and saw experts from Alexander Dennis and Wrightbus speak with Metro Mayors Oliver Coppard (South Yorkshire) and Tracy Brabin (West Yorkshire), about how local transport ambitions could link hand in hand with zero emission ambitions. 

    Matt Carney, CEO, Go-Ahead Bus, said:

    We’re very grateful to the Department of Transport for this continued partnership. Together we’re investing in even more zero-emission buses so that customers across the UK can access cleaner, greener public transport. This funding will support new zero-emissions buses in Hull, Salisbury, Brighton and Hove, Plymouth and Isle of Wight.

    The incoming Bus Services Bill will not only hand power back for local authorities to operate their own services, but also include a measure to ultimately end the use of new diesel and petrol buses across England. It is expected to progress into the House of Commons shortly.  

    The Local Transport Minister also visited Wrightbus’ site in Ballymena last week, to continue engagement around the green future of bus manufacturing and mark the significant milestone of their fleet passing 50 million green miles travelled.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stars of stage and screen will perform for VE Day 80 anniversary

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Stars of stage and screen will perform for VE Day 80 anniversary

    Julian Glover, Siân Phillips, and Joseph Mydell will appear in the National Theatre’s ‘The Next Morning’ to mark VE Day 80

    • VE Day 80 concert will be broadcast to millions live on BBC One
    • Commonwealth War Graves Commission will bring the Second World War to life through a national touring exhibition

    Stars of the stage and screen taking part in plans to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War have been announced today, as we reach one month to go until an unforgettable national event.

    The National Theatre’s new film ‘The Next Morning’, written by stage and screen writer James Graham for the occasion, will feature award-winning actors Julian Glover, Siân Phillips, and Joseph Mydell.

    Released online on 8 May, the short film will take viewers through a series of intimate, interconnected stories, exploring intergenerational perspectives on the end of the Second World War.

    It will connect young people today with the experiences of an older generation, all of whom carry different memories of the war, helping them to understand the resilience of those that came before them, and uncover deeply personal histories that challenge their perceptions of the past. The film will also be made available alongside resources for schools.

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    It is absolutely right that we ensure that the stories of those who lived through and fought in the Second World War are remembered by generations to come.

    Through the National Theatre, the VE Day 80 concert and our UK wide exhibition, we will bring to life the stories of those no longer with us so that the next generation are able to honour their sacrifice and recognise the legacy of peace that they fought to secure.

    Elsewhere, stars of stage and screen will take part in a major VE Day 80 concert on Thursday 8 May. The concert will be broadcast live on BBC One at 8pm and will include performances, readings and poignant moments that will tell the story of VE Day and the nation’s reaction to the end of the Second World War 80 years ago.

    More than 12,500 people are expected to be be in attendance, including a number of Second World War veterans.Tickets for the VE Day 80 concert are being allocated to people across the country from the networks of organisations connected to VE Day including the Royal British Legion, British Evacuees Association and Commonwealth War Graves Commission. More than 2,500 young people including all 12 Uniformed Youth groups, Duke of Edinburgh ambassadors, #iwill ambassadors and Commonwealth Scholars will also watch the concert live on Horse Guards Parade to ensure that the legacy of the stories of our veterans are saved for the next generation.

    To bring the commemorations to communities across the country, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) will kick off the ‘For Evermore Tour’ that will see a UK interactive mobile exhibition bring to life Second World War histories and stories. The tour will begin in Coventry, the city that suffered the single most concentrated air attack on a British city during the Second World War and then travel to iconic locations and landmarks across the UK. Events will be held internationally at several commemorative sites in Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand, highlighting the global stories of all those who fought for the UK and Commonwealth in the Second World War.

    At the heart of the tour is the Commonwealth War Graves’ Torch for Peace, an enduring symbol, honouring the contributions made by individuals, which will act as a baton to pass and share stories to future generations.

    The events and exhibitions will run alongside the government’s national programme to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day which includes a Military procession and flypast of current and historic military aircraft, the return of the poppies to the Tower of London and a nationwide call for families to delve into their lofts and discover their own Second World War stories.

    Director General of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Claire Horton CBE said:

    Stories of individual people whose lives were cut short by conflict must be told and shared, their contribution provides the human connection to an important aspect of our global history.

    For us, the VE and VJ 80th commemorations are a pivotal moment to come together and remember the immense loss of life during the Second World War – a devastating and deadly conflict that impacted people of all ages and from all corners of the world.

    At the heart of the tour – and joining many of the national ceremonial events – is the Commonwealth War Graves Torch for Peace. The lit torch is an enduring symbol, honouring the contributions made by individuals, yet it is also a baton to pass the responsibility of commemoration to future generations – helping us acknowledge our shared histories and complex pasts.

    As the world wars fade from living memory, we urge everyone to take time to take part in these important commemorations.

    Visit the dedicated interactive website  ve-vjday80.gov.uk for latest information and ways to get involved.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More than 100,000 Baby Loss Certificates have now been issued 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    More than 100,000 Baby Loss Certificates have now been issued 

    More than 100,000 baby loss certificates have now been issued to parents who have lost a pregnancy, allowing them to formally recognise their loss.

    • Thousands more parents have benefited from the scheme since it was extended in October 2024
    • Over 100,000 certificates have now been issued, helping parents formally recognise the loss of baby during pregnancy
    • The government remains committed to improving healthcare services and strengthening support for women and their families

    More than 100,000 baby loss certificates have now been issued to parents who have lost a pregnancy, allowing them to formally recognise their loss.

    Baby loss certificates offer a way of providing comfort and support to bereaved parents, who have gone through an unimaginable loss. They provide acknowledgement that their baby existed and mattered.

    Support groups have long campaigned for these certificates and have welcomed this news.

    The government is also committed to ensuring bereaved parents are better supported, and that the impact and importance of their loss is recognised. 

    Work to improve women’s health services and maternity outcomes in ongoing with thousands more midwives trained, and we are committed fulfilling our commitment to closing the Black and Asian maternal mortality gap.

    We are making progress already – cutting gynaecology waiting lists through our Plan for Change, boosting menopause support in the workplace, and revolutionising AI cancer screening for breast cancer through our £11 million AI EDITH cancer trial.  We are also utilising the independent sector to cut down waiting lists and provide more appointments – this includes for women’s health conditions such as endometriosis and breast cancer.

    Health Minister Baroness Gillian Merron said: 

    Losing a pregnancy can be devastating, and it is important that bereaved parents have the option to formally recognise the existence of their babies.  

    I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of countless women who have spoken up about their experiences, and to campaigners for their perseverance and great work promoting this service. From meeting with them, I know there is much to do to improve services on the ground. 

    We will always listen to women and families as we reform our NHS and maternity services, to make sure everyone gets the care and compassion they deserve.

    Baby loss certificates were first launched in February 2024 but were only available to those who had experienced a loss since September 2018. 

    The voluntary service was extended by this government in October 2024 to allow all parents to apply, no matter when they lost their baby.

    Sands’ Chief Executive Clea Harmer said:

    It’s wonderful that baby loss certificates have enabled so many bereaved parents in England whose lives have been touched by pregnancy loss to get official recognition that their babies existed and matter.

    The certificates are an important part of many people’s bereavement journey, and while we recognise they are not something everyone wants, we would like all bereaved parents to have that choice. Sands is here to offer understanding and emotional support for every bereaved parent and family, for as long as they need this.

    Baroness Floella Benjamin OM DBE said:

    The success of ‘Certificates of Loss’ is heartwarming as this was the vision of  Zoe Clark-Coates, founder of the Saying Goodbye charity, almost a decade ago. In parliament I was proud to work with her during those years as I personally knew what it was like to suffer several miscarriages. So applying for my certificates, like thousands of others, brought a great sense of comfort and formal recognition of our babies and I encourage others to so. 

    I hope this successful initiative will continue to provide solace to millions of parents long into the future.

    Lead Bereavement Midwife, George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton and Co-lead and co-author of the ‘Independent Pregnancy Loss Review’, Samantha Collinge said:

    The announcement today that 100,000 baby loss certificates have been issued to parents is a significant milestone, not just for Zoe and myself, the co-chairs and co-authors of the ‘Independent Pregnancy Loss Review’ which recommended this scheme to the government but for the millions of people who have experienced pre-24 weeks baby loss.

    The huge number of certificates issued serves to demonstrate the real need for bereaved parents to have official recognition that their babies did exist and that their lives, however brief really do matter.

    Being able to signpost families in our care to the certification scheme is a huge step forward for myself and my colleagues in the care that we deliver along the pre -24 week loss pathway and it is truly heartwarming when parents tell me how receiving a certificate in recognition of their precious baby has really helped them in their grief journey.

    Zoe Clark-Coates MBE, Co-Chair & Author of The Pregnancy Loss Review 

    I am deeply moved by the overwhelmingly positive response from bereaved families to the new certificates of loss.

    After nearly a decade of leading the campaign for their introduction with Mariposa International (sayinggoodbye.org) and dedicating 5.5 years to co-chairing and authoring the pregnancy loss review where we were able to bring them to pass, I am profoundly relieved and honoured that this vital recognition is now in the hands of those who need it most.

    It is heartening to see that our efforts have provided comfort and acknowledgment during the most challenging times, and knowing these certificates will offer solace for decades to come is incredibly moving. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting every family on their grief journey.

    Vicki Robinson, Chief Executive of the Miscarriage Association, said:

    This is an important milestone and one that shows the vital role that recognition, support and understanding play in helping bereaved parents cope with their loss.

    However early a pregnancy is lost, it can be felt as a bereavement like any other as people try to come to terms with the end of a very special set of hopes, dreams, and plans for the future.

    These certificates provide official recognition that their baby existed, mattered, and will never be forgotten. The positive difference that makes to so many at an extremely distressing time cannot be overstated.

    In November, the government announced new regulations which will fortify bread with folic acid, reducing neural tube defects by 20% in the UK. Alongside this, an extra £57 million has been allocated for Start for Life services to help expectant and new mothers with a range of services, from breastfeeding and mental health support. 
    Background information

    Any parent can apply for a certificate following a loss before 24 weeks, or 28 weeks for a loss that happened before October 1992. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and live in England.

    Request a baby loss certificate

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over 1,500 extra GPs recruited to fix front door of the NHS

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Over 1,500 extra GPs recruited to fix front door of the NHS

    New figures show an extra 1,503 GPs have been recruited since 1 October thanks to government action.

    • New figures show over 1,503 extra GPs have been hired through new scheme since 1 October
    • Major recruitment boost comes after government removed red tape which made it difficult for surgeries to hire doctors
    • Increased GP capacity will help fix the front door of the NHS and increase appointments to bring back the family doctor
    • Milestone builds on Plan for Change’s progress, which has delivered two million appointments seven months early, and cut waiting lists by 193,000

    New figures show an extra 1,503 GPs have been recruited since 1 October – thanks to government action.

    The recruitment boost, part of the government’s Plan for Change will help to end the scandal of patients struggling to see a doctor – easing pressure on GPs and cutting waiting lists. Alongside changes to the GP contract for 2025-26, these additional GPs will help end the 8am scramble for appointments which so many patients currently endure every day.

    When the government came into office, unnecessary red tape was preventing practices from hiring newly qualified GPs, meaning more than 1,000 were due to graduate into unemployment. At the same time, there were also 1,399 fewer fully qualified GPs than a decade prior, showing how years of underfunding and neglect had eroded GP services.

    The government cut the red tape and invested an extra £82 million to allow networks of practices to hire the GPs, with the funding continuing past this year thanks to the extra funding announced at the Budget.

    People in communities across England will be more readily able to receive the timely care they deserve, helping to shift healthcare from hospitals to the community.

    Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said:

    Rebuilding our broken NHS starts with fixing the front door. We inherited a ludicrous situation where patients couldn’t get a GP appointment, while GPs couldn’t get a job. By cutting red tape and investing more in our NHS, we have put an extra 1,503 GPs into general practice to deliver more appointments.

    The extra investment and reforms we have made will allow patients to book appointments more easily, to help bring back the family doctor and end the 8am scramble.

    It is only because of the necessary decisions we took to increase employer National Insurance that we are able to recruit more GPs and deliver better services for patients. The extra investment and reform this government is making, as part of its Plan for Change, will get the NHS back on its feet and make it fit for the future.

    Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, said:         

    I would like to thank the general practice teams that have employed significantly more than the 1,000 extra GPs promised to provide care for patients.

    Improving access to general practice is an NHS priority and GP teams are delivering 29 million appointments every month – up a fifth since before the pandemic.  

    But we have more to do to make it easier for patients to see their local GP, so practice teams should continue to use this funding to best effect by recruiting more GPs, so more patients can be seen more quickly.

    The recruitment of an additional 1,503 GPs was made possible by the tough but fair decisions the Chancellor took at the Budget to fix the foundations of the NHS, enabling the government to provide almost £26 billion to get the NHS back on its feet and make it fit for the future.

    Thanks to these decisions, the government has already delivered over two million extra appointments since July, meeting its target seven months early, and brought the waiting list down by 193,000.

    Last year, the department added GPs to the additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS) and provided extra funding, meaning that GPs could be recruited more quickly by primary care networks (PCNs).

    The government has since provided the biggest boost to GP funding in years – an extra £889 million on top of the existing budget for general practice in 2025-26.

    The investment comes alongside new reforms to modernise general practice. GP surgeries must now allow patients to request appointments online throughout working hours from October, freeing up the phones for those who want to book over the phone, and making it easier for practices to triage patients based on medical need. More patients will also be able to book appointments with their regular doctor if they choose to, to bring back the family doctor.

    Cutting waiting times and improving access to health care for patients is one of the government’s top priorities in its Plan for Change which is driving forward reform of the health service to rebuild our NHS and improve living standards, which are growing at their fastest rate in two years.

    Notes to editors:

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –